Human Rights Watch Fellowship
You’ve found the Human Rights Watch Finberg Fellowship 2026. Alan R. and Barbara D. Finberg, the original founders of Human Rights Watch (HRW), are honored with this esteemed fellowship for their lasting contributions. If you have a strong desire to advance human rights around the world, this could be a great starting point for your career.
About Human Rights Watch (HRW)
A well-known non-profit organization with a global reputation, Human Rights Watch works to defend and uphold human rights. HRW carries out in-depth investigations and promotes justice and change globally, and is well-known for its impact on the policies and practices of governments and international organizations.
Selected candidates are given the chance to make a significant contribution to HRW’s mission through the Finberg Fellowship, a one-year paid fellowship. Applications are welcome from universities all over the world.
Alan R. and Barbara D. Finberg Fellowship 2026 – Overview
The fellowship gives recent graduates the chance to work for Human Rights Watch full-time. It is anticipated that chosen fellows will write reports, take part in field research, and support advocacy initiatives.
Candidates must fulfill the eligibility requirements and exhibit a strong commitment to the advancement of human rights in order to be taken into consideration. The goal of this fellowship is to equip the upcoming generation of human rights activists.
✅ Eligibility Criteria – HRW Finberg Fellowship 2026
Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- ✔️ Must be a recent graduate (Master’s level) in law, journalism, international relations, or a closely related field.
- ✔️ Candidates with LLB degrees or advanced degrees in relevant disciplines may also apply.
- ✔️ A strong academic and professional background in human rights is essential.
- ✔️ Research experience is mandatory, especially in conducting interviews related to human rights investigations.
- ✔️ Must have exceptional analytical, writing, and communication skills in English.
- ✔️ Proficiency in at least one language in addition to English is highly desirable.
- ✔️ Familiarity with countries or regions facing serious human rights violations will be considered an added advantage.
- ✔️ The candidate should be self-driven, organized, adaptable, and capable of meeting tight deadlines while working both independently and collaboratively.
Applicants from all countries and universities are welcome to apply.
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How to Apply – HRW Finberg Fellowship 2026
Follow these steps to apply for the fellowship:
- Visit the official Human Rights Watch Careers Page.
- Look for the Alan R. and Barbara D. Finberg Fellowship 2026 listing.
- Click on “Apply Now” and complete the online application form.
- Submit the required documents, including:
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose or cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Writing samples (preferably related to human rights)
- Letters of recommendation (as requested)
- Review your application carefully before final submission.
Important Dates (Tentative)
Event | Date |
Application Opens | August 2026 |
Application Deadline | October 2026 |
Fellowship Period | September 2026 – August 2027 |
Dates may vary. Always check the official website for current deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is eligible to apply for the 2026 Finberg Fellowship?
Eligible candidates include recent graduates with a Master’s degree or its equivalent in international relations, journalism, law, or other related disciplines.
- Is prior work experience necessary?
Yes, it is preferred to have relevant research experience, particularly when conducting human rights-related interviews.
- Are students without a background in law eligible to apply?
If they meet additional requirements, students from international relations, journalism, and related fields are welcome to apply.
- Is this fellowship compensated?
The fellowship is compensated, yes. Depending on their location and HRW policies, fellows may be eligible for benefits in addition to compensation.
- How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship is full-time for 12 months, usually beginning in September 2026.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information provided above is based on publicly available sources and previous fellowship details. Applicants must verify all dates, requirements, and updates directly from the official Human Rights Watch website. The organization reserves the right to modify the fellowship terms at any time.