Gender-based violence, torture, genocide, sex-based discrimination, and war crimes are some of the biggest human rights issues today.
Let’s take Myanmar, for example. In 2023, more than half a million people have been displaced due to the military coup, and over 1,600 nationals have been unfairly sentenced to imprisonment, hard labour, or death.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, nearly seven million civilians have been displaced. Armed groups have killed thousands, and gender-based violence has rooted itself in the country.
Then, there’s the Gaza War. It’s caused the displacement of over 1.9 million Palestinians — that’s 90% of the population of Gaza — and the widespread destruction of the land over the last 13 months, and that’s just scratching the surface of things.
This is where those with human rights careers come in.
Individually and together, they protect and defend vulnerable groups, paving a way to ensure everyone has access to the same freedoms and protections, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or economic situation.
Take Moldova, a former Soviet Union country, for example. (too similar to 2nd line above)
Previously, the country had little to no rights for the disabled. There, they were often labelled “invisible,” according to the United Nations Development Programme. The country, which already has the lowest employment rate in the region at just 40%, only had 17% of people with disabilities employed, reports the International Labour Organisation.
Today, with the support of the United Nations Human Rights, two laws were implemented, guaranteeing social inclusion for persons with disabilities and providing a means to address discrimination complaints.
Gathering and analysing data, developing strategies, building relationships, and understanding people are important when preparing for a career in human rights. Source: AFP
How to prepare for a career in human rights
For those ready to work towards change, here are some ways to secure a job in human rights.
1. Studying, interning, or volunteering abroad
Immersing yourself in something — and actually doing it — is the best way to learn, especially if you’re doing it abroad.
It will allow you to learn and consider different perspectives that you can’t get from studying locally. If you plan on moving back home to contribute to your country, you may apply what you have learnt abroad.
2. Learning another language
When it comes to being in human rights careers, learning a new language can be key in helping you reach a wider audience.
Aside from that, you may need to interact with and help people who only speak one language, so knowing the local language can be useful in most situations.
The United Nations has six official languages — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish — so if you’re looking to start a new one, opt for one in the list.
3. Consider furthering your education
Specialising in human rights can help build your qualifications and boost your chances of landing a job in the field.
Besides, it’s important to be well-versed in the field before stepping into it. You can pursue a master’s degree in either international relations, public policy, or politics.
Facing hardships in human rights careers is inevitable and can often affect those in the field psychologically. Source: AFP
The hardships you’ll face working in human rights
There’s no doubt that you’ll be facing challenges while working in human rights careers.
In 2022, the Front Line Defenders found that human rights defenders (HDRs) faced threats worldwide, with many losing their lives while on missions.
On top of that, as an HDR, you’ll have to witness situations that may affect you psychologically. You may witness others go through torture, discrimination, abuse, physical mutilation, or even death, often leading to HDRs having depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, burnout, and other psychiatric problems.
Today, the Civil Rights Defenders are working to provide physical and psychological support to HDRs at risk. The Emergency Fund, a short-term support programme, has been created to support HDRs at various levels of danger.
However, if you can set aside your fears, then these human rights careers might be for you.
12 human rights careers from the lowest to the highest salary:
Amal Clooney is a British international human rights lawyer and often represents victims of mass atrocities, including genocide and sexual violence. Source: AFP
1. Educator
Average annual salary: US$45,058
Degree requirement: A master’s degree in politics, law, or sociology
As a human rights educator, you will curate and lead workshops, seminars, and training sessions to educate individuals and groups about human rights and equip them with the skills, values, and knowledge to recognise and defend their rights.
You will also be required to collaborate with organisations, community groups, or institutions to help guide them on how workers or individuals should be treated.
2. Advocacy officer
Average annual salary: US$52,464
Degree requirement: A bachelor’s and master’s degree in human rights law, politics, social science, or related fields
Advocacy is part of the daily work for anyone with human rights careers.
Being an advocacy officer means defending the rights and interests of the groups you work with by developing and implementing strategies, programmes, and campaigns.
Furthermore, you’ll want your ideas and advocacy to be seen by individuals at the government level so that they can make a change.
As a human rights investigator, you should have knowledge on human rights issues, research and analytical skills, and ability to identify sources. Source: AFP
3. Human rights investigator
Average annual salary: US$56,057
Degree requirement: A master’s degree in politics, law, human rights studies, or criminology
A very important supporting role that requires the collection of data and evidence for human rights violation claims, an investigator identifies and preserves proof or relevant information.
Your job scope may include organising files, inspecting facilities, reviewing human rights policies, drafting reports, and looking for sources to gather evidence.
4. Grant writer
Average annual salary: US$56,926
Degree requirement: A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, marketing, or creative writing
A grant writer is one of the only human rights careers that involves researching, drafting, and submitting proposals to receive funding from federal, state, or private agencies.
You must be well-versed in creating persuasive narratives about your organisation’s mission, meeting strict deadlines, and understanding the complex grant requirements.
Journalists play a vital role in human rights journalism as they report about abuses, address human rights violations, and hold individuals accountable. Source: AFP
5. Journalist
Average annual salary: US$60,979
Degree requirement: A bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications, or public relations
Journalists are crucial to human rights careers and help the world stay updated on human rights issues.
As a human rights journalist, you’ll report on human rights abuses such as unlawful detention, mistreatment of victims, and deportations.
The job scope will also extend to promoting human rights and increasing public awareness of human rights issues. You may also work on combatting misinformation on current and past issues.
6. Interpreter
Average annual salary: US$66,330
Degree requirement: A bachelor’s and master’s degree in modern languages, human rights studies, interpreting studies, or translation and interpreting
As human rights issues span worldwide, language and cultural barriers may be a problem when you’re dealing with immigrants or refugees.
As an interpreter of human rights, you will be the bridge between individuals who do not share a common language. You must also provide legal interpretations of texts or speeches while acting as a neutral party to avoid an unbiased translation.
GIS Specialist can track, document, and report human rights violations, even creating maps and models when information are missing. Source: AFP
7. Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist
Average annual salary: US$70,280
Degree requirement: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in geography, computer science, surveying, forestry, or earth science
A GIS specialist is one of the few human rights careers that involves analysing, creating, and managing geographical data or maps to understand human rights issues better. You must be well-versed in GIS tools and programming languages, like Python or ArchObjects.
You may work for government agencies, private companies, non-profit organisations, or academic institutions.
8. Social worker
Average annual salary: US$76,266
Degree requirement: A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or politics
As a social worker, your role is to listen, support, and empower those in need to improve their lives. Protecting them from harm, especially victims of abuse, is necessary when needed.
You’ll address personal challenges they must overcome and create a supportive community that understands the importance of fighting for human rights, all while working in challenging environments.
Lobbyists are professionals who advocate for individuals and organisations by influencing political decisions. Source: AFP
9. Lobbyist
Average annual salary: US$90,984
Degree requirement: A bachelor’s degree in law, social policy, business studies, or public relations
A lobbyist is one of the only human rights careers that use lobbying strategies to bring attention to human rights violations and influence public and political officials to protect human rights. It’s a job that aims to create or implement human rights norms, laws, or policies.
As part of your job, you must investigate, gather, and report information on the violations and advise activists on advocacy tactics to bring issues to light.
10. Programme Manager
Average annual salary: US$96,595
Degree requirement: A bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer science, communications, or project management
A human rights programme manager, or campaign manager, is responsible for implementing, strategically developing, and continuing human rights programmes. You will be leading the programmes or campaigns, as well as providing high-quality reports.
To be a programme manager, you’ll need strong communication skills, the ability to work with cross-functional teams, and a deep understanding of the importance of human rights.
11. Statistician
Average annual salary: US$100,028
Degree requirement: A bachelor’s degree in statistics, actuarial science, or economics
Developing or applying mathematical or statistical theory and methods to solve problems is part of a statistician’s daily task. That’s not all; you’ll also be collecting, organising, interpreting, and summarising numerical data to provide information for your organisation.
Statisticians often worked in government organisations, healthcare, or research and development facilities.
12. Lawyer
Average annual salary: US$100,626
Degree requirement: A bachelor’s degree in law
Human rights lawyers specialise in protecting people’s fundamental rights, counselling victims of human rights violations, and acting as legal representatives for the victims in court. You can represent people who are at risk of becoming homeless, victims of violence and discrimination, children, refugees, or indigenous people.
Examples of famous human rights lawyers are Amal Clooney, Julian Falconer, and Fatou Bensouda.
