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The Science and Human Rights Program (SHRP) is seeks volunteer interns interested in contributing to the following projects:
Detailed information about each of these projects is available on the SHRP
website.
Internship positions are available for a minimum of 12 weeks, corresponding
with the academic semester. Interns are expected to work a minimum of 20 hours
per week (preferably 30 hours). The precise scheduling of these work hours is
flexible. Internships are available to students eligible for course credit from
their institutions. In accordance with AAAS policy, SHRP internships are
unpaid.
SHRP welcomes applications from graduate and undergraduate students who
demonstrate both a strong academic background in any one of a wide range of
degree programs in the behavioral, life, physical, and social sciences, or in
engineering, and who have a strong interest in the international human rights
framework and contemporary human rights issues. Applicants should also possess strong
written and oral communication skills; the ability to conduct detailed and
efficient Internet and library research; the confidence to conduct telephone
interviews with experts; high proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite; and a
willingness to work both independently as well as closely with SHRP staff.
Students interested in this opportunity are encouraged to e-mail a letter of
interest, a CV, and one short writing sample (no more than three pages, please)
here. In the
letter of interest, applicants should identify the particular project that
interests them and explain why. Applicants should also include the number of
hours and precise dates they are available for the internship. Applications are
accepted on a rolling basis.
“Article 15”: The Right to the Benefits of
Scientific Progress
Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights recognizes the right of everyone to “enjoy the benefits of
scientific progress and its applications.” An important right unto itself, this
right is also a key prerequisite for the realization of other rights, including
to health, food, water, and a clean environment. Yet, this right has been
largely ignored by both the human rights and scientific communities as a tool
to ensure governments meet their human rights obligations. SHRP would like an Intern
to contribute to the identification of practical measures that governments can
adopt in order to respect, protect, and fulfill this right, and potential
partners with whom the Project can work to promote the realization of this
right in practice.
Further information about this program area is available here.
Geospatial Technologies and Human Rights [currently not seeking]
The Geospatial Technologies and
Human Rights project seeks to develop and document applications of remote
sensing and mapping technologies for non-governmental human rights
organizations. The Project partners directly with groups such as Amnesty
International and Human Rights Watch to contribute to ongoing advocacy and
intervention campaigns around the world. SHRP seeks Interns to provide research
and geospatial processing support to the project staff. Interns should have an
interest in geospatial technologies and information technologies in general, as
well as an interest in human rights issues. Specific experience using ArcView
GIS or similar Geographic Information Systems, ERDAS Imagine, ENVI, or other
image processing software, would be a plus.
Further information about
this project is available here.
Human Rights Budget Analysis [currently not seeking]
Human Rights Budget Analysis involves reading,
interpreting, and analyzing government budgets and expenditures through a human
rights lens, giving users a tool with which to monitor their governments'
commitment to and progress in meeting their human rights obligations. SHRP
seeks Interns to assist with research on how budget analysis is currently being
used by NGOs around the world. The review will be followed by interviews with a
range of practitioners to identify the ways in which scientists can contribute
to enhancing and strengthening this human rights tool.
Further information about this project is
available here.
Human Rights and the Conduct of Science [currently not seeking]
Currently under development, this program area will look at
when, rather than being part of the solution to human rights problems, science
and its practice are part of the problem. Interns will help SHRP identify
areas of scientific practice, new technologies, scientific discoveries, and
science policy that raise human rights questions or concerns. Responsibilities
will include helping SHRP staff conduct research, design and carryout a survey,
and organize a seminar on a timely issue.
Further information about this program area is available here.
"On-call" Scientists
The "On-call Scientists" project matches scientists interested in volunteering their skills and knowledge with human rights organizations that are in need of scientific expertise. SHRP seeks an intern to help staff manage the matching process, from communicating with applicants and contacting references, to holding meetings of the selection committee. Interns will also help prepare materials and conduct outreach to the human rights and scientific communities.
Further information about this project is available here.
Science and Human Rights
Coalition
In January 2009, SHRP officially launched the
AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. The Coalition is a network of
scientific associations and professional societies that recognize a role
for science and scientists in efforts to realize human rights. The Coalition is committed to five areas of activity:
welfare of scientists; science ethics and human rights; service to the
scientific community; service to the human rights community; and education and information
resources. SHRP Interns will assist the area of activity committees to
implement their activities through research and other substantive input.
Further information about this project is
available here.
Wireless Communication Technologies
[currently not seeking]
SHRP is exploring the use of several wireless communication technologies to
enhance the work of human rights organizations and promote the free expression
and exchange of information. SHRP seeks Interns interested in researching best
practices for developing and sustaining free wireless networks and in
identifying the social and technical policy issues involved in wireless
deployment at the local level. Interns also will conduct research into how
wireless communication technologies are being used by human rights groups in
different regions of the world.
Further information about this project is available here.
(page updated
07/07/2009)
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