5 Best Law and Human Rights Internship Programs in Palestine: Many individuals see the plight of Palestinians and want to do something to improve their situation and help fight against human rights abuses in the West Bank, Palestine. Whether you are a pre-law or law student, someone considering a career in the legal or human rights field, or anyone else with a passion for these fields, interning in Palestine can be a very valuable experience. It can help you gain valuable, relevant in-person expertise while also building your resume, challenging yourself, gaining a new perspective, and contributing to the support of oppressed people.
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The Need For Law And Human Rights Interns In Palestine
Palestine is a country under a horrific occupation, creating a multitude of problems and hardships for Palestinians living in Palestine. The areas of the West Bank most affected by the Israeli occupation typically suffer from the worst human rights abuses, as little regard is given for the dignity and human rights of Palestinians, the majority of whom live in areas governed by Israeli military law.
This also makes it difficult for big international legal or human rights NGOs to operate in the area and assist those in need, due to the restrictions imposed on them by Israel. Furthermore, these organizations can face difficulty hiring adequate international staff as they have difficulty obtaining the necessary work visas, which Israel must grant. This leads to a larger demand for volunteers rather than full-time staff.
Palestinian Refugees
The occupation has caused Palestinians to suffer the most prolonged suffering and the largest group of refugees in the world. About 64% of Gaza’s population and 26% of the West Bank’s population are internally displaced Palestinians, who face additional hardships due to their refugee status. In the diaspora, there are around 7 million Palestinians, most of whom are exiled and denied their right of return to their homeland by Israel. Many are still living in refugee camps in Syria, Jordan, or Lebanon. In our programs, we focus on Palestinians living in the West Bank.
Where Can I Do a Human Rights and Law Internship in Palestine?
When considering where to intern in Palestine, there are numerous options to choose from. There are internship opportunities in bigger cities such as Ramallah, Hebron, and Jerusalem, which generally have more infrastructure to cater to interns. However, there are also opportunities in smaller cities such as Jericho, Bethlehem, and Nablus, as well as in smaller villages, Bedouin villages, and refugee camps. All of the areas in the West Bank suffer due to the Israeli occupation, but in a variety of different ways. It is also essential to consider which kind of experience and lifestyle you wish to have.
For example, Ramallah is more westernized and has many more expats than other cities in Palestine, while Bethlehem is a relatively small city with many tourists. Inside the cities of Bethlehem and Ramallah, the effects of the occupation are less apparent. Jerusalem also attracts many tourists, and the cost of living is relatively high compared to that of other cities. Cities like Nablus and Hebron are much more conservative; however, daily life, while cheaper than other Palestinian cities, is more affected by the Israeli Occupation.
Law And Human Rights In Hebron, Palestine
One fantastic option in this area is the Law and Human Rights Internship Program with Salam Palestine. Hebron is a city right on the frontline of the Occupation, with Israeli settlers having occupied 20% of the Palestinian town. It is the only city in the West Bank that has settlers living inside the city itself. The Israeli occupation established several checkpoints in parts of Hebron, which means that many Palestinians have to pass through them on a daily or regular basis.
Note that our center is located in part of Hebron under Palestinian Authority Control, where there are no checkpoints, but there are checkpoints within walking distance. When crossing military checkpoints, Palestinians are often subjected to all kinds of abuse and harassment, as well as having their human rights violated by the Israeli army. There is insufficient Palestinian support and little to no recourse available for the victims.
These checkpoints may be closed at any time for any reason by the occupation, effectively besieging Palestinians in these areas, causing greater suffering. For example, it can leave them unable to access critical services such as emergency medical care. In addition to the checkpoints inside Hebron city, there are also military checkpoints on the way to surrounding villages and refugee camps (such as Al-Fawwar Refugee Camp).
All of these factors make Hebron a vital city for internationals to see and experience.
Finding The Right Organization To Intern Or Volunteer With
When considering any overseas internship or volunteer program, it is wise to do your research to ensure you will be investing your time and money into the right company and program for you. It is essential to find a type of work that you wish to do, as well as one that is fulfilling and enriching for you.
Go Overseas and Visit Palestine are both great websites to compare available internship opportunities. We recommend that once you find a program and an organization, you do additional research into testimonials and feedback from previous participants. This is one way to ensure that the organization is legitimate and that it provides fantastic internship or volunteering opportunities.
It is also wise to read the program details very carefully and contact the organization with any questions you have before signing a contract for an internship or volunteer program. This can help you ensure that your expectations will be met or exceeded. There is nothing worse than coming all the way to Palestine to realize that the experience is not what you were promised.
Preparing For A Law/Human Rights Internship Role
Once you’ve found a program you’re excited about, it’s time to start preparing for your trip. Read up on entering Israel and the visa-on-arrival process, book your flight, and also brush up on any Arabic that you already have.
Remember to pack appropriate clothing (bearing in mind the weather, the time of the year you will be there, and Muslim attitudes towards dress). Remember to arrange travel insurance and notify your bank about your travel overseas if needed. Additionally, find a good guidebook, bring sunscreen and bug spray (if you’re coming in summer), and consider whether you need to take any vaccines or medicines with you. Law and Human Rights Internship Programs in Palestine: Many individuals are drawn to the plight of Palestinians and seek ways to contribute to their improvement.
Internship Programs That Have A Real Impact
All of our Law and Human Rights internship programs are well researched, targeted, and sustainable. We aim to make a lasting difference to the local Palestinian community, including Palestinian refugees, women, children, and youth. Our programs foster shared and mutual learning for both our community and our interns. During your internship, you will gain insights into Palestinian daily life, society, education, human rights, and laws. The understanding and knowledge you gain will better inform you, enabling you to have a more significant impact during your program. Your internship is an opportunity to not only make a genuine impact on the lives of others in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine, but also on your own life.
International interns are assigned a liaison manager to allocate their working time and oversee the development of the critical skills necessary to help local Palestinians. Applicants with a background in law, legal issues, or Palestinian human rights are preferred, but Salam Palestine looks to welcome all who can assist in any capacity.
Law and Human Rights Internship Programs in Palestine: Overview
In our Law and Human Rights internships in Palestine, you can:
- Help provide legal aid to the Palestinian people in the West Bank, Palestine
- Work in a Palestinian local law firm or with an NGO
- Help protect human rights in Hebron and campaign for change
- Work with organizations like charities or Palestinian NGOs
Below you will find a summary of five of our most popular programs in the category of Law and Human Rights in Palestine.
1. Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees: This program caters to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, retirees, and anyone interested in engaging with the work concerning Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Palestine. Getting involved in refugee assistance presents an excellent opportunity for university students and recent graduates seeking to gain experience in the human rights field.
Through this project in the West Bank, volunteers will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, women, and youths to enhance each other’s skills, create mutual understanding, engage in language exchange, and make a difference in each other’s lives.
The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. People from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program. There are no specific degree requirements. All that is required is a willingness to participate and help.
2. The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program
The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program in the West Bank is a volunteer initiative that allows international visitors to visit Palestine and gain exclusive insight into women’s rights in the West Bank. Located in the vibrant city of Hebron, the project provides participants with many opportunities to meet Palestinian women, visit women’s rights organizations, and engage in educational and cultural activities.
Aimed at educating international participants about the current power dynamics of women in Palestinian society, you will get involved with volunteering with Palestinian women by promoting their rights and empowering them in all spheres of life, including the family, the workplace, and politics, all whilst ensuring they are safe from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.
Altogether, this volunteer program will enable you to gain awareness about gender equality in Hebron (one of the most conservative cities in Palestine) whilst also allowing you to study and practice Arabic, meet other internationals, and experience Palestinian daily life.
3. Palestinian Law and Legal Systems Internship
Palestinian Law and Legal Systems Internship: This legal internship program is ideal for students of law, the social sciences, and human rights, as well as for anyone interested in the Palestinian legal system as it operates in the West Bank. As an intern, you can enroll for a period of from 1 to 13 weeks, year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter). The Palestinian Law program aims to provide a full understanding of legislation applying to the West Bank and Gaza.
During the legal internship program, you will visit local Palestinian lawyers, law faculties, courts, human rights organizations, legal and religious institutions, as well as legal clinics in the city of Hebron, Palestine. You will witness the enactment of laws, the decision-making process, court rulings, legal negotiations, and mediations in various social settings.
4. Human Rights Internship in Palestine
Human Rights in Palestine Internship Program: Salam Palestine in Hebron offers human rights volunteer opportunities that highlight Palestinian rights and promote personal and professional growth. Students gain experience in international law, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid while enhancing their intercultural and Arabic language skills. Participants will raise awareness about human rights in the West Bank and support local communities through education.
Salam Palestine offers human rights internships and volunteer programs year-round for 1 to 13 weeks, with flexible start and end dates. Participants can learn Ammiya (Palestinian Arabic) and receive three hours of Arabic instruction weekly from qualified teachers. You’ll engage with Palestinian and international NGOs, professors, students, and human rights activists and participate in excursions to refugee camps and organizations, enhancing your academic work and Arabic skills.
5. Volunteer in Local Palestinian Villages
Volunteer in Local Palestinian Villages: This program offers an excellent opportunity for individuals of all ages, from students to retirees, to work directly with Palestinian communities in villages and rural areas of the West Bank, including Dura and the Hebron Hills, such as Masafer Yatta, Susya, Umm Al-Khayr, the Al-Fawwar refugee camp, and Bani Na’im. Volunteers will collaborate with Palestinian children, youth, women, and refugees to enhance their skills and participate in educational and recreational activities.
Volunteers will also learn Arabic to communicate with the locals and visit sites of Palestinian cultural and historical significance in and around Hebron city. This program is an excellent opportunity to deepen their understanding of daily life in Palestinian communities, security challenges, and resilience under occupation.
Combined Law And Human Rights Internship
Salam Palestine runs a combined Law and Human Rights internship program as well as separate versions of each track to channel help to where it’s needed most. International interns can work with the Center for as little as one week and up to 13 weeks, to work with the local community, providing awareness of fundamental human rights and how to exercise them in the face of Israeli aggression.
Program Duration And Timing
For all of the following programs, volunteers and interns can choose how long they wish to participate, anywhere from 1 to 13 weeks, and at any time of the year.
Looking For Summer Law and Human Rights Internships?
Salam Palestine offers students and others with a summer break a range of unforgettable summer Law and Human Rights internships in Palestine, with a particular focus on Hebron, West Bank. During your stay, you will make new friends from all over the world while experiencing Palestine’s diverse culture and gaining practical in-person experience. If you are looking for an internship opportunity in Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East, then join us in Hebron in a safe and fun environment.
Our Summer Internships
Our summer Law and Human Rights internship programs combine an Arabic language focus with a complete immersion and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics, and history. They include visits to Bedouin areas (e.g., Susiya), Palestinian refugee camps, local villages, organizations, and community centers. These internship programs are suitable for anyone over the age of 18 with the ability to communicate in English.
Thanks to our collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, Salam Palestine can provide students with academic credit, so you can intern with us while also working towards your degree. However, even if you are not a current student, you are more than welcome to join us in the summer!
While we run our program year-round, there are some differences in the summer. This is due to factors such as school holidays, the weather, and the fact that we are at our busiest and most full of life at Salam Palestine. However, no matter what time of year you join us, there will be many exciting activities and opportunities for you to enjoy.
Arabic Tuition For Interns In Palestine
As a volunteer or intern in our programs in the West Bank, you will receive 3 hours of Arabic lessons for each week you spend with us, taught by a knowledgeable and experienced Palestinian teacher. These lessons will be tailored to your Arabic level to help build your understanding of the language and will be taught one-on-one or in small groups.
Learning Arabic will not only help you navigate your new life in Hebron, but it will also allow you to communicate with and help locals in their own language. You will have plenty of opportunities to practice Arabic outside the classroom, such as when talking with locals, taking a taxi, or ordering from a restaurant. If you are already proficient in Arabic, you will be able to engage with Palestinians in their own language in your free time and throughout your time at our Center.
Immersion In Palestinian Culture And Daily Life
In addition to studying colloquial Arabic, participants will get to be immersed in and experience Palestinian culture, daily life, and politics. Included in your program are visits in and around Hebron, such as to the old city, textile factories, and other culturally significant sites. Participants will have a range of additional visits that are relevant to the specific program they have chosen.
In addition to the interesting visits and tours of Hebron and its Old City, volunteers also have time to visit the other fascinating cities of the West Bank, which comprise much of the Holy Land. Many also have interesting nightlife and cultural features to explore!
An Atmosphere of Cultural Exchange
Many participants who join us really enjoy the easy working environment at our Center, and there is always a mixture of international volunteers, interns, and students with the permanent Palestinian staff. Most participants find this creates an exciting atmosphere of cultural exchange.
Law And Human Rights Internships In Palestine: Highlights
Salam Palestine offers tailored Law and Human Rights internship programs in Palestine, designed to meet your specific needs, goals, and interests. Some of the highlights include:
- New friendships with the Center’s volunteers, other interns, students, visitors, and residents.
- I am living in and exploring the beautiful city of Hebron.
- The Law and Human Rights internships will allow you to live in and gain impressions from one of the most politically divisive and ambivalent regions of the Middle East.
- Being immersed in Palestinian culture and daily life.
- The opportunity to engage in conversations in Arabic with local Palestinian residents.
- Arabic tuition is available in MSA, Levantine, or the Colloquial Palestinian dialect, offered either one-on-one or in small groups.
- Well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers staff our center, each with an excellent educational background, ready and happy to help you.
- Participating in a variety of educational, social, and community activities organized by the Center, which aim to provide a space where locals, refugees, volunteers, and interns can meet and get to know one another while learning and socializing.
- Experiencing the hospitality of Palestinians through participation in Salam Palestine’s activities and during your free time.
- Gaining an understanding of the refugee situation in Palestine and the West Bank.
- The Internship in the West Bank Program will provide you with days off, giving you the chance to visit unique tourist attractions with a particular native perspective – locations including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarem, Qalqilyah, Jenin, and the Dead Sea in Jericho.
- Free time to visit nearby cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.
- Fees cover your guided tours and activities, Arabic language tuition, accommodation, breakfast, and 24/7 program assistance that starts from pre-departure to the end of your program.
- Salam Palestine will provide participants with a certificate upon completion.
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Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading the article “5 Best Law and Human Rights Internship Programs in Palestine.”
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Tags: Human rights law internships for students in Palestine, Legal internship programs West Bank, NGO human rights internship opportunities Palestine
