Our Work
The IHRP offers students a range of opportunities to deepen their knowledge of international human rights law, develop practical skills, and contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights working alongside a wide range of partners. These include the International Human Rights Clinic Course, Fellowships, student-led Working Groups, and our Rights Review publication.
International Human Rights Clinic
Our Clinic Course offers upper-year JD, LLM, and SJD law students the opportunity to work on real-world human rights projects for academic credit, including on corporate accountability, climate justice, and Indigenous rights. Projects may involve research, strategic litigation and advocacy, including work involving Canadian and foreign courts, UN human rights mechanisms, and regional and international bodies. Students also study international human rights law and practice and learn from leading international human rights practitioners.
Fellowships
Our summer Fellowships offer students exceptional opportunities to gain immersive, hands-on experience in human rights work in Canada and around the world. Fellows work with leading organizations and institutions, contributing directly to their work while gaining invaluable professional experience.
Working Groups
Led by upper-year students, Working Groups offer first-year law students an accessible way to get involved with international human rights. Students explore current and emerging human rights issues through research, writing, events and other activities, in collaboration with faculty and partners.
Rights Review
Our student-led publication provides a platform for students to write about international human rights issues and reflect on their experiences in human rights law and practice.
Our Impact
Since 1987, the IHRP has supported hundreds of student fellowships, produced more than 100 research and advocacy publications, and contributed to human rights advocacy before Canadian courts, United Nations human rights mechanisms, and international bodies. Many IHRP alumni have gone on to careers in international human rights, including with international organizations, international tribunals, and NGOs, and as lawyers engaged in human rights litigation and advocacy.
Latest News
Louis Century, 2011 IHRP Fellow, JD 2013I cannot speak highly enough of the experiences this internship has afforded me. After two months of working at the ICC and living in The Hague…I feel lucky to witness the interaction of lawyers from around the world, both in my daily work on the Banda and Jerbo defence and more generally from living in The Hague.
Rebecca Sutton, 2013 - 2014 IHRP Working Group Leader, JD 2014IHRP became an immediate home for me …With the support of faculty, I had the opportunity to start an IHRP working group in…partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It is because of this experience with the IHRP that I was encouraged to pursue doctoral studies in this area of law and I hope to teach it someday.
Foti Vito, 2023 IHRP Clinic Student, JD 2024My experience in the International Human Rights Clinic was incredibly rewarding and one of the highlights of my time in law school. The opportunity to gain hands-on experience advancing international human rights law under the guidance of leading lawyers in the field was truly unparalleled.
Get Involved
There are many ways for students, faculty, alumni, practitioners and partner organizations to engage with the IHRP's work. Join our newsletter to learn about public events, student opportunities, new research, and other ways to get involved.