About the IHRP

The International Human Rights Program (IHRP) at the University of Toronto's Henry N. R. Jackman Faculty of Law is one of Canada's leading university-based international human rights programs. The IHRP serves as a centre that offers law students opportunities to engage directly with international human rights law and practice. Students work with faculty, experienced practitioners, partner organizations, communities, and social movements on pressing human rights issues in Canada and around the world.

The IHRP bridges the fields of academia and advocacy within the realm of international human rights. Through the International Human Rights Clinic Course, summer Fellowships, student-led Working Groups, the Rights Review publication, and public events, students have the opportunity to get involved in research and fact-finding, strategic litigation, public legal education, and advocacy before United Nations and other human rights mechanisms.

Founded in 1987 by Professor Emerita Rebecca Cook, the IHRP has grown into a vibrant part of Jackman Law that helps train the next generation of international human rights lawyers and advocates. 

• Train the next generation of international human rights lawyers in Canada to promote and protect international human rights through litigation, advocacy, research, and education. 

• Drawing upon our unique position within Canada, our work aims to foster and promote Canada’s adherence to its own international human rights commitments both domestically and across the globe. 

• Work alongside experienced practitioners, partner organizations, communities, and social movements to pursue meaningful change in a wide range of human rights issues, including corporate accountability, climate justice, and Indigenous rights. 

You can read the IHRP's previous Strategic Plan here.