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.
Louis Century, 2011 IHRP Intern, 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.
Our work
The IHRP bridges the fields of academia and advocacy within the realm of international human rights. The program works alongside domestic and international social movements to advance the legal protection of international human rights, while educating the next generation of human rights advocates. Specifically, the IHRP provides legal services to individuals, communities, NGOs, and law firms to protect and promote international human rights before Canadian courts, regional and UN treaty bodies, and foreign courts and international tribunals, through its educational offerings to students.
Clinic
As Canada’s first international human rights clinic, we offer U of T Law students a for-credit course that provides hands-on experience in strategic litigation and advocacy before Canadian and foreign courts and accountability mechanisms, UN treaty bodies, and international tribunals. Students work on high-impact projects in corporate accountability, climate justice, and Indigenous rights.
Rights review
A student-led publication offering a platform for students to publish on pressing international human rights issues that matter most to them.
Working groups
In collaboration with internal and external partners, students investigate current and emerging international human rights issues through research, writing, and outreach, enhancing their expertise and facilitating knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
Fellowships
Transformative global fellowships empower students to advance international human rights through hands-on summer work experiences abroad.
Our impact
Since 1987, we've supported hundreds of international student fellowships, released over a hundred scholarly and advocacy publications, and driven impactful advocacy before United Nations bodies and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Learn more about us
Uphold international human rights law in Canada
We offer U of T Law students and community members (including faculty and civil society organizations) meaningful ways to contribute to our mandate.
Visit our website and get involved today!