- Donia Human Rights Fellows Program
- Funding Opportunities
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- Belgrade Centre for Human Rights Fellowship
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All travel must follow current guidelines, which are detailed in the International Institute Travel Policy.
The Donia Human Rights Center is offering a fellowship to fund a summer internship with the Social Change Initiative in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The fellowship seeks to support a U-M student with demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in human rights.
The successful applicant is expected to spend eight weeks, between May and August 2024, working with the Social Change Initiative team providing research support for its work on the interface between human rights, equality and peacebuilding in Northern Ireland.
The fellowship provides a stipend of $5,000 to defray the costs of living for eight weeks. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee from DHRC and the Social Change Initiative. The fellowship will provide an additional $1,000 to reimburse travel expenses to Belfast, Ireland.
Upon completion of this internship, fellows are expected to deliver a presentation of their internship projects and experiences and submit a written reflection to DHRC.
Last year’s intern helped to produce Human Rights and Equality in Northern Ireland: Implications of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.
Position Description
The fellow will be responsible for a particular piece of research related to human rights and equality in Northern Ireland. During the period of the Fellowship the fellow will be associated with the Queen’s University Belfast Human Rights Centre, and will be mentored by Professor Christopher McCrudden, L Bates Lea Global Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law School and Professor of Human Rights and Equality, Queen’s University Belfast.
Application Deadline: Thursday, February 15, 2024
Notification: Friday, March 15, 2024
Eligibility Requirements
This fellowship is open to U-M undergraduates in the classes of 2025 and 2026, as well as U-M graduate students currently in their first year of study.
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit: Resume/CV, statement of purpose, transcript, and at least one letter of recommendation from a UM instructor. Applicants must submit an application via M-Compass.
Contact Information: dhrc-fellowships@umich.edu
Desired Qualifications
Students can come from a variety of backgrounds and departments. Basic knowledge of the Northern Ireland/Ireland/UK issue would be an advantage. Students should also demonstrate their ability to delve into complex texts, including legal and policy documents made at the national, regional, and international levels. Additional background through study of conflict resolution, international security and institutions, human rights, and international economics would be advantageous. Experience in translating complex topics for non-expert audiences and organizational skills will be helpful. Students should also be ready to gain new knowledge and always learn and remain open minded. Applications will be evaluated on the quality of the statement of purpose and qualifications, the applicant’s record of achievement, and their promise for the internship position with Social Change Initiative.
About
Social Change Initiative (SCI)
The Social Change Initiative (SCI), located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, was formed in 2015. It works to secure progressive social change so that communities become fairer, more inclusive and peaceful. Drawing on its team's international experience of philanthropy and advocacy, it provides practical support, services and strategic advice to maximize the impact of donor funding for change. It works to provide a bridge between the worlds of activism and philanthropy. SCI also supports activism, by developing the skills and capacity of activists to enable them to be more effective agents for change. It works locally, nationally and internationally through a core team with deep experience of grassroots activism, peacebuilding, human rights, advocacy, strategic philanthropy, politics and media. Its range of supports is tailored to meet activists’ leadership and practice needs, developing networks and communities of support to broker connections and build solidarity. Its global networks provide a safe and connected space to share tactics and tools, learn and be inspired by leading change makers. Its work has been supported by a number of foundations including the Atlantic Philanthropies, Unbound Philanthropy, the Human Dignity Foundation, the Oak Foundation. SCI convenes an ad hoc consortium of human rights and civil society organisations across the island of Ireland concerned about the impact of Brexit on human rights protections and the Belfast Peace Agreement. The outputs from this internship will provide an important resource for these organisations and others.
Donia Human Rights Center (DHRC)
The Donia Human Rights Center is a forum for intellectual exchange on issues around human rights among scholars, practitioners, students, and the broader public. Toward that end, we invite leading practitioners and scholars to share their insights and expertise on human rights gained through their experiences and research. We also offer internship and study-abroad opportunities to students that would enhance their understanding of contemporary human rights issues and equip them with the tools to tackle challenging human rights problems around the world.
