The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has announced an important internship opportunity for 2026 under its Human Rights Affairs job family. This internship is offered by the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section (ARDS), which functions under the Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch (ENDB) of OHCHR. The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, with flexibility for remote work, making it an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in human rights, equality, and international law.
This internship provides direct exposure to the functioning of the United Nations human rights mechanisms and offers valuable professional experience in an international and multicultural environment.
About the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
OHCHR is the principal UN body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. It works to:
- Strengthen international human rights mechanisms
- Promote equality and counter discrimination
- Combat impunity and strengthen accountability
- Support the rule of law
- Integrate human rights into development and economic policies
- Provide early warning and protection in situations of conflict and violence
Through research, advocacy, technical cooperation, and capacity building, OHCHR plays a central role in advancing human dignity and justice worldwide.
Internship Overview
- Job Title: Intern – Human Rights Affairs
- Job Opening ID: 270186
- Category & Level: Internship, I-1
- Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
- Work Location: Geneva and/or Remote
- Department: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
- Section: Anti-Racial Discrimination Section (ARDS)
- Date Posted: 14 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
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This internship is designed for candidates who have a strong interest in human rights and wish to gain first-hand experience within the United Nations system.
Expected Duration of the Internship
The internship is offered for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension for an additional three months depending on performance and organizational needs. Recruitment takes place throughout the year, with assignments beginning from 1 April 2026 onwards.
This duration allows interns to meaningfully contribute to ongoing projects while gaining a solid understanding of UN human rights operations.
About the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section (ARDS)
The Anti-Racial Discrimination Section supports the global fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. The section works closely with:
- Member States
- National human rights institutions
- Civil society organizations
- Other UN bodies
ARDS plays a key role in implementing international human rights standards, particularly the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
The section also provides secretariat support to six UN mechanisms focused on combating racism and discrimination globally.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance of a primary supervisor, the intern will assist ARDS in a variety of professional tasks, including:
- Supporting research on contemporary human rights issues such as systemic racism, hate speech, incitement to hatred, religious intolerance, and multiple discrimination
- Assisting with policy analysis and thematic studies related to racial equality
- Helping prepare reports, background notes, and briefing materials
- Supporting capacity-building initiatives and human rights advocacy efforts
- Assisting with monitoring, promotion, and prevention activities related to racism and discrimination
- Contributing to coordination and communication with UN mechanisms and stakeholders
The internship allows candidates to work closely with experienced human rights professionals and gain insight into real-world policy and legal processes at the international level.
Learning and Professional Development Opportunities
This internship is not merely observational. Interns gain:
- Practical exposure to UN human rights work
- Experience working in a multicultural, international environment
- Opportunities to develop research, drafting, and analytical skills
- Understanding of UN procedures, reporting mechanisms, and human rights mandates
The internship serves as a strong foundation for future careers in international organizations, NGOs, public policy, law, and academia.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UN Secretariat Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria at the time of application:
Educational Qualification
Applicants must be:
- Enrolled in or have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent, or
- Enrolled in or have completed the final year of a Bachelor’s degree
Preferred fields of study include:
- Law
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Social Sciences
- Or other closely related disciplines
Work Experience
- No prior professional work experience is required
- Academic training, coursework, or research skills should be relevant and beneficial to the UN
This makes the internship highly suitable for students and fresh graduates.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory
- Knowledge of another UN official language such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered an advantage
Since English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat, multilingual candidates may have an added benefit.
Internship Nature and Compensation
It is important for applicants to note that:
- This is a full-time and unpaid internship
- The United Nations does not provide financial remuneration
- Interns are responsible for their own:
- Travel expenses
- Visa arrangements
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
Candidates should carefully assess their financial capacity before applying.
Visa and Work Authorization
- Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa or work authorization
- Successful candidates should discuss visa requirements with OHCHR before accepting the offer
The UN may provide documentation to support visa applications, but the responsibility remains with the intern.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity
The United Nations strongly promotes diversity and inclusion. Recruitment decisions are made based on:
- Merit
- Organizational needs
- Efficiency, competence, and integrity
The UN recruits without discrimination based on:
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or cultural background
- Disability
Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process upon request.
Ethical Recruitment Policy
The United Nations clearly states:
- No application or recruitment fee is charged at any stage
- The UN never requests bank account or financial information from applicants
Any such request should be treated as fraudulent.
Why Apply for the OHCHR Internship?
This internship is ideal for candidates who:
- Are passionate about human rights and social justice
- Want to work in a global policy environment
- Seek practical experience with the United Nations
- Aim to build a long-term career in international organizations
Working with OHCHR in Geneva offers unparalleled exposure to international diplomacy, human rights advocacy, and global policymaking.
Final Thoughts
The United Nations OHCHR Internship 2026 with the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section is a prestigious opportunity for students and graduates seeking meaningful international experience. While unpaid, the internship offers invaluable learning, professional exposure, and networking within one of the most influential human rights institutions in the world.
For those committed to equality, non-discrimination, and human rights, this internship can be a powerful stepping stone toward a global career.
