Human Rights Internship

About the Internship

This essential Law and Human Rights Program puts international volunteers right in the heart of the fight for social justice for the people of Cambodia. Love Volunteers partner with a Cambodian  organisation that supports NGOs working in the critical areas of human rights, women's rights, public health and community development. Volunteers on this fantastic program will be supporting people who face discrimination and human rights violations, including families forcefully evicted from their homes, and women and children who have suffered domestic violence. From working with individuals who face unfair charges or have had their basic human rights violated, to working with abused groups of women and children, this program is at the coalface assisting those at their most vulnerable. The work this program does can truly change lives and international volunteers are essential to its success. Experienced volunteer law and human rights practitioners are greatly needed to assist with the fight for justice in this beautiful, yet poverty stricken and corrupt nation.  

Goals of this Project:

  • Fight for the human rights of the people of Cambodia
  • Build a fairer, more just society for the impoverished people of Cambodia
  • Improve the future prospects of Cambodia’s most marginalized citizens
  • Increase gender equality and the understanding of human rights

How You Can Help

Volunteers on this amazing human rights program will spend their time working on cases, programs and initiatives that will benefit these marginalized people and communities. Volunteers will work on essential projects to help monitor the human rights situation and provide support to local non-governmental organizations. They might assist in arranging public forums and workshops, in implementing new Human Rights Projects, writing reports and case studies, research projects, teaching English to staff members and developing ideas and new initiatives. This program gives volunteers the ability to work on a range of projects and to get stuck in and put their skills and knowledge to good use. Volunteers will gain amazing work experience, a better understanding of the human rights situation in Cambodia, and learn all about this amazing country and its people. Initially volunteers will work alongside local staff members, while they tailor tasks to suit past experience and training.

Volunteers on this program will participate in a variety of tasks and can expect to;

  • Work on human rights projects
  • Write reports and case studies and researching
  • Develop projects and initiatives

Requirements

18yo+ / Qualification

Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over with a passion for human rights and justice. This project is suitable for those with a background in the legal and/or international human rights fields. Volunteers must be fluent in English and learning some basic words and phrases in Khmer will also be useful. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!

In addition to the documents required below a letter of motivation is required, noting why you have chosen to participate on the program, what you hope to gain from the experience and any preferences for the work that you undertake.

Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:

  • Emergency contact
  • Police check
  • Resume

Find out how to obtain a police check here

Project Location

Cambodia, Phnom Penh

Cambodia's vibrant capital has overcome the hardships of a violent past to once again become a "Pearl of Asia". Whilst tourists are still drawn by the memory of the Khmer Rouge and their horrific Killing Fields (and rightly so, this should never be forgotten), the city itself is taking a cue from it's majestic river and moving on. Chic, bustling bars and restaurants line the riverfront and streets beyond with patrons watching boats cruising, motorbikes and tuk-tuks buzzing and pedestrians strolling on by. The Cambodian people are courageous and incredibly hospitable and a stay in this city is not to be forgotten.

Start Dates & Duration

Minimum 4 weeks

This project is available year-round and programs start the 1st and 3rd week of every month with volunteers arriving on SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 4 weeks to 8 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.

Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.

For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.

Arrival & Orientation

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner , Airport Pickup Included

Volunteers are met on arrival into Phnom Penh and taken to the Guest House to meet with the hosts and other volunteers and settle in to the new environment. A two day orientation session will take place on Monday and Tuesday to cover the local area, public transport, amenities, customs, rules and recommendations and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience.  This provides a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and fellow volunteers and ask any last questions you may have.

  • Arrival Day: SUNDAY
  • Departure Day: SUNDAY
  • Arrival Airport: Phnom Penh International Airport, Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Code: PNH)

We can arrange pick-up on Saturday if required.  The extra cost for an additional night's accommodation is $22 per person.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteer House / Meals Included

Volunteers in Phnom Penh are accommodated in a Volunteer House, centrally located and close to amenities.  

Rooms are shared by up to 4 guests and split by gender. Fans are available for comfort in the summer months.  Western style bathroom facilities, hot showers  and bed linen is provided, so volunteers need only bring personal toiletries and a towel.  The accommodation is basic but comfortable by local standards.

Wifi is available at the Volunteer House and laundry facilities are located nearby and cost around $1 per kg.

Accommodation Phnom Penh  Accommodation Phnom Penh  Accommodation Phnom Penh

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided daily and included in the program fee. If you have special dietary requirements please let us know ahead of time. Strict vegetarians and vegans should  be ready to help with the cooking and shop for additional items if necessary.

Host family accommodation is also available for female volunteers.  Host families are carefully vetted and provide a wonderful way to experience life in Phnom Penh like a local.

Prefer to arrange your own accommodation?
No problem! The program fees will be adjusted to $445 for all durations.

Please note that transportation to and from the placement is not included in the program fee. The cost can range from $6 per day to $15 per day. If you are staying for an extended period it may be possible to work from 'home' for some of the time to keep the cost reasonable. Simply discuss this with the local team on arrival.

Fees

From USD 849
Program fee:
Different currency?
USD 849

That’s just USD 30 per day* for:

  • Airport pick-up on arrival
  • Orientation & full safety briefing
  • Accommodation (as specified above)
  • Food & Meals (as specified above)
  • 24/7 local support network
  • Project placement & onsite supervision
  • Local transport

*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.

Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).

Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.