The Henigson Human Rights Fellowship at Harvard Law School (HLS) is a prestigious postgraduate program that provides students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in international human rights law. Fellows work full-time with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the developing world, gaining practical skills in advocacy, litigation, and grassroots mobilization. With a $27,000 stipend and dedicated mentorship, the fellowship empowers future leaders in human rights advocacy, public interest law, and global justice initiatives.
WhatsApp ChannelWhat Is the Henigson Human Rights Fellowship?
Funded by Robert ’55 and Phyllis Henigson, this fellowship enables HLS graduates to contribute meaningfully to human rights projects abroad. It emphasizes real-world experience over academic research, allowing fellows to engage in rights-based programs involving women’s rights, refugee protection, labor rights, and child welfare. Many projects also intersect with economic development, environmental advocacy, and public health, provided these efforts adopt a human rights-based approach.
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Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
- Open to 3Ls, LLMs, and recent HLS graduates with a demonstrated commitment to human rights.
- Preference for students expecting to graduate in May and those without previous postgraduate fellowship funding from HLS.
- Recent graduates must have:
- Clerking experience with a judge
- Full-time public interest or human rights work since graduation
- Active involvement in human rights projects during HLS
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Eligible Countries and Locations
The fellowship focuses on low- and middle-income countries in the developing world, including regions in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and select areas in the Middle East. While projects in developed countries such as the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe are generally ineligible, partnerships linking these countries with developing-world initiatives may qualify if most of the work is overseas.
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Types of Eligible Organizations
Henigson Fellows work with NGOs and occasionally intergovernmental organizations involved in:
- Human rights education, monitoring, reporting, and litigation
- Grassroots mobilization and advocacy for women, children, labor, and refugees
- Rights-based approaches to public health, environmental protection, and economic development
Organizations must demonstrate the ability to mentor fellows, ensure security, and support visa arrangements.
Funding and Benefits
- $27,000 stipend
- $1,500 toward international health insurance
- Optional additional funding up to $18,000 from external grants or awards
- Mentorship program with HLS faculty, HRP staff, and experienced alumni
- Real-world experience in human rights law and advocacy
Application Process of the Henigson Human Rights Fellowship
- Pre-application consultation: Contact Abadir Ibrahim (abibrahim@law.harvard.edu) by March 2, 2026, to vet your host organization.
- Submit a full application by March 16, 2026, via Qualtrics.
- Application materials include:
- Curriculum vitae detailing public interest and human rights experience
- 500-word personal statement on interest in human rights, experience, and career goals
- Detailed project description, including sponsoring organization, objectives, methodology, and estimated budget
- Letter of support from the sponsoring organization
- 2–3 letters of recommendation (at least one from an HLS professor)
- Official HLS transcript
Why the Henigson Fellowship Matters
The fellowship is not just financial support; it is a career-launching platform for human rights professionals. Fellows gain:
- Practical international experience with NGOs
- Connections with global human rights networks
- Guidance from mentors with real-world field experience
- A strong foundation for a career in international law, public interest law, and global justice initiatives
Conclusion
For Harvard Law students and alumni committed to advancing human rights, the Henigson Fellowship offers a rare opportunity to work on high-impact projects in the developing world. By combining hands-on experience, mentorship, and financial support, it prepares fellows to become leaders in human rights advocacy and global justice.
Contact Abadir Ibrahim at abibrahim@law.harvard.edu today to begin your fellowship journey and make a meaningful global impact.
