Law and Human Rights Volunteer & Internship Programs in Palestine: Many individuals, moved by the Palestinian plight, seek to go to Palestine to help improve lives and prevent human rights abuses in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Volunteering in Palestine offers valuable experience for those pursuing careers in this field while aiding those in need.
The Need for Law and Human Rights Volunteers in Palestine
Palestine is a country undergoing a terrible and long-lasting occupation, which has created deprivations and hardships for many of the residents of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza. They struggle through life the best they can, but at times encounters involving physical and psychological abuse cannot be avoided.
Human rights abuses especially occur in places most affected by the occupation such as Palestinian cities, who are partly occupied, or whose borders are surrounded by settlements, checkpoints and shared roads, agricultural lands etc. Especially in the areas which are governed under military law, little regard is given to human rights.
This means there are many people who need help in the field of human rights law, but it is difficult for big international NGOs and Palestinian community development centers to operate in the area because of the restrictions imposed by Israel. The difficulty for outsiders in obtaining a visa makes it arduous to staff these NGOs adequately with full time staff, which in turn leads to the large demand for volunteers.
Explore Human Rights Organisations
Interns and volunteers in the West Bank, Palestine typically work with local NGOs and human rights Palestinian and international organisations, assisting with legal research, documentation, and analysis of human rights violations. They may also work on advocacy campaigns, assist with fundraising efforts, and participate in community outreach initiatives. These internships provide valuable insight into the unique challenges and complexities of human rights issues in the West Bank, as well as the legal framework and advocacy strategies being used to address these challenges.
Beyond the professional development opportunities, interning and volunteering in Palestine also offers a chance to immerse oneself in the Palestinian culture, history, and politics of the region. Interns and volunteers have the opportunity to engage with local communities, participate in cultural events, and gain a deeper understanding of the realities of life under occupation.
Where to Volunteer in This Area?
The whole of the West Bank is seeking volunteers with the biggest cities in the biggest need. Gaza Strip, Ramallah, Hebron and Jerusalem fall under this category and there is probably the most infrastructure in these cities for accommodating volunteers who want to come and help.
That’s not to say places like Jericho, Bethlehem and Nablus aren’t in need of this crucial help, as problems arise just as frequently in these places, if on a different scale perhaps. Moreover, the smaller villages and camps – be they Bedouin, or Palestinian refugee camps, are struggling and calling out for help in the face of the occupation.
Finding the Right Organisation to Volunteer with
As with any overseas volunteering programme, you should thoroughly do your research to ensure you will be investing your time and money into a programme that does the sort of the work you want to do, whilst being a fulfilling and enriching experience for you in other ways.
Go Overseas and Engage in Palestine are both good websites to compare volunteering opportunities. We recommend that once you find a programme and an organisation you’re interested in, to do even more research into volunteer testimonials and feedback to ensure that the organisation is legitimate and that they provide fantastic volunteering opportunities! There is nothing worse than coming all the way to Palestine, just to realise that the experience is not what you were promised.
Preparing for a Law/Human rights Volunteer Role
Once you’ve found a programme you’re happy with, it’s time to start preparing for your trip. Read up on entering Israel and the visa on arrival process, as well as brushing up on Arabic skills you already bring with you. Pack appropriate clothing (bearing in mind the weather, the time of the year you will be there and Muslim attitudes towards dress). Finally, find a good guide book, bring bug spray (if you’re coming in summer) and consider whether you need to take any vaccines or medicines with you.
Volunteering with the Volunteer in Palestine
One fantastic option in this area can be taking the law and human rights volunteering programme with Volunteer in Palestine, located in Hebron, Palestine. This city is right on the frontline of the occupation, with the Israelis having claimed 20% of the Palestinian city and one of the most aggressive settlements, called Kiryat Arba surrounding the city. With the checkpoints established, there have been numerous human rights abuses by the army and Palestinians are not able to support the victims enough. Additionally, the surrounding villages and the nearby Al Fawwar Palestinian refugee camp suffer greatly in this area due to continued raids.
Volunteer in Palestine runs a combined law and human rights volunteering programme as well as additional versions of each programme to channel help to where it’s needed most. International volunteers can work with the center for a week right up to three months in addressing needs of the local community, providing awareness of fundamental human rights and how to exercise them in the face of Israeli aggression.
Volunteers are assigned a liaison manager to allocate their working time and oversee the development of critical skills necessary to help local Palestinians. Applicants with a background in law or human rights are preferred, but the Excellence Center looks to welcome all newcomers who can help in any capacity.
Arabic Lessons with a Dedicated Tutor
In addition to food and board, volunteers are also provided Arabic lessons with a dedicated tutor to help build their understanding of the language, so that they can help locals in their own language. Many volunteers really enjoy the easy working environment; there is always a combination of international volunteers and permanent Palestinian staff around, a setting which most volunteers find creates a really interesting atmosphere of cultural exchange. In addition to immersive visits and tours of Hebron and its Old City, volunteers also have time to visit other fascinating cities of the West Bank, which make up much of the Holy Land. Besides a rich history, many also feature a charming nightlife and a variety of cultural features to explore as well!
We hope to welcome you to the Volunteer in Palestine community soon to engage in the vitally important topics of law or human rights! Please contact Rafat Shantir on the details below for more information.
Volunteer and Internship Programs
Volunteer in Palestine offers volunteer and internship programs which mainly focus on the topics of human rights, Palestinian children, women’s rights, journalism, teaching English, sports, medicine, Palestinian refugees, Palestinian culture and politics, Palestinian laws and legal systems, and the political history and present situation of Palestine and Israel. Our volunteer programs in Palestine are especially ideal for students and people who are looking for volunteer and internship programs in the summer time, which are located in the area of the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East.
Our volunteer programs were developed for graduate and undergraduate students of Middle Eastern studies, Arabic studies, or political sciences, as well as professionals, employees of human rights organizations, scholars conducting case studies on Palestine and Israel, human aid workers, social workers, teachers, English native speakers, non-native speakers and anyone interested in engaging in Palestinian culture and daily life.
Here you may find the list of our Volunteer & Internship Programs in Law and Human Right in Palestine:
1. Palestinian Laws & Legal Practices Internship
The Palestinian Laws & Legal Practices Internship is an ideal program for students of law, social sciences, or human rights, as well as those interested in the Palestinian legal system in the West Bank. Interns can enroll for a period of 1 to 13 weeks year-round. This legal internship program in Palestine aims to provide a full understanding of the legislation applicable to the West Bank and Gaza.
2. Human Rights Volunteer Program in Palestine
The Human Rights Volunteer Internship Program in the city of Hebron, Palestine is designed to introduce the subject of Palestinian human rights in an environment that will help you grow both personally and professionally. This human rights volunteer opportunity in the West Bank, Palestine is a great opportunity for those interested in gaining experience in fields such as humanitarian aid, Palestinian refugees, diplomacy, political science, and international law while building their Arabic language skills and intercultural competency.
In addition to the law and human rights programs, we offer various community development and English teaching volunteer programs and internships. Here is the list:
Impact of Volunteering or Interning in Palestine
Our Volunteer and Internship programs in the West Bank, Palestine are well-researched, targeted, and suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into daily Palestinian legal affairs and human rights.
We aim to make a long-term difference for the Palestinian local community through the exchange of ideas and an approach that involves “walking in each other’s shoes”. Volunteering and interning is a unique opportunity, which will make a genuine impact on your and others’ lives including Palestinian children, refugees, youth, and community members in the West Bank, Palestine.
Who Can Join Us?
Volunteering opportunities in Palestine have been gaining increasing attention each year, particularly in the areas of education, community development, human rights, and support for refugees and Palestinian children. Whether you are an experienced volunteer, a first-time contributor, part of a group, or a family, there are meaningful ways for individuals from various backgrounds to engage in the West Bank and immerse themselves in Palestinian culture.
Regardless of your background, skills, age, or abilities, we offer opportunities that align with your passion and commitment. Join us in making a positive impact in Palestine.
When Can You Join Us and for How Long?
Volunteers, interns, and Arabic students can join our programs from 1-13 weeks anytime of the year (summer, winter, fall, and spring). We are flexible when it comes to starting and ending dates.
Study, Volunteer or Intern in Summer
If you would like to join us in summer, our offering varies slightly because summer is when we are at our busiest and our center is the most vibrant. In summer, we run special summer intensive Arabic immersion programs, which last for four weeks each and are taught in small groups, in various dialects and at various proficiency levels, from total beginners to advanced learners.
Our summer programs are particularly ideal for university or college students wishing to study Arabic, volunteer or intern abroad during their summer break. Thanks to our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, we are able to offer academic credit towards your studies whether you study Arabic, volunteer or intern with us. If you are not a current student or are not seeking academic credit, you are still more than welcome to join us in the summer. If you are interested in signing up with us in summer, you can find more information on the individual programme’s webpage.
We Hope to Welcome You Soon
To apply and join us, please refer to the application instructions located at the bottom of the Arabic courses, as well as the volunteer and internship program pages. We are looking forward to welcoming you into our family. Our outstanding team will do all possible to ensure that you have an enjoyable and memorable stay with us in the West Bank, Palestine.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, participating in Law and Human Rights Volunteer & Internship Programs offers invaluable opportunities to go to Palestine and contribute to meaningful initiatives addressing human rights issues. It provides hands-on experience in legal research, advocacy, and community outreach, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities within Palestinian society and the broader implications of human rights advocacy in the region.
How to Apply
If you are interested in our Law and Human Rights Volunteer & Internship Programs in Palestine, please email us at info@ecpalestine.org and CC Mr. Rafat Shantir at Rafat@excellencenter.org.
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Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
Website: https://ecpalestine.org/
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