Human rights workers help in many different areas. They can work to promote
women's rights, promote human rights in developing countries and establish
rights in wartorn countries. They may be involved in alleviating poverty.
Or they could be working to free political prisoners, end political killings
or abolish the death penalty and torture.
If a human is being unjustly treated in any way, a human rights worker
could be involved. This can also include solving employment issues when discrimination
based on things like gender is evident.
Human rights workers can hold many different jobs. They might be human
rights advisors working to create positive relationships between two conflicting
peoples. They could be human rights specialists working with UN agencies and
training officers.
Some work in the legal and administrative fields. Some are involved in
research at the university level or as assistant researchers. Still others
may work in the medical field as doctors and nurses, or as helpers. The field
is broad. Many areas of expertise can be brought to the career.
Because the types of jobs are so broad, the working environment and employers
also vary. Many human rights workers are employed by human rights organizations
such as the UN, Amnesty International and the Red Cross. Others are employed
by government agencies, universities and private companies.
The workday for a human rights worker can vary. In the field, workers may
be required to work long, exhausting hours to help people cope.
Physical requirements can vary greatly. Some people need to be fit and
mobile to work in the field. They have to cope with rapidly changing situations.
Others may be able to work as administrators or in management positions in
offices that require less physical movement.