Your introduction to human rights programmes in the Middle East: The Middle East is very fertile ground for human rights programmes, if you are interested in taking one there. Unfortunately, human rights abuses occur on a wide scale in this region and there are plenty of opportunities for individuals to work either as volunteers or in the capacity of internships in human rights in the Middle East, if they want. Here we put together a guide with some important information, if this is the path that you want to take.

What you need to know about human rights programmes in the Middle East

There are many organisations like the UNHCR and large scale multinational NGOs providing opportunities for interested individuals to further their careers (or even just start out) in the field of human rights in the Middle East. However, just because there are plenty of programmes and organisations may seem reputable, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t scrutinise each and every opportunity on its own merits.

Research all applicable human rights programmes

You need to your research thoroughly to ensure that the programme meets your needs and that past volunteers have had a good experience. There is nothing worse than investing a lot of time and money and getting somewhere only to realise that the experience or organisation in question is not right for you.

  • Human Rights Programmes in the Middle East
  • Human Rights Programmes in the Middle East
  • Human Rights Programmes in the Middle East

Preparing for a human rights programme in the Middle East

Before coming out to the Middle East, make sure you have secured your place in the internship or human rights voluntary programme. Any good reputable organisation will provide you additional information for your trip. Going to the Middle East can be a daunting prospect but with the right help and guidance, you will be able to have a safe and fulfilling trip.

What will you need?

Make sure you get any relevant vaccines etc. and be sure to buy appropriate equipment like bug spray if necessary. Be sure to take any prescription medicine with you as well as antibiotics if you fall foul of the local food or water – there’s nothing worse than spending two precious weeks of your experience flat on your back with food poisoning, not able to take full advantage of your experience.

What clothing is appropriate for the Middle East?

Lastly, consider the appropriate clothing for where your visiting – parts of the Middle East get blisteringly hot during winter, especially in the Gulf States: Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia etc. Equally in certain parts of the region, the nights can be very cold especially during winter, so you may need to take that into account and factor in taking warm clothing with you (as odd as that may seem!).

You also need to consider what is culturally appropriate – any clothing that shows off too much skin in a majority Muslim country may be frowned upon and may even get you in trouble with the locals.

Taking a human rights programme in the West Bank, Palestine

The Excellence Center in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine (or Al Khalil as the locals call it) is a fantastic place to take a human right programme. There are internships and volunteer programmes, depending on your personal preferences and needs. These programmes involve meeting with lawyers and prominent human rights activists in Hebron and the surrounding area in the West Bank, Palestine, to build a sophisticated understanding of the human rights picture here and the issues stemming from the Israeli Occupation here in Palestine.

Developing a workshop on human rights

If you are taking a longer programme, this might even involve developing a workshop on human rights drawing on your personal studies and what you have learned during the course of your programme to educate and raise awareness of these critical issues with young audiences at schools and universities in the city.

The Excellence Center has a liaison manager to manage these community links to ensure that your assistance is channelled to where it can be of the most use. Programmes can last anywhere from a couple of weeks up to three months (longer time periods require a different kind of visa which is more difficult to obtain). Once you are finished with your programme, the Excellence Center provides a certificate of completion as well as ongoing support with our efforts to find work in the field, if you have chosen the path of human rights more generally.

Burnishing credentials in the field of human rights

Many people come to us while they are still studying or once they are fresh out of university as an attractive way of burnishing their credentials in the field and starting (or even continuing) a career in human rights. Many organisations look favourably on experience in a troubled area like Palestine, and given that we consider all applications regardless of experience levels, the Excellence Center can be a fantastic place to start out this journey.

Program’s reviews

The Excellence Center in Palestine volunteer and Internship programs including Volunteer in Human Rights Program in Palestine has more than;

Program fees?

The Excellence Center charges a fee of 750€ Euro a month or 250€ a week. The program fees include pre-departure support, accommodations, breakfast, full coordination while volunteering in Palestine, 3 hours per week of Arabic lessons for each week you volunteer, and some visits to different sites in the city of Hebron

How to get the application form?

Please send us an email of interest to Rafat@excellencenter.org, with Volunteer in Human Rights  as the subject line. We will then send you the application form.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at Rafat@excellencenter.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

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