HAKAM
| Country: | Malaysia |
| Date: | Annually for three months from Nov 2017 – March 2018 |
| Funding: | $5,000 (NB: this amount will be reduced by the amount of any previous grants from the Law Facutly's Student Mobility Fund) Eligible students may also apply for additional Equity Grants |
| Number of Places | One student per year |
| Applications due: | 14 August 2017 |
Organisational profile
The National Human Rights Society of Malaysia (HAKAM) was formed in 1988 in response to growing concerns over human rights violations in Malaysia. The call to form HAKAM came from two of the nation's former Prime Ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj and Tun Hussein Onn, alongside other prominent leaders of civil society.
The society's objectives are, inter alia, to promote, preserve and defend human rights in Malaysia. Over the years, HAKAM has engaged in a wide range of issues, from advocating for the rights of indigenous communities, lobbying to abolish draconian laws inconsistent with principles of human rights, raising awareness of human rights through campaigns guided by research projects, and pushing for ratification of international and regional human rights instruments.
HAKAM strives to continue advocating for human rights, in the hopes of inculcating new generations of Malaysians who can bravely speak out for themselves."
More info for HAKAM : www.hakam.org.my
Intern profile
Interns will contribute to HAKAM’s advocacy projects in promoting, preserving and protecting human rights in Malaysia. They will carry out day to day tasks such as research, preparation of advocacy materials, attend discussions on human rights in Malaysia.
In addition to this, students will be given topics to choose from for their special projects - to undertake field study/ research or plan and execute advocacy projects. Current interns at HAKAM are working on projects focusing on issues such as the governance structure in indigenous communities (orang asli and orang asal in West Malaysia and East Malaysia respectively), deaths in custody and issues affecting children.
Interns at HAKAM will gain hands on experience in human rights advocacy at a leading civil society organisation.
Selection criteria
The following selection criteria will be taken into account by the Castan Centre in choosing the intern and applicants are advised to directly address each criterion in the personal statement.
- A demonstrated interest in human rights as shown through your practical or academic experiences;
- Particular interest in the work currently being undertaken by HAKAM;
- Strong academic record, in particular marks received in human rights and other relevant subjects;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Application process and eligibility criteria
This internship is part of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law's annual Global Internship Program. For full details of the application process, go to the Global Internship homepage.
Equity grants
In addition to the funding for this internship, extra financial assistance may be available to those students who can demonstrate financial hardship. Students are advised to inquire about Equity Grants by contacting Cathy Meredith (below) for more details.
Contact information
If you would like further information about this internship please contact:
| Funding questions: Fleur Morgan Senior Student Programs Officer (International & Internships) Student Services Level 1 Faculty of Law Building 12 Clayton campus Phone: +61 3 990 53024 | or | All other queries Caitlin McInnis Castan Centre Project Officer Castan Centre Level 3 Faculty of Law Building 12 Clayton Campus Phone: +61 3 9905 Other useful information |