International Human Rights Law Institute (IHRLI)

About the Institute

preLaw Magazine Top School for Human Rights Badge (2025-2026)

Since its founding in 1990 as one of the first academic human rights centers, DePaul Law’s International Human Rights Law Institute (IHRLI) has advanced the protection of human rights through scholarship, advocacy and global training programs. IHRLI prepares students and partners worldwide to confront urgent challenges such as post-conflict justice, gender-based violence, human trafficking and accountability in fragile states.

 

preLaw Magazine Top School for International Law Badge (2025-2026)

As part of DePaul Law’s Area of Concentration in Immigration Law & Human Rights Law, IHRLI’s work connects rigorous academic inquiry with hands-on human rights fieldwork. The institute has implemented over 80 projects on four continents—building capacity for legal professionals, generating policy-oriented research, and collaborating with grassroots and international organizations.

Academic Opportunities

Please visit the International Law area of concentration page for information on study abroad opportunities and the:

  • International Human Rights Law Clinic
  • JD certificate in International & Comparative Law
  • JD/MA in International Studies
  • JD/MS in International Public Service
  • LLM in International Law

Student Membership

Membership in IHRLI is open to all DePaul Law students. Members attend regular meetings and engage in structured discussions about current international human rights issues.

Meetings typically include:

  • A short student or faculty-led presentation on a timely human rights issue
  • A follow-up discussion exploring legal frameworks and implications
  • Updates on internship, externship and volunteer opportunities

Additional optional opportunities include:

  • Assisting with event planning or project support
  • Presenting on a legal or policy topic of interest
  • Peer mentorship with upper-level students focused on human rights law pathways 

Past Projects

Since its founding, IHRLI has managed over 80 international projects funded by more than $28 million in grants from foundations, governments and multilateral organizations. These projects multiple regions and thematic focus areas, including:

Regions/Countries

Topics 

Publications

IHRLI publishes scholarly and policy-driven work grounded in academic research and global fieldwork. Topics include:

Regions/Countries 

Topics 

Faculty Director
  • Elisabeth Ward
    Faculty, Full Time
    Professor of Legal Practice; Executive Director, International Human Rights Law Institute

Support Us

IHRLI depends on the generosity of donors and alumni to make opportunities possible for students and to promote human rights throughout the world. Please consider contributing to support IHRLI or fund student engagement in global human rights work.

Your gift could support:

  • A student’s travel for the International Human Rights Law Clinic
  • A human rights investigation
  • Submission of a human rights complaint to a regional human rights court
  • Submission of a human rights complaint to a UN treaty body or the UN Human Rights Council
  • Sponsorship of a human rights event 
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