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.
As part of DePaul Law’s
Program of Excellence 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.
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:
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A student’s travel for the International Human Rights Law Clinic
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A human rights investigation
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Submission of a human rights complaint to a regional human rights court
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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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Academic Opportunities
International Human Rights Law Clinic
Open to rising 2Ls and 3Ls, the International Human Rights Law Clinic is a full-year course that provides students with the opportunity to experience the complex and varied approaches to human rights legal advocacy in an international setting. Selected students are placed on projects focused on ongoing human rights violations. The course begins with an introduction to foundational international human rights law and an analysis of the assigned situation. Students then engage in legal and policy advocacy designed to bring governments into compliance with international human rights obligations.
Clinic work includes:
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Investigating and documenting human rights violations
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Drafting legal and policy recommendations
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Engaging with treaty bodies and international institutions
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Collaborating with grassroots organizations and international NGOs
- Instruction includes lectures, skills training in investigatory techniques, legal drafting and in-depth case analysis.
Certificates & Degrees
DePaul Law offers several academic programs that complement IHRLI’s mission and allow students to build a strong foundation in international and comparative law.
Study Abroad
DePaul offers several opportunities to study international human rights law abroad. For more information on these educational opportunities please visit the
study abroad program page.
Student Membership
Membership in IHRLI is open to all DePaul Law students. Members attend regular meetings and engage in structured discussions around current international human rights issues.
Meetings typically include:
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A short student or faculty-led presentation on a timely human rights issue
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A follow-up discussion exploring legal frameworks and implications
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Updates on internship, externship and volunteer opportunities
Additional optional opportunities include:
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Assisting with event planning or project support
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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 span 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
Connect With Us
Contact Us
(312) 362-5721
ihrli@depaul.edu