Human Rights Watch (HRW) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization which, quite appropriately, investigates and reports on human rights throughout the world. Among other things, HRW works to prevent discrimination, uphold political freedom, protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and “challenge governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law.”

Volunteer translators of Arabic, French, German, and Portuguese are needed, as are volunteers for web retrofitting. There are also a number of - generally unpaid but potentially for school credit - internships for undergraduates and graduate students, in areas such as regional divisions, communication and advocacy, development outreach and the international justice program. Interns may work in one of several offices: in Washington DC, New York, London, Los Angeles, Brussels or Berlin.

Interesting features and resources on the HRW site include information by country (each page includes a number of news stories on human rights issues in the country), a global issues page with a plethora of links to information about children’s rights, refugees, and counterterrorism. You can also find information about the HRW international film festival, which will take place in London, Toronto and San Francisco, and on how to become a blogger for human rights.