Some human rights volunteer program providers act as entirely independent organizations, while others work closely on the ground with local NGOs or grassroots organizations to implement programs. Other organizations will specialize in one particular area or work with one particular vulnerable population, spearheading a more comprehensive effort at social reform on a variety of levels within a specific community.

Gender inequality, ethnic tensions, corruption, violence, human trafficking, malnourishment, infrastructural failures, extreme poverty, lack of basic education, and lack of access to healthcare facilities, are just a few of the very real social problems which plague countless communities across the globe. 

For example in Tanzania you might work in women’s empowerment, in Pakistan you might work with refugees, or in India you might work in slums educating youth and adults. More research and administrative tasks may be required of volunteers in some placements, such as gathering informational data, conducting interviews and field studies, and leading campaigns, and of course volunteers will be expected to work hands on with local community members to promote action and change.

Typically it is left up to the volunteer to decide how long they want to volunteer abroad in human rights. Some human rights volunteer programs only last a few weeks, others blend volunteer work in human rights with other travel programs, and there are certain placements that require up to a one-year commitment, usually because the placement requires volunteers to take on more responsibility in the organization.

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