Islamabad: The Ministry of Human Rights, alongside the United Nations Development Programme and the School of Leadership Foundation, launched a new Human Rights Internship Programme under the EU Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Project at Ramada Hotel in Islamabad on June 17, 2026. The initiative aims to provide young graduates with practical experience in human rights, engaging them with government institutions, National Human Rights Institutions, and civil society organizations.
According to Ministry of Human Rights, the launch event drew representatives from government bodies, academia, civil society organizations, and development partners to discuss the program’s framework and strategic direction. Mr. Muhammad Arshad, Director General of the Ministry of Human Rights, emphasized the program’s role in promoting youth engagement in the human rights field. He underscored that the initiative would foster collaboration between academia and public institutions, nurturing a new generation of human rights professionals in Pakistan.
Ms. Mariyum Rizwan, Managing Director of the School of Leadership Foundation, provided a detailed presentation on the program’s objectives, structure, and implementation. The program will feature three internship cycles, offering monthly stipends to participating interns. Discussions at the event focused on institutional partnerships, placement mechanisms, and inclusive participation from diverse student backgrounds and underserved communities across Pakistan. Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of building youth leadership, enhancing human rights awareness, and engaging young people in public policy and governance processes.
Mr. Muhammad Arshad concluded the session by appreciating the contributions of all stakeholders and reaffirming the government’s commitment to youth investment and strengthening human rights institutions. He emphasized that the internship program would serve as a platform for developing informed young professionals who can contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in Pakistan. The event concluded with a shared commitment to the successful implementation of the program and the advancement of human rights education and youth empowerment nationwide.