News

Apply for the Student Volunteer Program
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Volunteer opportunities for Summer 2026 are now open!
2026 Human Rights Essay Contest
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
ISHR is pleased to announce the 2026 Human Rights Essay Contest. The contest aims to encourage and acknowledge students who have written exceptional academic papers that address issues related to human rights. Cash prizes will be awarded to two graduate students and to two undergraduate students. Contest winners, along with other selected participants, may be invited to present their essay at an ISHR event.
ISHR Hosts Session on Student Volunteer Program
Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Past participants and hosts from ISHR’s Student Volunteer Program (SVP) spoke to current students about their experiences in mid November. Since 2011, alumni of the Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) at ISHR have been hosting Columbia human rights students at their organizations for eight weeks during the summer.

Alumni Highlight
Avner Gvaryahu
Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Avner Gvaryahu, Human Rights Studies M.A. ‘17, is the recipient of the 2025 New Israel Fund’s Human Rights Award, a recognition that highlights his courageous leadership and unwavering commitment to justice. This honor celebrates his years of dedicated advocacy and his powerful work amplifying the voices of those affected by the ongoing conflict, and his desires for peace. Read more about Avner’s professional and academic background below. 

ISHR hosted a talk with H.E. Ambassador Jürg Lauber, President of the UN Human Rights Council
Thursday, November 13, 2025

On Thursday, October 30th, the Institute for the Study of Human Rights hosted a conversation with H.E. Ambassador Jürg Lauber, President of the Human Rights Council and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations in Geneva. The talk was moderated by Human Rights M.A. student, Céline Pfister. Gergana Halpern, ISHR Deputy Director, gave introductory remarks. 

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