Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy (HRHP)

Human Rights & Humanitarian Policy Curriculum

The Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy concentration at SIPA prepares students for careers addressing human rights issues in both the public and the private sector. It includes two focus areas while maintaining a common core curriculum. The Human Rights Policy focus area prepares students for careers requiring knowledge of corporate social responsibility, genocide prevention, gender and globalization, or rights-based development policy. The Humanitarian Policy focus area leads to careers that might focus on the management of complex emergencies, early recovery, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, aid coordination, or resource mobilization.

Many students bring substantial experience to the program, enriching the classroom dynamics. Previous graduates have pursued various careers and now work in various government agencies, the United Nations and other international organizations, NGOs, corporations, community organizations, think tanks, and service organizations.

The concentration is designed to allow flexibility for students’ specialty within Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy. However, students may also choose to focus more generally on the fields of Human Rights or Humanitarian Policy.

Contact Us

Elazar Barkan, Professor of International and Public Affairs 
Concentration Director, Human Rights focus area
eb2302@columbia.edu
IAB room 830

Kristele Younes, Professor of International and Public Affairs 
Concentration Director, Humanitarian Policy focus area
ky2534@columbia.edu
IAB room 819

Sophie Holin
Concentration Coordinator, Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy
sh4526@columbia.edu