Human Rights Programs at Columbia
and Affiliate Schools

Columbia University has a unique international reputation in the study of human rights, earned through decades of highly respected training of human rights professionals, output of powerful and innovative research by faculty, and a commitment to service throughout the world.

The various Columbia programs included here are distinguished by the fact that their research and teaching are defined as addressing human rights issues and principles. These principles include that governments, other institutions, and individuals have moral and legal obligations to recognize, respect, and protect rights; that the protection of rights requires participatory social institutions; that international action can be effective to protect the rights of disadvantaged, marginalized and persecuted groups and individuals; and that all rights are undermined by poverty.

Descriptions of the programs are intended to aid comparisons between programs and to provide an overview of human rights offerings at Columbia. Please follow links to programs respective web sites for details and contact information.