Exploring International Law in Buenos Aires
For Hani Jawabrah, a third-year student at Rutgers Law School, international law is more than just an academic interest—it’s a means for citizens and civilians to have their voices heard in disputes between states. So when he discovered an internship opportunity through the Center for Transnational Law (CTL) that would allow him to work with a nonprofit organization in Buenos Aires, he jumped at the chance.
From July to August 2024, Jawabrah interned at Asociación Civil por la Igualdad y la Justicia, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening democracy and defending the rights of the most disadvantaged groups in Argentina. “I was eager to learn as much as I could from the experience,” he says. What he found when he arrived was a welcoming and collaborative work environment, where supervisors asked about his interests and tailored assignments to align with them.
One of Jawabrah’s main tasks was researching the Inter-American Human Rights System, and exploring ways the Argentinian government and legal organizations could apply international laws to address major issues. “One challenge we identified was that even when Argentinian courts could comply with certain international laws, the process was often slow and complex,” Jawabrah explains. “One potential solution I found was connecting with international civil society groups and legal organizations, and informing them about the standards set by the Inter-American Human Rights System. This way, they could integrate these standards into their funding strategies and action plans.”
Professor Jorge Contesse, founding director of CTL, said, “Law is a global phenomenon. Allowing our students to have exposure to other legal cultures is critical to making them better lawyers. That’s the goal of CTL summer internships.”
As Jawabrah looks ahead to life after graduation, he hopes to focus on international law. He says, “I'm from Palestine and the Middle East—the majority of my family lives in the West Bank." He adds that he would love for his work to help address critical issues in the region.
Regardless of where his career takes him, Jawabrah knows the lessons he learned in Buenos Aires will stay with him for years to come. “I discovered how well I can adapt to a new environment,” he reflects. On the one hand, he had never been to Buenos Aires before; at the same time, he was taking on a role where he was responsible for conducting research, producing results, and holding himself accountable in a legal setting.
Ultimately, Jawabrah offers strong encouragement for other students considering an international internship. “Anyone who has the chance to intern abroad through the Center for Transnational Law should absolutely do it,” he says. “I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and would highly recommend it.”