For over 25 years, the Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights  has educated and trained human rights lawyers, promoting and protecting human rights in the international arena. Established in 1979, the UMI serves as a model for many human rights programs.

The UMI emphasizes three areas: teaching, research and service. Students have the opportunity to participate in externships that can take them around the world-standing with human rights groups around the world fighting injustice; serving as election observers in South Africa; and working to strengthen women's rights in foreign countries.

At the core of the UMI's success is the Human Rights Quarterly, recognized as the leading academic journal in the human rights field. The Quarterly covers the range of human rights matters encompassed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Published by The Johns Hopkins Press, the Human Rights Quarterly is edited by the Institute's director.