Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Human Rights News & Events

WCL Events


1. ****TONIGHT**** SPECIAL SCREENING AND DISCUSSION OF, FRAGILE PEACE: REPORTS FROM SOUTHERN SUDAN,
Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 6:30pm, American University's Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Presented by: Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting

In partnership with: American University School of Communication, Washington College of Law Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, ENOUGH, Valentino Achak Deng Foundation, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Committee on Conscience

Moderated by: Jon Sawyer, Executive Director, Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting

Panelists:

Dave Eggers is the author of What Is the What, a novel focusing on the harrowing tale of real-life hero Valentino Achak Deng, a refugee from the Sudanese civil war of the 1980s and 1990s who joined the thousands of other ‘Lost Boys’ fleeing the conflict. Eggers also is founder of the quarterly literary journal McSweeney’s and the Voice of Witness series of oral histories.

For more on What Is the What, click here. For more on Dave Eggers, click here

Karim Chrobog is the founder of 18th Street Films, a Washington, D.C.-based film company dedicated to bringing compelling stories from around the world to international audiences. His forthcoming documentary War Child focuses on Emmanuel Jal, a former Sudanese child soldier who is an emerging hip-hop star with a message of peace for his battered homeland and beyond.

For more about the film War Child, click here.

Jen Marlowe, a filmmaker and Pulitzer Center-sponsored journalist, this summer accompanied three “Lost Boys” on their first return to the South Sudan villages they fled from nearly two decades ago. Her reporting with fellow Pulitzer Center journalist David Morse looks at connections between the conflict in South Sudan and other parts of Sudan, including Darfur, probing the larger questions of identity and ethnicity. Jen’s Sudan work includes the documentary Darfur Diaries: Message from Home, and the companion book Darfur Diaries: Stories of Survival.

For more on Jen Marlowe’s work in South Sudan, click here. For more on her Darfur work, click here. For more about the film Rebuilding Hope, click here.

To RSVP, contact jheath@pulitzercenter.org.

2. THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INTEREST AND THE OFFICE OF CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOMENT INVITE ALL STUDENTS TO JOIN US FOR PUBLIC INTEREST WEEK ACTIVITIES

Public Interest Reception and Information Session
Monday, November 5, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. in Room 528, Refresh and revive with coffee, dessert and a discussion of public interest student groups, resources and opportunities available at WCL. Meet and hear from public interest staff and student group leaders and learn the ins and outs of making the most of your experience at WCL.

Public Interest Careers Panel with WCL Alumni
Wednesday, November 7 at Noon in Room 601, Hear from alumni experts in the field about the broad range of options for practicing law in the public interest. Alumni representatives will discuss careers in civil and criminal legal services, policy advocacy, government, public interest law firms and more. Pizza lunch will be provided.

Finding and Funding Summer Public Interest Work
Thursday, November 8 at Noon in Room 524, A panel of students will discuss the dos and don’ts of finding meaningful work over the summer and getting paid to do it! A must-attend panel for any student seeking public interest work over the summer. Pizza lunch will be provided.

For more information contact Charlene Gomes, Public Interest Coordinator at cegomes@wcl.american.edu or stop by suite 122.

3. THE WOMEN AND THE LAW PROGRAM PRESENTS: GONZALES V. CARHART AND THE DEGRADATION OF ABORTION PROVISIONS IN THE U.S., Thursday, November 8th, 4:00- 5:30, Washington College of Law, Room 600
Please join the Women and the Law Program for a guest lecture by renowned sociologist Carole Joffe of the University of California Davis.Professor Joffe, author of numerous books and articles about the relationship of medicine and law to women’s health and reproductive rights, will address how the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Gonzales v. Carhart affects the everyday realities of abortion provision for women and their doctors. Registration is Free and Required. For more information and to register, please contact the Office of Special Events & Continuing Legal Education at secle@wcl.american.edu or at (202) 274 4075. For more information visit www.wcl.american.edu/secle\

4. THE POVERTY LAW SOCIETY PRESENTS A PANEL ON DC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT,
Tuesday, November 6, 12pm - 1:20pm, Location TBD
Join the Poverty Law Society for a discussion of one of the prominent poverty issues affecting the Washington, DC community - housing development.  For additional information, contact Shanti Martin at shantimartin@yahoo.com.

Community Events


1. REGISTER NOW FOR THE SEMINAR ON “USING INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL TO FIGHT FOR JUSTICE IN THE U.S,” Wednesday, October 31, 2007, Holiday Inn on the Hill, 415 NJ Ave., NW, Washington DC 20001
Please join us for a day of nuts-and-bolts instruction from international law experts and activists. You do not need to be a lawyer to get valuable information from the seminar, and non-lawyers receive a substantial discount. Please note that Ajamu Baraka of the US Human Rights Network is scheduled to be one of the presenters. Panelists: John Brittain, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Ajamu Baraka, US Human Rights Network; the Hon. Claudia Morcom (ret.), former Wayne County Michigan Circuit Court Judge; Lance Tapley, journalist for the Portland, Maine Phoenix; Ann Fagan Ginger, Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute; Curtis Cooper, National Lawyers Guild International Committee; Marjorie Cohn, President, National Lawyers Guild; Bruce Zagaris, Berliner Corcoran & Rowe, LLP. Registration fees postmarked by October 10, 2007 are $150 for lawyers, $for students, $80 for all others. Registration fees postmarked after 0ctober 10, 2007 are $175 for lawyers, $60 for students, $100 for all others. Make checks payable to "MCLI", P.O. Box 673, Berkeley, CA 94701-0673. Register now for better rates! More information is available on the NLG International Committee website: www.nlginternational.org/event/current.php#59

2. EIGHT ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS FILM SERIES IN CONJUNCTION WITH POINT OF VIEW (POV) INVITE YOU FOR A SCREENING OF SIERRA LEONE’S REFUGEE ALL STARS FOLLOWED BY A RECEPTION, Thursday. November 1, 5:30pm, Wechsler Theatre, 3rd floor, Mary Graydon Center
Like to go to the movies? This Fall, the Center, in conjunction with the AU Center for Social Media, the Center for Global Peace, the Kay Spiritual Life Center, and School of International Service will sponsor the Eighth Human Rights Film Series. The film series explores ways in which film and media can be used to promote and protect human rights. Films will be screened twice, first on Wednesdays at WCL and again on Thursday nights on AU Main Campus.  Out of respect for those breaking the Ramadan fast, light refreshments will be served at each screening. Each film will be followed by a discussion with a guest speaker from local NGOs and institutions. For more information contact the Center’s Program Coordinator, Amelia Parker, at humlaw@wcl.american.edu.  A complete list of films featured in this year’s film series is listed below or for additional information, please visit the Center’s website at www.wclcenterforhr.org.

SIERRA LEONE'S REFUGEE ALL-STARS (2005)

Join us to watch an inspiring story of survival and rebirth in the wake of the horrors of Sierra Leone’s Civil War, and a triumphant testament to the power of music. Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars is a SXSW 2006 Film Festival Winner. Following the screening will be a reception with P.O.V.’s Executive Director Simon Kilmurry and special friends from all over public broadcasting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of independent documentary films on public television. P.O.V. (Point of view) is television's longest-running showcase for independent non-fiction films. The screening will be held on AU Main Campus: Thursday, November 1, 5:30pm, Wechsler Theatre, 3rd floor, Mary Graydon Center. The reception will be held on AU Main Campus at the Butler Board room following the screening

SPECIAL EVENT!!!! HUMAN RIGHTS IN A TIME OF WAR: AN EVENING WITH GHOSTS OF ABU GHRAIB PRODUCER LIZ GARBUS!

Join us for a screening of the film Ghosts of Abu Ghraib and discussion with award-winning human rights film pioneer Liz Garbus as she shares her experiences and answers your questions about the making of this provocative film.  Ghosts of Abu Ghraib is a beyond-the-headlines look into the psychological and political contexts of the torture at Iraq’s infamous prison. An HBO Documentary, also featured at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.  There will be a one-time showing for this film.  This event takes place against the backdrop of Fernando Botero’s startlingly barbaric exhibit, Botero: Abu Ghraib. The screening will be held at Katzen Arts Center: Thursday, November 8, 5:30 pm.

3. FILM SCREENING AND PRESENTATION - CRIMINAL INJUSTICE: THE CASE OF THE JENA 6, Friday, November 2, 7:30pm, Georgetown University Law Center, Room McDonough 206, 600 New Jersey Avenue, Washington D.C
The screening of Criminal Injustice: The Case of the Jena 6 is courtesy of Big Noise. Following the film will be a presentation by King Downing who is an attorney/organizer that has worked closely with the Jena 6 families. The event is hosted by Kerry McLean (a board member of the National Lawyers Guild) and is a part of the National Lawyers Guild 70th anniversary convention www.nlg.org/convention/. Please bring an identification card to enter the building. For more information contact Kerry McLean at kerrymclean@gmail.com.

4. RALLY IN SUPPORT OF PAID AND SICK AND SAFE DAYS, Tuesday, November 6, 8:30a.m., Outside the D.C Council Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, (near the Federal Triangle and Metro Center metro stops)
Currently, half of all private sector workers don't have paid sick days.  So when they're sick, they have to decide whether to stay home and lose pay -- or possibly lose their jobs -- or go to work when they're sick.  The D.C. Council is going to vote this year on whether to pass a law so that D.C. workers can earn paid time off when they or a family member are sick.  We want to make sure the law includes ALL workers, that full-time workers can earn 10 days per year, and that workers can begin using that paid time off after 60-90 days on the job. PLEASE COME OUT TO THE RALLY, and stay for the vote if you can. For more information, contact Sam at (202) 828-9675 x24 or email sblack@dcejc.org. For more information visit www.dcejc.org.

Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities

 

1. UNITED NATIONS - A CHALLENGING INTERNATIONAL CAREER. Applications must be received by Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The United Nations Secretariat is seeking highly qualified individuals for employment as junior professional officers (P-2 level). For this purpose, a competitive examination will be held on 26 February 2008 in the following disciplines: Environmental Specialists, Finance, Human Rights, Information Technology, Political Affairs, Program Evaluators and Statistics. In order to qualify for the examination, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Be a national of one of the countries listed above;
  2. Be no more than 32 years old as of 31 December 2008 (born on or after January 1, 1976);
  3. Have at least a first-level university degree relevant to the occupational group to which they apply; and
  4. Be fluent in either English or French, the two working languages of the Secretariat. Knowledge of additional languages of the U.N. (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is an advantage.

Applications must be received by October 31, 2007 (acceptable by email, fax or mail). Detailed information about tested disciplines and the application process, as well as the application forms, can be found at www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/examin/exam.htm.

2. AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION (ACLU) INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY, Submissions must be postmarked by November 1, 2007
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) seeks highly motivated first and second year law students for summer internship positions in its Racial Justice Program (“RJP”). RJP aims to preserve and extend constitutionally guaranteed and other rights to segments of the population that historically have been denied those rights on the basis of race, ethnicity or national origin. Interns will work with an experienced team of racial justice lawyers in the ACLU’s National Office in New York City on a broad range of racial justice issues, particularly in the areas of criminal justice and education.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Interns assist in all aspects of litigation, including legal research, factual investigation, and the drafting of memoranda, affidavits, and briefs. The duration of the RJP summer internships is 10-12 weeks. Students who wish to split their internship with another organization will be considered at RJP’s discretion.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: First- and second-year law students are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to racial justice issues, civil rights, and civil liberties. They should be self-motivated, articulate and capable of complex legal analytical work. Excellent legal research and writing skills are essential. Experience conducting factual research is also beneficial.
COMPENSATION: Students are highly encouraged to seek public interest fellowships or other funding for the internship. Arrangements also can be made with the student’s law school for work/study stipends. In the event that a student is unable to secure alternative funding, RJP will provide a modest stipend.
HOW TO APPLY: Applications should be postmarked no later than November 1, 2007, for 2Ls, and no later than January 15, 2008, for 1Ls. Applications should include a cover letter; a resume; two letters of recommendation; and a writing sample. Applications should be sent to:
Melissa Francisco
ATTN: 2008 Summer Internship Program
Racial Justice Program
ACLU Foundation
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004

3. SUMMER 2008 REFUGEE WOMENS RIGHTS LAW CLERK POSITIONS. Send in applications now! The Center for Gender and Refugee Studies (CGRS), one of the nations leading refugee advocacy organizations, is seeking full- time Judith Stronach Womens Rights Fellows for Summer 2008. The Center, which is based at UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, works to advance womens human rights by focusing on gender-based asylum and broader migration and refugee policies, both in the U.S. and internationally. The law clerks will be involved in the full range of CGRSs work, including research and writing on key legal issues, appellate advocacy, the development of detailed country conditions information, the preparation of expert witness affidavits, and national policy work. Experience or background in immigration or asylum law is required. Experience with related areas, such as international human rights law should be mentioned. Spanish language desirable, but not required. Position runs from June 2 to August 8, 2008. Please indicate eligibility for work study, as well as your prospects for securing external funding. For more information on CGRS visit http://cgrs.uchastings.edu/.  All applications must be received by November 16, 2007.  Interested applicants should mail or fax a cover letter and resume to:
Diana Rodriguez
CGRS Summer Law Clerk Position
UC Hastings College of the Law
200 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Fax: 415/581-8824
The cover letter should include how the applicants background is relevant to an organization committed to diversity in all respects. CGRS is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified persons including people of color, women, lesbians and gay men, are encouraged to apply.

4. OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE LEGAL INTERN POSITION. Send in applications now!
The OSI Washington office seeks to hire a Legal Intern to work on United States civil liberties issues and immigration policy. Specifically, the qualified applicant shall research and prepare reports on civil liberties and immigration policy issues with particular attention to human rights and national security. The Legal Intern will work under the supervision of the Senior Policy Analyst for Civil Liberties and Immigration Policy, and his or her duties will include: (1) Performing legal research (including LexisNexis and other research tools); (2) Drafting legal memoranda, background papers, and other advocacy materials; and (3) Attending hearings or meetings and drafting summaries and analysis. For additional information about OSI, please visit www.soros.org.  Apply Immediately.  Interested applicants should mail or fax a cover letter and resume to:
Lynthia Gibson-Price
Administrator
Open Society Institute- Washington Office
1120 19th Street, N.W., 8th Floor
Re: Human Resources
Fax to: (202) 530-0128; or e-mail: osidcresume@osi-dc.org .

5. SUMMER PUBLIC INTERNSHIP AT THE CENTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
The Ella Baker Summer Fellowship Program, is a project of the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), a non-profit legal and educational organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Students work with teams of lawyers on various legal issues, doing legal/factual research and writing on active CCR cases. They also work with the Education and Outreach Department on CCR’s various campaigns and produce documents for public distribution. To apply please send in the following: resume, list of three references, a brief legal writing sample and a cover letter that explains why you would like to work for social change in general and for CCR in particular, any experience you might have in community organizing or in movements for social change, and your interests and skills. 

        Timeline For 2L’s

  • November 23rd- All 2Ls should send an electronic version of application materials to ellabaker2008@ccr-ny.org by this date.
  • November 26th - December 14th- Interviews for 2Ls will be held.
  • December 21st- Final decisions for 2L candidates will be made by this date.


        Timeline For 1L’s

  • January 18th- All 1L applicants should send an electronic version of application materials to ellabaker2008@ccr-ny.org by this date.
  • January 28th - February 8th- Interviews for 1Ls will be held. Please note that the bulk    of available internships will be given to 2L students. We will conduct very limited interviews of 1L candidates.
  • February 15th- Final decisions for 1L applicants will be made by this date.

CCR annually offers two funded fellowships for law students under the Ella Baker Summer Internship Program but other funding may be available for law students who are unable to secure funding on their own. For more information about CCR, please see our website: http://www.ccrjustice.org. If you have any questions please contact An-Tuan Williams, Education and Outreach Assistant, at:
Center for Constitutional Rights
666 Broadway, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-614-6466
Fax (212)614-6422
E-mail: AWilliams@ccr-ny.org

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NOTE: If you would like to submit a human rights-related event or announcement to the Center’s listserv, please send an email to humlaw@wcl.american.edu.

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the Center’s listserv, please follow instructions at: http://roster.wcl.american.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=chrhlupdate&A=1.

The Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law compiles a newsletter at the start of each semester and distributes it to all students, faculty and staff as a resource for upcoming human rights events and opportunities at WCL. We hope you find it useful and look forward to seeing you at the many events that the Center and other offices and student groups have planned throughout the Fall. To access the Fall 2007 newsletter, please visit the following site: http://www.wcl.american.edu/humright/center/newsletter/fall07_newsletter.cfm

 

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