Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

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

WCL Events


1. WAR CRIMES RESEARCH OFFICE PRESENTS: CRIMES OF WAR: WHAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW,
Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 12:30pm, 6th Floor Student Lounge
In 1999, the first edition of Crimes of War, a collection of essays and photographs intended to promote understanding of international humanitarian law among journalists, policymakers, and the general public, was published. The years since have seen the rise of the International Criminal Court, the emergence of a global “war on terror” and escalating humanitarian conflicts in Darfur and other regions. Please join us in welcoming the following leaders and contributors from the Crimes of War Project at a launch event celebrating the revised second edition of the book:
Anthony Dworkin: Executive Director of the Crimes of War Project
Roy Gutman: Founder and Board Chairman of the Crimes of War Project
Diane Orentlicher: WCL Professor and Contributor
This event is co-sponsored by the Crimes of War Project and the War Crimes Research Office at Washington College of Law for more information email warcrimes@wcl.american.edu.

2. IMMIGRANTS' RIGHTS COALITION PRESENTS VOICES FROM THE MARGINS: DISPLACEMENT NARRATIVES FROM AROUND THE WORLD,
Wednesday, November 14, 4:00-6:00pm, 6th Floor International Student Lounge
Around the world, individuals and entire populations are displaced from their homes and communities by conflict and natural disaster. Each displaced person has an experience that is at once her own and common with many others. Join the Refugee and Asylum Committee of the Immigrants’ Rights Coalition for an afternoon event highlighting individual refugee narratives and offering information on major displaced populations from around the world. During the first hour, three refugees will share their narratives with those in attendance in an informal discussion. In the second hour, attendees are invited to engage with representatives from major NGO’s to learn about six of the world’s major displaced populations. Food from each of the countries represented will be served. ***Part of Immigrants’ Rights Week 2007*** Sponsored by the Immigrants' Rights Coalition's Refugee and Asylum Committee. For additional information, please contact Lindsay Jenkins at lmj9d@yahoo.com or by calling 202-375-3708.

3. HUMAN RIGHTS HAPPY HOUR,
Wednesday, November 14, 5:00-6:00pm, 6th Floor JD Student Lounge
Meet great people interested in Human Rights! Join WCL students, faculty, and friends for food and coffee. Get the scoop on all upcoming opportunities to get involved in human rights as students, staff, and professors announce upcoming events. Everyone is welcome! The event is sponsored by Action for Human Rights and The Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. For more information contact Karen McCarthy at 914-714-4150 or email her at kamcc@gmail.com.

4. ***REGISTER NOW****PANEL DISCSUSSION ON TORTURE AROUND THE WORLD,
Thursday, November 15, 6:00-7:30pm (followed by a reception), AU Museum at the Katzen.
Join us for a panel discussion about the widespread persistence of torture around the world, despite the absolute prohibition of it in law. John Conroy, author of Unspeakable Acts, Ordinary People will be the keynote speaker on a panel moderated by WCL Professor Rick Wilson. Other panelists include Elizabeth Abi Mershed, the Principal Human Rights Specialist for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and Jumana Musa, Amnesty International USA Advocacy Director for Human Rights and International Justice, who will discuss modern dimensions of torture, its methods and its perpetrators, and their implications for both domestic and international rule of law. The event will take place in the gallery at Katzen. The discussion takes place against the backdrop of the first US exhibition (hosted by the American University Museum in the Katzen) of the complete series of Fernando Botero’s “Abu Ghraib” paintings and drawings. The exhibit is a strongly personal statement documenting Fernando Botero’s reaction to news accounts of the events that took place at Abu Ghraib prison in 2003 and 2004. For more information on the program, a detailed agenda and for registration fees and CLE Fees please contact the Office of Special Events & Continuing Legal Education at 202.274.4075 or email secle@wcl.american.edu

Community Events


1. TALKING WITH TEHRAN, Thursday, 15 November 2007, 6:30- 8:00 pm, Conference Center B1, 1800 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
What would happen if we opened up to Iran? Following a series of significant foreign policy confrontations between Iran and the United States, including September’s speaking tour by the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, many in the international circle have begun to reopen the debate over negotiation with Iran. This Foreign Policy Series discussion aims to shed light on the possible effects of a renewed dialogue with the Iranian government and how such an event might take place. At a time when Iran is largely viewed as America’s next foreign policy hurdle, regional experts Dr. Litwak (Director of International Security Studies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars),Dr. Parsi (Founder and President of the National Iranian-American Council), Ms. Slavin (SA Today Senior Diplomatic Reporter Author of "Bitter Friends, Bosom Enemies: Iran, the U.S. and the Twisted Path to Confrontation.”) and Ambassador John Limbert (former career Foreign Service Officer and currently Professor of Political Science at the Naval Academy and former Iran hostage) will stimulate a lively exchange of new foreign policy arguments and options and promise to broaden the international horizons of all who are able to attend. There will be a light reception and book signing following the discussion. Dr. Litwak, Dr. Parsi, and Ms. Slavin's new books will be available for purchase at the event. Members: $10 Non-Members:$15 Students/Interns: Free. Sign Up Now!

2. MILITARY PROGRESS IN IRAQ: VIEWS OF THE EXPERTS, Friday, November 16, 3:15-5:15pm, The George Washington University, Elliot School of International Affairs, 1957 E Street, NW, Harry Harding Auditorium, Suite 213.
The Elliot school of International Affairs in cooperation with GWU’s Security Policy Studies Program and Institutes Middle East Studies hosts a Security Policy Forum. Special guests will include:
Stephen Biddle : Knowns and Unknowns
Senior Fellow for Defense Policy, Council on Foreign Relations
Lawrence Korb: Sustainability Of The US Effort
Assistant Secretary of Defense, Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations and Logistics (1981-85)
Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
Nora Bensahel: Iraqi Security Forces
Senior Political Scientist, RAND Corporation
Christopher Kojm: Moderator
Deputy Executive Director of the 9/11 Commission; Senior Advisor to the Iraq Study Group
Professor of the Practice of International Affairs, The George Washington University

To RSVP, please email spf@gwu.edu

3. 20th ANNUAL FANNIE MAE FOUNDATION HELP THE HOMELESS WALKATHON, Saturday, November 17, 2007, 7:00am, Between 2nd and 14th Streets, N.W., on the National Mall, Washington, D.C.
The Fannie Mae Foundation Help the Homeless Program raises awareness of and funds for Washington metropolitan area organizations that are working to prevent and end homelessness, with an emphasis on programs that help homeless people return to independent living. The Help the Homeless Program also fosters volunteerism in service to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless. The Help The Homeless Walkathon was once a modest walk involving 150 people, but now has grown into the nation's largest fund-raising event benefiting the homeless. To receive the financial assistance (and, possibly a WCL t-shirt!) email jspichler@gmail.com so we can get our WCL group together. Pre-register online and designate Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless as your beneficiary organization and PRINT out your registration confirmation. For more info: www.helpthehomelessdc.org

4. WITNESS.ORG’S HUMAN RIGHTS VIDEO HUB PLUS 3 SHORT HUMAN RIGHTS FILMS, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007, 6:15 p.m., Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Films:    Bound by Promises: Contemporary Slavery in Rural Brazil
Dual Injustice: Feminicide and Torture in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua
Shoot on Sight: The Ongoing Military Junta Offensive Against Civilians in Eastern Burma
The Hub for human rights media and action. The Hub will be a grassroots-driven, participatory media website that will enable anyone anywhere in the world with access to the internet to upload, share, discuss and take action around human rights-related media and resources. Through the Hub, organizations, networks and groups around the world will be able to bring their human rights stories and campaigns to global attention. NomadsLand is proud to host a discussion with Chris Michael and feature Witness' admirable video productions in human rights awareness. Admission is $5.00. PLEASE RSVP HERE. For more informational call 202-387-7638.

Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities

 

1. THE CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW IS LOOKING FOR A DEAN'S FELLOW!! Applications due Monday, November 26, 2007 at 5:00p.m
The Center is looking for an enthusiastic student to take a high level of responsibility for the Center's exciting programming. The Dean's Fellow will provide support to our many fun events and interesting projects, assist with marketing Center events, manage the Center listserv, and help create innovate new programming. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the Center's substantive programs. Attention to detail, organizational skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, and proven interest in human rights issues are essential. Experience/skills in brochure/flyer design are a plus. A minimum commitment of 10 hour/week is required. To apply: send a cover letter, resume and short writing sample (max. 5 pages), to Amelia Parker at aparker@wcl.american.edu by Monday, November 26, 2007 at 5:00pm. Please indicate that you are applying for the Center's Dean's Fellow position in the subject line. For additional information, visit the Center's website at wclcenterforhr.org/deansfellow.cfm. PLEASE NOTE: Dean's Fellowship positions are open to full-time or part-time 2L, 3L, 4L and LLM Students - as well as part-time 1L students.

2. WAR CRIMES RESEARCH OFFICE (WCRO) SEEKS DEAN'S FELLOWS
Perform Legal Research Projects with the WCRO: The War Crimes Research Office is seeking Dean's Fellows for Spring 2008. JDs (2L and 3L) and LLM students are eligible to work on major legal research projects prepared exclusively for international criminal courts and tribunals on issues of critical importance to these institutions. Interested students with a background in public international law, particularly international criminal/humanitarian/human rights law, are especially encouraged to apply, as are those with prior volunteer experience at the WCRO. The time commitment will be a minimum of 20 hours a week. Please submit a resume, cover letter, short writing sample, and transcript (unofficial is fine) to Susana SaCouto, Director, War Crimes Research Office, by email at warcrimes@wcl.american.edu. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 16. PLEASE NOTE: Dean's Fellowship positions are open to full-time or part-time 2L, 3L, 4L and LLM students.

3. SUMMER LAW PROGRAM IN THE HAGUE SEEKS DEAN'S FELLOW
The WCRO seeks a Dean’s Fellow to provide administrative assistance to its Summer Law Program in The Hague. We are looking for a student to assist in developing course materials, marketing the program and undertaking administrative tasks. We value attention to detail, strong organizational skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office programs. Experience or interest in international law, program management and study abroad are all great assets. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience to Susana SáCouto, Director, War Crimes Research Office, by email at warcrimes@wcl.american.edu. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 16. PLEASE NOTE: Dean's Fellowship positions are open to full-time or part-time 2L, 3L, 4L and LLM students.

4. 2008 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT THE CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
Domestic Legal Program (4 positions-NYC): During the past 20 years, CRR attorneys have been counsel in virtually every major U.S. Supreme Court case about reproductive rights. The Domestic Legal Program represents women, physicians and reproductive health care facilities throughout the country in litigation designed to preserve and improve access to a full range of reproductive health services, including abortion, contraception and reproductive technologies. Our active litigation docket includes challenges to restrictions on abortions and other reproductive health care services, discriminatory or restrictive abortion funding policies, violations of free speech rights of pro-choice persons and organizations, and prosecutions of women for drug use during pregnancy. In addition to litigation, the Domestic Legal Program uses a range of advocacy strategies, including legislative and human rights strategies,to strengthen protections for reproductive health. The Summer Intern program is ten weeks long. Applicants are encouraged to obtain funding from law schools or other sources; limited funding is available from the Center.

International Legal Program (4 positions-NYC): The International Legal Program collaborates with women’s rights organizations and advocates around the world to promote and defend internationally recognized reproductive rights through a range of legal strategies and global initiatives. Currently, our programs can be found in Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa. Our activities include: international litigation to enforce reproductive rights norms in national, regional and international fora; developing advocacy tools and training materials to build the capacity and support the work of reproductive rights lawyers worldwide; monitoring and documenting violations of reproductive rights; and analyzing legal and policy developments relating to reproductive rights. The Summer Intern program is ten weeks long. Applicants are encouraged to obtain funding from law schools or other sources; limited funding is available from the Center.

Qualifications & Responsibilities: Law students are expected to have strong legal research and writing skills and a demonstrated interest in gender/women’s issues and reproductive rights. 2L’s, 3L’s and LL.M. students with prior knowledge of human rights law are strongly encouraged to apply. Non-legal internships are available on a limited basis.
Deadline: February 7th, 2008. However, applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
Please send a cover letter (stating your program of interest), resume, writing sample and contact information  or two references to:
Domestic Legal Program Intern Committee
Center for Reproductive Rights
120 Wall Street, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10005
Fax: 917-637-3666
E-mail: resumes@reprorights.org
(If you choose to e-mail your application, please include "Domestic Legal Program Intern" in the subject line)

5. 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.

6. 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 .

7. 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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