Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Human Rights News & Events
- WCL Events
- Tonight at 5pm: Immigrants’ Rights Coalition Introductory Meeting, Wednesday, September 10, 5pm, Rm. 401
- Tomorrow: Munching on Human Rights Lecture Series Kickoff: “An Introduction to Human Rights Law and the Treaty Reporting Process," Thursday, September 11, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 100
- Join the Festivities for WCL's International Week, September 11th - 19th, 2008
- Countering Terrorism through Domestic and International Sanctions Listing: A Rule of Law Perspective, Monday, September 15, 9:30am - 5:30pm, Rm. 603 (International Week Event)
- Student Activists for KatrinaRita Survivors (SAKS) Informational Meeting, Tuesday, September 16, 12pm - 12:50pm, Room 526; and Wednesday, September 17, 5pm - 5:50pm, Rm. 527
- Nuts and Bolts of Human Rights Work: War Stories (and More) From The Field, Wednesday, September 17, 12pm - 1:20pm, 6th Floor JD Student Lounge (International Week Event)
- Justice, Gender and Sexuality in Latin America, Wednesday, September 17, 2pm - 3pm, 6th Floor International Student Lounge (International Week Event)
- Study Abroad and Summer Session Fair, Wednesday, September 17, 4:00 - 6:00 pm, 6th Floor Student Lounges (International Week Event)
- OXFAM Hunger Banquet: Trade and Investment in Foodstuffs During a Global Crisis, Thursday, September 18, 12pm - 1pm, 6th Floor Student Lounges (International Week Event)
- “Contemporary International Law: Empire of Law or the Law of Empire?” 2nd Annual ILSP Lecture on International law, Thursday, September 18, 5:30pm, 6th Floor International Student Lounges (International Week Event)
- Looking Past Guantanamo: Are New Concepts Needed for Terrorist-Related Detentions?, Friday, September 19, 9:30am - 4:00pm Room 603 (International Week Event)
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Community Events
* Note: Community events often change. Please check with the sponsoring organization before attending* - “Rebuilding Hope” A Work in Progress Screening, Wednesday, September 10, 6:30 pm (doors open at 6pm), Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW
- Washington Council of Lawyers: “Up on the Roof” Evening Social, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6pm, Goodwin Procter LLP, 901 New York Avenue, NW.
- Human Rights Defenders in Colombia: Forgotten in the Jungle- Victims of Colombia’s War, Monday, September 15, 12pm - 1:15pm, American University Kay Spiritual Life Center, Lower Level in the Kay Lounge (main campus)
- Charting New Paths to Achieve Gender Equality in Education: EQUATE Final Event and Reception,Tuesday, September 23rd, 2:00 - 4:30 pm, Resources for the Future Conference Center, 1400 Sixteenth Street NW
- Mix and Mingle While Supporting DASH (District Alliance for Safe Housing) to Increase Safe Housing for Victims of Domestic Violence in DC, Tuesday, September 23, 6pm, K Street Lounge, 1301 K Street, NW
- Save the Date: National Training Institute on Civil Remedies for Human Trafficking Victims, Thursday-Friday, October 2-3, 8:00am-4:30pm/8:00am-5:00pm, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20004
- Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities
- (Deadline Extended) The Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law is Looking for a Few Good Dean’s Fellows
- Reminder: Applications for Human Rights Brief Junior Staff Due TODAY at 5pm!
- 2008 Equal Justice Works Conference & Career Fair!!
- Attention 3L’s: Postgraduate Public Interest FELLOWSHIP deadlines approaching!
- Represent WCL at the 2009 Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition!
- Volunteers Needed to Help Organize the 14th Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition
- The Academy of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Seeks Volunteers
- National Institute of Military Justice Seeks Deans Fellows
- Impact Litigation Project Seeks Deans Fellows
- Impact Litigation Project Seeks Volunteers
- Academy Seeks Part-Time Assistant on Human Rights Legal Education Project
- Oxford Law Online Is Seeking Volunteer Students to Write and Edit the Initial Case Briefs of the Inter-American Court
- Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center Seeks Volunteers
- DC Jail Advocacy Services Seeks SOROS Fellows
- Georgetown University Law Center Seeks Applicants for the Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program and Leadership
- Take Part in the American University Alternative Winter Break to Guatemala
- Make a Difference for Foster Kids with Educational Disabilities
- Ayuda Seeks Immigration Interns
- Internship with American Society of International Law
WCL Events
1. TONIGHT AT 5PM: IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS COALITION INTRODUCTORY MEETING
Wednesday, September 10, 5pm, Room 401
The WCL Immigrants' Rights Coalition (IRC) is a student organization dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of immigrants. We organize several events each semester including community service opportunities, experiential learning projects, and lunchtime discussions with legal practitioners and representatives from the immigrants' rights advocacy community. Our organization is currently composed of five Committees: Policy Advocacy, Detention, Refugee & Asylum, Labor & Trafficking and Domestic Violence Outreach. IRC is open to new projects and Committees contingent on student initiation and participation. Additionally, we are looking for a group of energetic 1L students to apply for Vice-Chair positions in each of our five Committees. Each Committee will have 2-3 Vice-Chair positions for the fall and spring semesters. Vice-Chairs will be responsible for helping to organize Committee meetings and events, and for providing general support to Committee Chairs. No experience is necessary and students may apply for more than one Vice-Chair position if they wish. Interested students should email a short statement of interest to: irc.cochairs@gmail.com. We encourage possible Vice-Chair applicants to attend one of our introductory meetings, and we will discuss more of the duties and responsibilities of this position at the meetings. We hope to see you there!
2. TOMORROW: MUNCHING ON HUMAN RIGHTS LECTURE SERIES KICKOFF: “AN INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS LAW AND THE TREATY REPORTING PROCESS”
Thursday, September 11, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 100
The popular Munching on Human Rights lecture series kicks off with a lecture by the Center’s Executive Director, Hadar Harris, who will provide an “An Introduction to Human Rights Law and the Treaty Reporting Process.” This series is an introductory program designed particularly for 1Ls who are looking to get a “taste” of international human rights and humanitarian law during their first year of study. Lectures will be held once a month and pizza will be served so bring your questions and your appetite! All students are welcome. Visit http://www.WCLCenterforHR.org for more information and future discussion topics.
3. JOIN THE FESTIVITIES FOR WCL'S INTERNATIONAL WEEK,
September 11th - 19th, 2008
Faculty, students, staff, and other members of the WCL community are invited to partake in its series of weeklong events. The goal is to promote awareness of international law in an attempt to better understand what it means to live in an international community. International Week highlights all of WCL's international programs, promotes awareness of international law and celebrates the school's cultural diversity. Events include the Annual Embassy Reception, Conference on International Law, Soccer Competition, as well as lectures, panels, luncheons and socials - all hosted by various offices within WCL. The entire WCL community is invited to attend the events. A description of a select few events are included below. For the full schedule of events, but please check this website for updates: http://www.wcl.american.edu/ilsp/llm_international_wk.cfm.
4. COUNTERING TERRORISM THROUGH DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS LISTING: A RULE OF LAW PERSPECTIVE
Monday, September 15, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, Room 603 (International Week Event)
One of the most important tools of the international community in the fight against terrorism is the application
of targeted sanctions measures against individuals and entities that are thought to be terrorists or supporting
terrorist groups or activities. The UN Security Council's 1267 Sanctions Committee, for example, manages a list
of almost 500 entries related to the Taliban or Al-Qaida. The targets are subject to sanctions measures such as
asset freezes and travel bans by all United Nations Member States. The United States has its own domestic
system of designating terrorist individuals and organizations and blocking their property and transactions.
Other countries, as well as the European Union, have similar regimes in place to designate terrorists and
terrorist organizations and to place restrictions upon them. While the legal basis for such counter-terrorism
sanctions regimes varies from one case to another, they share one commonality, which also represents an
important challenge. These sanctions are usually administered outside the realm of criminal law and its
standards of due process, despite the severity of the sanctions imposed against those concerned. In addition,
there is limited recourse, if any, to have such listing decisions reviewed by independent tribunals. In many
countries, governments, courts and legal practitioners have strived to reconcile the requirements of effective
sanctions regimes with the requirements of human rights and the rule of law. The implementation of targeted
sanctions against designated terrorists goes to the core of the difficult balancing act of preserving both collective
security and individual rights. Legal actions in several jurisdictions around the world show that many questions
are still unanswered. Co-sponsored by American University Washington College of Law and the Embassy of Liechtenstein. CLE Accreditation in VA, PA, and NY other states can be applied to by Washington College of Law upon request. A $35 registration fee will be applied for CLE credit. To register for this event please click here: http://www.wcl.american.edu/secle/registration.cfm.
5. STUDENT ACTIVISTS FOR KATRINA/RITA SURVIVORS (SAKS) INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Tuesday, September 16, 12pm - 12:50pm, Room 526; and
Wednesday, September 17, 5pm - 5:50pm, Room 527
Were you a volunteer on the Gulf following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita? Or have you heard the horror stories coming out of the Gulf and wished you could help? Now’s your chance. Join in solidarity with SAKS - Students Activists for KatrinaRita Survivors and help bring attention and support to the Diaspora of Hurricane survivors still hoping to go home and rebuild. SAKS is a new student group at WCL that works to highlight the ongoing human rights abuses being suffered on the Gulf Coast by survivors of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, Gustav and now Ike. Although three years have passed since the hurricanes of 2005, reconstruction of the Gulf Coast and the return of displaced residents has progressed at a snail’s pace. Thousands of habitable public housing units have been demolished while tens of thousands of displaced Gulf Coast residents remain dispersed throughout the country, hoping for the day they can return home and rebuild their lives. Many of those who have returned don’t have access to health care and other basic services - many are homeless or continue to occupy toxic trailers or other substandard housing due to the drastic decline in available and affordable rental properties. Rental prices have almost doubled in the last 3 years and funds targeted for the reconstruction and rebuilding of neighborhoods have been diverted to casinos, ports and other private business interests. We must join in solidarity with our Gulf Coast family to ensure those displaced are able to return home. If you are interested in joining SAKS or simply volunteering some of your time, please join us on either Tuesday at 12pm or Wednesday at 5pm to discuss opportunities for involvement. Questions - email Eric Leveridge at emleveridge@gmail.com.
6. NUTS AND BOLTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS WORK: WAR STORIES (AND MORE) FROM THE FIELD
Wednesday, September 17, 12pm - 1:20pm, 6th Floor JD Student Lounge (International Week Event)
Join the Center for a lively discussion of the realities of doing human rights work abroad. This event is intended to give students a look at the good, the bad and the ugly sides of human rights work with stories that are sure to entertain. This event is part of International Week. For additional information, please contact the Center at 202-274-4180 or by email at humlaw@wcl.american.edu. Lunch will be served.
7. JUSTICE, GENDER AND SEXUALITY IN LATIN AMERICA
Wednesday, September 17, 2-3pm, 6th Floor International Student Lounge (International Week Event)
Please join us for a discussion on the very first published casebook on gender and sexuality in Latin America and learn how cases involving domestic violence, reproductive rights, citizenship and sexuality have evolved in the Latin American legal context. The event will feature Macarena Saez, International Programs Coordinator at Washington College of Law and Coordinator for the ALAS Network of Latin American Scholars and Andrea Souza, Humphrey Fellow, Washington College of Law.
For more information and to RSVP email wilp@wcl.american.edu. Refreshments will be served.
8. STUDY ABROAD AND SUMMER SESSION FAIR
Wednesday, September 17, 4-6pm, 6th Floor Student Lounges (International Week Event)
Join WCL Faculty and Staff for an information fair on the wonderful opportunities available to WCL students. Representatives from Semester Exchange, International Dual Degrees, the Summer Law Programs abroad (Turkey, Chile, Europe, and the Hague), the Summer Sessions in DC (Human Rights, Arbitration, Environment, and Health Law), International Externships, Financial Aid, and the Registrar will be on hand to answer questions and give you information on these programs. WCL has opportunities in over 20 countries and in many topics (including human rights) during either the academic year or summer. We look forward to seeing you at the fair to enjoy some international treats and to learn more about what you can do at WCL. For additional information, contact Hilary Lappin, International Exchange Coordinator at hlappin@wcl.american.edu or (202) 274-4317 or visit http://www.wcl.american.edu/studyabroad/.
9. OXFAM HUNGER BANQUET: TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN FOODSTUFFS DURING A GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS
Thursday, September 18, 12-1pm, 6th Floor Student Lounges (International Week Event)
Please join the AU Washington College of Law, the International Trade Law Society, the Sustainable Development Law and Policy Publication, and the International Legals Studies Program, in a hunger banquet discussion - The Global Food Crisis Policy Problems and Prescriptions: International Trade and Investment in for Foodstuffs. Speakers include: Gawain Kripke, Director of Policy & Research for Oxfam America; and Swaminathan S. Aiyar, Economist, Research Fellow at the Cato Institute for India and Asia & former World Bank consultant. For additional information, contact Michael Lore, President, International Trade Law Society, at michael.lore@hotmail.com.
10. “CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL LAW: EMPIRE OF LAW OR THE LAW OF EMPIRE?"
2nd Annual ILSP Lecture on International Law,
Thursday, September 18, 5:30pm, 6th Floor International Student Lounges (International Week Event)
Please join the International Legal Studies Program for its 2nd annual lecture on international law, discussing "Contemporary International Law: Empire of Law or the Law of Empire" and featuring
Professor Jose E. Alvarez, Hamilton Fish Professor of International Law and Diplomacy and Executive Director of the Center on Global Legal Problems at Columbia University.
For additional information and to RSVP, email ilsp_reservations@wcl.american.edu or call 202 274 4170.
11. LOOKING PAST GUANTANAMO: ARE NEW CONCEPTS NEEDED FOR TERRORIST-RELATED DETENTIONS?
Friday, September 19, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm, Room 603 (International Week Event)
The next conversation in global counter-terrorism will consider the long-term future of terrorist-related detentions. The resolution of this conversation will depend on chosen model to govern the detention. Many lawyers have argued that the United States and its allies are at war with terrorists under the laws of armed conflict. Yet others counter that terrorism is fundamentally a domestic criminal offense and should be prosecuted under the law enforcement paradigm. While substantial efforts have been made to resolve these and related disagreements by making procedural alterations in the military commissions or the proposed National Security Court, many critics argue that these modifications are unable to overcome the very same conceptual challenges that justify the changes. After more than six years of discussion, this issue remains unresolved within the legal community. This conference advances that conversation by asking whether the law enforcement and international humanitarian law models are able to theoretically address the unique characteristics of international terrorism or whether new concepts are needed. CLE Accreditation in VA, PA, and NY other states can be applied to by Washington College of Law upon request. A $55 registration fee will be applied for CLE credit. To register for this event please click here: http://www.wcl.american.edu/secle/registration.cfm. Cosponsored by Washington College of Law, the National Institute of Military Justice and the Federalist Society, and in cooperation with the ABA Section of International Law National Security Committee.
Community Events
1. “REBUILDING HOPE” A WORK IN PROGRESS SCREENING
Wednesday, September 10, 6:30 PM (doors open 6PM)Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street NW
Gabriel Bol Deng, Koor Garang and Garang Mayuol were born in Akon in South Sudan. They were forced to flee in 1987, as young children, when militiamen led violent attacks on their villages. They crossed Southern Sudan on foot, surviving disease and paralyzing hunger to reach safety in a refugee camp in Ethiopia and then Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. They came to the US in 2001 as part of a large number of Southern Sudanese young men nicknamed "Lost Boys". In May-July 2007, accompanied by filmmaker Jen Marlowe and journalist David Morse, Gabriel Bol, Koor and Garang returned to Sudan in search of their families and to help their community with the education and skills they have gained in Kakuma refugee camp and in the US. "Rebuilding Hope" documents Gabriel Bol, Koor and Garang in their quest to find surviving family-members and rediscover and contribute to their homeland; it also sheds light on what the future holds for South Sudan in its struggle for peace, development and stability.Filmmaker Jen Marlowe will be present to answer questions, discuss the process of making the film, and talk about the current situation in Sudan. She will be introduced by Pulitzer Center staff. Donations accepted, and all donations will go towards completing this documentary film. Once completed, all proceeds from the film will go towards health care and education projects in South Sudan. For more information, please see the Rebuilding Hope website: http://www.rebuildinghopesudan.org/index.html.
2. WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF LAWYERS: “UP ON THE ROOF” EVENING SOCIAL
Wednesday, September 10, 6pm, Goodwin Procter LLP, 901 New York Ave NW
Please join us at the Washington Council of Lawyers "Up on the Roof" evening social at 6pm on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Goodwin Procter LLP is hosting the event at 901 New York Avenue, NW. The Council is DC's volunteer public interest/pro bono bar association. We facilitate attorney skills training programs, recognize extraordinary pro bono/public interest contributions from local attorneys and others, run a mentorship program for junior public interest attorneys, and much more. Washington has one of the largest and most diverse public interest advocacy communities in the world. The Council is delighted to offer this opportunity next week to have some fun and network with your peers and colleagues in a relaxed setting. Please RSVP here: https://web.memberclicks.com/mc/quickForm/viewForm.do?orgId=wcl&formId=48519.
3. HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN COLOMBIA: FORGOTTEN IN THE JUNGLE - VICTIMS OF COLOMBIA’S WAR
Monday, September 15, 12-1:15pm, AU Kay Spiritual Life Center, Lower Level in the Kay Lounge (AU Main Campus)
(Pizza will be provided!)
Please join the AU community and all those interested in Colombia for this very special event with guest speakers Consuel González de Perdomo, recently released FARC hostage, and Gustavo Moncayo, avid activist for a humanitarian accord and father of a current hostage.
Our guests will discuss concern for the estimated remaining 14,233 hostages held by Colombia’s illegal armed actors, the struggles of the victims’ families, and how we can all be part of helping to attain a humanitarian accord to secure the hostages’ release, and a path towards peace in Colombia.
Gustavo Moncayo led a walk of approximately 600 miles through Colombia to promote the “humanitarian accord” to secure the release of the many persons held by the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), including his son Pablo Emilio. Pabo, a member of Colombia’s National Police who was taken prisoner in 1997 by the FARC and remains in captivity today. Consuelo González de Perdomo has devoted her entire life to political and social work serving in office at the local, regional, and national levels. While a member of Congress she was kidnapped by the FARC and for over 6 years she was part of a group of hostages who the guerrillas proposed to release in the “humanitarian accord.” She was released on January 10, 2008 and expresses that she will not be free until all those who continue to suffer the tragedy of kidnapping have returned to their homes. RSVP to KSLC@american.edu.
4. CHARTING NEW PATHS TO ACHIEVE GENDER EQUALITY IN EDUCATION: EQUATE FINAL EVENT AND RECEPTION
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2:00 - 4:30 pm, 1400 Sixteenth Street NW
What does it take to achieve gender equality in education to move beyond parity, beyond a singular focus on girls, and beyond the school doors? The EQUATE* project is pleased to invite you to a discussion about new directions in achieving gender equality in education. On Tuesday, September 23rd, a distinguished panel will discuss practical and innovative approaches for achieving gender equality, from the classroom level to the policy level. Panelists will also discuss masculinities and femininities in education, address critical challenges, and offer their insights for future planning. Please RSVP in advance as space is limited. Please RSVP for this event by registering online at http://www.glp.net/web/genderandeducation/registration by Thursday, September 18th.
5. MIX AND MINGLE WHILE SUPPORTING DASH (DISTRICT ALLIANCE FOR SAFE HOUSING) TO INCREASE SAFE HOUSING FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN DC
Tuesday, September 23, 6pm, K Street Lounge, 1301 K Street, NW
DASH is addressing the overwhelming lack of housing and social services for victims of domestic violence and their children in the District by providing safety and necessary resources. DASH provides access, safety, and acceptance to victims of domestic violence by providing a "low barrier" housing program that accommodates victims regardless of disability, chemical addiction, immigration status or sexual orientation. Admission: $10 minimum donation towards the work of DASH. Cash and checks will be accepted. All proceeds from this event will be donated to DASH, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Cash bar. Light appetizers will be served. Learn more about DASH by visiting its website, www.dashdc.org.
6. SAVE THE DATE: NATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE ON CIVIL REMEDIES FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS
Thursday-Friday, October 2-3, 8:00am-4:30pm/8:00am-5:00pm, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20004
This Institute will provide civil attorneys with the information and resources they need to represent adult and child victims of human trafficking in civil matters. Day One of the Institute provides an overview of the crime of human trafficking and its impact on victims. Day Two of the Institute focuses on the development of litigation skills and strategies. Pro Bono attorneys are encouraged to attend. General registration fee: $175. Non-profit Staff Attorney Registration Fee: $75. Limited stipends for partial reimbursements are available courtesy of LexisNexis. If you would like to apply for a stipend, please contact Amanda Kloer at kloera@staff.abanet.org with a brief statement of need and proof of tax exempt status. Limit one applicant per organization. Deadline for stipend applications 8/29/08. For more information, please contact Amanda Kloer, Project Coordinator at kloera@staff.abanet.org or call (202) 662-1697.
Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities
1. THE CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD DEAN'S FELLOWS
This is a great time to get involved with the Center for Human Rights. This fall, we are looking for several Dean's fellows to assist in the Center's exciting new initiatives. 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.
(DEADLINE EXTENDED) Project on International Humanitarian Law 20 Hour/Week Dean's Fellowship (in conjunction with the ICRC): Support the work of the Center and the ICRC in expanding and improving the teaching of International Humanitarian Law at law schools both here in the United States and abroad. To apply: send a cover letter, resume and short writing sample (max. 5 pages), to Hadar Harris at hharris@wcl.american.edu by Wednesday, September 17. Please indicate that you are applying for a Center IHL Dean's Fellow position in the subject line.
(DEADLINE EXTENDED) Center’s New Human Trafficking and Forced Labor Project 10 Hour/Week Dean’s Fellowship: We are seeking a 2L, 3L or graduate student with a background in human, labor, women and/or migrant's rights and who is an enthusiastic self- starter, has excellent research and writing skills and is able to multitask. The Fellow will work closely with the Director but will have responsibilities for discrete projects as well as support the Director. The Program will focus on the U.S., Mexico and Central America so fluent Spanish is preferred. To apply: send a cover letter, resume and short writing sample (max. 5 pages), to Hadar Harris at hharris@wcl.american.edu by Wednesday, September 17. Please indicate that you are applying for a Center Human Trafficking Dean's Fellow position in the subject line.
2. REMINDER: APPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS BRIEF JUNIOR STAFF DUE TODAY AT 5PM!
The Brief seeks applications for junior staff positions. All 1L, 2L, 3L, and 4L J.D. students may apply for junior staff positions, including those who have never served on the HRB. L.L.M. students who will attend WCL for the entire 2008-2009 academic year are also eligible to serve as junior staff members. The application consists of a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and editing exercise. Applicants need not have any prior experience working on a publication or work in the human rights field. Applications are due September 10 at 5pm. Please direct all questions to Adrián Alvarez & Kay Marshall, Co-Editors-in-Chief, 2008-2009, chief_hrb@wcl.american.edu.
Junior Articles Editors:
The HRB accepts approximately ten Articles Editors each academic year. Articles Editors assist Senior Articles Editors throughout the editing process. Specifically, they are responsible for Bluebooking, fact-checking, cite checking, and completion of final edits for the articles. Article Editors edit between two and four articles per issue, and have the opportunity to submit articles for publication.
Junior Staff Writer:
The HRB hires between twelve and fifteen Staff Writers each academic year. The Staff Writers are responsible for authoring columns published in each issues (e.g., United Nations, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Inter-American System, European System, International Courts, Legislative Update, NGO Update, Center Update, Alumni Profile, and Book Reviews). Staff Writers choose the topics they will write on for their particular column or develop topics assigned by the Senior Staff, depending on staff needs.
3. 2008 EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS CONFERENCE & CAREER FAIR!!
The 2008 EJW Career Fair will be held on October 10th & 11th at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. Student registration is now open. Please go to the EJW website, www.equaljusticeworks.org to register.
4. ATTENTION 3L’S! POSTGRADUATE PUBLIC INTEREST FELLOWSHIP DEADLINES APPROACHING!
Skadden Fellowship Workshop: Wednesday, September 24, 12pm - 1:20 pm, Room 445
Interested in pursuing a postgraduate public interest fellowship opportunity? Visit www.pslawnet.org for a comprehensive listing of fellowship opportunities and deadlines. Some big deadlines are just around the corner:
- Equal Justice Works: September 16th, application and information available at www.equajusticeworks.org.
- Skadden: October 6th, application and information available at www.skadden.com.
If you are in the process of completing a fellowship application, please contact Heather Fine, Public Interest Specialist, at hfine@wcl.american.edu or 202-274-4090 to schedule an appointment to review your application materials and/or discuss questions.
The Office of Career & Professional Development will hold a Workshop for 3Ls to address the Skadden application writing process. You should only attend the Workshop if you are in the application writing phase or close to that phase. Alumni who have received Skadden fellowships will be available to answer questions and provide helpful hints on the application writing process. Please RSVP for these Workshops via CareerLink. Pizza will be served!
5. REPRESENT WCL AT THE 2009 INTER-AMERICAN HUMAN RIGHTS MOOT COURT COMPETITION!
We are looking for 2 students who are interested in representing WCL team at the 2009 Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition, to take place from May 17 to May 22, 2009 in Washington D.C.. The Competition is a great opportunity for students interested in international and human rights law to enhance their knowledge, meet fellow students around the world and network with practitioners and judges. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and 10-page (max) writing sample to Agustina Del Campo, WCL’s team coach, at delcampo@wcl.american.edu by Friday, September 26 with the words COMPETITION TEAM APPLICATION 2009 in the subject line. Students will be evaluated on their written submission, and finalists will be asked to present 5-minute oral arguments using last year’s hypothetical case on October 10.
6. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP ORGANIZE THE 14TH INTER-AMERICAN HUMAN RIGHTS MOOT COURT COMPETITION
As one of the only trilingual (English, Spanish & Portuguese) moot court competitions in the world, WCL's Competition brings together nearly 200 students from all over the world for a week of tough competition (and great fun) at WCL in late May. The Competition is dedicated to the advancement of the Inter-American human rights legal system and involves a large number of prominent attorneys and volunteer judges, experts from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and more. During the week, participants attend receptions and events, participate in training opportunities, and visit international organizations such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. We also throw an awesome Salsa-dancing party!!!! Volunteers are needed to communicate with participants, recruit judges, research the Bench Memorandum and plan the various events of the Competition. The Competition particularly seeks Spanish and Portuguese speaking volunteers (but not exclusively!). If you are interested, please email the Competition at iamoot@wcl.american.edu or call 202-274-4215. For more information, visit our website at wcl.american.edu/humright/mcourt.
7. THE ACADEMY OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Help Create a Database on the Applications of International Law in Domestic Court Decisions. Prof. Claudia Martin, Co-Director of the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, seeks students to serve as Assistant to the Editorial Board for the project Oxford Reports on International Law in Domestic Law. The project is sponsored by Oxford University Press and the Amsterdam Center for International Law at the University of Amsterdam and entails the creation of a database on international law in domestic court decisions representing countries from all over the world. The students will review a selection of cases submitted by reporters based in different countries, compare them to applicable guidelines, make comments and suggestions as to the final selection, communicate with reporters and guide them on how to write a report and commentary on the selected cases, review the report and commentary and make suggestions to the members of the Editorial Board. Since the cases come primarily from Latin America, knowledge of Spanish is essential. The reports will be produced in English, but the student will be required to consult the full text of the original decision as part of the review process. The final version of the report will be posted in the Oxford University Press database. These volunteer positions require 10 hours per week. If you are interested in this position, please send your resume to cmartin@wcl.american.edu indicating "ILDC Volunteer Fall 2008" in the subject line.
8. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MILITARY JUSTICE SEEKS DEANS FELLOWS
The National Institute of Military Justice is seeking a 2L/3L/4L dean’s fellow to work 10-20 hours/week during the fall semester 2008. The Dean’s Fellow will work on editing and indexing National Institute of Military Justice (NIMJ) updates to publications to include the Guide to the Rules of Practice and Procedure for the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the Military Commission Instruction Sourcebook 3d and 4th. Experience with Microsoft Word and the Bluebook is desired. This position could lead to other military justice/NIMJ work. An interest in military justice and related issues is a plus. Publishing experience is helpful, but not required. To apply submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Jonathan Tracy, Assistant Director, National Institute of Military Justice (NIMJ) at jtracy@wcl.american.edu.
9. IMPACT LITIGATION PROJECT SEEKS DEANS FELLOWS
The Impact Litigation Project is looking for two Dean’s Fellows for the fall with the potential to continue through the spring semester to work on freedom of expression cases. Candidates must be fluent in both English and Spanish, have excellent writing skills in both languages and have a proved interest in human rights issues. This is an excellent opportunity for 2Ls, 3Ls and LL.M.s to work with Dean Grossman and the lawyers at the Impact Litigation Project; work with Chilean, Argentinean and Guatemalan students and attorneys and gain experience in human rights international litigation. Dean’s Fellows will be required to work at least 15 hours per week providing administrative support as well as researching and drafting legal memoranda. If you are interested in applying to this position please send an email with a cover letter, resume and short writing sample (10 pages max.) to Agustina Del Campo at delcampo@wcl.american.edu indicating “Dean’s Fellow fall 2008” in the subject line.
10. IMPACT LITIGATION PROJECT SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
The Impact Litigation Project is seeking 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls, and LL.M.s who can dedicate between 5-10 hours/week to the project. This is an ideal opportunity for students who have an interest in international human rights law to become familiar with international organizations in this field. Please let us know if you are interested in the project. For more information or questions, visit our website at http://www.wcl.american.edu/ilp/ or contact Agustina Del Campo at delcampo@wcl.american.edu.
11. ACADEMY SEEKS PART-TIME ASSISTANT ON HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL EDUCATION PROJECT
The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Human Rights Legal Education Project is looking for one part-time assistant for the Fall 2008 semester, with the potential to continue in the Spring semester. The assistant will be required to work 15-20 hours per week to provide support in the implementation of research and educational projects in the US and Latin America (especially Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia) and conduct research in international human rights law as needed. Excellent writing skills in English and fluency in Spanish are essential. Part-time 1Ls are encouraged to apply. The salary for this position is $12/hour. If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your cover letter, resume and short (10 pages max.) writing sample by September 12, to Matias Hernandez, matias@wcl.american.edu indicating “Part-Time Assistant Fall 2008” in the subject line.
12. OXFORD LAW ONLINE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Oxford Law Online is working with the WCL International Law Review and the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law to publish the Inter- American Court's decisions online and create a searchable database. ILR is responsible for using a set template to create case briefs of the Court's decisions and is seeking volunteer students to write and edit the initial case briefs. Volunteers will receive training on how to interpret Inter-American Court decisions and have the opportunity to have their names included in the final published opinion. For additional information, please contact jeannec81@gmail.com.
13. ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN LEGAL RESOURCE CENTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
The Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the legal and civil rights of Asian Americans in the D.C. metropolitan community through direct services, education, and advocacy. Through its innovative programs and strategic partnerships, the APALRC’s main goals are to address the individual legal needs of low-income and limited-English proficient Asian Americans, and to advocate for broad-based systemic change on civil rights issues impacting Asian Americans.
One of the APALRC’s main projects is a legal hotline staffed by bilingual law student volunteers. For the fall of 2008, the hotline will be open for intake on Monday afternoons, Wednesday evenings and all day on Friday. As a hotline volunteer, you will devote a minimum of 3 hours a week to: interviewing callers on the hotline and using your language skills to assist them with matters involving domestic violence, workplace rights, family law, immigration law, and other legal issues; and conducting legal research and writing legal memoranda under staff supervision to provide legal advice or appropriate referrals to hotline callers. NOTE: New volunteers will be expected to attend a training session on Saturday, September 13th from 10:30am - 2:30pm at the George Washington University Law School. To find out more, please contact your law school liaison, Andrew Lim, al3361a@american.edu.
14. DC JAIL ADVOCACY SERVICES SEEKS SOROS FELLOWS
University Legal Services (ULS) was designated in 1996 as the District’s protection and advocacy system for the human, legal and service rights of people with disabilities. Under this federal mandate, ULS became the only nonprofit organization in the district that has direct access to investigate complaints of abuse, neglect and rights violations of individuals with disabilities in DC facilities. The organization is looking for a candidate to apply for a SOROS criminal justice fellowship (due September 24th). For more information, please call 202-547-0198 or visit www.uls-dc.org.
15. GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY LAW CENTER SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR THE WOMEN’S LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM, AND THE LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY FOR WOMEN IN AFRICA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The application deadline for WLPPFP, which is for lawyers from the United States,is Friday,October 31. The deadlinefor the LAWA Program, which is for lawyers from countries throughout Africa, is Friday,September 26. Thank you very much for helping us reach out to outstanding lawyers from the United States and Africa who are committed to advancing women's human rights and social justice. Please see www.law.georgetown.edu/wlppfp for more information.
16. TAKE PART IN THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY ALTERNATIVE WINTER BREAK TO GUATEMALA
The trip will focus on many of the human rights issues currently facing Guatemala today including: BViolence against women, indigenous rights, gang violence, attacks against human rights defenders and impunity in the Guatemalan legal system. We will meet with several NGO's as well as with prominent human rights defender, Ruth del Valle Cobar. The second part of the trip will focus on Fair Trade as a positive human rights movement in Guatemala. We will spend three nights living and working on a Fair Trade certified cooperative owned entirely by ex-guerilla combatants in Guatemala's civil war. We will be holding information sessions on: Sunday, September 14, 7-8 pm in Anderson Conference Room; Tuesday, September 16, 7-8 pm in Hughes Formal Lounge; and Thursday, September 18, 7-8 pm in MGC 247. For more information, contact Remle Crowe at rc7792a@american.edu.
17. MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR FOSTER KIDS WITH EDUCATIONAL DISABILITIES
The Children’s Law Center is working with the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education to recruit and train “educational surrogate parents” for children in the child welfare system who are failing at school. After receiving training from the Children’s Law Center, the educational surrogate parent will be assigned to work with a specific child throughout the school year, meeting with that child’s teachers and attending school meetings on his or her behalf. The time commitment will be approximately 4 hours per month. Training is scheduled for late September. No previous experience is required. This volunteer opportunity may count toward pro bono hours, and will make a tremendous difference in the lives of D.C.’s most vulnerable children. If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please contact Elizabeth Tossell at 202-467-4900, ext. 570 or etossell@childrenslawcenter.org.
18. AYUDA SEEKS IMMIGRATION INTERNS
Interns work on a variety of cases, including political asylum, naturalization, removal of conditions on residence, family petition, adjustment of status, VAWA self petitions, and NACARA. Interns during the academic school year are required to work 10-12 hours per week, Monday through Friday for the entire semester (approximately 10-12 weeks). All of Ayuda's internships are unpaid; therefore it is the responsibility of the student to secure funding and/or school stipends for themselves. Applicants should be bilingual--Spanish/English, however, French is helpful. Students of color and/or students with experience abroad are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send their application eric@ayuda.com
19. INTERNSHIP WITH THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
The American Society of International Law’s (ASIL) International Organizations Interest Group seeks two law student interns to serve as assistants for its newly launched Reports on International Organizations (RIO) project, based at the ASIL headquarters in Washington, DC. The RIO project will track and explore legal developments in international organizations which have traditionally been underreported, such as the African Union, the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Association. The interns will review, edit, cite check, and format reports on significant legal developments in international organizations. The reports are written by reporters at select International Organizations, and published on the Society’s website. The interns will work approximately 10 hours per week during the 2008-09 school year, with some variance in the schedule depending on the submission and publication schedule. Candidates must possess an interest in international law and foreign relations, excellent writing skills, and have a keen eye for detail. International law coursework and editing experience preferred. Knowledge of Blue Book citation format is essential.Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their relevant experience, a resume, and a brief (no more than 3 page) unedited writing sample. Please send materials via email only to Professor Kristen Boon, Co-Chair, ASIL International Organizations Interest Group: boonkris@shu.edu by September 15, 2008.
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 semester. To access the Fall 2008 newsletter, please visit the following site: http://www.wcl.american.edu/humright/center/newsletter/fall08_newsletter.cfm
