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

WCL Events

 

1. TAKE PART IN WCL'S INTERNATIONAL WEEK!
Monday, September 15-Friday, September 19
The purpose of International Week is to highlight all of WCL’s international programs, promote awareness of international law and celebrate the school’s cultural diversity. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend lectures, socials, panels, lunches and events all throughout the week. A full list of events can be found at http://www.wcl.american.edu/ilsp/llm_international_wk.cfm Contact Alanna Wong awong@wcl.american.edu with questions.

2. STUDENT ACTIVISTS FOR KATRINA-RITA SURVIVORS (SAKS) INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Tuesday, September 16, 12-12:50pm, Room 526; and Wednesday, September 17, 5-5:50pm, 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.

3. THE WORLD BANK’S LEGAL APPROACH AND POLICIES TOWARD THE MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Tuesday, September 16, 12-2pm, Student Lounge (International Week Event)
Please join the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and the LLM Executive Board in this very relevant discussion regarding MDG’s and the World Bank’s role in their achievement. Confirmed panelists include:
- Patrick van Weerelt, Human Rights Adviser, United Nations Development Program
- T. Kumar, Advocacy Director for Asia/Pacific, Amnesty International
- Siobhán McInerney-Lankford, Counsel, World Bank Legal Vice-Presidency
- Jerome Levinson, Distinguished Lawyer in Residence, WCL
Please contact Alanna Wong at awong@wcl.american.edu with questions.

4. NUTS AND BOLTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS WORK: WAR STORIES (AND MORE) FROM THE FIELD
Wednesday, September 17 Room 603, 12-1:20pm (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. Scheduled speakers include Center Executive Director Hadar Harris, WCL Professor David Hunter, and Project Director of the Center’s Human Trafficking and Forced Labor Project Ann Jordan. 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.

5. JUSTICE, GENDER AND SEXUALITY IN LATIN AMERICA
Wednesday, September 17, 2-3pm, 6th floor International Student Lounge (International Week Event)
WCL has been instrumental in creating some of the first casebooks and textbooks on gender and law in Latin America.  These books have been distributed all over the hemisphere, but many WCL students don’t know about our important work in this area!

Please join Macarena Saez, WCL’s International Programs Coordinator and Editor of the recently published “La Mirada De Los Jueces: Género y Sexualidad en la Jurisprudencia Latinoamericana” (The Judge’s Gaze:  Decisions about Gender and Sexuality in Latin America) and Brazilian Prosecutor (and WCL Humphrey Fellow) Andrea Souza as they discuss and take questions on issues affecting women and sexual minorities in Latin America, including recent changes to the role of the courts in Latin America, lesbian motherhood, reproductive justice, citizenship, and domestic violence.  Sponsored by the Women and International Law Program and the  Latino/a Law Students Association (LaLSA). Come for coffee and dessert! RSVP to wilp@wcl.american.edu.

6. OXFAM HUNGER BANQUET: TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN FOODSTUFFS DURING A GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS
Thursday, September 18, 12-1pm, 6th floor lounge (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.

7. CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL LAW: EMPIRE OF LAW OR THE LAW OF EMPIRE?
Thursday, September 18, 5:30-6:30pm, 6th Floor International Student Lounge (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.

8. LOOKING PAST GUANTANAMO: ARE NEW CONCEPTS NEEDED FOR TERRORIST-RELATED DETENTIONS?
Friday, September 19, 9:30am-4pm 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. 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. Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff & General Public – no charge  (registration is required) CLE Accreditation in VA, PA, and NY other states can be applied to by Washington College of Law upon request. CLE Registration - $55. To register for this event please click here: http://www.wcl.american.edu/secle/registration.cfm.

9. BOUMEDIENE V. BUSH AND THE FUTURE OF US DETENTION POLICY
Tuesday, September 23, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 101
On June 12, 2008, the US Supreme Court ruled that Lakhdar Boumediene, a Guantanamo Bay detainee, has a right to habeas corpus under the US Constitution. What does this decision mean for other detainees at Guantanamo petitioning for a writ of habeas corpus? How will this affect US detention policy? Join the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and the National Institute of Military Justice for an analysis of the Court's decision with noted experts in the field. Speakers include Eugene R. Fidell, President, National Institute of Military Justice, Stephen Vladeck, Professor, Washington College of Law, Richard Wilson, Professor, Washington College of Law, and Richard Samp, Chief Counsel, Washington Legal Foundation. Lunch will be served. For more information, contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu.

10. GRANT PROPOSAL WRITING WORKSHOP
Thursday, September 25, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 601
Patricia Pasqual, director of the DC office of the Foundation Center, will conduct a skills session providing the ins and outs of grant proposal writing. Seating is limited! Please click here to register online. Lunch will be served. For more information, contact Allison Sherrier at alli.sherrier@gmail.com.

Community Events

1. REDUCING THE GLOBAL NUCLEAR THREAT: NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION AND THE ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY 
Wednesday, September 17, 2:30- 4pm, Center for Strategic and International Studies B1 Conference Center, 1800 K Street, NW
NNSA's Administrator, Thomas D'Agostino will discuss ways the National Nuclear Security Administration and the international community can meet 21st century nuclear nonproliferation challenges. Moderated by Robert J. Einhorn, CSIS Senior Advisor, International Security Program and Former Assistant Secretary for Nonproliferation, Department of State
RSVP by emailing Samuel Giles at sgiles@csis.org or by calling (202) 887-0200 ext. 3332

2. CHARTING NEW PATHS TO ACHIEVE GENDER EQUALITY IN EDUCATION: EQUATE FINAL EVENT AND RECEPTION
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2:00 - 4:30 pm, 1400 Sixteenth St. 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.

3. 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

4. A MORAL DEBT TO THE AFRICAN PEOPLE: THE CASE FOR APARTHEID REPARATIONS
Friday, September 26, 1:30pm, TransAfrica Forum 1629 K Street, NW Suite 1100
Brownbag Discussion (Please Bring Your Own Lunch) 
Join Jubilee USA Network, Africa Action, & TransAfrica Forum in welcoming Dennis Brutus, renowned South African poet, educator, and activist, to discuss the legal struggle for apartheid-era reparations from multinational corporations in South Africa. This lunch comes the day after court hearings in the New York Southern District Court where he is a leading plaintiff among thousands of South Africans fighting for economic justice. Dennis' long history and current work will provide a thought-provoking lunch as we discuss opportunities for further solidarity. Also invited is MP Giyose, Chair of Jubilee South Africa.
Please RSVP to hayley@jubileeusa.org or call 202-783-3566 x100

5. 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
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 SEEKS DEAN’S FELLOW FOR NEW HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND FORCED LABOR PROJECT
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.  The Fellowship will be 10 hours a week. To apply: send a cover letter, resume and short writing sample (max. 5 pages), to Hadar Harris at hharris@wcl.american.edu by Friday, September 19. Please indicate that you are applying for a Center Human Trafficking Dean's Fellow position in the subject line.

2. 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. 

3. ATTENTION 3L’S! POSTGRADUATE PUBLIC INTEREST FELLOWSHIP DEADLINES APPROACHING! 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.Skadden Fellowship Workshop: Wednesday, September 24, noon - 1:20 p.m. (Room 445)
Please RSVP for these Workshops via CareerLink. Pizza will be served!

4. 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, résumé 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.
We are also looking for volunteers 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.

5. 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.

6. IMPACT LITIGATION PROJECT SEEKS DEANS FELLOWS AND VOLUNTEERS
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. 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.
The Impact Litigation Project is also seeking 1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls, and LL.M.s who can volunteer  between 5-10 hours/week to the project. 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

7. CLINIC SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR TRANSLATING AND ROLE-PLAYING!
The Clinical Program is seeking volunteers to assist student attorneys with interpretation/translation and simulation role-playing. If you would like to be available as a volunteer in the clinic, please contact Maribel Yamat at myamat@wcl.american.edu, or you can see her in Room 417 to get more information and fill out the appropriate forms. You may be able to receive credit for pro bono service with the public interest program.

8. OXFORD LAW ONLINE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Oxford Law Online is working with the International Law Review and the Human Rights Academy 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

9. 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 Ph. 202-547-0198 or see www.uls-dc.org

10. 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 deadline for 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.

11. 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: Violence 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:
Tuesday, September 16, 7-8 pm in Hughes Formal Lounge
Thursday, September 18, 7-8 pm in MGC 247
For more information, contact Remle Crowe at rc7792a@american.edu 

12. NATIONAL LAW CENTER ON HOMELESSNESS & POVERTY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR NATIONAL HOMELESS & LOW INCOME VOTER REGISTRATION WEEK!
September 21-27  
Another important election year is here, and we hope you will join us in ensuring that all Americans, including those without a home, can make their voices heard.  The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (NLCHP), the National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council are honored to invite your organization to participate in National Homeless & Low Income Voter Registration Week from September 21-27, 2008.  Groups around the country will be taking part in events for the week, and your organization can join us by hosting a voter registration drive or promoting voter education and participation.
For more information or questions about joining this effort, please contact NLCHP's Civil Rights Director, Tulin Ozdeger, at tozdeger@nlchp.org.  To learn more about homeless persons' voting rights, see our recently released 2008 Voting Rights Report. 

13. CARECEN SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION FOR NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS!
We are now fast approaching the voter registration deadline for both DC and VA, so we need all the help we can get to make sure this year as many people as possible will exercise their right to vote. WE HAVE A HUGE NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS TO DO VOTER REGISTRATION IN BOTH DC AND VA! If interested in doing voter registration in VA, please contact: Bessy Blanco by phone at (703) 370-3434 or by email: at bblanco@carecendc.org.
Next Opportunities:

1. Saturday, September 20: Voter Registration in Washington, DC, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Brookland, Georgia Avenue Petworth Areas (MEET AT CARECEN AT 9 AM - 1460 Columbia Road NW);
2. Sunday, September 21 Voter Registration in Washington, DC, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Brookland, Georgia Avenue Petworth Areas (MEET AT CARECEN AT 10 AM - 1460 Columbia Road NW)
3. Saturday, September 27: Voter Registration in Washington, DC, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Brookland, Georgia Avenue Petworth Areas (MEET AT CARECEN AT 9 AM - 1460 Columbia Road NW)
4. Sunday, September 28: Voter Registration in Washington, DC, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Brookland, Georgia Avenue Petworth Areas; Voter Registration at the Mount Pleasant Festival, Mount Pleasant Street NW, CARECEN will have a table there; (MEET AT CARECEN AT 10 AM - 1460 Columbia Road NW)

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