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

WCL Events

1. LaLSA FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIR THE D.C. CENTRAL KITCHEN
   Monday, March 23 and ongoing, Lobby and SBA Lounge
   Please collect and bring carb snack donations (fruit cups, applesauce, crackers, juice boxes, etc.) to LaLSA's boxes located in the Lobby and SBA lounge. We will donate all collections to D.C. Central Kitchen to contribute healthy snacks to D.C. public school children. Please contact lalsa@wcl.american.edu with any questions.
   
   
2. TODAY! REALIZING THE AMERICAN DREAM? CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES FACING H-2B GUEST WORKERS AND THEIR ADVOCATES
   March 24, 9:15am - 7pm, Rm. 603
   "The nation's immigration system is broken." This is a common phrase in current political discourse, but what does it really mean? This conference will explore one way in which the immigration system is failing: the temporary guest worker program. Several features of the H-2B program will be explored during this event, including the H-2B recruitment process and intersections with human trafficking; the barriers faced by H-2B workers who experience workplace injuries; and the multiple challenges that arise when undertaking transnational litigation involving H-2B workers. The conference will bring together experts to discuss these issues, while also drawing attention to H-2B issues unique to the D.C. metropolitan area, and to the role that law school clinics can play in addressing these matters. Presented by the International Human Rights Law Clinic, Immigrants' Rights Division. Register at http://www.wcl.american.edu/secle/registration.cfm.
   
   
3. TODAY!! IN THE DOCK AND UNDER THE GUN: BASELESS PROSECUTIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN COLOMBIA
   Tuesday, March 24, 12pm - 1:20pm, Rm. 100
   Two of Colombia's leading human rights activists, Luz Marina Monzon and Liliana Andrea Avila, will provide firsthand testimony of how the Colombian legal system is used to silence and stigmatize the human rights movement. Andrew Hudson will present Human Rights First's new report which for the first time documents the extensive use of specious criminal investigations in Colombia. Panelists include: Liliana Andrea Avila, Member, Colombian Inter-Church Commission for Justice and Peace; Luz Marina Monzon, Human Rights Advisor, Colombian Commission of Justice; and Andrew Hudson, Senior Associate, Human Rights Defenders Program, Human Rights First. Hadar Harris, Executive Director, Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law will moderate the panel; Please RSVP to humlaw@wcl.american.edu or (202) 274-4180.
   
   
4. THE FUTURE OF THE INTER-AMERICAN SYSTEM OF HUMAN RIGHTS
   Tuesday, March 24, 5pm - 6pm, Rm. 401
   Specifically designed for 1Ls, Dean Claudio Grossman will speak about his experiences as Chair of the UN Committee Against Torture and the future of Human Rights law. This is a great opportunity to gain an inside look on the field and hear Dean Grossman speak. There will also be time for question and answers. Register at: http://www.wcl.american.edu/secle/cle_form.cfm. This event is limited to the first 100 students who register; refreshments will be served.
   
   
5. GEORGIA V RUSSIA: ETHNIC CLEANSING CLAIM UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
   Thursday, March 26, 12pm - 1:30pm, Rm. 600
   Join the ILSP for lunch and a vibrant discussion with alumna Tina Burjaliani as she discusses her ICC filing against Russia.
   Tina Burjaliani has worked as the head of the legal department in Georgia’s Offi ce of the Prosecutor General and
   worked on restructuring the Offi ce in late 2004. She supervises three major departments: International Public
   Law, International Private Law and the Georgia’s State representation to the European Court of Human Rights,
   supervising cases and preparing human rights reports. She recently made headlines by filing a case against Russia
   under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination at the ICC. RSVP to Philippa Moore at pmoore@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
6. REFUGEES IN THE MUSLIM WORLD: GROUNDING REFUGEE PROTECTION ON A CONCRETE SOURCES OF RIGHTS
   Wednesday, April 1, 12:30pm - 1pm, 6th Floor Student Lounges
   Looking back through history, the most direct lines between tradition and modern notions of refugee law can be traced in Islam, but how do Islamic countries adhere to refugee rights grounded in religion? What can be done to improve their rights while adhering to Islamic principles? Join WCL Visiting Professor Sadiq Reza and Boston University Professor Susan Akram for a lunchtime presentation on these important issues. To register, please go to www.wcl.american.edu/secle/registration.
   
   

Community Events

1. HAMAS AND THE FUTURE OF PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
   Tuesday, March 24, 4pm - 5:15pm, AU School of International Service, Rm. 205
   The AU School of International Service, United States Foreign Policy Field, and the United States Foreign Policy Association
   present a discussion by Robert Pastor. As Co-Interim Director of the Elders and subsequently as Senior Advisor to the Carter Center, Dr. Pastor has been directly engaged with leaders on all sides of the Palestinian-Israeli-Syrian-Lebanese conflicts with the purpose of encouraging a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.  Dr. Pastor has combined a career of diplomacy, public policy, scholarship, and teaching. For more information, please contact Sam Shepson at (202) 885-1843 or ipfp@american.edu.
   
    
2. ECHOES OF ONE WORLD IN D.C.: CELEBRATRING HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH FILM
   Wednesday, March 25, - Saturday, March 28, Avalon Theatre (5612 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC 20015) and Goethe Institut (812 Seventh Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001-3718)
   ECHOES OF ONE WORLD IN DC: For the second time already, People in Need in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the US presents “Echoes” of the One World Human Rights Film Festival in Washington, DC. The event features 7 films presenting some of the highlights of this year´s festival edition. Opening with the US avant-premiere of Jana´s Sevcikova´s outstanding documentary Gyumri presented by the director herself, the selected films will tackle such intriguing themes as 21st Century Dissidents: China, Russia (We, In the Holy Fire of Revolution), Iraq (Life after the Fall), International Justice (The Reckoning), Power of the Powerless – Central European Legacy ( The Power of the Powerless) and Minorities (On a Tightrope).All screenings will include introductions or discussions with special guests. There is a full screening schedule at http://oneworld.cz/ow/2009/index2.php?id=475#.

Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities

1. LOOKING FOR A SUMMER JOB? APPLY TO BE A DEAN'S FELLOW AT THE CENTER!
   

   The Center for Human Rights has exciting opportunities for three Dean's Fellows this summer.  Please check below for additional information on these positions as well as instructions for applying. All applications are due Wednesday, April 1, at Noon.
   
   General Center Dean’s Fellow (30 hours/week)
   We are looking for an enthusiastic student to take a high level of responsibility for the Center's exciting programming. The Dean’s Fellow will assist with marketing Center events, managing the Center listserv, and providing support and planning for events and projects.  Attention to detail, organizational skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office programs and interest in human rights issues are essential. Applicants must also be able to commit to a minimum of 30/hours per week. Preference will be given candidates who can commit to the full 30 hours. To Apply: send a cover letter, résumé, and short (5 pages max.) writing sample to Brett Schwartz at bschwartz@wcl.american.edu. Please indicate that you are applying for the Center Dean’s Fellow position in the subject line AND in your cover letter. Applications are due by Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at noon. 

   Human Trafficking and Forced Labor Project Dean’s Fellow (35 hours/week)
   Now is a great time to work with the Center’s new Program on Human Trafficking and Forced Labor. This summer, we are looking for a Dean's Fellow to assist in the creation of documents on issues related to human trafficking to be translated and distributed in the U.S. and overseas and in maintaining the Program’s web page. Attention to detail, writing and research skills, organizational skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, and proven interest in human rights issues, especially women’s rights, labor rights and/or migrants’ rights, is essential. Experience/skills in web and document design also a plus.  To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume and short writing sample (max. 5 pages), to Ann Jordan at ajordan@wcl.american.edu by Wednesday April 1, 2009 at noon. Please indicate that you are applying for the Human Trafficking Program Dean's Fellow position in the subject line.

   Pakistan Project Dean’s Fellow (20 hours/week)
   The Center seeks a Dean’s Fellow for its project with the University of Peshawar in Peshawar, Pakistan. The University of Peshawar and WCL are partnered in a multi-year program of capacity building, academic exchange and program development to help enrich both faculties in the creative implementation of human rights education and law. The Center seeks a Dean’s Fellow to provide administrative support to the Project as well as assistance planning and organizing conferences and events both at WCL and the University of Peshawar. Students with a particular interest in international law and/or Pakistan and its legal traditions are particularly encouraged to apply. To Apply: Send a cover letter, résumé, and short (5 pages max.) writing sample to Brett Schwartz at bschwartz@wcl.american.edu. Please indicate that you are applying for the Pakistan Project Dean’s Fellow position in the subject line AND in your cover letter. Applications are due by Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at noon.
   

2. JENNIFER DE LAURENTIIS, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE DEAN, IS SEEKING A SUMMER DEAN'S FELLOW
   Jennifer de Laurentiis, Special Assistant to the Dean, is seeking a Dean's Fellow for the summer.  The position involves 10-20 hours per week of legal research and writing concerning the prohibition of torture, as well as administrative tasks.  Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but is not required.  Interested students should promptly submit a one-page cover letter and resume via e-mail to jdelaurentiis@wcl.american.edu and reference “Dean’s Fellow” in the subject line.
   
   
3. THE ABA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ANNOUNCES THE SIXTH ANNUAL LAW STUDENT WRITING COMPETITION
   Law students are invited to submit articles addressing domestic violence and the law from a national or international perspective. The first place winner will recieve be published in the American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law, a Resolution from the ABA Commission on Domestic Violence, and honorarium. Second and third place winners will also recieve a Resolution from the ABA Commission on Domestic Violence. All winners’ names and papers will also appear on the ABA Commission on Domestic Violence website at www.abanet.org/domviol. The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2009, 5:00 p.m. EST via email at runger@staff.abanet.org. Winners will be notified in August 2009. For additional info on submission guidelines, please visit www.abanet.org/domviol.
   
   
4. BREAK THE CYCLE IS SEEKING A STATE POLICY ATTORNEY
   Break the Cycle is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage, educate and empower youth to build lives and communities free from domestic and dating violence. The State Policy Attorney is responsible for coordinating our state policy agenda; researching and analyzing state laws and bills that impact the rights and access to services for survivors of teen dating violence; and working collaboratively with domestic and sexual violence service providers, local legislators, youth service providers and other local and national advocates to help them develop and implement policies to better serve teens.  The State Policy Attorney also provides one-on-one consultation to service providers and conducts impact work and advocacy within service systems. The State Policy Attorney reports directly to the Policy & Technical Assistance Manager and supervises volunteers and interns.
   
   Email, fax or mail cover letter and resume to:
   
   State Policy Attorney Search
   Break the Cycle
   P.O. Box 21034
   Washington, DC 20009
   
   Fax: 202.824.0747
   Email: jobs@breakthecycle.org
   
   

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