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

WCL Events

1. LITIGATING BEFORE THE INTER-AMERICAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS: USON RAMIREZ V. VENEZUELA
   Tuesday, April 21, 12pm - 1pm, Rm. 524
   Francisco Uson was prosecuted and sentenced to five and a half years in prison for "dishonoring and disrespecting the armed forces of Venezuela" during a media interview in May 2004. Uson, a retired General, was tried by a military court instead of a civil one, for a crime that was not a military crime in nature. Today, though released from prison, he remains under the strict control of the Venezuelan parole system. Join our faculty and students in a conversation about the litigation of this and other high impact cases before the Inter-American system for the protection of human rights and learn more about opportunities for students to participate in these endeavors! RSVP by Monday April 20th to delcampo@wcl.american.edu or to 202-274-4319.
   
   
2. THE RULE OF LAW IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN: PRESENTED BY THE NAVY JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL
   Thursday, April 23, 4pm - 5:30pm, International Student Lounge
   The LL.M. Board is hosting Vice Admiral Bruce MacDonald, the Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy, to speak about the role Navy JAGs are playing in promoting the rule of law in Iraq and Afghanistan. Free refreshments and appetizers after the presentation!! For more information contact Christina Knott at (202) 685-4594.
   
   
3. 6TH ANNUAL IP/GENDER: MAPPING THE CONNECTIONS, SPECIAL THEME - FEMALE FAN CULTURES AND IP
   April 23rd & 24th, American University Washington College of Law

   Please join us for the Sixth Annual IP/Gender conference with a special focus on Female Fan Culture and Intellectual Property.
   The event will kick off on Thursday, April 23rd at 7:15pm with an evening reception and a remix video presentation called "WeTube: Women Transforming Mass Media" at the Washington College of Law Residence. Conference panelists, Francesca Coppa (Muhlenberg College) and Jonathan McIntosh, (Independent Scholar and Media Activist) will show their movies "'Swap Audio?' Theorizing Music in Fan Vidding" and "Transforming Mass Media Myths: Gender and Sexuality in Political Remix Video".
   

   Students may register just for Thursday night's movie presentation. If you are interested in attending, email the Women and the Law Program at wilp@wcl.american.edu.
   

   On April 24th from 9:00am- 4:30pm in Washington College of Law room 402, there will be a full day of presentations and discussions on cutting edge topics at the intersection of gender and popular culture. Panels will feature projects and multimedia works reflecting on gender, copyright, fair use, freedom of expression and fan culture and more!
   

   For a full program and free online registration, visit: www.wcl.american.edu/pijip/go/events/ip/gender.
   

   The event is sponsored by the Women and the Law Program, the AU Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law, and the Program on Information and Intellectual Property (PIJIP), in collaboration with American University's Center for Social Media and The Organization for Transformative Works.
   

4. PREVENTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, FEATURING ANDREA SOUZA (BRAZIL)
   Monday, April 27, 12pm - 2pm, Rm. 526
   Join the Humphrey Fellows as they discuss various legal issues from their respective countries. Limited space! Please RSVP to humphrey@wcl.american.edu by Friday, April 24th at 10am if you would like to join. Questions - email humphrey@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
5. IS CHEVRON OUT OF GAS? THE STATE OF JUDICIAL REVIEW 25 YEARS AFTER CHEVRON U.S.A., INC. V. NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL
   Friday, April 24, 2:30pm - 5:30pm, Rm. 603
   On June 25, 1984, the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council
   created a two-part inquiry to guide judicial review of a federal agency's interpretation of its own statute. Where a statute
   is ambiguous, the Chevron test calls for deference by the reviewing court to the agency's interpretation. In 2001, the Court
   attempted to clarify the reach of the Chevron test in United States v. Mead Corporation, which explained that Chevron
   deference would normally apply to agency interpretations made in notice-and-comment rulemakings or in formal
   adjudications, but would apply to other agency interpretations only where Congress intended such interpretations to
   "carry the force of law." Where Chevron deference did not apply, the Mead Court indicated, the agency interpretation
   would only receive the usual "respect" accorded to it under the Court's 1944 decision in Skidmore v. Swift.
   
   Justice Scalia dissented strongly in Mead, calling it "an avulsive change in judicial review," and stating, "We will be
   sorting out the consequences of the Mead doctrine, which has today replaced the Chevron doctrine . . . for years to come."
   In the aftermath of Mead, debate has grown over the clarity of the Chevron/Skidmore dividing line drawn in Mead, how
   much difference it makes in practice, whether the amount of judicial ink spilled on this issue is worth the trouble, and
   how the doctrine might affect the actions of federal agencies. We mark the silver anniversary of Chevron by asking: What
   is the state of Chevron law today? Has Mead provided more or less clarity to the courts and affected parties? And where
   will judicial review go from here?
   
   To register, please go to www.wcl.american.edu/secle/registration. For further information, please contact: Office of
   Special Events & Continuing Legal Education, 202.274.4075 or secle@wcl.american.edu.

Community Events

1. HUMAN SECURITY IN NORTH KOREA FORUM WITH UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON DPRK
   Tuesday, April 28, 3pm - 5pm, KEI Conference Facility, 1800 K Street, NW, Suite 1010
   You are cordially invited to attend the Korea Economic Institute's Human Security in North Korea Forum, addressing the human rights situation in North Korea. The program features guest speaker Professor Vitit Muntabhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur
   on the Situation of Human Rights in the DRPK.

   Dr. Vitit Muntabhorn, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the DPRK, is also Professor of Law at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. He is an eminent expert in human rights with over 1000 publications, and combines the qualities of a scholar, an educator, a policy-making adviser and a grass-root human rights activist. He has served in various capacities for the United Nations system. In 1990—1994, he was Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. In 2004, Professor Muntabhorn was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Human Rights Education in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education for human rights and diverse activities at national, regional and international levels in favor of promotion and protection of human rights.

   About the Forum:

   In March 2009, KEI launched the Human Security in North Korea Forum, designed to improve understanding of the steps required to identify and respond to the needs of North Koreans. The UNDP's 1994 Human Development Report identified seven threat areas to human security: economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political security. The Forum addresses those issues at the top of the human security agenda for North Korea. Programs will be held periodically, and each will fall under one of our three main topic areas: humanitarian assistance, development assistance, and human rights. Our inaugural three programs in the Forum, in spring 2009, feature one event under each area:
   
   For further information on KEI's new forum, please contact Greg Scarlatoiu (gs@keia.org) or Nicole Finnemann (nmf@keia.org) or go to our website (www.keia.org).
   RSVPs REQUIRED: To register, visit: http://www.keia.org/rsvp.php?event=Human+Security+Series+Part+2+Human+Rights

Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities

1. INTERNATIONAL LEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM (ILSP) SEEKS SUMMER 09 DEAN'S FELLOW
   The ILSP office is seeking a Dean's Fellow for the summer. Duties consist mainly of general administrative tasks, answering the main ILSP phone line, mailing, organizational tasks, etc.
   • Any current LLM student may apply.
   • The position is 20 hours/week and pays $12/hour.
   • Applications will not be considered until after the deadline.
   The deadline for applications is Friday, April 24th. Please send resumes to eghebremicael@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
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. THE OFFICE OF THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IS SEEKING A HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER
   Under the general supervision of the Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch and the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Methodology, Education and Training Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
   
   • Coordinate implementation of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, including through organization of the work of the United Nations Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee (UNIACC) responsible for facilitating UN-system coordinated implementation of the World Programme;
   • Provide expert advice to OHCHR staff in the area of human rights education, training and related methodologies, materials and other resources and contribute to the development of relevant policies;
   • Support preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of human rights education and training activities and participate as needed;
   • Coordinate and/or oversee the development of human rights education and training materials, as well as other related OHCHR resources;
   • Design, organize, evaluate and deliver human rights education and training;
   • Liaise with relevant actors such as governments, UN specialized agencies and programmes, other international and regional intergovernmental organizations, national human rights institutions, academic institutions and non-governmental organizations;
   • Prepare, review and coordinate research reports, background papers, draft statements, and other relevant documents for use by of submission to OHCHR, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms;
   • Identify needs and establish work plans in the related areas of responsibility; supervise consultants and junior staff as appropriate; represent OHCHR in meetings;
   • Perform other duties as required
     
     Applicants are instructed to submit the following documents in one email, mentioning the vacancy number 09/OHCHR/040/GENEVA in the heading of the email, to the following address: humanresources@ohchr.org.
     
     
     1. a completed United Nations Personal History form (PHP) or P-11, in PDF or Word
        
     2. a cover letter as attached document;
        
     3. UN staff members must submit a scanned copy of their latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS).
        
     
     Name the attached documents as follows: LAST NAME First name - Type of document
     
5. 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
   
   
6. THE D.C. EMPLOYMENT JUSTICE CENTER IS SEEKING A STAFF ATTORNEY
   The D.C. Employment Justice Center (EJC) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit with a mission to secure, protect and promote workplace justice in the D.C. metropolitan area. The staff attorney will (1) assist workers with wage and hour claims at the D.C. Department of Employment Services Office of Wage & Hour (OWH), (2) represent workers in wage and hour cases in D.C. Superior Court and before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, (3) advocate for better enforcement of wage and hour claims, and (4) conduct outreach to and provide legal advice and assistance to workers with wage and hour claims, focusing on Spanish speaking workers.  The staff attorney will report to the EJC's Legal Services managing attorney.  In addition, the staff attorney, along with the other EJC attorneys, will supervise the EJC's Workers' Rights Clinic, a free walk-in legal clinic designed to assist low-income workers with employment law problems, on a rotating basis.  Limited evening and weekend hours are required for the clinic, meetings and special events.

   Qualified candidates must have the following related skills and experience:

   • At least one year of solid litigation experience, including some experience before the D.C. Superior Court or the United States District Court for the District of Columbia;
     
   • A law degree and membership in the D.C. bar;
     
   • Fluency in Spanish;
     
   • Some experience with and knowledge of federal and/or D.C. wage and hour laws;
     
   • An entrepreneurial spirit; and
     
   • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
     

   To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and at least two references to Courtney Chappell at cchappell@dcejc.org.  Alternatively, applications may be mailed to the D.C. Employment Justice Center at 727 15th Street, NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20005 / Attention: Courtney Chappell.
   

7. GUEST SCHOLAR AT BROOKINGS INSTITUTION IS SEEKING A PAID ASSISTANT
   We are seeking an assistant for Mr. Helmut Sonnenfeldt, a Guest Scholar at the Brookings Institution. Helmut Sonnenfeldt's areas of focus include Russian and European affairs, executive-congressional relations and intelligence and national security issues. A veteran of the National Security Council staff, he has held several advisory posts in the U.S. government and the private sector.
   
   This position is ideal for a student of U.S. Foreign Policy or International Politics. You will be asked to research a wide variety of topics, including US-Russia relations, NATO-Russia relations, nuclear proliferation (Iran, North Korea, etc.), U.S. nuclear weapons policy, Cross-Strait relations, and other current U.S. foreign policy developments.
   
   The position does include some administrative duties but is predominantly research-based and thus meets the criteria for a 3-credit internship for both undergrad and graduate students, although graduate students are preferred. The assistant will be expected to work at least 35 hours per week and receives a stipend every two weeks. The starting date for this position is May 12.
   
   Please e-mail a resume/CV and include a cover letter in the body of the e-mail (also note any foreign language skills) to egill@brookings.edu .
   
   
8. WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF LAWYERS IS SEEKING A SUMMER INTERN
   The Washington Council of Lawyers is taking applications for a summer internship for a local college or law school student. The position is a six-week internship requiring 10 hours of work per week with a total stipend of $600. We will also offer learning and networking opportunities through lunches with members of our board of directors and free attendance to the Summer Pro Bono Forum. The intern will be helping us administer and update our membership program, publications, and website. He or she should be very comfortable with MS Office and generally adept at learning new software.
   

   A resume and cover letter should be submitted via email to Gina Malloy at gmalloy@wclawyers.org.
   

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