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

WCL Events

1. WHAT IS THE CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS @ WCL?
   Thurs., Sept. 3, 12pm - 1:20pm, Rm. 402
   Come learn about the variety of Center projects, student initiatives and opportunities for involvement that the Center provides. Represented projects will include the Human Rights Brief, the Human Rights Film Series, the Center Student Advisory Board, Experiential Learning Projects and more. Questions? Email humlaw@wcl.american.edu or call 202-274-4180.
   
   
2. IMMIGRANTS' RIGHTS COALITION GENERAL MEETINGS
   Thurs., Sept. 3, 12pm and 5pm, Rm. 601
   

   Representatives of IRC's Domestic Violence Outreach, Policy Advocacy, Detention, Labor & Trafficking, and Asylum & Refugee Committees will be on hand to discuss planned activities for the fall semester and beyond.  Food will be served!  For additional information, contact irc.cochairs@gmail.com or visit www.wcl.american.edu/org/irc/.

3. MUNCHING ON HUMAN RIGHTS KICKS OFF WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HADAR HARRIS!
   Thurs., Sept. 10, 12pm - 1:20pm, Rm. 602
   Interested in human rights but stuck studying civil procedure and contracts? Munching on Human Rights is an introductory program designed to educate and engage students, especially 1Ls, about basic issues in international human rights and humanitarian law. Held once a month, Munching gives you a great opportunity to informally interact with WCL's internationally known faculty and get a "taste" of international law.
   
   The topic of the first session is "An Introduction to Human Rights Law and the Treaty Reporting Process" and will feature the Center's Executive Director, Hadar Harris. All students are welcome. Munching is only held during the Fall semester so don't miss out! Pizza will be served! Questions? Email humlaw@wcl.american.edu or call 202-274-4180.
   
   
4. LUNCH WITH HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTITIONERS (part of the Nuts and Bolts of Being a Human Rights Attorney Lunchtime Series)
   Tues., Sept. 15, 12pm - 1:20pm, Rm. 503 (RSVP Required -- Sign Up Today!)
   Join the Center for an intimate discussion with human rights practitioners working to defend human rights in government, international organizations as well as domestically. These sessions are limited to 20 participants. To RSVP, send an email to humlaw@wcl.american.edu with "Lunch with Practititioners" in the subject line. Lunch will be provided. Questions? Email humlaw@wcl.american.edu or call 202-274-4180.
   
   
5. HUMAN RIGHTS ROUNDTABLE FOR LLM STUDENTS (part of the Nuts and Bolts of Being a Human Rights Attorney Lunchtime Series)
   Wed., Sept. 16, 3:30pm - 4:20pm, Rm. 528
   Are you an LLM student interested in strengthening your skills as a human rights attorney? Join the Center and your fellow colleagues for a monthly discussion of cutting edge practices in human rights work. Discussion will be facilitated by Prof. Hadar Harris, Prof. Meetali Jain, and other members of WCL's esteemed faculty. Light snacks will be served. Questions? Email humlaw@wcl.american.edu or call 202-274-4180.

Community Events

1. BUILDING ONE AMERICA: A NATIONAL SUMMIT ON REGIONAL OPPORTUNITY
   Thursday, September 17 - Friday, September 18, 2009
   Lincoln Park United Methodist Church - Washington, DC
   

   This important conference will bring together those working to strengthen local communities with experts, elected officials and key representatives of the Obama administration to build a better America.
   
   Hear from Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama
   HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims
   Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-Md.)
   HUD Assistant Secretary John Trasvina and other key leaders
   
   Founding Sponsors: Metropolitan Area Research Council, Gamaliel Foundation, Institute on Race & Poverty (University of Minnesota), Kirwan Institute (Ohio State University), Poverty & Race Research Action Council, NJ Regional Coalition, BRIDGE (Baltimore), SE Pennsylvania First Suburbs Project, Ohio Organizing Collaborative. Supporting Sponsors: Innovative Housing Institute, Inclusive Communities Project of Texas, Brookings Institution Metropolitan Department
   
   Register on-line at www.buildingoneamerica.org. Conference Headquarters: 7910 Shreve Road, Falls Church, Virginia 22043 | Phone: 703-698-8151 | E-mail: info@BuildingOneAmerica.org.

Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities

1. CENTER'S FALL 2009 NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!
   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 2009 newsletter, please visit the following site: http://www.wcl.american.edu/humright/center/newsletter/fall09_newsletter.cfm.
   
   
2. CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW ELP FOR FALL 2009 LOOKING AT IMMIGRANT RIGHTS AND THE PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM! SIGN UP TODAY!
   Get Out of the Classroom and Into the World!
   This fall, join the Center's Student Advisory Board for an ELP exploring the right to education in the U.S for immigrant students. ELPs take students into the field to engage them in exploring human rights problems within the US, humanizing the learning experience, fostering critical analysis, and charging classroom learning with transformative potential. Participants commit to attending all ELP sessions (usually four) to meet and visit people involved on all sides of an ongoing human rights issue. If you would like to participate in this ELP, contact Center Program Coordinator Maria Lokshin at mlokshin@wcl.american.edu and put "Education ELP" in the subject line.
   
   
3. BECOME THE CENTER'S FRIEND ON FACEBOOK
   Become a "friend" of the Center on Facebook and network with other students, faculty and alumni while staying up-to-date on human rights events and activities taking place at WCL! To join, search "Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law" and join our group today! Having problems joining? E-mail: humlaw@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
4. DEAN CLAUDIO GROSSMAN SEEKS DEAN'S FELLOW FOR FALL 09 SEMESTER
   

   Dean Grossman is seeking a dean's fellow for the fall semester, 20 hours per week, with the possibility of extending through the spring 2010 semester.  Position involves researching human rights and freedom of expression.  Ability to read Spanish is required.  Interested upper-level students should promptly email a one-page cover letter and resume to deans-office@wcl.american.edu with "Dean Grossman Dean's Fellow Application" in the subject line.
   

5. JENNIFER DE LAURENTIIS, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE DEAN, SEEKS DEAN'S FELLOW FOR FALL SEMESTER
   

   Jennifer de Laurentiis, Special Assistant to the Dean, is seeking a Dean's Fellow for the fall semester, with the possibility of extending through the spring semester.  The position involves 12 hours per week of legal research and writing concerning the prohibition of torture, as well as administrative tasks.  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.
   

6. WAR CRIMES RESEARCH OFFICE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
   

   The WCRO is looking for students (particularly 1Ls) interested in volunteering with the WCRO. Volunteer positions at the WCRO offer students exposure to the field of international criminal justice and the opportunity to contribute to the WCRO's work. Opportunities include:

   Status Updates
   Status Update Volunteers track developments at the International Criminal Court, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Special Courts for Sierra Leone and Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, and attend biweekly discussions with WCRO staff. No previous background in ICL is needed; this is a great way to learn more about ICL and to get involved in the work of the Office. To sign up, e-mail warcrimes@wcl.american.edu.

   Database Project
   The WCRO also maintains a searchable database of jurisprudence from the ICTY, ICTR, SCSL and ICC. This database is periodically updated and made available to court personnel, non-governmental organizations and others in digital form through our website. Database volunteers monitor court jurisprudence and update the database for publication to digital media. To sign up, e-mail warcrimes@wcl.american.edu.

   Research Volunteers
   The WCRO maintains a list of law students interested in assisting our Dean's Fellows and Assistant Director with various types of research and spading on an as-needed basis. Students who wish to assist in spading should have Blue Book knowledge, or at least previous experience in research or editing. To sign up, e-mail warcrimes@wcl.american.edu.

   International Student Resource Panel
   International students, or those who have legal experience in countries other than the U.S., are encouraged to sign up for the WCRO's International Student Resource Panel. The WCRO maintains this list as a resource of people willing to contribute time to projects with a comparative law element. To sign up, e-mail warcrimes@wcl.american.edu.
   

7. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE HEALTH LAW PROJECT
   Exciting opportunities exist for students interested in the intersection of Human Rights and Health Care Law and Policy. The WCL Health Law Project provides the following opportunities for student involvement. For additional info on the projects or to express interest in working on the below projects, please contact Prof. Corrine Parver at cparver@wcl.american.edu and provide a transcript and resume.

   * Assist the WCL/Pan American Health Organization Project;
   * Provide support to Fall Semester Health Law Courses;
   * Help Organize Fall Semester Events
   * Join WCL's Health Law Student Organization - the Health Law and Justice Initiative;
   * Join the Staff or Write for the Health Law and Policy Brief, published semi-annually by WCL students
   * Take an independent study in Health Law and Policy with Prof. Corrine Parver

8. CLINICAL PROGRAM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION, CASE INVESTIGATION AND SIMULATIONS
   The International Human Rights Law Clinic and other clinics in the Clinical Program seek student volunteers who are fluent (nearly bilingual, not just "conversational") in another language for interpretation and translation work on clinic cases. There are also volunteer opportunities clinic-wide to work as simulation volunteers (play the role of "clients" or "witnesses" in simulations) or case investigators (examples of case investigation tasks may include gathering documents, attending witness interviews, and visiting places and institutions relevant to the issues in a particular case). Please see Gineen Glenn in the Clinic in Room 417 or email her at glenn@wcl.american.edu to complete the volunteer forms. Gineen or the student attorneys in the clinic will contact you after you submit your volunteer form as needed. Pro bono pledge credit is available for each type of volunteer activity.
   
   
9. ACADEMY ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW SEEKS DEAN'S FELLOWS AND ASSISTANTS
   Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian LawThe Academy's Human Rights Legal Education Project is looking for one part-time assistant for the Fall 2009 semester, with the potential to continue in the Spring semester. The assistant will be required to work 10-20 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. Applicants should have excellent writing skills in English and fluency in Spanish is 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 to Matias Hernandez, matias@wcl.american.edu, indicating "Part-Time Assistant Fall 2009" in the subject line.

   
   Academy Co-Director and Professor Claudia Martin seeks a Dean's Fellow for the Fall 2009 semester, who will be required to work 20 hours per week doing legal research in international human rights law. Legal research experience in human rights and international law, as well as working knowledge of Spanish, though not required, are a plus. This position pays $12 an hour. If you are interested in applying for this position, you should send your cover letter and resume to hracademy@wcl.american.edu. Please indicate "Prof. Martin Research Assistant Dean's Fellow Fall 2009" in the subject line.

   Academy Co-Director and Professor Diego Rodriguez-Pinzon seeks a Dean's Fellow for the Fall 2009 semester, who will be required to work 20 hours per week doing legal research in international human rights law. Legal research experience in human rights and international law, as well as working knowledge of Spanish, though not required, are a plus. This position pays $12 an hour. If you are interested in applying for this position, you should send your cover letter and resume to hracademy@wcl.american.edu. Please indicate "Prof. Rodriguez-Pinzon Research Assistant Dean's Fellow Fall 2009" in the subject line.

   Dean's Fellow Needed to Help Coordinate the Specialized Human Rights Program: The Academy seeks one or two Dean's Fellows to work 10-20 hours a week primarily in the coordination the 2010 Specialized Human Rights Program and Human Rights Month. This position will work closely with the Program Coordinator and the Program Assistant. Knowledge of Spanish and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite is highly desirable. This position is only available to Washington College of Law students. Full time 1Ls are not eligible to apply. Please send your cover letter and resume to hracademy@wcl.american.edu indicating "Dean's Fellow - Summer". Application review begins in late August.

   Call for Dean's Fellow to Help Coordinate the 14th Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition: The Competition is looking for a highly-motivated dean's fellow for the Fall 2009 semester to help organize the 15th Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition. Join us as we recruit students, faculty and attorneys from around the world. Tasks will include implementing various marketing strategies, researching the Bench Memorandum, helping with fundraising efforts, designing the website, planning fun events, and much more. We are looking for persons who speak Spanish or Portuguese fluently. The position requires between 10-20 hours a week and students will be compensated at $12/hour. Please send a cover letter and resume to the Competition at iamoot@wcl.american.edu. Please highlight any translation experience you may have in your cover letter.

10. THE IMPACT LITIGATION PROJECT SEEKS DEAN'S FELLOWS AND VOLUNTEERS
    Dean's 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 proven 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 20 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 2009" in the subject line.

    Call for 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. PROGRAM ON INFORMATION JUSTICE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (PIJIP) SEEKS DEAN'S FELLOW
    Each semester, the Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property (PIJIP) offers research fellowships for our Access to Medicines and Human Rights Legal Education Initiative. Fellows are assigned various research tasks focusing on the intersection of trade obligations to respect intellectual property, and human rights obligations to provide access to healthcare. For more information on our projects, see: http://www.wcl.american.edu/pijip/go/humanrights. Applicants should have a background in human rights, intellectual property and/or medicines law and policy. Academic credit through independent study may also be available. For more information or to apply, please contact Mike Palmedo at 202-274-4442 or at mpalmedo@wcl.american.edu.
    

12. CHILDREN'S LAW CENTER SEEKS FALL LAW CLERK (DUE SEPT. 7TH!)
    

    The Children’s Law Center (CLC) is accepting applications for the Fall 2009 semester law clerk internships. Law clerks have a wide variety of responsibilities including conducting client intake, completing court runs, researching and writing about legal issues, interviewing clients and witnesses, locating resources for clients, attending court hearings, and accompanying attorneys on home and school visits. A good candidate will have strong interpersonal and writing skills, a solid academic background, a commitment to working with low-income populations, and a willingness and enthusiasm to complete all tasks.
    
    Law students who wish to intern with the Children's Law Center will receive one-on-one supervision from attorneys in either the Guardian Ad Litem Project, the Family Permanency Project, the Health Access Project or the Policy Project. All law clerk positions are unpaid and can be taken for credit.
    
    CLC is committed to providing high quality representation. CLC provides free legal services to at-risk children, their families, and foster and kinship caregivers in the District of Columbia. The organization's focus is on children in the child welfare system, children with special education and health needs and children who witness domestic violence.
    
    Application instructions: Please submit a resume, writing sample, and cover letter stating your availability to work during the academic year. These materials should be submitted via email, or U.S. mail, no later than September 7, 2009. CLC hopes that a law clerk will work a minimum of 15 hours per week, and a law clerk should be willing to work through the middle of December 2009. No phone calls will be accepted.
    
    Submit applications to:
    The Children's Law Center
    Attn: Law Clerk Hiring
    616 H Street, NW
    Suite 300
    Washington, DC 20001
    jobs@childrenslawcenter.org
    

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