Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Human Rights News & Events
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Note: September 17th - 26th is International Week at WCL. All International Week events are marked with an * asterisk.
WCL Events
- WCL International Week Kicks Off Tomorrow, Thurs. Sept. 17th! *
- Action for Human Rights & Alternative Winter Break Informational Meeting, Thurs., Sept. 17th , 12:00pm-1:00pm, Rm. 101
- The Academy presents "Accountability for Gross Human Rights Violations: International and Domestic Approaches Thurs., Sept 17th, 12pm - 1:30 pm, 6th Floor JD Student Lounges *
- ILSP Presents International Potluck Dinner (and the 2nd Annual International Photo Competition), Thurs., Sept. 17th, 7:30pm, 6th Floor Student Lounges *
- "Coup or No Coup? The Crisis in Honduras and Beyond" co-sponsored by the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), Mon., Sept. 21st, 3:30pm - 5pm, Rm. 600 *
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United States v. Denedo Panel Discussion, Tues., Sept. 22nd, 12pm - 1:30pm, Rm. 603
- RSVP Today! Gender and Climate Change, Tues., Sept. 22nd, 3pm - 4pm, 6th Floor Student Lounges *
- New Chief of DOJ's Office of Professional Responsibility, Mary Pat Brown: Ethics and Lawyers' Responsibilities, Tues., Sept. 22nd, 4:30pm, Rm. 603
- WCL's Health Law Project presents Forum on Obama and Health Care Reform, Wed., Sept. 23rd, 12pm, Rm. 603
- WCL Study Abroad and Summer Session Fair, Wed., Sept. 23rd, 4pm - 6pm, 6th Floor JD Student Lounge *
- Controversial Conversations in Human Rights: Does Torture Work?, Thurs., Sept. 24, 12:00pm - 1:20pm, 6th Floor Student Lounge *
- Dean’s Diversity Lunch with Acting EEOC Commissioner Stuart Ishimaru: "A Civil Rights Perspective," Thurs., Sept. 24th, 12pm - 2pm, 6th Floor JD Student Lounge *
- 3rd Annual ILSP Lecture on International Law feat. Prof. Sally Engle Merry: "Crossing the Culture-Rights Divide: The Making of Human Rights in the Vernacular," Thurs., Sept. 24th, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Rm. 603 *
- Sign-Up Now! International Week Soccer Competition, Sat., Sept. 26, 11:00am, Massachusetts Ave. Fields *
- Sign-Up Now! Lambda's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Lobby Day! (Deadline Sept. 20th!)
- SAVE THE DATE: Upholding International Human Rights: Shared History and Shared Challenges for The Netherlands and the United States, Mon., Oct. 5, 2pm - 6pm, Rm. 603
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Community Events
- Building One America: A National Summit on Regional Opportunity, Thurs., Sept. 17 - Fri., Sept. 18, Lincoln Park United Methodist Church, Washington, DC
- Just Words: A Benefit Concert for Peace and Justic in Africa Tues., Sept. 29th. Doors open at 6:00pm. Concert begins at 7:00pm
- AU's Kay Spiritual Life Center presents Table Talk Lunch Series: "Cap and Trade: Consequences for the Global South?," Wed., Sept. 30th, 12pm, Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge
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Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities
- Dean Claudio Grossman Seeks Dean's Fellow for Fall Semester
- Apply today! Health Law Policy Intern: Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), Washington, DC (Deadline to apply: Sept. 18th, 2009)
- War Crimes Research Office Seeks Dean's Fellow for Fall Semester
- Research Assistant Needed: War on Terror and International Law
- Human Rights Watch Fellowships: New York, Washington, DC, and London
- WCL Modern American Call for Papers: Essays in Dedication to the Advancement of Women's Rights
- Genocide Intervention Network (GI-NET) Now Accepting Applications for 2010 Carl Wilkens Fellowship
- Call for Papers: 2010 Human Rights Essay Award
WCL Events
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WCL INTERNATIONAL WEEK KICKS OFF SEPTEMBER 17TH!
September 17-26
Faculty, students, staff, and other members of the WCL community are invited to partake in this 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, International Week Speaker featuring Sally E. Merry, 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 few events are listed below. For the full list of events and to receive more info please visit our website at wcl.american.edu/ilsp/llm_international_wk.cfm. All international week events are marked with an asterisk.
- ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS & ALTERNATIVE WINTER BREAK INTRODUCTORY MEETING
Thurs., Sept. 17th , 12pm - 1pm, Rm. 101
Interested in spending a week in New Orleans over winter break developing your legal skills? Join us for the first meeting of the year for Action for Human Rights and Alternative Winter Break in New Orleans: this Thursday at noon in Rm 101. This will be an informational meeting on this year's trip to New Orleans from Dec 27th-8th where we will be preforming a combination of pro bono legal work and manual labor. Additionally, we will be discussing various projects in the DC area which will be starting up this Fall. Chinese food will be served. For additional information, email ahr@wcl.american.edu.
Seeking 1Ls: We are currently accepting applications for membership on the executive board and for a chair position on the fund raising committee. For those interested in the executive board position please send your resume plus a brief description of why you are interested in the position and what you feel you can bring to the group to ahr@wcl.american.edu. For those interested in the fund raising position no resume is necessary but please include a brief description of why you are interested in the position and what you feel you can bring to committee to lgdrum@gmail.com. Deadline: Wednesday 9/23 @ 5p. Great resume builder.
- THE ACADEMY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW PRESENTS: ACCOUNTABILITY FOR GROSS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS: INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC APPROACHES
Thurs., Sept. 17th, 12pm - 1:30pm, 6th Floor JD Student Lounge
Join the Academy for a discussion of international and domestic approaches to holding perpetrators accountable for gross human rights violations. Speakers will include: Cecile Aptel, Senior Fellow, International Center for Transitional Justice, Juan Mández, Special Adviser on Crime Prevention, International Criminal Court, Robert Goldman, Professor of International Law, Washington College of Law, Susana SáCouto, Director, War Crimes Research Office Washington College of Law. Lunch will be served - RSVP to hracademy@wcl.american.edu
- INTERNATIONAL WEEK KICK-OFF EVENT! INTERNATIONAL POTLUCK DINNER (and the 2nd Annual International Photo Competition) *
Thurs., Sept. 17th, 7:30pm, 6th Floor Student Lounges
ILSP invites the entire WCL community to bring food and share the world's cultures at this year's potluck dinner. Sign up in room 338 or call 202-274-4112 or email eghebremicael@wcl.american.edu with questions.
- COUP OF NO COUP? THE CRISIS IN HONDURAS AND BEYOND *
Mon., Sept. 21st 3:30pm-5:00pm, Rm 600
Join the Academy for a discussion of the crisis in Honduras. Speakers will include: Doug Cassel, Director, Center for Civil and Human Rights, Notre Dame, Marcia Izaguirre, Independent Media Consultant, Viviana Krsticevic, Executive Director, Center for Justice and International Law. Coffee & dessert will be served - RSVP to hracademy@wcl.american.edu
- UNITED STATES V. DENEDO PANEL DISCUSSION
Tues., Sept. 22, 12pm - 1:30pm, Rm. 603
Please join the National Institute of Military Justice for lunch on Tuesday, September 22 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. in room 603 for a discussion of the importance of the U.S. Supreme Court decision and its impact on military justice. Panelists Include: Eugene R. Fidell, President, National Institute of Military Justice; Pratik A. Shah, Assistant to the Solicitor General, U.S. Department of Justice; Dwight H. Sullivan, Senior Appellate Defense Counsel, Air Force Appellate Defense Division; and Moderator: Prof. Stephen I. Vladeck, Washington College of Law. Please RSVP to Irina Vayner at ivayner@wcl.american.edu by Friday, September 18 at 5pm. Lunch will be provided. For additional information, please contact the National Institute of Military Justice at (202) 274-4322.
- RSVP TODAY! GENDER AND CLIMATE CHANGE *
Tues., Sept. 22, 3pm - 4pm, 6th Floor Student Lounges
Did you know that Climate Change affects men and women differently? Please join us for an international week panel featuring Professor David Hunter (WCL) and Ilana Solomon (ActionAid DC). Be part of the discussion as we learn about the emerging issues in gender and climate change and discuss current strategies, both at the local and international level, that seek to mainstream gender considerations into climate change mitigation efforts. All students, faculty and staff are welcome! Refereshements will be served. Co- sponsored by the Women and International Law Program and the Environmental Law Society of Washington College of Law. RSVP to wilp@wcl.american.edu.
- NEW CHIEF OF DOJ'S OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY, MARY PAT BROWN, SPEAKS ON ETHICS AND LAWYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Tues., Sept 22nd, 4:30 - 5:30pm, Rm. 603
Join the the Program on Law and Government and the Health Law and Justice Initiative for a discussion on practicing legal ethics law at the Department of Justice feat. guest speaker Mary Patrice Brown, Acting Counsel, Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), U.S. Department of Justice. RVSP at http://www.wcl.american.edu/secle/.
- THE PRESIDENCY OF BARACK OBAMA, THE LEGACY OF SENATOR KENNEDY: HAS THE TIME FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM ARRIVED?
Wed., Sept. 23rd, 12pm - 1:30pm, Rm. 603
Join the Health Law Project, the Program on Law and Government, and the Health Law and Justice Initiative for a forum exploring health care reform and the Obama Administration. Panelists include: Joel Michaels, partner, McDermott Will & Emery; Jeffrey Mittleman, partner, Holland and Knight; Carrie Valiant, partner, Epstein Becker & Green; Jim Pyles, partner, Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville; Julie Barnes, New America Foundation; Gwendolyn Majette, Global health Law Scholar; and Ahavia Glaser, Chief Medicare Lobbyist, AARP. Moderator: Corrine Parver, Practitioner-in-Residence and Executive Director, Health Law Project, Program on Law and Government, American University Washington College of Law. Lunch will be served
For more information and to RVSP, visit http://www.wcl.american.edu/secle/.
- WCL STUDY ABROAD & SUMMER SESSION FAIR *
Wed., Sept. 23rd, 4:00pm-6:00pm in the JD Student Lounge
Did you know that WCL offers many programs outside regular courses focusing on human rights law? Find out more about semester exchange, summer programs, and externships at the Study Abroad and Summer Session Fair. Representatives from the following programs will be on hand to answer questions: Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Environmental Law Health Law & Policy Institute International Arbitration Summer Institute on Law and Government *NEW* Chile Europe (London, Paris, Geneva, Brussels) The Hague Turkey Monash/Prato Program Israel *NEW* Semester Exchanges International Dual JD Programs Supervised Externship Program Office of the Registrar Office of Financial Aid Office of Career and Professional Development. International treats will be served. For more information contact grants-prog@wcl.american.edu.
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CONTROVERSIAL CONVERSATIONS IN HUMAN RIGHTS: DOES TORTURE WORK? *
Thurs., Sept. 23, 12pm - 1:20pm, 6th Floor Student Lounge
This first installment of the Center's new lunchtime talk series will be facilitated by Center Executive Director Hadar Harris. "Controversial conversations" aims to foster a dialogue among students about contentious, cutting-edge human rights issues and to view these issues from innovative angles. Other topics will be explored in sessions in November, February, and April (Dates and times to be announced). Each conversation will be facilitated by noted members of the WCL community. For additional information, please contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu. Lunch will be served! -
DEAN'S DIVERSITY LUNCH WITH ACTING EEOC COMMISSIONER STUART ISHIMARU: “A CIVIL RIGHTS PERSPECTIVE” *
Thurs., Sept. 24, 12pm - 2pm, 6th Floor JD Lounge
Please join us for what promises to be an interesting discussion. For additional information, please contact Sherry Weaver at 202 274-4032 or by emailing sweaver@wcl.american.edu. -
3RD ANNUAL ILSP LECTURE ON INTERNATIONAL LAW FEAT. PROF. SALLY ENGLE MERRY: "CROSSING THE CULTURE-RIGHTS DIVIDE: THE MAKING OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE VENACULAR" *
Thurs., Sept. 24th, 5:30pm, Rm. 603
The International Legal Studies program at WCL invites you to the 3rd Annual Conference on International Law featuring Prof. Sally Engle Merry. Sally Engle Merry is the Director of the Law and Society Program and professor of anthropology at New York University. She is the past president of the Law and Society Association and the Association for Policatical and Legal Anthropology. In 2007, she received the Kalven Prize of the Law and Society Association, an award that recognizes a significant body of scholarship in the field.
Professor Merry's work explores the role of law in the colonizing process, in contemporary transnationalism and in urban life in the U.S. Her recent books are: Colonizing Hawaii: The Cultural Power of Law (Princeton Univ. Press, 2000), which received the 2001 J. Willard Hurst Prize from the Law and Society Association, Human Rights and Gender Violence: Translating International Law into Local Justice (University of Chicago Press, 2006), and Gender Violence: A Cultural Perspective (Blackwells 2008). She has also recently published articles on women's human rights, violence against women, and the process of localizing women's human rights.
Register Online with the WCL Office of Special Events and Continued Legal Education by Friday, September 18th.
CLE accreditation will be applied for (one credit- $35)
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SIGN-UP FOR THE INTERNATIONAL WEEK SOCCER COMPETITION *
Sat., Sept. 26, 11am, Massachusetts Ave. Fields
Join us for the 3rd annual one day soccer competition for the WCL community hosted by the ILSP for Int’l Week. Sign-up as a team or individually. Maximum teams of 8 players (minimum of 6). One female must be on the field at all times. If signing up individually you will be placed on a team. HOW TO SIGN-UP: 1) Visit the 6th floor from 12pm - 1pm; 2) Visit the WCL lobby everyday (except Friday); 3) Visit Bill Churma in the ILSP office. QUESTIONS: Email Bill at wchurma@wcl.american.edu.
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SIGN-UP FOR LAMBDAS "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" LOBBY DAY
All Week, WCL Lobby (Lobby Day: Thurs. Oct. 15th)
Lambda Law Society, WCL's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally student group, will be tabling in the lobby this week to protest the JAG recruiters' presence on campus because of their discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. The policy prohibits lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals from serving openly in the military. Weve also partnered with other DC law schools to organize a Lobby Day on October 15. We'll meet with our congressional representatives to ask them to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. We'd like to have as many WCL students participate as possible! Servicemembers Legal Defense Network will provide lobbying training for those who sign up. This lobbying experience will be a great public interest resume builder! To ensure that we're able to schedule you a meeting with your representative, YOU MUST SIGN UP BY SEPTEMBER 20. Please email Anna Jagelewski at anna.jagelewski@gmail.com with your contact information, including your nine-digit zip code (zip code plus four), if you know it, or your permanent address.
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SAVE THE DATE: UPHOLDING INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS: SHARED HISTORY AND SHARED CHALLENGES FOR THE NETHERLANDS AND THE UNITED STATES
Mon., Oct. 5, 2pm - 6pm, Rm. 603
This year the Netherlands and the United States celebrate 400 years of enduring friendship, starting with the arrival of the first Dutch ship in 1609. As part of the series of events organized around this ‘NY400’ milestone, this seminar aims to explore how the Dutch presence in North America and the interaction between the Netherlands and the U.S. have contributed to the development of fundamental and universal human rights, and what this means today for the human rights policies of both our nations. To register, please e-mail humlaw@wcl.american.edu.
Community Events
- 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.
- JUST WORDS: A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN AFRICA
Tues., Sept. 29th. Doors open at 6:00pm. Concert begins at 7:00pm.
Who: The Africa Action benefit concert, Just Words for Peace and Justice in Africa, will feature the 2008 Wammie Award Winners from The Washington Area Music Association Chopteeth, John Stone Reggae, Regg'go and some of the best socially conscious poets, spoken word and hip-hop artists in the nation. Door Prizes will be drawn throughout the event.
Where: Rock N Roll Hotel 1353 H St NE Washington, DC 20002-4406 (202) 388-7625 Get Directions
*There is a free shuttle service courtesy of Rock & Roll Hotel. Click here for shuttle informationTHREE WAYS TO BUY YOUR TICKETS ( $20 per ticket, $15 for students)
1. ONLINE: Visit www.ticketalternative.com
2. BY PHONE: Call Africa Action at 202-546-7961 to purchase your tickets over the phone and pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express only)
3. AT THE DOOR:You may purchase tickets at the door the night of the performance. Cash or checks will be accepted.
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AU's KAY SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER PRESENTS TABLE TALK LUNCH SERIES
Wednesdays at 12pm (12pm Lunch and 12:20pm Discussion), Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge
Join the Kay Spiritual Life Center for its Table Talk Lunch Series on Wednesdays at 12pm. Please RSVP 24 hours before the scheduled event at 202-885-3321 or at kslc@american.edu. Buffet lunch provided free for students. Speakers to be announced.
Wednesday, Sept. 30th - Cap and Trade: Consequences for the Global South?Wednesday, Oct. 14th - Extractive Industries: Trade Justice and Human Rights
Wednesday, Oct. 28th - International Financial System: What New Rules Are Needed?
Wednesday, Nov. 18th - Universal Health Care: Whose Dream and Whose Nightmare?
Wednesday, Dec. 2nd - The Coup in Honduras: What is Happening to Democracy in Latin America?
Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities
- 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.
- HEALTH LAW POLICY INTERN: ASIAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN HEALTH FORUM (APIAHF)
DEADLINE: Sept. 18th 2009
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is recognized as a leading voice for health policy on behalf of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPI) in the U.S. and its jurisdictions. Founded in 1986, APIAHF approaches activities with the philosophy of coalition-building and developing capacity within Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. APIAHF works with policy makers to ensure that AA and NHPI needs and assets are included in the national dialogue on health, and it helps to build the capacity of organizations and community leaders so that they are better able to advocate for and provide quality health services. APIAHF also engages in research and dissemination to advance policy in the interests of local AA and NHPI organizations, providers, and communities.Position Description: The Health Law Policy Intern will work with other APIAHF Policy Division staff to conduct research and write and/or update health policy briefs, draft comments on proposed legislation, regulations or guidance, draft talking points for Congressional staff, and draft letters of support or opposition to legislation.
Salary: $10-$15/hr.; school credit available; reimbursement for Metro fare. Hours: Flexible; 10-15 hours per week (September-December 2009). Location: Washington, DC office.
Application instructions: Please send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to hr@apiahf.org with Attn: HR - Health Law Policy Internship in the subject line. For more information, visit http://www.apiahf.org/index.php/about-us/employment-opportunities.html.
DEAN'S FELLOW OPPORTUNITY AT THE WAR CRIMES RESEARCH OFFICE FOR FALL SEMESTER
The WCRO seeks a Dean's Fellow to provide administrative assistance to its Summer Law Program in The Hague. We are looking for students to assist in developing course materials, marketing the program and undertaking administrative tasks. We value attention to detail, strong organizational skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office programs. Experience or interest in international law, program management and study abroad are all great assets. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience to Susana SáCouto, Director, War Crimes Research Office, by email at warcrimes@wcl.american.edu. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by our office at 4301 50th Street NW, Suite 102, call us at 202-274-4067 or e-mail warcrimes@wcl.american.edu.
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RESEARCH ASSISTANT: WAR ON TERROR AND INTERNATIONAL LAW
An opportunity is available for a student with excellent research skills to provide assistance in the research and preparation of the second edition of ‘The War on Terror and the Framework of International Law’, published by Cambridge University Press in 2005. The student would work directly with the author, Helen Duffy, who is the Legal Director of INTERIGHTS, an international human rights organization, though this work is done in her personal capacity.
The first edition of the book has been widely distributed and critically appraised as an important resource for policy makers, lawyers, students and interested citizens in understanding the law and how it been applied or misapplied in the aftermath of 9/11(reviews available through www.interights.org).
The second edition will involve research and analysis of recent developments in international practice, alongside evolving international standards. Since 2005 international practice has moved on in significant and often troubling ways. Critical controversial issues now include the practice of 'extraordinary rendition,' the nature of torture and ill treatment and accountability obligations, terrorist black 'lists'’ the ‘preventative’ use of criminal law and the reactions of national, international and regional the courts to terrorism and counter-terrorism post-9/11. Like the original book, the second edition would approach the legal framework as an intersecting whole rather thaN - as tends to happen - compartmentalized and fragmented. It would therefore address issues relating to the use of force; criminal law as tool against terrorism; developments in humanitarian law; human rights; state responsibility for terrorism; and intersections between these areas.
While the author cannot offer remuneration, providing assistance may represent an opportunity to engage with and develop expertise in many of the key international legal issues of our time, and would be recognized in the book itself. While there is flexibility as to time available and areas of focus; the only requirements are excellent research skills and sound knowledge of international law in some of the relevant areas highlighted above. To express interest or with any questions please feel free to contact Helen Duffy helenandluca@hotmail.com.
- FELLOWSHIPS IN INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AT HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: NEW YORK, WASHINGTON, DC or LONDON
(Deadline September 25th)
Human Rights Watch, the international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization, invites applications for its fellowship program. Human Rights Watch is known for its impartial and reliable human rights reporting on over 70 countries worldwide, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in affecting the policy of the US and other influential governments toward human rights abusers.
Job Description: Fellows work full-time for one year with Human Rights Watch in New York, Washington, D.C., or London. Fellows monitor human rights developments in various countries, conduct on-site investigations, draft reports on human rights conditions, and engage in advocacy aimed at publicizing and curtailing human rights violations. Past fellows have conducted research and advocacy on numerous different issues in countries all over the world. A few recent examples are: a project on the rights of Iraqi refugees in Syria and Lebanon; on violations of the rights of girls in juvenile custody in New York State; on corporal punishment of children in southern public schools in the US; on the rights of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal and India; on abuses against Sri Lankan migrant domestic workers; and abuses committed in the context of the Naxal conflict in Chhattisgarh state, India.
Qualifications: Applicants must have exceptional analytic skills, an ability to write and speak clearly, and a commitment to work in the human rights field in the future. Proficiency in one language in addition to English is strongly desired. Familiarity with countries or regions where serious human rights violations occur is also valued. Depending on the fellowship for which they wish to apply, prospective fellows must be graduates of law, journalism, international relations, or other relevant studies, or must provide evidence of significant, comparable, relevant work experience (please see our Frequently Asked Questions section for the specific requirements of the various fellowships at http://www.hrw.org/node/82286).
Fellowships begin in September 2010. The salary for 2010-2011 fellows will be $49,000, plus excellent employer-paid benefits.
To Apply: Applicants are responsible for compiling complete application packets which must include the following: cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation, at least one unedited, unpublished writing sample, an official law or graduate school transcript (applicants in one-year graduate programs should supply an undergraduate transcript with a list of their graduate school courses and an official letter from the graduate program confirming enrollment).
Complete applications (including transcripts and recommendations) for 2010-2011 fellowships must be received no later than September 25, 2009. Applications should be sent by e-mail, under single cover and as PDF files, to fellowship@hrw.org with the name of the fellowship in the subject line.
Applicants must be available for interviews in New York from early November to mid-December 2009. Inquiries may be directed to fellowship@hrw.org. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. Application Deadline: September 25, 2009. Website: http://www.hrw.org/en/about/fellowships.
- INVITATION TO SUBMIT ESSAYS IN DEDICATION TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS (Deadline Oct. 1st)
The Modern American (TMA) announces the American University - Washington College of Law (WCL) essay competition, open to all full-time and part-time law students enrolled in and attending an accredited law school in the United States. This competition is co-sponsored by WCL in conjunction with the Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia.
The Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia (WBA) and WCL share an important history in advancing women in the law and women’s rights. TMA celebrates this joint history by creating a writing competition that highlights the intersection between immigration and violence against women. In both the domestic and international contexts, immigration and violence are inexorably connected. This timely issue marks the 15th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25th. This contest will commemorate these landmarks by highlighting the often invisible link between immigration and violence, specifically violence against women. The winner of the competition will not only receive $1,000, but will also have the opportunity to publish his/her essay in TMA. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: October 1st, 2009, at noon est. For additional information, please contact Tatiana Miranda, Editor-in-Chief,The Modern American at t.miranda17@gmail.com.
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GENOCIDE INTERVENTION NETWORK (GI-NET) IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2010 CARL WILKENS FELLOWSHIP (Deadline November 1st)
The Carl Wilkens Fellowship provides emerging leaders with conflict and advocacy training, organizing tools, leadership training, and the resources to build sustained political will to end genocide. Named in honor of Carl Wilkens, the only American to remain in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide, the Carl Wilkens Fellowship gives ordinary citizens the skills and resources they need to become movement leaders in their own communities. If you, or someone you know, are interested in learning more about the Wilkens Fellowship, please visit: http://www.genocideintervention.net/advocate/wilkens/overview. Applications are due no later than November 1st, 2009. The link to the application is: http://www.genocideintervention.net/advocate/wilkens/apply. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Jessica Reveri, Carl Wilkens Fellowship Coordinator, at reveri@genocideintervention.net.
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CALL FOR PAPERS: 2010 HUMAN RIGHTS ESSAY AWARD
The Academy is proud to announce the topic of the 2010 Human Rights Essay Award. This year's topic for the essay in English is: "The Rights of Freedom of Expression and International Human Rights Law." Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2010 at 10am EST.
About the Award: This annual competition seeks to stimulate the production of scholarly works in international human rights law. The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law grants two Awards, one for the best article in English and one for the best article in Spanish. The Jury deciding the Award will be comprised of professionals with a recognized expertise in international human rights law. The best articles may be published in the American University International Law Review. A comprehensive list of rules is available at: www.wcl.american.edu/hracademy/hraward.cfm. If you have questions please contact the Academy of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at 202-274-4070 or via email at hracademy@wcl.american.edu.
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 2009 newsletter, please visit the following site: http://www.wcl.american.edu/humright/center/newsletter/fall09_newsletter.cfm.
