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

WCL Events

1. THE PROGRESSIVE PEOPLE OF COLOR CAUCUS (PPOCC) WILL BE HAVING ITS FIRST GENERAL MEETING
   Wed., Sept. 23rd, 12-1:00pm, Rm. 527
   Come learn how you can be a part of bringing critical race perspective into WCL and beyond. People who self-identify as people of color may attend. Snacks will be provided. For additional information please contact ppocc.wcl@gmail.com.
   
   
2. INTERESTED IN BEING PAID FOR PUBLIC INTEREST WORK IN THE SUMMER 2010? COME TO THE EQUAL JUSTICE FOUNDATIONS' MANDATORY MEETING
   Tues., Sept. 22nd, 12-1:30pm, Rm. 401
   Wed., Sept. 23rd, 12-1:30pm, Rm. 401
   Thurs., Sept. 24th, 5pm, Rm. 103 & 7:30pm, Rm. 603
   At these meetings, you will hear about the grant application requirements, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to get involved!
   Even those who received a grant last year MUST attend a mandatory meeting in order to be eligible for a grant in Summer 2010.
   Any questions, contact: ejfwcl@gmail.com.
   
   
3. 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/.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   

5. 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!

6. HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE SEX SECTOR IN MUMBAI
   Thurs., Sept 24th, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 503
   After viewing two short films on Mumbai’s Kamathipura brothel area, Ann Jordan will share her observations from a trip to Kamathipura’s sex worker collective, Sanghamitra, this summer and will lead a discussion with participants about the situation in Mumbai and the work of Sanghamitra. For additional information, please contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu.

7. 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.

8. 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)

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

1. CONGRESSWOMEN JACKSON LEE: FIXING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM ISSUE FORUM
   Sat, Sept. 26th, 1-3:30pm, Washington, DC Convention Center Halls D & E
   Theme: Ending Cocaine Disparity, Racial Profiling, and the Criminalization of African Americans and Latinos:  Call to Action to Fix the American Justice System. This panel seeks to highlight and address systemic problems facing the U.S. criminal justice system, specifically the crack/powder disparity and racial profiling. To discuss the consequences of unequal treatment of people of color in the justice system, and outline legislative proposals to ameliorate the racial disparities that dominate today's criminal justice system.To highlight ways to reverse the pervasive pattern of unequal treatment of people of color in the criminal justice system. For more information please visit www.cbcfinc.org.
   
   
2. 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 information

   THREE 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.

3. 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?

4. LGBTQ EQUALITY MARCH ON WASHINGTON
   Sun., Oct. 11th
   Parade at 12:00 (route TBA) Rally at 2:00pm (West Lawn of the Capitol)
   Organized by Equality Across America with one single demand, "Equal protection in all matters giverned by civil law in all 50 states. Find more information at Equality Across America
   
   
5. DONATE TODAY! WEAVE (WOMEN EMPOWERED AGAINST VIOLENCE) IS SEEKING TO RAISE $85,000
   Sept. 30th Deadline
   WEAVE is seeking to raise $85,000 by Sept. 30th, which will enable them to pay off a line of credit due, after which a $200,000 commitment from several foundations will kick in.  We understand that WEAVE has a new board leadership coming in and a lead on a consultant who will develop a business plan, a marketing plan, and a sustainability plan over the next 30-45 days.
   

   WEAVE has raised 43% of what they need in 2 days, and believe they can reach their goal if everyone who cares pitches in.

   So go to www.SaveWEAVE.org and click on the Chip-In button.  When WEAVE reaches the $85,000 goal you will receive a letter from WEAVE acknowledging your tax-exempt charitable contribution.  If they do not reach the goal, they will return all the donations to the donors.
   For more information on WEAVE see http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/19/AR2009091902383.html.

Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities

1. 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.
   
   
2. WCL CRIMINAL LAW BRIEF SEEKING STAFF MEMBERS
   

   Allclass levelsare encouragedapply for a staff positionon the Criminal Law Brief. Staff memberscan expect toimprove bluebooking skills, expand and diversify their resumes, and have opportunities to be published. Positions as line editors and executive board members will become available to those interested in leadership roles. Interested students should email CrimLawBrief@gmail.com requesting an application. Applications will be due October 1, 2009.
   

3. 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.
   

4. 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.
   
   

5. 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.
   
   
6. 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.
   

7. 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.
   

8. 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.

9. CALL FOR PAPERS: ABA COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
   Deadline: Nov. 2nd, 2009
   ABA Commission on Human Rights is requesting submissions on human rights-related topics for possible publication in The International Lawyer's Year in Review. Your contribution will be read by lawyers, judges, and academics around the world.  Topics addressed in last year’s submission include the U.N. Human Rights Council, death penalty decisions in the U.S. and similar legal developments around the world, decisions in the European Court of Human Rights, and other topics.

   This year, we would particularly appreciate your help in writing about one of the following hot topics identified by the chairs and vice-chairs of the ABA Int’l Human Rights Committee:

   • U.N. Human Rights Council
   • European Court of Human Rights decisions
   • International Court of Justice decisions
   • ICTY/ICTR/ICC decisions and trials
   • Torture/Extraordinary Rendition
   • Intersections between business models and Human Rights (e.g., micro financing)
   • Millennium Development Goals tracking and updates
   • CEDAW updates
   • Committee on the Rights of the Child updates
   • Other topics

   If another topic interests you, please send a brief summary of your idea. For guidelines and topic submissions please contact cferguson@fcsl.edu.

   
   
   
   

Top of Page