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

WCL Events

1. 1L PUBLIC INTEREST ROUNDTABLE SERIES WITH PROF. ANTHONY VARONA
   Thurs., Oct. 8th, 12-1:15pm, Rm 524
   1Ls are invited to join Professor Anthony Varona for lunch. Prof. Varona (http://www.wcl.american.edu/faculty/varona/) will discuss his work as legal director for the Human Rights Campaign and founding chairperson of the AIDS Action Council's Legal Advisory Board. He will also share his thoughts on pursuing a career in public interest law and answer student questions. You must RSVP by Monday, October 5. Registration is limited and food will be provided. To RSVP please contact jshirk@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
2. WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU DON'T WANT TO LITIGATE? AN INTRODUCTION TO TRANSACTIONAL LAW HOSTED BY THE WOMEN AND THE LAW PROGRAM
   Thurs., Oct. 8th, 12-12:50pm, Rm. 601
   Come for an informal discussion about career choices in transactional law. Learn about what transactional attorneys actually do. Learn about transactional pro bono work and hear about volunteer opportunities in transactional pro bono work. Lunch with be provided. For more information and to RSVP please contact wilp@wcl.american.edu. 
   
   
3. HUMAN RIGHTS FILM SERIES! 10TH ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS FILM SERIES: BURMA VJ
   Thurs., Oct., 8th, 5:30-8pm, Katzen Arts Center
   The Annual Human Rights Film Series at American University explores ways in which film and media can be used to promote and protect human rights. This year, the largest coalition of partners has joined together to organize an impressive schedule of films and speakers for the 10th anniversary. The series will kick-off at the AU Katzen Arts Center. All screenings begin at 5:30pm and will feature a post-screening discussion with award-winning filmmakers and human rights advocates. The kickoff film Burma VJ features a tenacious band of Burmese reporters, armed with video cameras facing down death to expose the repressive regime controlling their country. To see the movie trailer please visit http://burmavjmovie.com/. The Series is free and open to the public. For more information and listing of all fims in the series please visit http://www.wcl.american.edu/humright/center/film.cfm or contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu. We hope to see you there!
   
   
4. STRATEGIC LITIGATION WITHIN INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC FORUMS
   Mon., Oct. 12th, 2-6:00pm, Rm. 603
   This series of afternoon panels will feature numerous speakers describing the work of the UNROW Human Rights Impact Litigation Clinic. The first distinguished lecturer is Michael Tigar, Prof. Emeritus at WCL and founder of the UNROW Human Rights Impact Litigation Clinic speaking on Narratives of Oppression. This lecture will be followed by two panels discussing the specific work of the UNROW clinic with regard to the people of the Chagos Archipelago and their claim against the British and US governments in their forceful removal from their island home. The second panel will discuss the case of Francisco Uson, the first before the Inter-American system to deal with the criminalization of speech against a state organ. General registration is free but required. For more information and to register for the event please visit http://www.wcl.american.edu/secle/fall/2009/20091012a.cfm.
   
   
5. HUMAN RIGHTS ROUNDTABLE FOR LLM STUDENTS
   Tues., Oct. 13th, 3:30-4:30pm, Rm. 526
   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 refreshments will be served. For additional information please contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
6. MUNCHING ON HUMAN RIGHTS SERIES: THERE REALLY ARE LAWS OF WAR!
   Wed., Oct. 14th, 12-1:30pm, JD Student Lounge
   The Center's popular "Munching on Human Rights" series is back for another season of engaging and thought-provoking lunchtime lectures hosted by WCL faculty. This series is an introductory program designed particularly for 1Ls who are looking to get a "taste" of international human rights and humanitarian law during their first year of study. Topics will include an introduction to human rights treaty law, a discussion of the Universal Bill of Human Rights, and a primer on the law of war and rules of occupation. Lectures will be held once a month (fall semester only) and pizza will be served so bring your questions and your appetite! All students are welcome. For additional information and to RSVP please contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
7. HUMAN RIGHTS FILM SERIES! 10TH ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS FILM SERIES: TAKING ROOT: THE VISION OF WANGARI MAATHAI
   Thurs., Oct. 15th, 5:30-8pm, Wechsler Theater, Mary Graydon Center
   The Annual Human Rights Film Series at American University explores ways in which film and media can be used to promote and protect human rights. This year the largest coalition of partners has joined together to organize an impressive schedule of films and speakers for the 10th anniversary. Ths series will kickoff at the AU Katzen Arts Center. All screenings begin at 5:30pm and will feature a post-screening discussion with award-winning filmmakers and human rights advocates. The second film in the series features the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy a movement for which this charismatic woman became an iconic inspiration.Special Guest speaker: Filmeditor Mary Lampson. To see the movie trailer see http://takingrootfilm.com/. For more information and listing of all fims in the series see http://www.wcl.american.edu/humright/center/film.cfm or contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu. We hope to see you there!
   
   
8. EQUAL JUSTICE FOUNDATION WINE RAFFLE LAUNCH
   Fri., Oct. 16th, 7-9:00pm
   The Equal Justice Foundation will host a wine bottle raffle at WCL between October 19th and 23rd. The raffle will launch on October 16 during the WCL Alumni Open House. Alumni are encouraged to bring wine bottles for the raffle. Tickets will be sold. Winners will be chosen on October 23. You do not have to be present to win. For more information email ejf@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
9. AFTER THE PARTY: CORRUPTION, THE ANC, AND SOUTH AFRICA'S UNCERTAIN FUTURE, A BOOK DISCUSSION WITH AUTHOR ANDREW FEINSTEIN
   Mon., Oct. 19th, 12-2:00pm, Rm. 516
   Author Andrew Feinstein will discuss his acclaimed book After the Party. Mr. Feinstein was an ANC Member of Parliament in South Africa for eight years. He resigned from Parliament in late 2001 in protest of the ANC’s refusal to allow an unfettered investigation into a multi-billion rand arms deal that was tainted by allegations of high-level corruption. Mr. Feinstein currently chairs the U.K.-based Friends of the Treatment Action Campaign, an organization that campaigns for the rights of people with HIV and AIDS. For additional information please contact Amy Tenney at atenney@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
10. UNIVERSITY LECTURE ON TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE BY VISITING PROF. JUAN MÉNDEZ
    Wed., Oct. 21st, 4:00pm, Kay Spiritual Life Center (main campus)
    Visiting WCL Professor Juan Méndez is slated to give a talk at the Kay Spiritual Life Center on main campus on October 21st at 4pm about transitional justice.  Prof. Méndez is the former president of the International Center for Transitional Justice and former Special Adviser to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on the Prevention of Genocide.  The lecture will be followed by commentary from distinguished AU faculty.  More information will be available shortly at wclcenterforhr.org.
    
    
11. COOL HUMAN RIGHTS WORK I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION
    Wed., Oct. 28th, 12-1:20pm, 6th Floor JD student lounge
    Join us for a discussion of the electic human rights related work that WCL students did this summer. Students will share their experience in getting the jobs and stories of the work they did. This is a great opportunity to see the actual work students are doing and make connections with potential summer employers. For additional information and to RSVP please contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu. Lunch will be served.

Community Events

1. 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, 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?

2. BROWN BAG DISCUSSION: DANCING WITH CHILD SOLDIERS
   Fri., Oct. 9th, 12-1:30pm, Institute for Policy Studies-Conference Rm. (1112 16th NW DC, Ste 600)
   Learn about how dance therapy is used with former child combatants in Sierra Leone. David Alan Harris is a choreographer, writer, and leading dance/movement therapist who specializes in fostering recovery among survivors of egregious human rights abuse. His article on his work in Sierra Leone can be read here. For more information please visit http://www.ips-dc.org/events/dancing_with_child_soldiers.
   
   
3. SHIMINISTIM "WHY WE REFUSE" TOUR
   Sat., Oct 10th, 5-7:00pm, Busboys and Poets, Landston Rm. (2021 14th St. NW DC)
   Cost: $10
   

   As a fundraiser to help support the Shministim Tour and the Gaza Freedom March, CODEPINK and Jewish Voice for Peace are excited to be organizing a nationwide tour through the United States this fall. These two women recount why they refused to enlist in the IDF to occupy Palestinian territories and rule over Palestinian life, what they have experienced as a result, and what it all means. You can visit www.whywerefuse.org for more information and background about the tour!

   Maya Wind and Netta Mishly both signed the 2008 Shministim Letter: a declaration by Israeli high school students that they would not enlist in the IDF to occupy Palestinian territories and rule over Palestinian life. Since military service is mandatory for Israeli Jews upon completing high school, Maya, Netta, and most of the 60 teenagers who signed the letter have been sentenced to military prison, sometimes for multiple terms. Please RSVP at www.codepinkalert.org/dcevent.

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 governed by civil law in all 50 states. Find more information at Equality Across America
   
   

Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities

1. 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.
   

2. 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.
   
   

3. 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.
   

4. 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.

5. 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.

   
   

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