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

WCL Events

1. THE CRISIS IN GUINEA: HUMAN RIGHTS AND ACCOUNTABLITY
   Wed., Oct. 14th, 12-1:30pm, 6th Floor JD Student Lounge
   The Center is hosting a dynamic panel discussion to address the recent surge of violence in Guinea. The panel will feature experts from Human Rights Watch, and the New York Times bureau chief for West Africa is scheduled to patch in via phone. In addition, a WCL alumnus who now heads a NGO in Guinea is slated to join the panel via telephone. Pizza and refreshments will be served! For additional information and to RSVP please contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
2. CURRENT ISSUES ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND MIGRANT WOMEN IN MEXICO
   Thurs., Oct. 15th, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 402
   Current Issues on Human Trafficking and Migrant Women in Mexico Students are invited to join Gretchen Kuhner, an American lawyer living and working in Mexico on migrant rights and human trafficking, with a focus on migrant women. Ms. Kuhner has just completed a study of trafficking in seven states in Mexico, has conducted research on migrant women in detention in Mexico, and worked with Mexico’s pre-eminent immigrant rights organization, Sin Fronteras, for eight years. She will share major findings from her research and answer student questions. Pizza will be served. For additional information and to RSVP please contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
3. 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. 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: film editor Mary Lampson. To see the movie trailer see http://takingrootfilm.com/. For more information and listing of all films 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!
   
   
4. LAWYERING FOR ACCESS: LEGAL STRAEGIES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE MEDICINES
   Fri., Oct. 16th, 12:30-3:30pm, Rm. 602
   PIJIP and Prescription Policy Choices will co-host this event to discuss actions state governments have taken to control pharmaceutical costs, as well as the roles of legislation and litigation in pharmaceutical policy. Topics will include: the recent $2.3 billion Pfizer settlement, as well as innovative state legislation being considered around the country, federal appellate litigation by the pharmaceutical industry asserting a First Amendment right to access prescription records for marketing purposes; litigation regarding deceptive marketing practices; and the implications of health care reform for access to medicines and the use of health information. For additional information please contact meredith.jacob@american.edu.
   
   
5. 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 16th 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 23rd. You do not have to be present to win. For more information email ejf@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. DISCOVERING BURIED TREASURE: INT'L LAW FOR TRANSBOUNDARY GROUND WATER RESOURCES
   Tues., Oct. 20th, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 603
   Today, nearly one-half of humanity relies on ground water for their daily freshwater needs. Until recently, though, transboundary ground water resources were the neglected stepchild of international water law. In 2008, after years of debate and formulation, the UN International Law Commission submitted to the UN General Assembly 19 draft articles on the law of transboundary aquifers. While the draft articles are now undergoing scrutiny by the UN Member States, they mark a significant milestone in the development of international law. Professor Gabriel Eckstein, WCL JD ’95 and LL.M. ’97, serves as an advisor to UNESCO and the UNILC in the development of the draft articles. He currently holds the George W. McCleskey Chair in Water Law at Texas Tech University and is director of the International Water Law Project (www.InternationalWaterLaw.org). Professor Eckstein will discuss the development of the draft articles as well as his experience in this singular process. Lunch will be served. For more information please contact els@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
8. 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 member Chuck Call, School of International Service. Refreshments will be served. For more information please visit wclcenterforhr.org.
   
   
9. 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 eclectic 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.
   
   
10. HUMAN RIGHTS FILM SERIES! 10TH ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS FILM SERIES: NEW MUSLIM COOL
    Thurs., Oct 22nd, 5:30pm-8:00pm, 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. All screenings begin at 5:30pm and will feature a post-screening discussion with award-winning filmmakers and human rights advocates. The third film in the series invites audiences to take a ride with Puerto Rican American rapper Hamza Perez’s through the streets, projects and jail cells of urban America, following his spiritual journey to some surprising places - where we can all see ourselves reflected in a world that never stops changing. The post-screening discussion will include the filmmaker Jennifer Maytorena Taylor. Check out the movie trailer at Watch the Trailer. For more information and listing of all films 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!

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. 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. ROOTS AND WINGS INTERNATIONAL COFFEE SALES SUPPORTING FULL-TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS TO INDIGENOUS GUATEMALAN YOUTH
   Everyone needs coffee right? Well get your coffee and support a great cause at the same time. Roots & Wings International (founded by WCL Alum, Erik Swanson) creates educational opportunities to promote development as defined by local communities. Our work is rooted in recognizing the importance of culturally responsive education that empowers students to connect their cultural identity with sustainable social and economic development. There is a great selection of various kinds of coffee and delivery is very quick. $3 of every bag you buy helps provide a college education for students in rural Guatemala. Please visit http://www.rootsandwingsintl.org/youcanehelp/buycoffee.htm to support this great cause.
   
   
3. 100 YEARS OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZING: FROM ALINSKY TO OBAMA
   Wed., Nov. 4th, 12-9:30pm, AU Main Campus
   The Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest, and Sandy Horwitt, Saul Alinsky biographer, are presenting a series of events on November 4 to celebrate Saul Alinsky, assess the current state of community organizing, and inspire the next generation of community organizers. At this time of economic and social upheaval, there is a great need and opportunity to dramatically increase effective and ethical civic engagement on the critical issues of our day. The event will explore the organizing philosophy and approach of Saul Alinsky, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. It also will focus on organizing as a career path and its impact on American society and democracy.
   
   12-1:45pm: Community Organizing: From Alinsky to Obama and
   Beyond, Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge
   
   4pm-6:00pm: Careers in Community Organizing: From Alinsky to
   Obama, WCL, Rm. 603
   
   8-9:30pm: What Effective Activists Can Learn From Saul Alinsky, Mary Graydon Center Rm. 200
   
   Please RSVP by Monday, Nov 2 to Becky Prosky at prosky@american.edu or
   202-885-3491.

Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities

1. USAID/OFFICE OF TRANSITION INITIATIVES NOW HAS INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR THE SPRING 2010 SEMESTER
   All candidates must be U.S. citizens currently enrolled and in good standing in a Bachelors, Masters Degree or PhD program, must meet the qualifications outlined in each position description as outlined in the solicitation, and be able to receive a U.S. Government security clearance. Applications for the 2010 Spring semester are due 5:00 PM, November 30, 2009. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline indicated. For further information about USAID/OTI Internships, and instructions about how to apply, please visit www.globalcorps.com.
   
   
2. JEAN-PICTET INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW COMPETITION
   The War Crimes Research Office is looking for three students (J.D. or LL.M.) who are interested in representing WCL in the 2010 Jean-Pictet Competition, which will be held in Quebec from March 20-27. Unlike a moot court competition, the Jean-Pictet Competition is a week-long international humanitarian law exercise involving simulated diplomatic negotiations. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the study and practice of the laws of war and international criminal law.
   
   WCL’s participation in the Jean-Pictet Competition is dependent on the qualifications of its team members. Therefore, selection is competitive. Students with experience in humanitarian or international criminal law are particularly encouraged to apply for our team. Interested applicants should send us their names, year, resume, transcript (unofficial is fine), and a description of any experience with international criminal/humanitarian law, as well an answer to one of the following questions:
   
   Are the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 obsolete?
   
   You are a volunteer with a non-governmental organization (NGO) which has the mandate to promote the respect for international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law around the world. The basic principles relied upon by your NGO are impartiality, independence, and neutrality. The director of legal affairs of your NGO wishes to produce short public information papers on the conflict which took place in Lebanon in the summer of 2006, with a view to posting those information papers on your NGO’s website. In this connection, the director asks you to submit a draft public information paper addressing specifically the legal qualification of the situation and the applicable law in Lebanon between 1 July 2006 and 31 August 2006 (without addressing possible violations of substantive law).
   
   Are non-State actors who violate International Humanitarian Law nonetheless protected by it?
   
   Responses to each question should be limited to 500 words. Note: Applicants who will be 30 years old or older on the day the competition begins do not qualify for the competition. Any person who has previously attended the Competition is also ineligible to compete. Email your application to warcrimes@wcl.american.edu. The deadline for applications is October 19, 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 at helenandluca@hotmail.com.
   
   

5. 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.
   

6. 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.

7. 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