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

WCL Events

1. 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 giving a talk entitled Transitional Justice: Challenges and Opportunities.  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. For more information please visit wclcenterforhr.org. Refreshments will be served.
   
   
2. 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 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. Please visit http://www.wcl.american.edu/humright/center/film.cfm or contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu. We hope to see you there!
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. RICCI V. DESTEFANO: THE FUTURE OF DISPARATE IMPACT LITIGATION AFTER THE NEW HAVEN FIREFIGHTERS CASE
   Wed., Oct. 28th, 12-2:00pm, Rm. 603
   The American University Washington College of Law will host a panel discussion on the effect of the Supreme Court's recent decision in Ricci v DeStefano, which curtailed the ability of employers to take voluntary steps to comply with the
   disparate impact standard of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Disparate impact litigation has been the principal
   vehicle for opening opportunity for minorities and women in our police and fire departments over the past 40 years.
   
   This panel will explore the impact of Ricci on employers and employees, as well as its broader implications for race conscious decision making. Stuart Ishimaru, the Acting Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, will introduce the panel discussion. The panel will consist of leading employment discrimination attorneys who represent plaintiffs and
   defendants, and experts in selection procedures. The distinguished members of this panel are: Jocelyn Samuels, Civil
   Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice; Joseph Sellers, Cohen and Milstein; Grace Speights, Morgan Lewis; Keith
   Pyburn, Fischer and Phillips; and Irv Goldstein, Ph.D., Industrial Organization Psychologist, University of Maryland. For further information please contact secle@wcl.american.edu. Registration is free, but required. To RSVP please visit www.wcl.american.edu/secle/registration.
   
   
5. HUMAN RIGHTS FILM SERIES! 10TH ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS FILM SERIES: THE RECKONING
   Thurs., Oct. 29th, 5:30-8:00pm, Katzen Arts Center
   Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues arrest warrants for the rebel leaders of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda, puts four Congolese warlords on trial in The Hague, charges the president of Sudan with genocide and war crimes in Darfur, challenges the UN Security Council to have him arrested, and shakes up the Colombian criminal justice system. Will this tiny upstart court in The Hague tame the Wild West of international conflict zones and end the culture of impunity? Come find out! Check out the trailer here. For more information on all films 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!
   
   
6. SAVE THE DATE! MUCHING ON HUMAN RIGHTS IS BACK FOR ITS SECOND SESSION
   Wed., Nov. 11th, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 603
   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. 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 12:00pm (12:00pm 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 12:00pm. 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. Their 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.
   

Announcements & Professional Development Opportunities

1. THE OXFORD INTERNATIONAL LAW REPORTS PROJECT IS SEEKING A DEAN'S FELLOW
   Oxford Law Online is working with the International Law Review and the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law to publish the Inter-American Court on Human Rights decisions online and create a searchable database.  The project is sponsored by Oxford University Press (you can visit the website of the project at http://www.oxfordlawreports.com/).  As the Dean’s Fellow you will be working closely with the editor of the project and will be writing and editing templates for the Inter-American Court to be submitted.  If you are interested in this position please send your resume and a short statement of interest to jj0291a@american.edu.
   
   
2. $1,500 PUBLIC INTEREST FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR SPRING 2010
   Students must secure a part-time (at least 120 hours) placement for spring 2010 working for a legal services organization. Students may also apply for a fellowship if they are unable to work a full 120 hours. The grant would be reduced on a pro-rated basis.  Applicants must send a cover letter describing their commitment and interest in providing legal services to the poor, a resume and an employment confirmation letter from the hiring organization.  All items must be sent together.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.  Mail, e-mail or fax applications to Equal Justice America.  Click here for examples of previous WCL fellowship recipient placements.
   
   
3. 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. For further information about USAID/OTI Internships, and instructions about how to apply, please visit www.globalcorps.com.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   

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