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

WCL Events

1. WAR CRIMES RESEARCH OFFICE PRESENTS THE MANDATE AND LIMITS OF THE SPECIAL TRIBUNNAL FOR LEBANON
   Wed., Nov. 4th, 12-1:30pm, 2nd Floor Conference Room in 4301 50th Street, NW
   Cecile Aptel, Senior Fellow with the International Center for Transitional Justice and former Senior Policy and Legal Officer of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, will discuss the background, start-up phase, and future of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which was established to prosecute persons responsible for the attack of 14 February 2005 resulting in the death of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and in the death or injury of other persons. Please RSVP by emailing warcrimes@wcl.american.edu. Lunch will be served.
   
   
2. DC & GAY MARRIAGE: TIL CONGRESS DO US PART
   Thurs., Nov. 5th, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 602
   Join us for a panel discussion on DC City Councils' initiative to legalize same-sex marriage in the District and the possibility of Congressional intervention if the bill is passed. Panelists soon to be announced. For additional information, please contact us at humlaw@wcl.american.edu. Lunch will be served.
   
   
3. ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS HOSTS GET HAPPY WITH HUMAN RIGHTS
   Thurs., Nov. 5th, 6-8:00pm, Guapos Restaurant
   AHR will be hosting a happy hour from 6-8:00pm Thursday at Guapos. This is a chance for everyone to get together to talk about their interests in the human rights field and find out how to get more involved in AHR. Additionally, board members will be present looking to engage members and solicit ideas for events for the rest of the year.  There will be free appetizers and drink specials. Please RSVP at ahr@wcl.american.edu.  Join us for what is sure to be a great time!
   
   
4. AFRICAN JUSTICE INITIATIVE PRESENTS A FILM SCREENING: PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL
   Mon., Nov. 9th, 6-8:00pm, 6th Floor JD Student Lounge
   Come and be inspired, motivated, and uplifted at the viewing of this film. The film chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country. The women armed only with their convictions and white t-shirts used grassroots activism to alter the history of their beloved nation.  Popcorn, candy and soda provided!  Brought to you by the African Justice Initiative.  For more information about AJI e-mail us at aji@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
5. ALTERNATIVE WINTER BREAK BAKE SALE
   Tues., Nov. 10th, 9-6:00pm, WCL Lobby
   Stop by and support this year's Alternative Winter Break trip heading down to New Orleans to provide pro bono legal services to residents affected by Hurricane Katrina and Gustav. Participants will be supplying delicious home made treats for a nominal fee. The bake sale will also feature a local Louisiana favorite, king cake. Inside the king cake is a baby and whoever finds it receives a $10 gift card to Starbucks. Please come by and support these dedicated students. For more information on the trip, please contact ahr@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
6. HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AND IMPUNITY IN GUATEMALA
   Tues., Nov. 10th, 12-1:20pm, 6th Floor JD Student Lounge
   The Diario Militar (Military Logbook) was used to keep track of forced disappearances during the military government of Oscar Humberto Mejía Victores.  Learn about the victims’ petition before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and their efforts to put an end to 25 years of impunity.  Distinguished speakers will include Helen Mack, President and Founder of Myrna Mack Foundation (FMM); Wendy Méndez, surviving victim and petitioner and founding member of HIJOS Guatemala; and Kate Doyle, Senior Analyst for the National Security Archive.  Please RSVP to ca3365a@student.american.edu by Mon., Nov. 9th.  Catered lunch and drinks will be provided.
   
   
7. DEFENDING LIVE AND LIVELIHOODS: AFRO-COLOMBIAN & PEASANT RESISTANCE TO VIOLENCE AND EXPLOITATION
   Tues., Nov. 10th, 3:30-5:00pm, Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge (main campus)
   Poor, rural Afro-Colombians and mestizo farmers confront threats to their lives, their land and their livelihoods. These human rights defenders continue to be threatened, imprisoned, disappeared, and assassinated. Three human rights defenders from Colombia will share their experiences organizing their respective communities against violence, persecution, the international food crisis, and destruction of their ancestral lands. Peace Brigades International (PBI), sponsoring these defenders' tour of the USA, will also briefly discuss its work acting as "unarmed bodyguards" in Colombia and elsewhere for 30 years. Please RSVP to KSLC@american.edu.
   
   
8. CONTROVERSIAL CONVERSATIONS IN HUMAN RIGHTS: WHO IS ILLEGAL?
   Thurs., Nov. 5th 12-1:20pm, Rm. 602
   The second session in this series of discussions will address the hot-button immigration issue of "Who is illegal?" in the United States. Facilitated by WCL visiting Professor Ediberto Roman, students will have a chance to discuss whether a person can in fact be illegal. For more information, please email humlaw@wcl.american.edu.
   
   
9. 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. For additional information, please contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu. Lunch will be served.
   
   
10. ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VOLUNTEER DAY: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY & DC CENTRAL KITCHEN
    Sat., Nov. 14th
    This is an opportunity to volunteer in the DC community and fulfill some pro bono service hours.  We will have groups going to a Habitat for Humanity work site in Northern Virginia and another going to DC Central Kitchen.  Habitat placement is a full day commitment from 8a-4p and transportation is available. DC Central Kitchen is a half day 9-2p and is metro accessible.  Both are great placements so let us know if you are interested so we can give the organizations a head count. For Alternative Winter Break participants this will count towards your required 10hrs of service. Please RSVP at ahr@wcl.american.edu by Nov. 10th.
    
    
11. HUMAN RIGHTS ROUNDTABLE FOR LLM STUDENTS
    Tues., Nov. 17th, 3:30-4:20pm, 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 snacks will be served. For more information, please contact humlaw@wcl.american.edu.

Community Events

1. AU'S HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL PRESENT HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK
   Nov. 2nd-6th, AU main campus
   Human Rights Week is a week of celebration presented by the Human Rights Council and the Office of the University Chaplain. We aim to display the relevance of the human rights perspective across various disciplines in terms of faculty, student, and alumni scholarship. Lunch will be served at all mid-day events. List of event times and locations below. For more information please contact Christine Gettings at KSLC@american.edu.
   
   Tues., Nov. 3rd, 11-12:30pm, SIS Lounge: Faculty Human Rights Research: Dean Goodman, Prof. Mary Gray, Prof. Bill Davies and Prof. Hadar Harris
   
   Thurs., Nov. 5th, 11-12:30pm, MGC 245: How to Turn Human Rights Passion into a Profession: Tales from Recent Alums
   
   Fri., Nov. 6th, 5-6:30pm, SIS Lounge: 7th Annual Irene Tinker Forum: Dr. Martha Chen Speaks on Women Workers in a Globalized Economy
   
   
2. 100 YEARS OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZING: FROM ALINSKY TO OBAMA
   Wed., Nov. 4th, 12-9:30pm, AU Main Campus & WCL
   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 Mon., Nov. 2nd to Becky Prosky at prosky@american.edu or 202-885-3491.
   
   

3. 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, 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. 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 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 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. 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 composed of professionals with 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. 2010 ELLA BAKER SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
   The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) offers the Ella Baker Summer Internship Program in honor of Ella Baker, a hero of the civil rights movement, in order to provide students with legal and other training and a background in movements for social change. The goal of the program is to train the next generation of social justice lawyers. Students work with teams of lawyers on various legal issues, doing legal and factual research and writing on active CCR cases. Ella Baker interns attend weekly discussions with scholars, activists, and clients on such subjects as human rights, racial and economic justice, government misconduct, and corporate accountability. The summer program runs for 10 weeks and interns are eligible for up to a $5000 stipend.
   
   How to apply: Cover letters must include why you would like to work for social change in general and for CCR in particular, any experience you might have in community organizing or in movements for social change, and your interests and skills. Additionally it must include a resume, list of three references and a brief legal writing sample. Deadlines: 2L's must send an electronic version of applications materials to ellabaker2010@ccrjustice.org by Nov. 13th, 2009. All 1L applicants should send the application not later than Jan. 15th, 2010. For more information about CCR, place visit our website: http://www.ccrjustice.org or contact An-Tuan Williams at awilliams@ccrjustice.org.
   
   

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