Announcements

Two-Day Expert Conference on the Use of Forensic Evidence to Combat and Expose Torture: February 15-16, 2012 (Advance Registration Required)

Stakeholders from across the globe will address the pressing issue of using forensic evidence in the fight against torture. Cosponsored with the preeminent International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, this conference concludes a three-year global project to strengthen the collaboration of practitioners in the use of medical expertise to document and expose torture. Topics include survivors' perspectives, fighting impunity, national, regional and international best practices, challenges, and emerging developments. Register in advance to attend at http://www.wcl.american.edu/secle/registration.

Applications for the 2012 UN CAT Project Are Being Accepted Feb. 8 through Feb. 22: Do Not Miss This Unique Opportunity In International Human Rights!

Applications for WCL's UN CAT Project are being accepted from February 8 through February 22, 2012. Interested rising 2L and 3L WCL students should submit a one-page cover letter and resume via email to jdelaurentiis@wcl.american.edu with "UN CAT Application" in the subject line. Applicants should address their demonstrated experience in international human rights and social justice issues, and academic success in law school. Applicants will be notified of the decision via email by March 31, 2012. Please note that students may participate either in full-year clinic, including the UN ROW clinic, or the UN CAT Project, but not both.

The countries currently scheduled to appear before the Committee in November 2012 during its 49th session are Gabon, Norway, Peru, Qatar, Russian Federation, Senegal, Tajikistan, and Togo.

Conference Proceedings

Conference on Enhancing Visits to Places of Detention: Promoting Collaboration
(March 18, 2011)
(cosponsored with the Association for the Prevention of Torture)

Strengthening the Prohibition Against Torture: The Evolution of the UN Committee against Torture
(March 2, 2010)
(cosponsored with Amnesty International)

International Conference on the Prevention of Torture and Other Ill-Treatment
(February 23, 2009)
(cosponsored with the Association for the Prevention of Torture)

United Nations Committee against Torture Project

Founded in 2004, WCL's United Nations Committee against Torture (or UN CAT) Project is a one-of-a-kind experiential learning opportunity for upper-level students to deepen their knowledge of international human rights law and experience firsthand the UN CAT proceedings in Geneva, Switzerland. The Project expanded in 2009 from six to ten students with the generous support of the Kovler Foundation.

The Project's application and selection process takes place during the spring semester and is widely advertised, including on MyWCL. During the fall semester, participating students assist in preparing for the official UN CAT meetings which are held in November. The students take a for-credit seminar with specialized readings and instruction on the prohibition of torture and the universal system, co-taught by the Dean and UN CAT Chair Claudio Grossman and his Special Assistant and UN CAT Project Coordinator Jennifer de Laurentiis ('92). Students research and synthesize vast materials concerning torture and human rights in pertinent countries, and draft extensive papers identifying potential compliance issues involving the operative treaty (the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment).

In November, the group travels to Geneva for the UN CAT meetings, witnessing firsthand the "dialogue" between the Committee and State Party delegations, identifying germane developments and issues, and meeting regularly to strategize and conduct follow-up research. The Project also includes an annual WCL alumni dinner, site visits, and meetings with nongovernmental organizations while in Geneva. Read the full feature story on the 2010 UN CAT Project at http:www.wcl.american.edu/news/uncat2010featurestory.cfm

Following the group's return to WCL, students build upon this unique human rights experience by authoring articles, giving presentations, and participating in other campus and community initiatives to raise awareness and ultimately help eradicate torture around the world.

Inquiries about the UN CAT Project should be directed to Jennifer de Laurentiis at jdelaurentiis@wcl.american.edu.

WCL's 2007 UN CAT Project participants at the 39th session of the United Nations Committee against Torture, which was held at the Palais Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland: Front row: Lindsay Jenkins ('08). Back row: Charles "Chip" Rosenberg ('08), Shanti Martin ('09), Amy Tai ('08), Gwyneth Hesser ('08), Jennifer de Laurentiis, Special Assistant to the Dean and UN CAT Project Coordinator ('92), and Marisa Bassett ('09). Not pictured: Dean Grossman, currently UN CAT Chair.



The Palais des Nations of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.