Upcoming Human Rights Events and Opportunities (March 30, 2012)
LeitnerCenter LeitnerCenter
Leitner Center events:
Brown Bag Lunch Series: The South African Constitutional Court and the Role of Foreign Law Clerks
April 3, 2012 12:30 PM - 1:30 pm
Location: Room 302, Fordham Law School, 140 W. 62nd St. New York, NY 10023
Contact: Aya Fujimura-Fanselow | afujimur...@law.fordham.edu
Ting Ting Cheng, Senior Project Manager of the Health Impact Fund and a former Fulbright Scholar to South Africa and law clerk for two justices of the South African Constitutional Court, will talk about her experience clerking with two justices who represented different generations of human rights activists in South Africa.
Free Kosher Pizza will be provided.
Attendance at this event counts towards the 5 required Leitner events to apply for summer funding.
Other Opportunities:
Upcoming Events
Internships
Fellowships
Positions
Call for papers
We invite you to attend the United Nations General Assembly Interactive Dialogue on Prevention of Human Trafficking and Protection of its victims, especially women and children, on 3 April 2012 from 10-1 and 3-6 in Conference Room 2 of the North Lawn Building of the UN Headquarters in New York, invitation attached. This event will feature an interactive discussion with leading personalities in the fight against modern day slavery.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the lead UN agency fighting all forms of human trafficking. UNODC is the guardian of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, and manager of the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons. UNODC works with governments, academia, think tanks, foundations, the private sector, media, and NGOs to combat human trafficking by raising public awareness, engaging in preventative activities, enhancing the capacity and skills of criminal justice professionals and policymakers, and assisting victims through the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Human Trafficking is a 32 billion dollar a year business, its profits second only to drugs and arms, with most of its victims women and girls.
This event is also open to the public with advance registration. You must RSVP to attend- because a security pass is required to enter the UN. No pass= no entry!
To attend please RSVP via email: kero...@fordham.edu. This is first come first serve- so please RSVP as soon as you can- no later than 4pm Friday March 30th.
Fordham's Impact Initiative students plan to meet as a group on Tuesday April 3rd at 9:15am outside the UN Visitors Gate. You will receive more details once we CONFIRM
via email that you have RSVP'd with us. By RSVP'ing you should be committed to attend this event barring any exceptional circumstances. (that means no last minute cancellations) this is because we make special arrangements for you to attend.
We look forward to seeing you on 3 April.
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Open Society Foundation:
National Security Secrecy and Surveillance: Defending the Public’s Right to Know
Location: OSI-New York
Event Date: April 4, 2012
Event Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Speakers: Steven AFtergood, Nancy Chang, Thomas Drake, Jameel Jaffer, Jesselyn Radack, Tim Shorrock
The scale of government secrecy and surveillance has surpassed all previous boundaries—especially in the national security arena, where the budgets, size and scope of intelligence agencies have ballooned since 9/11. Unprecedented secrecy is largely evading traditional oversight mechanisms, leaving policy makers, the media, and the public in the dark.
What impact are secret governmental operations having on our democratic processes, and are the decisions that are being made behind closed doors helping or harming our national security? What tools are available to penetrate this secrecy, foster a new culture of government accountability, and impose enforceable constraints on intrusive surveillance of innocent Americans?
These questions will be explored by a distinguished panel consisting of high-profile government whistleblowers, key plaintiffs and litigators from headline Freedom of Information Act cases, and expert journalists who have followed the evolution of the national security state for years. Each will offer insights informed by their own direct encounters with national security secrecy and surveillance.
Speakers
- Steven Aftergood, Senior Research Analyst at the Federation of American Scientists, will moderate
- Nancy Chang, OSF National Security & Human Rights Campaign Manager, will introduce the panel
- Thomas Drake, National Security Agency (NSA) whistleblower
- Jameel Jaffer, ACLU Deputy Legal Director & Center for Democracy Director
- Jesselyn Radack, National Security & Human Rights Director at the Government Accountability Project, and Department of Justice whistleblower
- Tim Shorrock, Investigative journalist and the author of Spies For Hire: The Secret World of Intelligence Outsourcing
Internships
Yale Law School: Worker and Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic
WORKER & IMMIGRANT RIGHTS ADVOCACY
Mike Wishnie and Muneer Ahmad
Students in the Worker & Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic (WIRAC) represent immigrants, low-wage workers, and their organizations in labor, immigration, criminal justice, civil rights, and other matters. The clinic docket includes cases at all stages of legal proceedings in Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, U.S. District Court, the Second Circuit, and before Connecticut state agencies and courts. Its non-litigation work includes the representation of grassroots organizations, labor unions, and other groups in regulatory and legislative reform efforts, media advocacy, strategic planning, and other matters. All students handle at least one litigation and one non-litigation matter, and have the opportunity to explore multiple practice areas. The WIRAC seminar meets weekly and is centered on a practice-oriented examination of advocacy on behalf of workers, immigrants, and social movements, and an extended analysis of community and social justice lawyering.
Among the matters that WIRAC has handled:
- Representation of the “Danbury 11,” a group of day laborers arrested in an illegal undercover sting operation in Danbury, Connecticut, in their pending removal proceedings and a federal civil rights suit, and representation of community groups in related Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation.
- Representation of 30 persons arrested in 2007 immigration raids in New Haven, in their pending removal proceedings and in the development of federal civil rights litigation, and representation of community groups in related federal and state FOIA suits.
- Development and implementation of know-your-rights presentations to community organizations and to immigration detainees confined in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
- Successfully challenging a mandatory no-bond provision of federal immigration law as applied in the case of a legal permanent resident (LPR) from Haiti with a single possessory drug conviction, and winning client’s release on a writ of habeas corpus.
- Supporting worker organizing initiatives, including the United Automobile Workers (UAW) in its campaign to organize gaming employees at the Foxwoods Casino and the Connecticut Center for a New Economy (CCNE) in developing and advocating for progressive reforms to the Hartford and New Haven living wage ordinances.
- Representing the Hartford Immigrant Rights Coalition (HIRC) in a successful effort to persuade the Hartford Common Council and Mayor to enact the nation’s strongest confidentiality ordinance regarding immigration status information and to prohibit local police from enforcing federal immigration laws.
- Successfully representing 12 Guatemalan H-2B workers trafficked to Connecticut and forced to labor in a commercial nursery outside Hartford.
- Cooperating with farm worker advocates to map agricultural employment in Connecticut and develop programs for outreach and advocacy on behalf of immigrant workers in tobacco, nursery, dairy, and other agricultural sectors
- Representation in pending federal wage-and-hour cases against three restaurants where employers subjected workers to unlawful coercion and workplace and living conditions, and paid substandard wages.
Summer student interns work closely with clinical faculty and instructors to provide continuity of representation to our clients throughout the summer months. They do a lot of the same work that students do during the academic year, under our supervision. Past interns have found the experience to be very rewarding. These are full-time positions, and we pay--$13.75/hr.
Interested students should send a cover letter with clinic preferences, resume and writing sample to:
Kathy Jannke
P.O. Box 209090
New Haven, Connecticut 06520
Tel: 203-432-4815
kathryn...@yale.edu
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ICRC: Internships in the Legal Division
The ICRC's Legal Division is offering six paid internships for a period of one year at its headquarters in Geneva. The start dates vary, with four of the selected interns scheduled to begin in September/October 2012, and the other two in January 2013.
Applications should be submitted between the 3rd and the 30th of April 2012. Any applications submitted outside of this period will not be considered. From April 3rd, an e-mail address will be posted online, to which all applications should be submitted. The selection process will take place between May and June 2012.
Your application file should include the following elements:
- A fully completed traineeship form (attached below)
- A cover letter, not exceeding 800 words
- A CV, not exceeding two pages, which indicates in particular:
- The number of hours of international humanitarian law (IHL) courses followed
- Any academic writings and/or other research work carried out in IHL
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Trainees at the Legal Division undertake a variety of assignments, including carrying out research and writing project briefs on specific legal questions primarily related to IHL, both in French and in English. They also review legal documents, contribute to the preparation of meetings, prepare draft reports or minutes of meetings and give presentations on IHL to groups visiting the ICRC.
Profile required:
- A university degree in law or international relations, as well as a Master degree in international law (or an equivalent post-graduate training);
- Excellent knowledge of IHL (shortlisted candidates will be tested in IHL during the course of the interviews). Good knowledge of international human rights law is an asset;
- Fluency in either French or English, and a very good understanding of the other;
- Good computer skills (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc);
- Applicants should be between 25 and 30 years old at the beginning of the internship.
Given that there are normally a very large number of applications for these internships, the legal division is unable to provide additional information.
For more information: http://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/job/current-vacancies/internships-legal-divison-2012-01-16.htm
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The Egyptian American Rule of Law Association
1629 K Street, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20006
Law Clerk Position
The Egyptian-American Rule of Law Association (EARLA) seeks a second or third year law student to serve as a pro bono law clerk for ten weeks. EARLA is a non-profit organization that provides technical legal assistance to promote the rule of law in Egypt. Law clerks work virtually from home or in EARLA’s Washington, DC office on various substantive projects, including but not limited to, drafting policy papers on various aspects of Egyptian law, analyzing ongoing changes in Egypt’s legal system and politics, raising public awareness about rule of law in Egypt through social media, assisting in fundraising, attending conferences on behalf of EARLA, and preparing for and attending high profile public policy panels at leading think tanks.
EARLA will consider the following criteria when making its hiring decision:
- Strong interest in rule of law, international law, and the Middle East
- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
- Excellent legal writing skills
- Strong legal research skills
- Ability to multi-task under short deadlines
- Willingness to perform administrative tasks
- Fluency in Arabic speaking or reading is preferred but not required
- Ability to commit a minimum of 10 hours per week during the semester and 15 hours per week during the summers
- Possesses a positive, can-do attitude
Interested law students should send a cover letter expressing why you are interested in the position, resume and a writing sample via email to EARLA...@gmail.com
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International Anti-Homophobia Legal Clinic---El Salvador
Seeking Legal Advocates
Great opportunity to be involved with a new start-up international human rights clinic, helping shape its direction, fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS, fighting discriminatory practices in Education, Employment, Medical care and the impunity of gender and hate crimes. This is a self-funded, volunteer position for attorneys, law school graduates, law students and others who have a passion for LGBT rights.
The Project: The leading LGBTQ human rights group---Asociación Entre Amigos ('AEA') has requested legal advocates for new legal services NGO in San Salvador. AEA works with the most vulnerable including transgender persons and those living with HIV/AIDS who are grossly marginalized, oppressed and persecuted. The legal clinic in El Salvador will, for the first time, make justice accessible to the LGBTQ community.
Background: Post conflict El Salvador is undergoing an exciting transformation after years of conservative Right Wing politics. Through the new democratically elected FMLN liberal party, the country has real opportunities for strengthening the rule of law by asserting and defending the rights of LGBTQ. AEA seeks pro bono advocates to bring about historic change for the LGBTQ community in El Salvador's legal justice system through the work of this new legal services clinic.
Duties & Responsibilities: As a Legal Advocate you will assist in implementing a new reform act entitled 'Presidential Decree 56,' signed by President Mauricio Funes of the FMLN party. The Decree is a major step forward in the human rights of LGBTQ persons. It prohibits discrimination by public officials and public employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity. However, it has not been widely disseminated among the public or the stake holders, and no one has been trained to ensure its implementation. Significant gaps in the law and in its enforcement remain. As a Legal Advocate you will be instrumental in the law's success. Advocates will interview clients, make administrative court appearances; conduct legal audits and propose law reform programs as regards human rights violations; conduct outreach and presentations about the legal services program to the Salvadoran judiciary & branches of law enforcement. You'll assist in training health care workers on non-discrimination, informed consent, confidentiality; participate in meetings with government officials, other NGOs involved in the rule of law movement, and human rights organizations such as health providers, schools, labor organizations and others. You will also work on other community outreach and legal 'Know Your Rights' efforts.
Your Qualifications:
- Able to work independently, and also as part of a team
- Competence with Microsoft Office, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel & other applications
- Have a passion for LGBTQ rights
- Highly motivated with energy and ability to multitask
- Ethical and compassionate
- Possess excellent interpersonal skills
· Spanish language competency required
- Self-starter, able to work effectively with minimal supervision
· Sensitive to cultural differences, comfortable working with low income clients
- Skilled communicator with effective oral, presentation and written communication skills
- Willing to travel and live in El Salvador for the duration of 12 weeks minimum
- Willing to work with people living with HIV/AIDS, including sex workers and those who may be terminally ill and who suffer severe discrimination, prejudice and stigma.
- Economically self-sufficient, as this is a non-paid volunteer position.
The Clinic is scheduled to open in April 2012; positions are available on a rolling basis. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Ana Montano, Esq. Program Director -- a...@alrp.org with the Subject Line 'Legal Advocate for El Salvador'. Please describe your international experience, Spanish language proficiency and preferred dates of travel. -Over-
All legal advocates with the Anti-Homophobia Legal Clinic-El Salvador are encouraged to view their legal work as a dynamic factor in their agent-of-change activities through global human rights lawyering. We will help locate housing and there is the opportunity to attend an intense Spanish Language program.
* The Mission of the Legal Clinic for HIV/LBGTQ in El Salvador is to fight the spread of AIDS and promote the health, safety, dignity, civil rights and legal empowerment of HIV/LBGTQ, including children abandoned & orphaned because of their HIV status.
Intersection of Health & Human Rights: The International AIDS Conference in Vienna 2010 focused on legal and human rights issues faced by the 'vulnerable and most at risk' i.e., LGBTQ persons. It recognized the need of securing human rights to achieve medical access goals.
Challenges: The AIDS Conference found that LGBT persons often have the poorest access to HIV medical care because of stigmatization and marginalization. A panel 'Opposing Grave Human Rights Violations On The Basis Of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity' at UN headquarters, discussing arbitrary arrests, degrading treatment, torture and murder concluded that a major challenge in controlling the spread of AIDS in the Global South remains the social stigma and discrimination faced by these vulnerable, high risk groups.
Popular Perceptions in Salvadoran Society that Contribute to Discrimination & Stigmatization
o 81% believe that employers have the right to request HIV tests as a requirement to employment,
o 65% believe that children with HIV should be educated at separate institutions,
o 54% believe that God has punished prostitutes and homosexuals with HIV/AIDS due to their lifestyles,
o 51% state that people with HIV/AIDS should not be able to use public places.
Hate Crimes against LGBTQ & Lack of Legal Protection -Although the need for legal services is immense, there is no legal organization asserting the civil rights of LBGTQ in El Salvador. By most accounts there have been more than 47 murders of gay men, transsexuals & transvestites. In all these murders, no one has been brought to trial! Many other LGBTQ are regularly assaulted, battered, threatened and shunned. (See report ´La Alianza por la Diversidad Sexual LGBT de El Salvador 'a report on the aggression suffered by the PLWHA and LGBT community in El Salvador between Jan--Sept 2009)
Discrimination in Education, Employment and Medical care was identified by the World Bank's Human Development Network ['Reducing HIV/AIDS Vulnerability in Central America El Salvador: HIV/AIDS Situation'] that HIV/LGTBQ are 'doubly' marginalized and persecuted. Pervasive biases within the civil and criminal justice systems effectively preclude HIV/LBGTQ from seeking redress and compelling the government to enforce their civil rights and provide protection.
Advocacy & Policy We advocate for changes in law and policy thus improving the HIV/LGBTQ community's access to their civil and human rights. Working with branches of the Salvadoran government and other NGOs we develop resolutions to human rights violations.
Legal Empowerment We train members of the LGBTQ community as Legal Advisors/Promotores, so they are empowered to provide basic legal advice and facilitate civic engagement within the community. We also conduct Street Law-Know Your Rights education with the HIV/LGBTQ community and other social actors and services providers.
Legal Aid Our legal interns, Promoters, and pro bono attorneys provide legal counsel and representation to persecuted HIV/LGBTQ. We help the community navigate the legal process to access education, healthcare and employment rights and demand equal protection of police & courts.
Social Movement Building We are advancing LGBTQ human rights agenda and planning to launch new legal services offices in other Central American countries.
Strategic Litigation The LGBTQ legal clinic is setting legal precedents for human rights, through test cases in regional courts. Our policy advocacy program is supported by strategic litigation as advised by the local LGBTQ community.
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NGO/DPI Executive Committee: Delegate Summary
NGO/DPI Executive Committee seeks to match high-achieving university students with United Nations certified Non-Governmental Organizations abroad seeking local (NYC) representation. In this capacity, the students serve as fully-accredited representatives on behalf of the NGO.
Delegate Position Description:
As an NGO Delegate, you can expect to:
· Take on extensive reading to familiarize yourself with the NGO
· Establish regular communication with the NGO (via email, Skype, etc., as needed)
· Serve as a lobbyist for the NGO’s particular area of concern
· Attend one or more meetings per month at the UN
· Write briefings, reporting to the NGO on the meetings attended
· Meet with ambassadors and other UN representatives that would be applicable to your NGO cause
· Attend monthly meetings with the NGO/DPI Executive Committee Board
· Network with other youth UN/NGO delegates attending briefings/meetings
*Some previous Delegates have earned credit for the experience, typically as an independent study
You can expect your NGO to:
· Complete all the necessary UN paperwork to list you as a delegate
· Provide you with the educational tools and information necessary to represent the NGO
Qualifications
- 3.2 GPA or above
- Available at least 4 sessions (Thursdays) per month [all day]
- Fluency in another language [helpful but not recommended]
- A keen interest in international activities and proven ability to work independently
- Must be available to serve for the entire 2011/2012 Academic Year
- Between 18-24 years of age
Application Details:
Essay
Attach an explanation [no longer than one page] stating why you are interested in and qualified to represent one of the NGOs listed on page 2.
Resume Attach a current resume
Recommendations Names of two Faculty/Staff members who would, if asked, speak on your behalf. No written recommendation required.
NGO/DPI Executive Committee UN Non-Governmental Organization Delegate Application
Name ___________________________
Email address ________________________ Class Status [year] _______________
GPA ________
Major ________________________
Languages and level of proficiency ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
If you have a preference for an NGO from a certain region please check off below:
____Nigeria: Widow Development Organization, for more info: http://www.widoafrica.org/
_____Germany: NatureTec, more info: http://www.naturetec-institute.eu/NTI_euD/engl.html
Due to the volume of applicants, delegates will be contacted only if they are chosen.
Fellowships
Leo Nevas Human Rights Fellow
Job Description
United Nations Foundation (UNF) / Better World Fund (BWF)
Leo Nevas Human Rights Fellow
Vacancy Announcement
Overview
The United Nations Association of the USA, a program of the United Nations Foundation and the Better World Fund, is dedicated to educating, inspiring and mobilizing Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations, strengthening the United Nations system, promoting constructive United States leadership in that system and achieving the goals of the United Nations Charter.
As expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the protection of human rights by the rule of law is essential to the preservation of international peace and security and is fundamental to the work of the United Nations. Recent years have brought a dramatic expansion of human rights norms, mechanisms, and actions in the UN. The engagement by the U.S. in the Human Rights Council and other UN-related bodies may create new opportunities to advance protection of human rights worldwide.
UNA-USA’s Leo Nevas Human Rights Program fellowship is designated to help develop a new generation of American policymakers, advocates, journalists, and diplomats who can promote and advance international human rights standards, policies, and actions through the United Nations, encourage American engagement in United Nations human rights institutions and inform UNA-USA chapter leaders and members about actions and opportunities to address human rights through the UN.
The fellowship is for a period of 12 months, beginning on June 1, 2012. The Fellow will be based full-time in our office in New York City, and occasional travel will be required.
The Human Rights Fellowship will provide a one-year immersion in UN human rights activities for an aspiring professional with a demonstrated interest in foreign policy, law, diplomacy, public affairs or journalism.
Working Relationships
The Leo Nevas Human Rights Fellow reports to the Director of Public Policy for the UN Foundation (UNF) and the Executive Director, UNA and works closely with other departments within UNA–USA and UNF.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
The UNA-USA Leo Nevas Human Rights Fellow will support issues relating to UNA-USA, and UNF’s work on human rights, including but not limited to:
• Work with non-governmental organizations, UN staff and advocates in New York, think tanks, advocates who engage with Congress on human rights, and the UNA- USA chapters across the country to promote human rights through the UN.
• Support and advance the work of the UN’s human rights bodies, including the Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the various human rights treaty bodies within the UN.
• Provide informed analyses to the UNA-USA Leo Nevas Human Rights Task Force on issues, organize roundtables, and provide support to the Task Force and its meetings, events and panels;
• Provide educational material and resources to UNA-USA members and speak at chapter events on human rights issues;
• Produce an advocacy or research paper at the end of the fellowship on a human rights issue of the fellow’s choosing;
• Contribute to publications; draft briefing papers, talking points, opinion pieces, white papers and articles;
• Attend and participate in conferences, panels and other forums.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned
Selection Criteria
• An advanced degree .
• Some professional experience (preferably two to seven years) in government, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, or academia;
• Knowledge of the United Nations and U.S. policies on human rights;
• Strong writing, research, analytical and communications skills;
• Proven ability to articulate ideas and opinions to a broad audience.
• Self-motivated, energetic individual with a willingness to learn quickly, and a passion for international affairs issues.
Location
New York City
Compensation & Benefits
Salary commensurate with experience. Actual salary will depend on qualifications and anticipated contribution to the Foundation.
UNF pays 100% of medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance premiums for its employees and 75% of medical and vision for employees' dependents.
In addition, UNF provides 20 days of paid vacation per year, 12 paid holidays, three personal days per year, an immediately vested 150% matching 403(b) contribution up to a limit of six-percent of employee pay, Metro Pass benefits, and flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
To Apply
Please apply on-line at https://home2.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=2012211
Important note - Our online system allows ONLY ONE document to be uploaded. Please save your resume, cover letter and any other documents as ONE document BEFORE APPLYING.
Candidates are required to submit a statement of interest (cover letter) as part of their application AND answer one of the questions detailed below.
1 - In less than 750 words, please outline your interest in international human rights and the United Nations and how your work as a Human Rights Fellow will contribute to your professional development and career goals (you may also specify what your goals are for the fellowship or any ideas, policies or questions you wish to explore and how they would advance the human rights work of the UN and strengthen the US-UN relationship.)
2 - Please also answer ONE of the following questions, in less than 750 words.
• How can U.S. participation in the UN’s human rights mechanisms advance U.S. interests?
• What role(s) can or should private individuals and organizations play in advancing human rights protection through the UN?
• What role can the UN or its subsidiary bodies play in improving the human rights people in a country? How do UN treaties and conventions contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights?
Please contact Nick Bacon by email at nba...@unfoundation.org with any questions.
UNF/BWF is an AA/EEO employer.
People of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
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The Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (“HLAB”) is the nation’s oldest student-run legal services organization, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts on the campus of Harvard Law School. HLAB works with hundreds of low-income clients to solve their legal problems in the areas of housing, domestic relations, government benefits, and fair wage law. As a student-run legal clinic at Harvard, HLAB has a strong history of dedication to allowing students to handle their own cases and litigate in court under the supervision of clinical instructors.
During the summer, HLAB selects approximately 16 law students to serve as Summer Fellows, who will interact directly with clients, opposing parties, witnesses, and government agencies; engage in extensive factual and legal investigation; hone their research and writing abilities; and develop their litigation skills. Most Summer Fellows working at HLAB do so full-time, although we are willing to discuss alternative arrangements with students facing extenuating circumstances. Due to funding restrictions, HLAB is unable to pay its Summer Fellows.
HLAB Summer Fellows serve as the primary casehandlers on every matter assigned to them and manage client contact, drafting of pleadings and motions, communication with opposing counsel, and advocating in courtroom and administrative hearing settings. Their work is supervised by HLAB’s Clinical Instructors, practicing attorneys with years of trial and supervision experience, and students will be trained in all the relevant areas of the law.
HLAB Summer Fellows generally experience a broad range of litigation and legal experience in as many as four primary practice areas. In the Family Law practice, HLAB represents victims of domestic violence in restraining order hearings, divorces, paternity, visitation, child support, and custody disputes. In the Housing Law practice, HLAB represents individual clients who are being evicted from public, subsidized, and private housing, as well as works with tenant unions and other progressive organizations to ensure the availability of affordable housing in the Greater Boston area. In the Government Benefits practice, HLAB represents clients at hearings to obtain or retain their Social Security and Social Security Disability benefits, unemployment benefits, and welfare benefits. Finally, in the Fair Wage practice, HLAB allows students to work on affirmative lawsuits addressing violations of state and federal labor laws. We ask student to choose a primary concentration in the area of housing or family law. For more information, visit our website at: www.harvardlegalaid.org .
Application Instructions (accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled): Please send (1) a resume, (2) a cover letter, (3) a writing sample, (4) a law school transcript, and (5) two references to:
Joshua Rovenger, Executive Director
Harvard Legal Aid Bureau
23 Everett Street, First Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138
Positions
Staff Attorney & Project Coordinator Position
International Human Rights Clinic
George Washington University Law School
GW Law School's International Human Rights Clinic is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a part time Clinic staff attorney and coordinator of its Anti-Trafficking Project. The position is initially a twelve-month appointment commencing as early as June 2012. The staff attorney/coordinator must have a strong academic background, extensive lawyering experience, and a demonstrable commitment to defending the public interest. For more information on the IHR Clinic at GW Law, visit www.law.gwu.edu/ihrc .
The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating the IHR Clinic’s Anti-Trafficking Project (ATP) in conjunction with the Clinic Director, and for assisting with other human rights litigation using the ATS. Primary duties include:
- Acting as counsel on federal litigation conducted by the IHR Clinic for trafficking survivors and other victims of human rights abuses
- Assisting in the development and/or litigation of trafficking/human rights cases
- Working effectively with clients, co-counsel and third parties to advance Clinic litigation
- Supervising students working on trafficking cases and related human rights cases or projects
- Providing academic and clinical instruction in the Clinic as appropriate
- Conducting research and advocacy in furtherance of Clinic cases and projects
- Assisting the Director in fundraising efforts to support the ATP
Interested candidates must have a strong academic record and outstanding professional trajectory. They are required to possess a minimum of 3 – 5 years of federal civil litigation experience. In addition, they should have at least some of the following qualifications:
- Experience litigating on behalf of victims of trafficking or other human rights abuses
- Other experience working with survivors of human trafficking
- Knowledge of the H2B guest worker program
- Knowledge of employment law, including wage and hour law
- Experience working with immigrant clients and/or in immigrant communities
- Experience trying cases before juries
- Experience supervising other attorneys or legal interns in litigation
- Experience teaching and/or supervising students in a clinical context
Salary will be commensurate with experience. Initially, the position is configured as a one-year, renewable part-time placement, with possible expansion to a full time position should additional funding become available. Applicants should send Professor Arturo Carrillo a cover letter explaining their interest and relevant experience, along with a resume, a list of at least three references, and an independent writing sample. Prof. Carrillo's email address is acar...@law.gwu.edu , which also serves for general inquiries.
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Amnesty Internatinonal
International Human Rights Education Advisor
Amnesty International's Human Rights Education Team in London is expanding. We are seeking an International Human Rights Education Advisor to join our team in London. Please see below for information about the role. I would be grateful if you could forward to your human rights education networks. Closing date is 8 April 2012.
We will also in the next two weeks be posting advertisements for two human rights education volunteer/interns to work with our team. Please keep an eye on our website for the advertisements for these opportunities: www.amnesty.org/jobs
International Human Rights Education Advisor:
About the role
As a valued member of the Human Rights Education Team, you will work to advise and support the Amnesty International movement and other key partners to develop, implement and evaluate human rights education activities that reflect good practice in human rights education methodology and contribute to the human rights agenda, as well as develop and implement international human rights education projects within the mobilization framework and Amnesty’s International Human Rights Education Strategy.
As well as advising, promoting and coordinating the development of human rights education methodology across the movement, you will work to promote the integration of human rights education into other human rights programmes and activities. You will take the lead in mainstreaming monitoring and evaluation into all levels of human rights education work in the movement, including developing and managing evaluation related human rights education projects with partners within and outside Amnesty International. You will take the lead on building the capacity of Amnesty International human rights education network to deliver effective human rights education globally.
About you
You have a professional qualification in education with proven experience in human rights education. You have a demonstrated understanding of human rights education methodology and practical experience in using this participatory methodology to design, plan and deliver human rights education projects. You will be comfortable developing multi-faceted engagement with the global human rights education movement including regional and international governmental and non-governmental human rights education organizations. You have experience in managing human rights education projects, developing and delivering human rights education workshops, and working with diverse groups. You will also monitor global and regional human rights education trends and periodically analyze opportunities and threats, and make appropriate recommendations in response.
About us
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people standing up for human rights. Our network extends to more than three million members and subscribers in more than 150 countries around the world. Each one of us is outraged by human rights abuses but inspired by hope for a better world – and together we work to improve human rights through campaigning and international solidarity.
For further information on this and all of our other vacancies, and to apply online please visit www.amnesty.org/jobs quoting reference SDCP/HRE/HREA. Please note that we will only accept submissions through the website and completed on an Amnesty International application form.
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Position Description
Clinical Fellowship, International Human Rights Clinic
Santa Clara University School of Law
Santa Clara University School of Law is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a clinical fellow in the school’s new International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC). The IHRC provides a unique educational opportunity for students to gain first-hand, practical experience working on international human rights litigation and advocacy projects. It combines classroom education with supervised case and project management, providing students practical training in advocacy and lawyering skills.
Position Description: The clinical fellowship position is a nine-month academic appointment commencing on Aug. 1, 2012, with a possibility for supplemental summer employment. The position may be renewed for one additional term commencing on Aug. 1, 2013. The fellow will report to the Director of the International Human Rights Clinic and will supervise student work on clinic projects, participate in the planning and conduct of the clinic, assist with teaching a substantive law and legal skills seminar, and assess the development of new clinic projects. The clinical fellow will also be responsible for counseling and mentoring students, including advancing student job opportunities by arranging for students to work with partner organizations on clinic cases.
Essential qualifications:
1. JD degree or comparable degree from a law school outside the United States.
2. At least two years of experience as a practicing lawyer, including experience with international human rights litigation and/or advocacy.
3. Excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills.
4. Enthusiasm and demonstrated interest in student development.
5. English fluency is required. Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, is
desired.
6. Prior experience teaching in an international human rights clinic is desired.
Application Procedure:
Applicants should send a cover letter and a resume or CV to:
IHRC Clinical Fellowship Search Committee
c/o Ms. Elyse Amberg
Santa Clara University Law School
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053
Applications also may be sent via e-mail to Ms. Amberg at eam...@scu.edu. Applications must be received by Friday, March 30, 2012.
Inquiries: Inquiries may be addressed to Professor David Sloss, Director of the Center for Global Law and Policy, at dls...@scu.edu.
Santa Clara University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, committed to excellence through diversity and inclusion, and, in this spirit, particularly welcomes applications from women, persons of color, and members of historically underrepresented groups. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability.
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The Program on Human Rights and the Global Economy (“PHRGE”) of Northeastern University School of Law (“NUSL”) seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial and skilled Executive Director to lead the program in fulfilling its mission. The Executive Director is responsible for programmatic, financial and administrative management of PHRGE. In addition to overall responsibility for day to day operations, the Executive Director will be expected to play a strong, visible, and strategic role in building relationships with scholars of ESC rights, with non-governmental organizations working on ESC rights issues, with other institution-based human rights programs and with policy-makers interested ESC rights issues. Effective fundraising is an essential part of the job, as is development and management of a small staff, including student assistants.
PHRGE was founded in 2005 as a law school-based program to engage in the study, promotion, implementation and constructive critique of rights-based approaches to economic development and social transformation, with particular attention to economic, social, and cultural (ESC) rights. PHRGE’s mission is threefold: (1) to encourage and deepen scholarship on economic, social and cultural rights and the global economy; (2) to work to implement human rights norms and sound economic development approaches worldwide; and (3) to train the human rights lawyers of the 21st century. To those ends, PHRGE sponsors an on-line ESC rights journal with an international circulation; develops human rights analyses, reports and briefs to support litigation and other advocacy efforts domestically and internationally; convenes scholars and activists engaged with ESC rights issues for discussion and exchanges; sponsors human rights programming at NUSL; and sponsors several funded human rights cooperative education placements for NUSL law students.
Qualifications:
Candidates must have a strong commitment to economic and social rights and to the mission of PHRGE.
Education & Knowledge:
• A J.D. or advanced degree in closely allied field is required;
• Knowledge of human rights, particularly ESC rights issues, is preferred.
Experience:
• At least five years of increasingly responsible experience in a professional environment, preferably in nonprofit or political work involving legal issues.
• Experience working closely with faculty in a higher education setting, preferably with law
school faculty.
• Proven track record in nonprofit fundraising.
• Proven track record of professional writing, evidenced by published writing or participation on
a law review or other professional or academic journal.
• Experience in hiring and/or supervising staff and volunteers.
• Experience in budgeting and financial management.
• Above average computer competency, including experience with databases and new media.
Desired Skills and Attributes:
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, including ability to participate at a high level in
preparing academic articles and ESC rights reports produced by PHRGE;
• Familiarity with ESC rights and human rights principles in international human rights law.
• Appetite for fundraising and developing organizational structures and support
• Familiarity with online publication and new media.
• Demonstrated leadership and coordination abilities.
• Very strong oral and interpersonal communications skills.
• Creative and strategic thinker.
• Ability to motivate and influence others.
• Success at keeping multiple projects organized.
• Flexibility to work occasional weekends/evenings.
• Ability to travel to selected national conferences and meetings as needed.
This is a full-time (40 hours per week), twenty-four-month position that is subject to renewal of grant funding.
To apply for this position, please submit resume and cover letter to https://neu.peopleadmin.com/postings/19087
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
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CECC Employment Announcement--Professional Staff Members
The Congressional-Executive Commission on China is a bipartisan commission created by Congress in 2000 to monitor and report on human rights and rule of law developments in China. The Commission consists of Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and senior officials from the Administration. The Commission holds hearings, issues an Annual Report, and maintains a database of political prisoners in China, among other activities. For more information on the Commission, see www.cecc.gov.
The Commission is seeking professional staff members to assist in monitoring and reporting on substantive issues, including worker rights, criminal justice, freedom of residence and movement, access to justice, Xinjiang, ethnic minority rights, freedom of religion, civil society, North Korean Refugees in China, and property in China. The professional staff member will assist in assessing China's compliance or noncompliance with international human rights standards and Chinese domestic law. Successful candidates should have substantive background and/or an interest in one or more of these issue areas. Successful candidates should also possess the necessary Chinese language, English writing, and communication skills to effectively research, analyze, and explain such developments to U.S. policymakers and the broader public.
Main duties:
- Monitoring and researching Chinese and English language sources (media, government, NGO) for developments relating to their issue area.
- Identifying and analyzing key developments and reporting their significance orally and in writing, including through drafting sections of the Commission's Annual Reports, short analysis pieces, public statements, and press releases.
- Researching political prisoner cases and creating and maintaining case records in the CECC Political Prisoner Database.
- Assisting in organizing CECC public hearings and roundtables.
- Staff member also may be asked to travel to U.S. cities, China or other foreign locations on official business.
Qualifications:
- Candidates must be a U.S. citizen.
- Very strong demonstrated ability to speak, read, write, and perform research in Chinese (Mandarin) is required.
- The successful candidate will likely have worked or studied in mainland China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.
- Candidates will preferably have a law degree or a Ph.D. or M.A. in political science, history, business, economics, or other social sciences. B.A. candidates with very strong credentials will also be considered.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, and the interpersonal skills and enthusiasm to work under tight deadlines and as part of a team.
Application Procedure:
- Please submit a brief cover letter, resume, short writing sample (10 pages or less), and the names and contact information for two references to Judy Wright, CECC Director of Administration, via e-mail at judy....@mail.house.gov or via FAX at 202-226-3804. PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, April 10, 2012 by 11:59 PM, EST. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
- The Congressional-Executive Commission on China is an equal opportunity employer.
Lawrence Liu, Deputy Staff Director
Congressional-Executive Commission on China
243 Ford House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
phone: (202) 226-3821
fax: (202) 226-3804
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Editor-In-Chief, Eyes on the ICC (2012-2013)
Description
Eyes on the ICC Seeks New Editor-in-Chief
The Board of Directors is accepting applications for the position of Editor-in-Chief of Eyes on the ICC, CASIN's flagship academic journal on the International Criminal Court. Junior faculty, postdoctoral fellows, PhD candidates, law school graduates, and advanced graduate students are especially encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is April 20, 2012.
Eyes on the ICC is the only peer-reviewed, scholarly journal devoted to the study of the International Criminal Court. It has been published since 2004 by the Council for American Students in International Negotiations, a non-profit, non-partisan organization composed of a network of students and young professionals from around the world.
Eyes on the ICC is an interdisciplinary journal that invites submissions from any field that addresses the International Criminal Court or international criminal law more generally. Past editors have come from the fields of international law, international relations, and sociology. To view current and previous volumes, please visit the journal's website: http://www.americanstudents.us/journals/eyesontheicc/.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Editor-in-Chief (EIC), with the assistance of the Managing Editor (ME) and 5-7 Assistant Editors (AEs), will be responsible for producing one volume per publication year, comprised of at least five articles, with a camera-ready manuscript due on December 1. Submissions are accessed via Expresso as well as through direct e-mail contact between authors and the EIC or the ME. The EIC reports to the Publications Committee of CASIN's Board of Directors.
Additional obligations will include:
- Assisting in managing submissions received via Expresso as well as through direct e-mail contact with ME or EIC;
- Managing the peer review process;
- Making article selection decisions based on reviews of Editorial Staff;
- Assisting with final editing of all accepted articles and assisting with intermittent contact with authors throughout selection process as necessary;
- Supervising the ME;
- Maintaining regular contact with ME (who manages most of administrative editorial process);
- Maintaining regular contact with Publications Committee of the Board, Peer Reviewers, and Editorial Advisory Board;
How to apply
Please note that this is a virtual position. Work is coordinated predominantly through e-mail and other forms of electronic communication. Please also note that this position is offered without compensation.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated knowledge of the International Criminal Court and international criminal law;
- Editorial/publication experience in an academic setting;
- Experience supervising and managing others.
- Strong writing, research, and interpersonal skills;
- Comfort working closely with virtual staff and board;
- Strong communications skills and availability to respond promptly to e-mail communications;
- Strong commitment to international human rights, criminal law, and/or social justice;
- Reliable, organized, team-oriented, and able to meet deadlines.
- Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field;
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working directly with international criminal courts and/our tribunals;
- Contacts with academics and practitioners within the international criminal law field;
- Experience with the Chicago Manual of Style and The Bluebook system of citation;
Address all questions to public...@americanstudents.us. Only qualified applicants will be contacted by early May 2012.
How to Apply:
Submit a letter of interest, a resume/CV, 1 writing sample of approximately 15,000 words, and 3 references to public...@americanstudents.us by April 20th. In the subject line please include: Eyes EIC, [your last name].
Call for Papers
The New Zealand Yearbook of International Law is currently calling for articles and other submissions for its ninth (2011) edition and the formal call for submissions is attached. The Yearbook, launched in June 2004, is an annual, internationally refereed publication intended to stand as a reference point for legal materials and critical commentary on issues of public international law. The Yearbook serves as a valuable tool in the determination of trends, state practice and policies in the development of international law in New Zealand, the Pacific region, the Southern Ocean and Antarctica and to generate scholarship in those fields. In this regard the Yearbook contains an annual ‘Year-in-Review’ of developments in international law of particular interest to New Zealand as well as sections dedicated to the South Pacific and to Antarctica.
The Editors of the Yearbook are now calling for the submission of articles, commentaries and notes on any aspect of international law. The Editors are particularly keen to receive submissions on issues of especial relevance to New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific. The closing date for submissions is 1 May 2012. Submissions should be sent to Karen...@canterbury.ac.nz.
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Texas Tech University Center for Biodefense, Law &Public Policy along with the Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law Announce the First Annual Writing Competition.
Topic: A current event within the biodefense community and its potential impact on the laws and regulations governing biodefense.
Prizes: First Place: $700 award, the winning article will be published in the Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law, as well as the option to present at the Biodefense Center Symposium. Second Place: $200 award. Third Place: $100 award. Additionally, all submissions have the potential of being read and judged by leading authorities in the Biodefense field.
Deadline: April 1, 2012. Winners will be announced May 2012
For additional information see attachments, visit our website at www.ttu.edu/biodefense/<http://www.ttu.edu/biodefense/>, or email us at biodefe...@ttu.edu<mailto:biodefe...@ttu.edu>