Highlights of Fall 2008 Student Programming

The Center has many exciting events planned for the Fall 2008 Semester. Please find below a sampling of programming with information on how you can get involved. For additional information on any of the events listed below, please feel free to contact the Center at 202-274-4180 or by emailing humlaw@wcl.american.edu.

What Is the Center for Human Rights @ WCL?

Wednesday, September 3, 12pm - 1:20pm, Rm. TBD
Come learn about the variety of Center projects, student initiatives and opportunities for involvement that the Center provides.  Represented projects will include the Human Rights Brief, the Human Rights Film Series, Election Protection 2008, Student Activists for KatrinaRita Survivors, the Center Student Advisory Board, Experiential Learning Projects and more.

Boumediene v. Bush and the Future of US Detention Policy

Tuesday, September 9, 12-1:20pm, Rm. TBD
On June 12, 2008, the US Supreme Court ruled that Lakhdar Boumediene, a Guantanamo Bay detainee, has a right to habeas corpus under the US Constitution.  What does this decision mean for other detainees at Guantanamo petitioning for a writ of habeas corpus?  How will this affect US detention policy?  Join the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and the National Institute of Military Justice for an analysis of the Court’s decision with noted experts in the field.  Lunch will be served.

Nuts and Bolts of Doing Human Rights Work Lunchtime Series

Is human rights work as glamorous as it seems???  This year, the Center introduces a new informative (and entertaining) lunchtime series: The Nuts and Bolts of Doing Human Rights Work, which promises to demystify the world of international human rights work. 

WAR STORIES (AND MORE) FROM THE FIELD
Wednesday, September 17, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 603
Join the Center for a lively discussion of the realities of doing human rights work abroad.  This event is intended to give students a look at the good, the bad and the ugly sides of human rights work with stories that are sure to entertain.  This event is part of International Week.  Lunch will be served. 

HEAR ABOUT “THE COOL HUMAN RIGHTS WORK I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION”
Thursday, October 30, 12-1:20pm, Rm. TBA
Come hear fellow law students talk about the amazing human rights work they did over their summer break. Students will discuss working in the domestic and international spheres, how they got their positions, the best and worst parts of working abroad, and will offer advice on finding a great summer work experience. All students are invited to attend. This event is co-sponsored with the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), the Office of Public Interest (OPI), and the Women and International Law Program (WILP).  Lunch will be served. 

SEX, CULTURE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
February 2008, 12-1:20pm (Date and Room TBD)
Join the Center as we identify the cultural difficulties that may arise while working abroad and suggest methods to navigate through the cultural divide that may exist for international human rights attorneys – both those native to the host country and those serving as experts in a foreign land.  WCL’s esteemed human rights faculty will share their experiences.   Cosponsored by the Women and International Law Program (WILP).  Lunch will be served.

The series will be continued in the Spring semester with several additional events.

Want a Taste of Human Rights? Join Us for "Munching on Human Rights!"

Interested in human rights but stuck studying civil procedure and torts? Munching on Human Rights is an introductory program designed to educate and engage students, especially 1Ls, about basic issues in international human rights and humanitarian law.  Held once a month, Munching gives you a great opportunity to informally interact with WCL's internationally-known faculty and get a "taste" of international law. All students are welcome. Pizza will be served.

•  September 11, 2008, 12-1:20pm, Rm. TBD: An Introduction to Human Rights Law and the Treaty Reporting Process, Hadar Harris, Executive Director, Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
• October 7, 2008, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 603: What Is the Universal Bill of Human Rights? The ABC’s of the UDHR; Professor Rick Wilson, Director, International Human Rights Law Clinic.
• November 4, 2008, 12-1:20pm, Rm. 603: The Law of War and the Rules of Occupation: A Primer Professor Robert Goldman, Co-Director, Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.

60th Anniversary of the UDHR Speaker Series