Liberia Trainings
This project, which included an October 2006 field mission, exposed students to the inner-workings of the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Students
assisted with legal research and memo writing, drafting a memo comparing various legal accountability standards to assist the Commission in determining
whether to recommend prosecution for minors under the age of 18. Students also helped outline a research proposal looking at various models for
handling juvenile offenders in conflict areas.
The project also focused on the work of child protection agencies, where students went into the field
with child protection agency staff, traveling to three special-needs schools and one orphanage. Working with a coalition of NGOs and child protection agencies,
students also ran a training for child protection agency staff. Students compiled an interviewer checklist to assist in interviewing child witnesses, and also
put together several role-playing exercises as part of the training.
Advocacy on Behalf of the Kenya National Human Rights Commission
Following outspoken and independent work by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, the body has come under fire by many within the Kenyan
government. The Commission's director has been accused of corruption, and there are allegations of efforts underway that seek to stall and undermine
the work of the national human rights commission.
The International Human Rights Clinic is working to investigate the situation, and draft a report that will be published by a human rights organization. Students
participated on an October 2006 field mission to Kenya, and have also worked with an NGO to develop a press strategy to pressure Kenya's government and to bring
attention to this situation.
Analysis of a Proposed NGO Law in Kenya
In a step to better control and limit activities by the NGO community in Kenya, the Kenyan government has put out a sessional paper (the first step
toward enacting a bill into law) on NGOs. The International Human Rights Clinic, working with a human rights NGO, is helping to analyze this proposed law
and flag potential areas of concern. This analysis will be the basis of a report to be published by a human rights organization, and distributed to
NGOs within Kenya.