Free Expression in Southeast Asia
This clinical project is examining the state of free expression in Singapore and Thailand. Students participated on a three-week field mission in
January 2007, in conjunction with Harvard Law School’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society.
In Singapore, students investigated the use of defamation suits to silence political opposition, and their effect on civil and political
rights. In Thailand, students focused on government efforts to block free expression on the Internet. For both projects, students
interviewed government officials, opposition members, and NGO experts. Students are currently working on producing several reports on their findings.
Burma Human Rights Documentation Project
The International Human Rights Clinic has been working with a coalition of NGOs along the Thai-Burmese border doing human rights documentation
and developing a database, in anticipation of an eventual transitional justice mechanism in Burma. The Clinic previously produced a model documentation
manual on “Killings and Disappearances” for a coalition of NGOs, who would like to see this manual replicated for other violations. In 2006-2007, the
Clinic will work on manuals pertaining to chemical weapons and forced labor.
Satellite Imagery Project
In consultation with a coalition of NGOs, the International Human Rights Clinic will be analyzing satellite imagery of dams in a particular region of
Burma. The Burmese military has previously cleared areas for such development projects, committing egregious human rights violations in the process.
After analyzing the satellite data, students will work with the NGOs to pursue an advocacy strategy, and incorporate their research into training
materials that the Clinic is producing as part of the Burma Human Rights Documentation Project.
