Gold Mining in South Africa:
The Impact on Local Communities
Human Rights and the Effects of Gold Mining
The Clinic traveled to South Africa this January to investigate the impact of gold
mining on communities outside of Johannesburg. Major concerns include dust, soil,
and water contamination.-
Teacher-Student Teamwork
Clinical Fellow Meera Shah and Maia Levenson, JD '13, talk to residents of the
Snake Park settlement. -
Preparing for Interviews
Senior Clinical Instructor Bonnie Docherty and Misty Wright, JD '13, review their
questions for government representatives. -
Surveying the Scene
Ruchi Parekh, LLM '12, walks back from a stream near a mine dump, accompanied by community leaders Mark Biggars and Winston Mackett.
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"The Mountain"
Mine dumps crowd the landscape in the West and Central Rand.
People who live near the dumps have raised concerns about dust blowing from "the mountain" into their homes.
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The Role of Communities
Misty Wright, JD '13, talks with Edward Meki, a resident of Khutsong, about the
community's outreach to government and mining representatives. -
Wading in the Water
Cara Solomon, Communications Coordinator, talks to children swimming in the water
that flows from Donaldson Dam. The dam has tested positive for elevated levels
of uranium. -
Acid Mine Drainage
Acid mine drainage, a dangerous byproduct of the mining process, is highly acidic and contains heavy metals. The treatment process, shown here, strips the water of some toxins, but not all.
Soil Concerns
Maia Levenson, JD '13, and Misty Wright, JD '13, listen to activist Mariette Liefferink in Tudor Shaft, an informal settlement outside of Johannesburg that sits on top of a toxic mine dump.
Projects
Click on the map below to read more about our current International Human Rights Clinical projects.
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Students
The International Human Rights Clinic provides opportunities for Harvard Law School 2L, 3L, and LLM students to gain legal practice experience on vital human rights issues for academic credit. Students work closely with clinical supervisors on a variety of projects pertaining to international human rights advocacy and research.
First year law students and other members of the Harvard-affiliated community may participate in projects through the clinic on a volunteer basis. Such student work often satisfies the law school’s pro bono requirement. The student human rights group, Harvard Law Student Advocates for Human Rights, works closely with the clinic to engage students in projects according to their background, ability and interests.
If you are a Harvard Law School student interested in applying to the International Human Rights Clinic, please contact the Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs or visit their website for more information on the clinical registration and application process.
News
Clinic Files Amicus Curiae Brief with the U.S. Supreme Court
IHRC Files Submission with UN Special Rapporteur on Torture
IHRC Presents Its Report On Panama Juvenile Fire Deaths to the U.N.
IHRC Files Amicus Curiae Brief with U.S. Supreme Court
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FEBRUARY 8, 2012 "SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN BY CLERGY: IS THE VATICAN ACCOUNTABLE?"
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and the Center for Constitutional Rights have submitted a complaint to the International Criminal Court prosecutor, requesting an investigation of the Vatican for crimes against humanity, charging that Vatican officials tolerate, enable, and fail to stop the systematic concealing of sex crimes by clergy against children. Please join us for a discussion of the background and international legal framework for this action with Barbara Blaine, Founder & President, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests; Pam Spees, Senior International Human Rights Attorney, Center for Constitutional Rights; and Benjamin G. Davis, Associate Professor of Law, University of Toledo College of Law. |
