Monday, April 03, 2006
My work this last month has not been limited just to Russia. I have also done tasks on Cambodia, Indonesia and Singapore under the supervision of two other staff on the HRD team.
Indonesia
Most of my work on Indonesia has involved doing research on the possibility of extra-territorial litigation against individuals thought to be responsible for the murder of prominent human rights activist Munir. Munir died on a plane en route to the Netherlands where he was going to study humanitarian law. A subsequent autopsy revealed four times the lethal level of arsenic in his system, pointing to a clear case of murder.
The individual prosecuted and found guilty of his murder was Pollycarpus, a co-pilot on non-active duty during the flight on which Munir was assassinated, who it was found, put the poison into Munir's drink. However, despite findings of a fact finding team (set up by the government after the assassination) that linked Pollycarpus to the intelligence services, there has been no investigation of who ordered the assassination and whether it was in any way connected to the intelligence services.
With prosecution in Indonesia unlikely, my research looked into the possibility of legal action against other perpertrators of Munir murder in countries other than Indonesia. Under the Alien Torts Claim Act and the Torture Victim Protection Act (which also covers extrajudicial killings) non-US citizens can seek civil remedies (damages) against non-US perpetrators for certain internationally recognized offences. One other avenue for legal action outside of Indonesia is universal jurisdiction, which was another aspect of my research.
I found this project to be extremely interesting because I had the opportunity to talk to experts in this field and felt that I was working on something concrete and practical rather than just research for an essay or for my own interest.
Singapore
Another project that I have recently worked on is the case of an activist who has faced ongoing harassment from the Singaporean government. My work involved drafting letters to various members of the government to draw attention to the case.
Work with other departments
I have also been fortunate enough to become involved with departments other than HRD. Earlier in the year, I assisted the Asylum Seeker Program by interpreting for an Uzbek asylum seeker (who spoke only Russian). HRF was able to organize a lawyer to act pro bono during her hearings and we are still waiting to hear the results of the case.
I have also had the opportunity to learn more about the work of the International Justice Program that is presently running a prominent campaign to bring a high level peace envoy to help resolve the terrible conflict in Darfur. A few weeks ago, I attended a HRF event with Dr Mudawi, a highly respected Sudanese peace activist. Dr Mudawi was hosted by HRF for two weeks and during this time, he had the chance to meet many influential politicians in order to spread the word about the potential for a peace envoy. One of the politicians he met during his trip was President Bush. I subsequently attended a large Symposium on Darfur and have attending brain-storming sessions on how HRF's Darfur campaign can be expanded. Unfortunately I will not be in the US to attend a large rally for Darfur in Washington DC at the end of April - it should be an interesting event.
And now for the social side
Living in Manhattan this last month and a half has been amazing. I live in between (cheap) Chinatown and (trendy) Lower East Side with 9 fantastic housemates. I've been to dozens of museums, loads of great restaurants and bars, many talks on international law and plays, musicals, Broadway shows, etc. I've also taken lots of great weekend trips. I went to museums in DC last month, skiing in North Carolina and spent last weekend down in the South, soaking up the sun in a pituresque town called Charleston (where the civil war began).
The only bad part is that my internship is quickly coming to an end...
Indonesia
Most of my work on Indonesia has involved doing research on the possibility of extra-territorial litigation against individuals thought to be responsible for the murder of prominent human rights activist Munir. Munir died on a plane en route to the Netherlands where he was going to study humanitarian law. A subsequent autopsy revealed four times the lethal level of arsenic in his system, pointing to a clear case of murder.
The individual prosecuted and found guilty of his murder was Pollycarpus, a co-pilot on non-active duty during the flight on which Munir was assassinated, who it was found, put the poison into Munir's drink. However, despite findings of a fact finding team (set up by the government after the assassination) that linked Pollycarpus to the intelligence services, there has been no investigation of who ordered the assassination and whether it was in any way connected to the intelligence services.
With prosecution in Indonesia unlikely, my research looked into the possibility of legal action against other perpertrators of Munir murder in countries other than Indonesia. Under the Alien Torts Claim Act and the Torture Victim Protection Act (which also covers extrajudicial killings) non-US citizens can seek civil remedies (damages) against non-US perpetrators for certain internationally recognized offences. One other avenue for legal action outside of Indonesia is universal jurisdiction, which was another aspect of my research.
I found this project to be extremely interesting because I had the opportunity to talk to experts in this field and felt that I was working on something concrete and practical rather than just research for an essay or for my own interest.
Singapore
Another project that I have recently worked on is the case of an activist who has faced ongoing harassment from the Singaporean government. My work involved drafting letters to various members of the government to draw attention to the case.
Work with other departments
I have also been fortunate enough to become involved with departments other than HRD. Earlier in the year, I assisted the Asylum Seeker Program by interpreting for an Uzbek asylum seeker (who spoke only Russian). HRF was able to organize a lawyer to act pro bono during her hearings and we are still waiting to hear the results of the case.
I have also had the opportunity to learn more about the work of the International Justice Program that is presently running a prominent campaign to bring a high level peace envoy to help resolve the terrible conflict in Darfur. A few weeks ago, I attended a HRF event with Dr Mudawi, a highly respected Sudanese peace activist. Dr Mudawi was hosted by HRF for two weeks and during this time, he had the chance to meet many influential politicians in order to spread the word about the potential for a peace envoy. One of the politicians he met during his trip was President Bush. I subsequently attended a large Symposium on Darfur and have attending brain-storming sessions on how HRF's Darfur campaign can be expanded. Unfortunately I will not be in the US to attend a large rally for Darfur in Washington DC at the end of April - it should be an interesting event.
And now for the social side
Living in Manhattan this last month and a half has been amazing. I live in between (cheap) Chinatown and (trendy) Lower East Side with 9 fantastic housemates. I've been to dozens of museums, loads of great restaurants and bars, many talks on international law and plays, musicals, Broadway shows, etc. I've also taken lots of great weekend trips. I went to museums in DC last month, skiing in North Carolina and spent last weekend down in the South, soaking up the sun in a pituresque town called Charleston (where the civil war began).
The only bad part is that my internship is quickly coming to an end...
Friday, March 31, 2006
The next installment
Well, it’s certainly been another few very interesting weeks at Human Rights First! Here is a little of what I’ve been up to:
Russia
In mid March, HRF was fortunate to be able to host Ludmilla Alexeeva, head of the Moscow Helsinki Group (Russia’s oldest human rights organization) for a luncheon to discuss the deterioration of human rights in Russia. Ludmilla has an impressive background of involvement with human rights issues. She was one of the founding members of the Moscow Helsinki Group in 1976 and although her participation in the organization has exposed her to harassment, defamation and even physical danger from the Russian government and pro-government groups, she has persevered. Today, Moscow Helsinki Group is one of the most respected human rights organizations in Russia. In 2005, Ludmilla was presented with the HRF’s human rights award, given in recognition of her commitment to improving human rights in Russia.
The meeting focused on advocacy strategies that could be employed by Russian and international organizations like HRF in the lead up to the G8 summit in St Petersburg in July this year. Russia will be assuming Presidency of the elite group, despite its atrocious human rights record, and the Moscow Helsinki Group, HRF and many human rights groups are determined to make sure that discussion of Russia’s human rights record doesn’t slip off the agenda.
This meeting, like many others that the Human Rights Defenders Program has with human rights activists, was all about listing to what the activists themselves thought and how they felt that HRF would be most useful in assisting. This is an important tenet of the HRD program – advocacy strategies must have input from local organizations. Not only do local activists have invaluable on-the-ground information, they are also most vulnerable to government pressure that could occur as a backlash to advocacy strategies by international human rights organization. It is always important that we make sure that we help and not hinder the work of local activists and that we don’t inadvertently put them under further danger.
Other human rights activists from Russia have also been hosted by HRF in the last few months. A prominent member of the Russian Chechen Friendship Society visited our DC office in February and with the help of the HRD department was able to meet with many organizations and prominent politicians. There was also a talk recently by two young human rights activists who work on issues of discrimination in Russia.
At present, Archi, my supervisor, is in Russia, meeting with other Russian activists. I’m looking forward to hearing about her meetings on her return to New York early next week.
Over the last few weeks, my work on Russia has been focused on a few projects. One was an analysis of the US Department of State’s Country Report on Human Rights in Russia. The Department produces such reports for most countries of the world on an annual basis and because the reports are influential and regularly quoted, it is important for HRF to make sure that they are an accurate portrayal of human rights in the countries that we do work in. The HRD team analyzed a number of reports and made comments to the US Department of State that we hope will be considered in the writing of future reports. Neil Hicks, Director of the HRD program was interviewed by BBC on our department’s response to the reports.
Another project that I have been working on is research on Russia’s bid for accession to the World Trade Organization and whether the accession can be made conditional on the government respecting basic human rights standards. My research revealed that while the WTO, as an organization, is unlikely to impose such conditions, the US (yet to conclude a bilateral agreement with Russia) may be able to do so.
Stay tuned for more info on the projects I have been working on...
Russia
In mid March, HRF was fortunate to be able to host Ludmilla Alexeeva, head of the Moscow Helsinki Group (Russia’s oldest human rights organization) for a luncheon to discuss the deterioration of human rights in Russia. Ludmilla has an impressive background of involvement with human rights issues. She was one of the founding members of the Moscow Helsinki Group in 1976 and although her participation in the organization has exposed her to harassment, defamation and even physical danger from the Russian government and pro-government groups, she has persevered. Today, Moscow Helsinki Group is one of the most respected human rights organizations in Russia. In 2005, Ludmilla was presented with the HRF’s human rights award, given in recognition of her commitment to improving human rights in Russia.
The meeting focused on advocacy strategies that could be employed by Russian and international organizations like HRF in the lead up to the G8 summit in St Petersburg in July this year. Russia will be assuming Presidency of the elite group, despite its atrocious human rights record, and the Moscow Helsinki Group, HRF and many human rights groups are determined to make sure that discussion of Russia’s human rights record doesn’t slip off the agenda.
This meeting, like many others that the Human Rights Defenders Program has with human rights activists, was all about listing to what the activists themselves thought and how they felt that HRF would be most useful in assisting. This is an important tenet of the HRD program – advocacy strategies must have input from local organizations. Not only do local activists have invaluable on-the-ground information, they are also most vulnerable to government pressure that could occur as a backlash to advocacy strategies by international human rights organization. It is always important that we make sure that we help and not hinder the work of local activists and that we don’t inadvertently put them under further danger.
Other human rights activists from Russia have also been hosted by HRF in the last few months. A prominent member of the Russian Chechen Friendship Society visited our DC office in February and with the help of the HRD department was able to meet with many organizations and prominent politicians. There was also a talk recently by two young human rights activists who work on issues of discrimination in Russia.
At present, Archi, my supervisor, is in Russia, meeting with other Russian activists. I’m looking forward to hearing about her meetings on her return to New York early next week.
Over the last few weeks, my work on Russia has been focused on a few projects. One was an analysis of the US Department of State’s Country Report on Human Rights in Russia. The Department produces such reports for most countries of the world on an annual basis and because the reports are influential and regularly quoted, it is important for HRF to make sure that they are an accurate portrayal of human rights in the countries that we do work in. The HRD team analyzed a number of reports and made comments to the US Department of State that we hope will be considered in the writing of future reports. Neil Hicks, Director of the HRD program was interviewed by BBC on our department’s response to the reports.
Another project that I have been working on is research on Russia’s bid for accession to the World Trade Organization and whether the accession can be made conditional on the government respecting basic human rights standards. My research revealed that while the WTO, as an organization, is unlikely to impose such conditions, the US (yet to conclude a bilateral agreement with Russia) may be able to do so.
Stay tuned for more info on the projects I have been working on...
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
More exciting news from HRF
Greetings again from New York! I am thrilled to say that I have been busy assisting with extremely interesting projects for the Human Rights Defenders Program and very much enjoying my time in New York.
As mentioned in my last entry, the Human Rights Defenders Program (the program I am interning with) has as its mission the protection of human rights activists. The organization has a long history of working to achieve international recognition for the rights of such activists and was instrumental in the drafting of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (accepted in 1998) – a document that recognizes the unique contribution that human rights defenders make and lays down the protections that national governments must ensure they can enjoy.
Unfortunately in the post September 11 world, some governments, unhappy with the scrutiny and criticism they are exposed to by NGOs, have opportunistically used the pretense of a terrorist threat to restrict the activities of human rights defenders. It is for this reason that the Human Rights Defenders (HRD) Program focuses on counter-terrorism issues – especially in Russia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Thailand.
Russia
Much of my work on Russia has focused on the case of the Russian Chechen Friendship Society (RCFS). The organization has been prosecuted in trumped-up tax charges, its members have been threatened, several volunteers have been killed by persons never caught and most recently, RCFS’ director Stanislav Dmitrievsky went on trial for publishing two articles calling for peace in Chechnya in a newsletter published by RCFS (because they allegedly incited hatred on the basis of ethnicity). I assisted the HRD Program by following the progress of this case and drafting press statements. After Stanislav’s conviction, I helped draft a ‘White Paper’ outlining the history of the case, the verdict and Russia’s obligation to protect freedom of expression under international law and the European Convention for Human Rights (as the European Court of Human Rights may be where the next chapter in this dramatic story plays out).
Uzbekistan
In terms of Uzbekistan, my work has mainly involved tracking the trials of activists being prosecuted by the government. My research is used for press releases and updating previous reports. Unfortunately many of the trials are closed so it is often difficult to obtain information.
Thailand
In April 2004, a prominent Muslim lawyer in Southern Thailand disappeared without a trace. Just days prior, Somchai Neelaphaijit had given an impassioned speech criticizing the Thai authorities’ use of torture in detention and filed legal action on behalf of 5 Muslim men who had been tortured. His disappearance led to a flurry of rumours that government officials were involved and soonafter, 5 policemen were arrested in relation to the events. What followed was a flawed trial which was found to be extremely unsatisfactory by many international NGOs monitoring the trial (including Human Rights First).
A substantial part of my work on Thailand has involved researching this case, as well as the Thai judiciary in general, for a White Paper calling for further investigation into Somchai’s disappearance.
Indonesia
At present, one of my projects involves research into the possibility of bringing to justice persons alleged to have ordered the murder of a prominent human rights activist. As the alleged masterminds have not been prosecuted in Indonesia nor are likely to be in the future, I have been conducting research into the possibility of extraterritorial legal action (ie. bringing a tortious claim in the United States under the Alien Torts Claim Act or legal action on the basis of universal jurisdiction in Europe, etc). The research is fascinating!
Well, that’s all for now folks! I hope the weather in Australia is warmer than the chilly 3°C in New York at the moment. A few weeks ago, the city experienced a huge snowfall (apparently the biggest ever) and Central Park was full of people skiing! Although its gotten a little warmed recently, I’m still bundling myself into 7 layers of clothing.
Stay tuned for more entries!
Sophia
As mentioned in my last entry, the Human Rights Defenders Program (the program I am interning with) has as its mission the protection of human rights activists. The organization has a long history of working to achieve international recognition for the rights of such activists and was instrumental in the drafting of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (accepted in 1998) – a document that recognizes the unique contribution that human rights defenders make and lays down the protections that national governments must ensure they can enjoy.
Unfortunately in the post September 11 world, some governments, unhappy with the scrutiny and criticism they are exposed to by NGOs, have opportunistically used the pretense of a terrorist threat to restrict the activities of human rights defenders. It is for this reason that the Human Rights Defenders (HRD) Program focuses on counter-terrorism issues – especially in Russia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Thailand.
Russia
Much of my work on Russia has focused on the case of the Russian Chechen Friendship Society (RCFS). The organization has been prosecuted in trumped-up tax charges, its members have been threatened, several volunteers have been killed by persons never caught and most recently, RCFS’ director Stanislav Dmitrievsky went on trial for publishing two articles calling for peace in Chechnya in a newsletter published by RCFS (because they allegedly incited hatred on the basis of ethnicity). I assisted the HRD Program by following the progress of this case and drafting press statements. After Stanislav’s conviction, I helped draft a ‘White Paper’ outlining the history of the case, the verdict and Russia’s obligation to protect freedom of expression under international law and the European Convention for Human Rights (as the European Court of Human Rights may be where the next chapter in this dramatic story plays out).
Uzbekistan
In terms of Uzbekistan, my work has mainly involved tracking the trials of activists being prosecuted by the government. My research is used for press releases and updating previous reports. Unfortunately many of the trials are closed so it is often difficult to obtain information.
Thailand
In April 2004, a prominent Muslim lawyer in Southern Thailand disappeared without a trace. Just days prior, Somchai Neelaphaijit had given an impassioned speech criticizing the Thai authorities’ use of torture in detention and filed legal action on behalf of 5 Muslim men who had been tortured. His disappearance led to a flurry of rumours that government officials were involved and soonafter, 5 policemen were arrested in relation to the events. What followed was a flawed trial which was found to be extremely unsatisfactory by many international NGOs monitoring the trial (including Human Rights First).
A substantial part of my work on Thailand has involved researching this case, as well as the Thai judiciary in general, for a White Paper calling for further investigation into Somchai’s disappearance.
Indonesia
At present, one of my projects involves research into the possibility of bringing to justice persons alleged to have ordered the murder of a prominent human rights activist. As the alleged masterminds have not been prosecuted in Indonesia nor are likely to be in the future, I have been conducting research into the possibility of extraterritorial legal action (ie. bringing a tortious claim in the United States under the Alien Torts Claim Act or legal action on the basis of universal jurisdiction in Europe, etc). The research is fascinating!
Well, that’s all for now folks! I hope the weather in Australia is warmer than the chilly 3°C in New York at the moment. A few weeks ago, the city experienced a huge snowfall (apparently the biggest ever) and Central Park was full of people skiing! Although its gotten a little warmed recently, I’m still bundling myself into 7 layers of clothing.
Stay tuned for more entries!
Sophia
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Starting with HRF
My first few days in New York have been a bit of a whirlwind (literally, it's really windy here!) Fortunately, I've been so busy that I haven't even noticed the chilly weather. I started with Human Rights First yesterday and after a tour of the office (right in the middle of beautiful Manhatten), I've been put to work doing research on the trial of a prominent Russian activist. The department that I am working in is called Human Rights Defenders. This department is concerned with the human rights of activists around the world who are persecuted in their home countries. The main focus of my internship will be human rights defenders in Russia and the former Soviet Union and there is plenty of work to do - this region has seen an extraordinary backslide in the protection of human rights in the past few years (from a standard that was already not particularly high to begin with). My work will involve following the trials of activists being prosecuted, analysing Russian law to determine whether the trials are being conducted properly and keeping a general tab on events in the region.
