International Human Rights Clinic and Amnesty International in Chicago Partner to Educate about Human Rights and Refugees

Chicago, Illinois, July 26, 2017 -- On July 30, The John Marshall Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) and the Chicago Chapter of Amnesty International USA will host the joint Workshop on Human Rights Education to develop a curriculum on refugee issues for high school audiences. Organized by Amnesty International, the collaboration marks a joint effort to unite local organizations, mobilize volunteers and educate the public about human rights and the realities of the refugee crisis.

During the workshop, participants will design an experience for students that provides an introduction to the human rights framework and refugee resettlement with complementary activities that humanize the realities faced by refugees. The workshop will also train volunteers to facilitate these interactive sessions, which will be offered at local schools in the fall.

“The Workshop on Human Rights Education on refugee issues is a great way to bridge the gap of our advocacy under the Human Rights for Syrians Initiative and collaborate with a local group interested in promoting the rights of refugees,” says Sarah Dávila-Ruhaak, Director of the International Human Rights Clinic.

Dávila-Ruhaak and IHRC Co-Director Professor Steven Schwinn have a track record of delivering human-rights education presentations and trainings that seek to bring human rights to schools in the Chicago area. The Workshop on Human Rights Education and subsequent presentations further the IHRC’s commitment to domesticate international human rights and engage in public education efforts in the community.

The Chicago Chapter of Amnesty International USA, a volunteer-based organization, works to shed light on human rights abuses in Chicago and around the world by promoting Amnesty campaigns like #NoBanNoWall, #IWelcome and stopping gun violence, as well as supporting women’s human rights and LGBTQ rights. The group’s work has been recognized with a Sister Laola Hironaka Award for activism for the past three years. To learn more about Amnesty International’s Chicago chapter, visit https://www.facebook.com/Amnesty-International-Chicago-129931297156102/

 About John Marshall’s International Human Rights Clinic

John Marshall’s International Human Rights Clinic promotes human rights domestically and internationally by providing direct legal representation and advocacy. The Clinic provides students with a theoretical grounding in international human rights and practical advocacy techniques and skills. It also provides guidance for attorneys who wish to undertake human rights law cases.

In January 2016, the Clinic launched its Human Rights for Syrians Initiative, through which it provides direct legal services and a referral-service system to refugees and asylum seekers all over the U.S. and around the world. Learn more at http://www.jmls.edu/clinics/international-human-rights/

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb3931cd-c31a-4db3-b6a2-8d7d14ff1bd8

The John Marshall Law School 
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