Public International Fellows, Summer 2006

Laura Conn, ‘08
Legal Aid of Cambodia , Phnom Penh

This summer I will be interning at the Legal Aid of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. The organization is one that has taken the lead in rebuilding Cambodia 's justice system since the end of the Khmer Rouge. It was begun by Cambodian lawyers and its mission is to assist in the construction of a more civil society and a more just legal system based upon respect for human rights, equal justice and the rule of law, and to ensure that high-quality legal services are made available to the most vulnerable segments of Cambodian society. LAC has both a main office in the capital city, as well as 8 regional offices, recognizing the need for service in Cambodia's rural communities. I was originally interested in the organization due to its unique mission in a country that faced sever hardships after decades under the Khmer Rouge.

While working there, I hope to work with Cambodian lawyers and be able to provide a comparative perspective. I will choose a relevant research project before leaving and perform broad research in the United States to bring with me and share. I will then continue my research there to contribute my perspective and recommendations upon departure. In addition, I may be doing a number of varied projects from grant writing to client and attorney support. Overall, I feel very fortunate to be able to experience the rebuilding of a system in Cambodia through a local and Khmer-run organization. LAC does work not only providing legal service but also engaging in community education around human rights and protections as well. I will certainly return with a further understanding of a developing legal system and an organization that sees itself as an innovator and leader in protecting the rights of all of its citizens.

Silvia Diaz, ‘08
El Instituto de Estudioa Comparados en Ciencias- Guatemala City, Guatemala

This summer I will be working at El Instituto de Estudios Comparados en Ciencias Penales de Guatemala (ICCPG), an organization that investigates issues of criminal justice in Latin American countries. The institute is an academic organization created to contribute to movements in favor of a model of criminal justice which respects and protects human rights. Many of the publications and research of the organization has been the driving force behind the reforms in criminal laws and procedures taking place in Guatemala and in other countries in the region.

My work with the institute will be focused on criminal justice and society, specifically examining the juvenile penal system in Guatemala and its social effects on youth and violence. My studies at Penn have given me a broad understanding of the subtleties and complexities of the American courts, but I am looking forward to gaining insight on the workings of a different court system with its own distinctive customs and traditions. My hope is that my research in Guatemala will give me a more informed international perspective of criminal justice and human rights across different borders. I expect that examining other court systems will allow me to observe alternative methods of instituting change and reforms within my own system.

Christopher Fromherz. ‘08
Centro Equatoriano de Derecho Ambiental- Quito, Ecquador

While working this summer at the Centro Equatoriano de Derecho Ambiental (CEDA)—the Ecuadorian Center of Environmental Law CEDA was created through an initiative developed by Ecuadorian lawyers specializing in environmental law with interests in promoting and spreading national and international environmental legislation as a means to protect the environment in Ecuador and throughout the world. CEDA promotes scientific environmental studies and legal investigations; develops research methods and new legal instruments related to the environment; and implements alternative methods of conflict management in environmental-social relations. During my fellowship I will be working substantively with international law in implementing treaty agreements involving the Ecuadorian government on the issue of environmental information access. I also plan to aid CEDA in negotiations between members of the trade community and the local population over questions of sustainable development and environmental impact.

This fellowship will be a great opportunity for me to expand on my previous experience living and working in South America (I taught High School English Lit at an international school in Bolivia before coming to law school). I hope to practice law with a focus on Latin America , and this summer will increase my knowledge base and network for future endeavors. Eventually, my wife—who is Bolivian—and I would like to start a non-profit in Bolivia , and I am certain the fellowship will provide me with invaluable lessons in that regard.

Robert Manzaneres, ‘08
Comision de Familiares de Victimas Indefensas de la Violencia- Buenos Aires, Argentina

I will be working in Buenos Aires , Argentina for COFAVI this summer. COFAVI ( Co misión de Fa miliares de V íctimas I ndefensas de la Violencia Social - Policial - Judicial – Institucional) is a non-governmental organization devoted to the protection of human rights and strengthening of government accountability. Founded by the families and friends of victims of political violence in Argentina , COFAVI is strongly aligned with the Plaza de Mayo movement. COFAVI presents a unique opportunity to do work that has public international law significance while at the same time allowing for a more focused involvement in domestic Argentinean issues. While at the organization I expect to interact directly with Argentineans who are seeking COFAVI's support to pursue claims against the government for political violence. There is also the opportunity to work on reports that may be presented before the U.N. or the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

As a first year law student I was able to take our Public International Law course as an elective. I look forward to gaining practical experience to build on what I learned during the semester. It is an invaluable experience to see the interaction between domestic law and public international law firsthand, and to see how a different legal system functions. I look forward to incorporating an international perspective into my legal education and gaining a better understanding of how public international law works in practice.

Jeanine Turrell, ‘08
International Center for Not for Profit Law – Washington , DC

I will be working for the International Center for Not for Profit Law (ICNL) in Washington D.C. this summer. They are a non profit that helps create a legal framework in developing countries so that non-governmental organizations and community service organizations can not only develop, but flourish. They have many different project areas, including training, capacity building, civil society, and many more.

My primary project will be assisting the president of ICNL and Dean Adam Kolker in developing a comparative international civil society law course that will be taught at Penn. I am expecting to gain a greater knowledge about participation in civil societies throughout the world, and seeing how they work. My overall expectations for the summer are simply to learn as much as I can about the inner workings of many countries. Most people never get this opportunity, even if they travel to the other country. Although I do not expect to be an expert after only ten weeks, I do hope to have a broad understanding of civil societies and how participation in it is defined throughout the world. Finally, I want to make sure that I am a valuable addition to ICNL, by being flexible and turning in great work.

Nermeen Arastu
ICTR and Legal Assistance Centere (LAC), Namibia

As a Human Rights Fellow, I will mainly been doing research for LAC's big study on the implementation of Namibia's The Combating of Domestic Violence Act , a piece of legislation that gives a detailed definition of domestic violence, makes specific provisions regarding evidence at abuse trials, and proscribes minimum sentences for rape, and abuse, among other things. I will be doing field research for the study, interviewing criminal justice personnel and victims, and extrapolating information from hundreds of police files and court records. I hope to also formulate policy recommendations that will be incorporated in LAC's final report.

The Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) focuses largely on constitutional and human rights cases in the areas of litigation and advice, education and training, and research and advocacy. Since its establishment at LAC eleven years ago, The Gender Research and Advocacy Project (GR & AP) of LAC have created major research reports on child maintenance, working conditions of domestic workers, recognition of customary marriage, rape and sentencing, rape and HIV, and domestic violence. This project also drafted Namibia 's first country report in terms of the UN Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Furthermore, the Gender Project has drafted various intrinsic provisions of Namibian legislation and continues to be an important policy advisor in all areas of law which effect women.