How Not to Fight Mexico's Drug War

Monday, June 28, 2010 University of California, San Diego

6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Cost: free, students; $10, public

Ken Roth will address whether human rights concerns should be a factor in withholding U.S. funding that supports Mexico’s fight against drug cartels (Merida Initiative). He will discuss the direct impact of the drug war on Mexican society and the nexus between drugs, security and human rights. In 1993, Roth became executive director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), one of the largest human rights organizations in the world, which conducts fact-finding investigations into human rights abuses in over 80 countries. A graduate of Yale Law School and Brown University, Roth was drawn to the human rights cause by his father's experience fleeing Nazi Germany in 1938. He began working on human rights after the declaration of martial law in Poland in 1981, and soon became deeply engaged in fighting military repression in Haiti. In his years as executive director, Human Rights Watch has quadrupled in size, while greatly expanding its thematic and geographic reach. Event will be held at University of California, San Diego's Institute of the Americas in Hojel Hall of the Americas Auditorium. Visit the Institute of the Americas website for map and parking information. Free for all students, press or faculty. Click here to register and indicate your affiliation in the notes section $10 per person for public. To register using electronic payment, click here. To pay cash at the door, click here to register Presented by Human Rights Watch and Institute of the Americas. Co-sponsored by Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice; San Diego World Affairs Council; Trans-Border Institute; and United Nations Association, San Diego

Joan B. Kroc Institute For Peace & Justice | ipj@sandiego.edu | (619) 260-7509

Nick Vujicic - A Life Without Limbs

Join IHRLS on Thursday, April 16 at 12:00 in 3A for an event not to be missed!

Meet Nick Vujicic!

Imagine being born without arms. No arms to wrap around a friend, no hands to hold the ones you love, no fingers to experience touch. No way to lift and carry things. How much more difficult would life be if you were living without arms and hands? Or what about legs? Imagine if instead of no arms, you had no legs. No ability to dance, walk, run, or even stand. Now put both of those scenarios together… no arms and no legs. What would you do? How would that affect your everyday life?

Meet Nick Vujicic. Born in 1982 in Brisbane, Australia, without any medical explanation or warning, Nicholas Vujicic came into the world with neither arms nor legs. Imagine the shock his parents felt when they saw their first born, brand new baby boy for the first time only to find he was what the world would consider imperfect and abnormal. A limbless son was not what nurse Dushka Vujicic, and her husband Pastor Boris Vujicic had been expecting. How would their son live a normal happy life? What could he ever do or become when living with such a massive disability? Little did they or anyone else know that this beautiful limbless baby would one day be someone who would inspire and motivate people from all walks of life. God uses Nick to touch lives and bring the hope of Jesus Christ to people across the globe.

Throughout his childhood Nick dealt not only with the typical challenges of school and adolescence such as bullying and self-esteem issues; he also struggled with depression and loneliness. He constantly questioned why he was different to all the other kids surrounding him; why he was the one born without arms and legs. He wondered what the purpose behind his life was, or if he even had a purpose. According to Nick the victory over his struggles throughout his journey, as well as the strength and passion he has for life can be credited to his faith in God. His family, his friends and the many people he has encountered during his life have also encouraged him along the way.

After school Nick went on with further study and obtained a double bachelor degree majoring in accounting and financial planning. By the age of 19 Nick started to fulfill his dream of being able to encourage other people and bring them the gospel of Jesus, through motivational speaking and sharing his testimony about how God changed his life and gave him a future and a hope. “I found the purpose of my existence, and also the purpose of my circumstance… There’s a purpose for why you’re in the fire.” Nick wholeheartedly believes that there is a purpose in each of the struggles we encounter in our lives and that our attitude towards those struggles, along with our faith and trust in the Lord can be the keys to overcoming the challenges we face.

Now at 25 years old this limbless young man has accomplished more than most people even twice his age. Nick recently made the massive move from Brisbane, Australia to California, USA, where he is the president of an international non-profit organization; Life Without Limbs, and also has his own motivational speaking company; Attitude Is Altitude. Since his first speaking engagement back when he was 19, Nick has traveled around the world, sharing his story with millions of people, speaking to a range of different groups such as students, teachers, youth, business men and women, entrepreneurs, and church congregations of all sizes. He has also told his story and been interviewed on various televised programs worldwide.

“If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!”

http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/

Great Speaker this Wednesday

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW SOCIETY,

NATIVE AMERICAN LAW SOCIETY,

&

INTERNATIONAL LAW SOCIETY

PRESENT

CONSUL GENERAL OF EGYPT

Abderahman Salaheldin

LECTURE ON:

“Egypt and the U.S.: A Model of Dialogue and Cooperation on Peace, Economic Development and Human Rights in the Middle East”

When: Wednesday, April 16; 12:00-1:00 pm

Where: Grace Court Room in Warren Hall

FOOD and Drinks will be provided!

Synopsis on Ambassador Salaheldin

Ambassador Salaheldin has been a career Diplomat for more than 27 years. Since September 2004, Ambassador Salaheldin has served as the Consul General of Egypt in San Francisco, covering the states of Arizona, Alaska, California, Idaho, Washington, Utah, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, Hawaii and Wyoming. Previously, he occupied the following positions:

• Deputy Assistant Minister Of Foreign Affairs for North America (02-04)
• Minister for Political and Congressional Affairs, Embassy of Egypt, Washington, D.C. (98-02)
• Director, UN Affairs, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (96-97)
• Political Counselor, The Permanent Mission of Egypt at the UN in New York, dealing with Middle East and Peace keeping issues and served as the Rapporteur of the UN Peace Keeping Committee. (92-96)
• Member of the Cabinet of the Foreign Minister and member of Egypt’s delegation to the “Madrid Middle East Peace Conference” and “Moscow’s Conference on Regional Cooperation in the Middle East”. (90-92)
• First Secretary, Embassy of Egypt, Washington, D.C. (86-91)

*Ambassador Salaheldin has recently written an article in the San Francisco Chronicle on the Palestine Israeli Conflict. Students may review the article by looking up this website: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/10/EDL2UUI5J.DTL

Events at the IPJ

Tuesday, March 4, 7 p.m.
IPJ Theatre
Joan B. Kroc Distinguished Lecture Series
"War, Peace and Climate Change: A Billion Lives in the Balance"
Jan Egeland, former Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator for the United Nations, will discuss the humanitarian challenges of environmental catastrophes caused by both human conflict and natural disasters. Egeland, who currently serves as Special Advisor to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on conflict prevention and resolution and as director of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, is the author of "A Billion Lives: An Eyewitness Report from the Frontlines of Humanity". A reception and book signing will follow the lecture. RSVP by Tuesday, Feb. 26 at http://peace.sandiego.edu or call (619) 260-4236. Seating is limited and events fill up quickly, so early replies are recommended.


EVENTS CALENDAR


Wednesday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.
IPJ Theatre
IPJ Speaker Series
"Iranian-Saudi Relations and Prospects for Gulf Peace"
Banafsheh Keynoush, Ph.D., specializes in Middle East foreign relations, security issues and international law. A native of the region, she will examine the prospects for peace in the Persian Gulf. RSVP by Tuesday, Feb. 5 at http://peace.sandiego.edu.

Monday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.
IPJ Theatre
IPJ Film Series
"The Peacekeepers"
With unprecedented access to the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping, "The Peacekeepers" provides an intimate and dramatic portrait of the struggle to save a "failed state." The film follows the determined and often desperate maneuvers to avert another disaster like Rwanda, this time in the Democratic Republic of Congo. John Prendergast, noted human rights activist and scholar-in-residence at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, will provide commentary and answer questions. RSVP by Friday, Feb. 8 at http://peace.sandiego.edu.

Monday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.
Shiley Theatre (USD)
Special Event
"Three Cups of Tea: An Evening with Greg Mortenson"
The "New York Times" bestselling book, "Three Cups of Tea - One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, describes Mortenson's dangerous mission to build schools in Taliban-ruled parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. After 13 years spent bringing 58 schools to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Mortenson believes that terrorism should be fought with books, not bombs. Co-sponsored by USD's Department of Public Relations, KPBS and the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice. A book signing will follow the lecture. Due to overwhelming interest, we have moved the event to USD's Shiley Theatre. The event is free and seating will be first-come, first-served. Please note that there will be two other opportunities the following day to hear Greg Mortenson. For more information, go to www.kpbs.org/onebook.

Tuesday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m.
IPJ Theatre
IPJ Film Series
"Beyond the Gates"
Approximately 800,000 people were killed during the 1994 genocide that took place in a mere 100 days during April to July in Rwanda. This film is based on the true story of a secondary school in Kigali, the Ecole Technique Officielle, where over 2,500 people took refuge under the protection of UN troops. On the fifth day of violence, the U.N. troops left, taking with them only the European nationals. The film, shot on location in Rwanda, was directed by Michael Caton-Jones and stars John Hurt, Hugh Dancy and Clare-Hope Ashitey. A panel discussion featuring actors and crew from the film, including survivors of the genocide, will follow the screening. This event is co-sponsored by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice and Colleges.com/U. Magazine. For more information on the film or to participate in the discussion, go to www.beyondthegates-movie.com or contact nkennedy@colleges.com. RSVP by Friday, Feb. 22 at http://peace.sandiego.edu.

Friday, March 7
Save the Date
"Fourth Annual International Women's Day Celebration Breakfast"
Further details on how to register and pay will follow.

For event additions, changes and directions go to http://peace.sandiego.edu or call (619) 260-7509. Students are encouraged to attend all IPJ events. Events fill up quickly, so professors are encouraged to make reservations in advance for any classes that will be attending as a group.

Califonia Innocence Project Event

Please join us for the first ever

Community Mixer, Silent Auction and Raffle to benefit the California Innocence Project

hosted by the CWSL Jewish Student Union, USD Jewish Law Student Association, and CWSL National Lawyers Guild.

Sunday, January 27 ^th

6pm

Wine Steals, Point Loma

2970 Truxton Road, San Diego, CA 92106

please see winestealssd.com for an accurate map

Hosted bar and appetizers from 6-7pm
California Innocence Project Director Justin Brooks will speak at 7pm
Bidding will be from 7-8pm, and item pick up from 8:30-9pm.

We will also be raffling prizes throughout the night!

Casual Attire suggested (no suites please)

$5 for students, $10 for general public.
All proceeds will go to benefit the California Innocence Project

Please contact cwsljsu@gmail.com to RSVP or with any questions

Twin Updates

Our meeting on Thursday November 15 at noon in Grace Courtroom now features a three speaker panel.

• Dr. David Gangsei, Clinical Director, Survivors of Torture
• Sharon Darrough, Manager of the International Rescue Committee
• Shira Roman of the newly-created Human Rights Watch - San Diego

They will all speak to us about their organizations and employment opportunities in NGO's in the human rights field. It should be a great event.

Our bakesale is ongoing, and will continue today and tomorrow in the Writs. I personally recommend the cupcakes with the peace signs written in frosting.

Guantanamo Bay Speakers

Please join the Criminal Law Society and the Pro Bono Legal Advocates on

Thursday, October 18th

At 12:00 noon

In WH Grace Courtroom

Where the Federal Defenders that represent Detainees of Guantanamo Bay will share their first hand experiences. This is a rare chance to hear riveting accounts from federal defenders of detainees at the largely secret and covert detention facilities of Guantanamo Bay.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and the event is from 12:00 to 12:50 so you will not have to miss classes.

Please RSVP to Tara Aguilar at aguilarbro@yahoo.com if you are interested in coming.

Fall Semester Schedule of Events

Thursday, September 20, 7 - 8:30 p.m: Kenneth Roth, Executive Director Human Rights Watch will speak at the IPJ.

Friday, September 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m: International Day of Peace Celebration at the IPJ. Learn about local organizations working for peace and social justice, including us. The symbolic dove release will take place at noon.

September 28-29th, 9am to 12pm/ 5pm to 6:30pm: Just War Theory and Terrorism debate at Warren Hall, featuring USD Law Professor Larry Alexander.

Thursday, October 4th, time TBD: International Criminal Court debate jointly hosted with the USD Federalist Society.

Thursday, October 4, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m: Women Peace Makers Program at the IPJ, featuring Samia Bamieh from Palestine, Latifah Anum Siregar from Indonesia, Susana Tenjoh-Okwen from Cameroon and Irina Yanovskaya from Georgia. Cameroon and Irina Yanovskaya from Georgia.

Tuesday, October 9, 12:30 - 2:00
p.m: Susana Tenjoh-Okwen, mother, professor, community peace mediator and respected gender activist from Bamenda in the northwest of Cameroon, will share her story at the IPJ.

Thursday, October 11, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m: Samia Bamieh, mother, founding member of the International Women's Commission for a Just and Sustainable Palestinian-Israeli Peace and committee member assigned to draft a Palestinian constitution, will share her story at the IPJ.

Tuesday, October 16, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m: Irina Yanovskaya, mother, journalist, lawyer, chair of the Journalists for Human Rights and one of the 1,000 women nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, will share her story at the IPJ.

Thursday, October 18, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m: Latifah Anum Siregar, human rights lawyer, chair of the Alliance for Democracy in Papua and advocate for peace working in the complex tribal and migrant conflicts in Papua communities, will share her story at the IPJ