August 2006

ANNOUNCEMENT: RSVP for the 2006-2007 SAVLP Reception on September 27, 2006 >>>

  
  South African Visiting Lawyer Program Enters its Fifth Year
As summer draws to a close, the Vance Center prepares to open the fifth year of its South African Visiting Lawyer Program. A new class of fellows will arrive in September as the current fellows return to their law firms in South Africa. >>>

Meet the 2006-2007 SAVLP Fellows >>>


Amicus Briefs Submitted in Cases in Colombia, Chile
 Two amicus briefs facilitated by the Vance Center's Amicus Network were recently filed at the Constitutional Court in Colombia and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

The first case, Colombia Diversa v. State of Colombia deals with equal protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. The second, Carlos Baraona Bray v. State of Chile, involves freedom of expression issues. >>>


Vance Center and Mexican Law School Host Videoconference on Pro Bono
 In April, the Vance Center and the Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económica Law School (CIDE) in Mexico City collaborated on a videoconference on professional responsibility and pro bono practice in the legal profession. The teleconference aimed to encourage Mexican lawyers and law students to engage in public interest work. >>>

  

Vance Center Develops Online Meeting Space for Justice Advocates
 This fall, the Vance Center expects to launch the Global Network for Justice Initiatives, a website that will help advocates in various countries build relationships, share knowledge and collaborate on justice initiatives. >>>


Research Examines Law on Crimes Against Humanity
 The Vance Center's Global Clearinghouse is preparing to release an extensive survey of U.S. and international law as it relates to crimes against humanity committed by non-state actors. The research was prepared for the Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS), a prominent human rights organization in Argentina that documents atrocities committed under the country's former military junta and advocates for victims' rights. >>>


In Other News
Read about the launch of the updated Vance Center website, staff comings and goings and the Center's meeting with the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. >>>

  
  About the Vance Center
The Vance Center for International Justice Initiatives works to strengthen the efforts of the New York legal community in support of justice and democratic principles around the globe.  The Center seeks to give continuing substance to those values to which Cyrus. R. Vance devoted his life: the rule of law; access to justice; peaceful resolution of disputes; fairness and transparency in the institutions of civil society; and equality of opportunity.		  


Vance Center for International Justice Initiatives
New York City Bar Association - 42 West 44th Street - New York, NY 10036-6689
www.vancecenter.org - vance@nycbar.org