Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Partners with Embassy of Uruguay to Discuss Human Rights Policies
Remarks to be Made in Memory of Ed Koch, In Recognition of His Support of Human Rights in Uruguay
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C., April 12, 2013 - Representatives from the U.S. Department of State, National Division on Human Rights of Uruguay, and National Human Rights Institute Ombudsman’s office will join experts from American University Washington College of Law for an April 18 discussion on the role of the promotion of human rights policies in Uruguay.
The event, Human Rights in Uruguay in the 21st Century, is hosted by the law school’s Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law and the Embassy of Uruguay.
“American University Washington College of Law is honored to co-host this important event with the Embassy of Uruguay, joined in the common goal of effectively protecting and promoting human rights in our hemisphere,” said Claudio Grossman, dean, American University Washington College of Law.
“Uruguay is a progressive country, and its national policy to promote human rights is avant-garde,” underlined Ambassador Carlos Pita, Ambassador of Uruguay to the United States.
The panel represents a unique opportunity to review some of the important human rights developments occurring in Uruguay and Latin America, to exchange views on policies and promotion of human rights, and to introduce the role that both the National Institute on Human Rights and the National Division on Human Rights within the Ministry of Education and Culture play in promoting human rights in Uruguay.
The panel will be moderated by American University Washington College of Law Professor Robert K. Goldman, who has expertise in international and human rights law issues in Latin America and who has worked extensively in countries throughout the region, including Uruguay.
Panelists include:
- Juan Raul Ferreira, Director of the National Human Rights Institution – Ombudsman of Uruguay
- Javier Miranda, Director of the National Division on Human Rights of Uruguay
- Juan E. Mendez, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture; Visiting Professor, American University Washington College of Law
- Panelist TBA from Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, US Department of State
Following the panel, remarks will be made in memory and recognition of H.E. Ed Koch, former New York City mayor, who during his time as U.S. Congressman (1969-77) proposed that the U.S. cut off military aid and supplies to the dictatorship governing Uruguay. Charles Flynn, former legal advisor in Congress to Koch, will receive the remarks on his behalf.
Media inquiries can be directed to Megan Smith, megans@wcl.american.edu, 202-274-4276.
“Uruguay and Human Rights in the 21st Century”
American University Washington College of Law, Room 603
4801 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Thursday, April 18
4- 6:30 p.m.
###
In 1896, American University Washington College of Law became the first law school in the country founded by women. More than 100 years since its founding, this law school community is grounded in the values of equality, diversity, and intellectual rigor. The law school's nationally and internationally recognized programs (in clinical legal education, trial advocacy, international law, and intellectual property to name a few) and dedicated faculty provide its 1700 JD, LL.M., and SJD students with the critical skills and values to have an immediate impact as students and as graduates, in Washington, DC and around the world. For more information, visit wcl.american.edu.