The
ABA-UNDP International Legal Resource Center (ILRC) has received a request from the ABA Center for Human Rights Justice Defenders (JD)
Program for a pro
bono attorney to
observe hearings in the trial in Venezuela. The
JD
Program provides pro bono legal assistance to human rights defenders who
are the subject of harassment. Specifically, the program: a) advises and
supports embattled human rights advocates by providing international and
comparative legal research, and consulting on litigation strategies and b)
observes and raises public awareness of trials and provides analysis of
sensitive issues.
The JD
Program, in collaboration with other international legal organizations, is
monitoring the trial of a South American attorney who is facing spurious
criminal charges in retaliation for her commitment to human rights. Since her
arrest, national and international human rights groups have raised various
concerns over the legality of her detention.
A pro bono
attorney is needed to travel to Venezuela to observe hearings in the
trial.
· Deliverable
Trial monitors
will be expected to observe the full day of proceedings. Each hearing usually
lasts one business day. Trial monitors will be expected to submit a preliminary
report upon completion of the mission, no more than 3 business days after the
last day of observation.
· Logistics
The anticipated
schedule for observations will be once every 2 weeks for the next two to three
months. Each trip will average three (3) days. Volunteers will be asked to
indicate their availability several weeks in advance and will be informed of the
exact hearing schedule the week before the hearing. The next anticipated
hearing will take place in mid-June.
· Costs
This is a
pro bono assignment based in
Venezuela to commence once
an expert is selected. The JD Program will cover the cost of travel.
S/he must have
a:) an advanced university degree in Law or other fields relevant to the
assignment; b) at
least 5 or more years of legal experience post graduation; c) extensive
knowledge of criminal law matters in order to report back on fair trial issues
[preferably as a judge, prosecutor or criminal defense attorney]; c)
previous
experience working in Latin America and knowledge of the context of the
Venezuela’s human rights and political landscape; d) strong interpersonal skills
in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; e)
excellent communication, analytical, and writing skills; e) fluency in Spanish (required).
**Candidates with less experience are welcome to submit their CV for
future reference. Spanish proficiency is required.
The
application deadline is Monday, June 10, 2013 at 5pm (EDT). Application
materials must include a CV and a detailed cover letter. Please note that
this is NOT a paid opportunity.
We
would be most appreciative if you would review and determine whether you, anyone you know or any organization with which you
are affiliated may have any knowledge of experts who might be good
candidates. If you or members of your organization are interested in working
with the ABA Justice Defenders Progam, please email updated CV and cover letter* (attached as word or PDF
documents) by
Monday,
June 10, 2013 at 5pm (EDT). [Not attached. SPD] As
always, we appreciate your assistance and please do not hesitate to contact us
for more information or if you have any questions.
Completed
applications must be sent to Jacqueline.Gichinga@americanbar.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment