On July 30, John Marshall’s International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) and the Chicago Chapter of Amnesty International USA hosted the joint Workshop on Human Rights Education to develop a curriculum on refugee issues for high school audiences. Organized by Amnesty International, the collaboration marked a joint effort to unite local organizations, mobilize volunteers and educate the public about human rights and the realities of the refugee crisis.
During the workshop, participants designed an experience for students that provides an introduction to the human rights framework and refugee resettlement with complementary activities that humanize the realities faced by refugees. The workshop also trained volunteers to facilitate these interactive sessions, which will be offered at local schools in the fall.
“The Workshop on Human Rights Education on refugee issues is a great way to bridge the gap of our advocacy under the Human Rights for Syrians Initiative and collaborate with a local group interested in promoting the rights of refugees,” says Sarah Dávila-Ruhaak, Director of the International Human Rights Clinic.
Dávila-Ruhaak and IHRC Co-Director Professor Steven Schwinn have a track record of delivering human-rights education presentations and trainings that seek to bring human rights to schools in the Chicago area. The Workshop on Human Rights Education and subsequent presentations further the IHRC’s commitment to domesticate international human rights and engage in public education efforts in the community.
The Chicago Chapter of Amnesty International USA, a volunteer-based organization, works to shed light on human rights abuses in Chicago and around the world by promoting Amnesty campaigns like #NoBanNoWall, #IWelcome and stopping gun violence, as well as supporting women’s human rights and LGBTQ rights. The group’s work has been recognized with a Sister Laola Hironaka Award for activism for the past three years. To learn more about Amnesty International’s Chicago chapter, visit https://www.facebook.com/Amnesty-International-Chicago-129931297156102/
