Work Components

The thematic areas will be developed through the work of the following components:

A - Litigation component

The Essex HR Clinic partners with, and provides assistance to, non-governmental (preferably those in developing countries) and inter-governmental organisations engaged in securing human rights and/or dealing with human rights violations. Students will learn how to develop a case plan and strategy for cases addressing human rights violations and/or aiming to secure human rights. They will be introduced to practical tools for fact-finding, conducting interviews with victims and survivors, drafting amicus curiae briefs, affidavits, shadow-reports, and petitions to national and international courts and human rights bodies.

B - Advocacy and communications component

The Essex HR Clinic will explore the theoretical, practical, and ethical issues regarding how and when to use the press in human rights cases and advocacy. Students will be able to engage in projects and activities that will improve their skills and abilities regarding public speaking, institutional knowledge, lobbying, web design, and new communication technologies. They will assist with designing communication and media strategies, reflect upon materials to be used for press releases, e-bulletins and web pages, and provide assistance to NGOs/grassroots organisations on media & communications.

C - Training and education component

The building of capacity is an important tool in the promotion of human rights. The Essex HR Clinic will work in human rights education and training in different regions through conferences and courses for professionals - grassroots groups, NGOs, government officials, lawyers, and judges. Training programmes will be tailored to meet the needs of the particular target group and context, and different groups can be brought together to exchange ideas and, where appropriate, develop joint strategies. This unit will draw from the wider experiences and activities of the Human Rights Centre, including its previous Advocacy, Training, and Education Programme (ATEP).

D - Research and analysis component

This component will focus on applied research and policy analysis in the general field of human rights. Work can be on cases and projects in partnership with other components or can be purely research-based. Work may include conducting policy analysis, and students will employ qualitative and quantitative methodologies in the increasingly important area of human rights data collection and analysis. Through this work students will become versed in the methodology of human rights research, including the use of international instruments and Internet resources.

E - Fundraising and development component

This component is responsible for fundraising needed for projects and cases as well as for the Essex HR Clinic's general operating costs on an ongoing basis. Work may include grant writing, donor communication, budget reporting, and formulating development strategies for projects, cases, and the Essex HR Clinic as a whole.