Stories
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Now Hiring! CHRC Coordinator
The CHRC seeks a child trafficking attorney and coordinator to conduct community outreach and training in collaboration with the American Indian Center of Chicago, and provide legal representation to child victims under various proceedings, including criminal justice, family law, child welfare, education, and civil proceedings. The position requires close collaboration with the American Indian Center of Chicago (AIC), including conducting intake and consultation on site at AIC.
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Bi-National Chicago Institute
Join the Center for the Human Rights of Children, Civitas ChildLaw Center, School of Social Work, and Department of Anthropology for the Inaugural Bi-National Chicago Institute from August 1st through 10th. The Bi-National Chicago Institute was developed to provide students from Loyola University Chicago, ITESCO Universidad, and Universidad Iberoamerica, educational, professional, and experiential learning opportunities addressing the experience of migrant children and families in the United States.
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Proactive Addressing Substandard Housing (PASH)
Please join us in building a community agenda for promoting a health-based home inspection model in Chicago. All Chicagoans, particularly vulnerable children, need housing that does not Threaten their long-term health via lead-contaminated paint or water, mold, pests, among others. The Next PASH Meeting is May 16, 2018 at 10 am.
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Student Opportunity
The CHRC is Hiring! Communications Coordinator
The Communication Coordinator will share CHRC’s work through the engagement of the Loyola Community and beyond, both on and off campus. The duties include developing and implementing a communications calendar and marketing calendar to support CHRC’s events and activities. This will be done in collaboration with CHRC Director, Associate Director, Graduate Assistants and CHRC students and staff. This is a paid position, approximately 15 hours per week. To apply submit cover letter and resume to chrc@luc.edu by May 25, 2018.
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Student Opportunity
The CHRC is HIRING! Children’s Rights Summer Legal Research Assistant
The CHRC is seeking one law student to assist with research and information gathering at the state and federal levels, addressing questions around identification and representation of Native youth who have been trafficked. Duties and responsibilities will include working with the CHRC Native Trafficking Project attorney to analyze state and federal law and policy, survey local service providers, develop best practices, and write briefs or other publications related to the issue. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and two references (academic or professional) to chrc@luc.edu by May 8, 2018.
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Video
CHRC's Mission and Work
The mission of Loyola's Center for the Human Rights of Children is to advance and protect the rights of children. CHRC Director Katherine Kaufka Walts, CHRC founder Dr. Jim Garbarino, CHRC Graduate Scholar Alison Davis, and Maria Woltjen, whose organization partners with CHRC, all weigh in on how CHRC advocates for and creates policy change to benefit children.
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Student Opportunity
Call for Applications: 2018-2019 CHRC Graduate Children's Rights Scholar
The Center for the Human Rights of Children (CHRC) is pleased to announce a call for applications for its 2018 -2019 Children’s Rights Graduate Scholars internship. Loyola doctoral, professional, and graduate students are invited to apply for this competitive internship opportunity. Applications are due March 14, 2018.
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Events
Celebrating Universal Children's Day!
Universal Children’s Day, November 20, was established in 1954 and is celebrated on November 20th each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. This year, the CHRC's Universal Children's day programs address one of the most serious offenses to children's rights: child trafficking. Join us for two impactful events this November. Please click to learn more!
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Resources
What Do I Need to Know if the DACA Program Ends?
There are some reports that President Trump may end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program soon. At this time, we do not know when or if the DACA program will be terminated or what the end of the program may look like. For example, will those with DACA continue to be protected from deportation and able to use their work permits until they expire? Or will DACA approvals and work permits be revoked? While the DACA program remains in effect at this time, this community advisory contains some things to keep in mind should the program end. Please click to read a resource guide from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
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Student Job Opportunity
Deadline EXTENDED! Project JUSTICIA Project Assistant
The CHRC seeks a Loyola upper level undergraduate (Junior or Senior), graduate or doctoral student to help coordinate and provide project, administrative, and research support for Project JUSTICIA, a Loyola University Chicago, Plan 2020 project. Applications are due January 3, 2018.
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Student Job Opportunity
Deadline EXTENDED! CHRC Graduate Scholar - Spring 2018
The CHRC is seeking a Graduate or Law Student for the Spring semester to assist with policy analysis and research addressing contemporary issues facing children in the United States and internationally via a children's rights framework. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and two references (academic or professional) to chrc@luc.edu by November 26, 2017.
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Events
From Myanmar to Chicago
Please join Loyola's Center for the Human Rights of Children (CHRC) & Muslim Students' Association (MSA) for a week of informative events raising awareness about the persecution Rohingya face globally and also supporting the newly established Rohingya Culture Center in Rogers Park. Click to learn more about our three events taking place this November!
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Event Cancellation
Susan Bissell is no longer able to join us in Chicago Nov 8-9 due to a work conflict requiring her to travel overseas. As such, we are cancelling our November 8 child trafficking program at Lake Shore campus in Rogers Park. There is still a program addressing human trafficking and exploitation at our Water Tower Campus downtown on November 9.
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News
TRUST Act Signed
On Monday, August 28th, 2017, Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law Senate Bill 31, commonly known as the Illinois TRUST Act. The law, which has already been labeled the golden standard for state-level immigration policy, seeks to limit the scope of local police officials in enforcing federal immigration laws and prevents enforcement officials in Illinois from stopping, detaining, and arresting individuals solely due to their immigration status. Local officers can, however, hold individuals upon a judicial warrant. The law provides a clear distinction between the roles of local and state enforcement officials and those of federal immigration agents. The measure aims to increase trust between local officers and immigrant communities while providing more protections for undocumented individuals. -
News
American Academy of Pediatrics on the Detention of Immigrant Children
The AAP recently issued a statement recommending that children in the custody of their parents should never be detained, nor separated from a parent unless a competent family court makes that determination. The AAP also recommends children should be treated with dignity and respect, and not placed in settings that fail to meet basic standards for children’s physical and mental health. The policy was developed in response to increasing concerns by pediatricians and child advocates regarding the conditions to which newly arrived immigrant children are exposed when seeking protection at the U.S. southern border. The statement also provides data regarding children fleeing violence in Central and South America and outlines the roles of pediatricians and professionals.
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Reflections on the EOs Affecting Immigrants and Refugees
CHRC's advisory board members have shared their thoughts regarding President Trump's recent executive orders, all of which can be read below our position statement at the link above. We value these expert opinions and hope to continue to gather reflections on these new orders from a variety of experts on children's rights.
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Events
Know Your Rights Presentation
Immigration attorneys from the National Immigrant Justice Center will give an immigration “Know Your Rights” presentation covering a person’s constitutional rights in relation to contact with law enforcement and immigration officials, how to create a safety plan, common forms of immigration relief, how to access immigration legal services and Q & A. After the presentation, attendees will be offered the opportunity to have a free immigration legal screening provided by a volunteer attorney. This event is in collaboration with the Dreamer Committee. Click here for more information!
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Events
Proactively Addressing Substandard Housing: Working to Make the Home Healthier for Chicago’s Children
Substandard housing affects everyone, particularly vulnerable children. Loyola University and its community partners invite you to attend a working group meeting, “Proactively Addressing Substandard Housing,” to change Chicago’s municipal code and promote a proactive home inspection model for Chicago. Please join us on September 13th to begin our journey to better Chicago’s housing!
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Student Opportunities
Call for Applications: CHRC Children's Rights Graduate Scholars Program, 2017-2018
The CHRC is pleased to announce our call for candidates for the 2017-2018 Children's Rights Graduate Scholars Program. Loyola University Chicago graduate, professional, and PhD students are invited to apply for this academic year-long position with the CHRC. Scholars will work with CHRC staff and partners on various activities that address critical and complex issues affecting children’s rights both locally and globally. Scholars receive $7,500 in tuition remission for one academic year. Applications are due March 14, 2017. Click the header to read more about this opportunity and to apply.
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Faculty Opportunities
Call for Proposals: 2017-2018 CHRC Faculty Fellowship
The Center for the Human Rights of Children (CHRC) is pleased to announce a call for proposals for 2017-2018 Faculty Fellows. Loyola faculty members are invited to apply for fellowships that support the mission of the CHRC. Applications are due March 21, 2017.
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Events
War Wounds: The role of international criminal justice in rebuilding the rule of law
Following armed conflict, political strife, and natural disasters, nations are faced with the challenge of rebuilding. This Symposium is designed to facilitate discussion about some of the important issues facing nations during this process. Panelists will address national and cultural identity in the international criminal justice system and how culture influences notions of justice.
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Events
Not My Life - Film Screening and Panel
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month. Join UNICEF of Loyola University Chicago and CHRC for a screening of the film *Not My Life* and a discussion panel regarding human trafficking and human rights abuses.
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Events
Know Your Rights Workshop
In this upcoming event cosponsored by the CHRC, SDMA, and the Latin American Student Organization, staff members from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights will discuss ways to support immigrant rights regardless of immigration status. Click through for more information.
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Work with Law Student Colleagues & CALA Attorneys to Protect the Rights of Immigrant Youth and Families
Please join a group of Loyola students and attorneys for a training with the Community Activism Law Alliance (CALA) to learn how to protect and prepare immigrant families in case of deportation. Deportations have been steadily increasing over the last few years, and immigrant families are concerned that they will be separated from each other. You will learn how to help families prepare emergency packets and give Know Your Rights presentations. The training will be held Sunday, January 15 2017 from 12:30-3:30. Lunch will be provided. Click the link to RSVP and contact ccervenka@luc.edu with any questions or for more information.
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Community Events
Know Your Rights Workshop
If you are an immigrant, or simply a concerned citizen, attend my "Know Your Rights Workshop." The workshop is taking place Sunday, December 11th, 2:00 p.m., at the St. Jerome's Church Parish Center, 1709 W. Lunt (at Paulina). For more information, click through.
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New Staff
CHRC Welcomes Deidra Coleman
The CHRC welcomes our new Graduate Scholar, Deidra Coleman. Deidra is a master’s student in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies at Loyola, and joins the CHRC for the upcoming academic year. Click through to learn more about Deidra.
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Faculty Updates
CHRC 2015-2016 Faculty Fellowship Recipient: Maria Vidal de Haymes
The CHRC is excited to announce that School of Social Work professor, Maria Vidal de Haymes, PhD, is the recipient of the 2016-2017 CHRC Faculty Fellowship. Click to learn more about her project.
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New Staff
CHRC Welcomes Melina Healey
The CHRC would like to extend a hearty welcome to Melina Healey, JD, former CHRC Faculty Fellow, who has now joined the CHRC as an Equal Justice Works Fellow. As part of her fellowship, she will conduct outreach, training, and services to help identify Native American child trafficking victims in Illinois and to ensure their rights are protected. Welcome, Melina! Click through to learn more about her work.
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Events
Last Fall Event at the CHRC
The CHRC has just one more event during the Fall semester! Join us on November 15th for "Children of Conflict," a day of events at the Medical School campus to highlight the issues facing Syrian refugees. Click through to our Upcoming Events page to learn more and RSVP!
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Student Opportunity
Seeking Healthy Homes Student Project Assistant
The Center for the Human Rights of Children (CHRC) seeks a graduate student to provide project and administrative support for a two-year project, Chicago Healthy Homes Inspection Collaborative (“CHHIC”), that is funded through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sub-award from the Metropolitan Tenant’s Organization (MTO). Click for more information.
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Events
Citizenship, Service, and the Public Good
On September 21-22nd, the CHRC will cosponsor a symposium hosted by the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage. Director Katherine Kaufka Walts will speak on a panel about migration and immigrant. Click through to find out more.
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Events
TODAY: My American Dream: DACA, Immigration Reform, and the Importance of the Upcoming Election
The CHRC is cosponsoring an event at the Loyola Law School Campus today. This event will entail the first public viewing of four short videos depicting personal experiences with DACA, accompanied by a panel of lawyers, nonprofit employees, and students. Click through to read more about the event.
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ADVOCACY
CHRC responds to UN Special Rapporteur’s request for input on how children’s rights informs government policies related to hazardous substances and waste
The United States’ failure to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child impedes government from applying a rights based approach that protects ALL children from the harm of hazardous substances. CHRC’s response acknowledges this failure, but recommends strategies at the local and state levels that promote the rights of children in governmental decision-making and action.
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ADVOCACY
CHRC Director Quoted in Bleacher Report
CHRC Director Katherine Kaufka Walts was recently quoted in a Bleacher Report article about the athletic exploitation of foreign-born children at a predatory "prep school." Click through to read the full article.
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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Work for the CHRC!
The CHRC is seeking a thoughtful and detail-oriented Loyola undergraduate or graduate student to assist with basic administrative functions and CHRC activities. This position is temporary (90 days), but may extend beyond that period depending on funding and need. If interested, please submit inquiries and resumes/cover letter to chrc@luc.edu with the subject line "Administrative Assistant Position." The deadline for application is August 15, 2016.
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Healing the Wounds of Violence: How to Understand and Respond to Religious and Political Violence
Join the Richard A. McCormick S. J., Chair in Catholic Moral Theology, the Department of Theology, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Center for the Human Rights of Children, the John Cardinal Cody Chair of Theology, and the Arthur J. Schmitt Professor in a Colloquium on one of the most troubling issues today, the use of violence. The Colloquium will be April 18-19, 2016 at Loyola University Chicago, Lakeshore Campus, Coffey Hall, McCormick Lounge. On Monday, April 18 from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm there will be a keynote lecture by Fr. Michael Pfleger. For more information, contact: Prof. Hille Haker at hhaker@luc.edu or Sara Wilhelm Garbers at swilhelmgarbers@luc.edu -
The State of the City and County: An Issue Briefing on Lead Poisoning in Chicago and Cook County
Please join Loyola University Chicago and its partners, on April 4, 2016, for a public forum on Lead and its impact on children and families living in Chicago and Cook County. Presentations from experts in the field will provide the latest information on lead levels in Chicago and Cook County, common sources for high-dose exposure, its effect on children, and strategies for reducing it in our environment.
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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer with Metropolitan Tenants Organization!
Our partners at the Metropolitan Tenants Organization are working on an exciting local advocacy campaign to address the issue of home-based health hazards through a pro-active inspection process by advocating for action on what they call the Chicago Healthy Homes Inspection Program. They need volunteers to make calls to aldermen and residents in the city, help with campaign outreach and organize and create materials in support of these efforts, and other duties that may arise. Hours are flexible, with a two-month commitment desired. Contact sheilas@tenants-rights.org for more information.
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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
CHRC is hiring! Children’s Rights Graduate Summer Research Assistant Position
The CHRC is seeking one graduate level or professional student to assist with policy analysis and research addressing contemporary issues facing children in the United States and internationally, including child trafficking and issues facing child migrants. Deadline for the application is May 12, 2016.
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He Named Me Malala Film Screening: SOLD OUT!
On March 28, 2016, the CHRC, along with partners UNICEF and Muslim American Leadership Alliance, will host a SOLD OUT screening of the documentary, He Named Me Malala, which follows Malala Yousafzai, the now 18-year-old Nobel Peace Prize recipient and human rights activist. The event will feature a discussion panel following the film screening. More information about the film can be found on our events page.
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CLICK TO RSVP for Careers in Human Rights: An Info Session for Students
The CHRC will host an informational session for Loyola students interested in careers in human rights on March 22nd from 11:00am to 1:30pm. Following an overview of the CHRC's mission and work, students will engage in specific interest-area panel discussions associated with the CHRC's priority areas--child trafficking, environmental toxins, and children navigating systems alone. During the three breakout sessions, students will have the opportunity to ask professionals in the legal, social service, and academic fields about their experiences as it relates to children's rights. Lunch will be provided in the breakout sessions.
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View Photos and Video from Children's Environmental Health and Human Rights
Click through to see photos and watch a video of Dr. Susan Buchanan's presentation on children's environmental health through a human rights lens. Dr. Buchanan visited Loyola's Maywood Campus on February 18th for a talk that included the history of children's exposure to environmental toxins as well as tips for providers on handling this exposure.
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Children's Environmental Health and Their Human Rights: What Healthcare Providers Should Know
Join us for this February 18th brown bag lunch event with Dr. Susan Buchanan. Dr. Buchanan will discuss environmental toxins and child health from a human rights perspective, and will tailor the talk to individuals in the medical field. This talk will be held on Loyola's Maywood campus. Click for more information and to RSVP!
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Call for Applications: 2016-2017 Children's Rights Graduate Scholars Program
The Center for the Human Rights of Children (CHRC) is pleased to announce our call for candidates for the 2016-2017 Children's Rights Graduate Scholars Program. Loyola University Chicago graduate, professional, and PhD students are invited to apply for this academic year-long position with the CHRC. Scholars will work with CHRC staff on various activities that address critical and complex issues affecting children both locally and globally. Scholars receive $7,500 in tuition remission for one academic year. Applications are due March 22, 2016. Click the header to read more about this opportunity and to apply.
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The Child Soldiers: From the Congo to Chicago
The forced use of a child in armed conflicts profoundly injures and insults the idea of dignity for a human being, which is essential for our society and self-understanding. This article demonstrates systemic issues of violence, gang-involved youth and trauma children endure when forcibly recruited to be child soldiers, internationally and domestically. In order to tackle these issues, an increase in study and exploration will help address the injustices these children have suffered. The article is written by Nick Patricca, Professor Emeritus at Loyola University Chicago and Katherine Kaufka Walts, Director of the Center for the Human Rights of Children at Loyola University Chicago. Published by Windy City Times, February 3, 2016.
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Call for Applications: 2016-2017 Faculty Fellowship
The Center for the Human Rights of Children (CHRC) is pleased to announce a new round of Faculty Fellowship applications for 2016-2017. Loyola faculty members are invited to apply for fellowships that support the mission of the CHRC. Applications are due March 15, 2016. Read more about the 2016-2017 Faculty Fellowship.
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January is National Human Trafficking Month
In 2015, President Barack Obama dedicated January to human trafficking, and January 11 as “Human Trafficking Awareness Day” to increase education and awareness of this important issue, and to mobilize individuals to take steps to create sustainable change to eradicate human trafficking. For more information, research, and resources about the CHRC and our work to combat child trafficking, please visit our "Child Trafficking and Exploitation" page under current initiatives.
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January is Human Trafficking Month: Books & DVD's Display at Loyola University Chicago Lewis Library
The Lewis Library has unveiled a display of books and DVD’s from our collections on Human Trafficking in honor of January as Human Trafficking Month. We hope you stop by and see some of the pieces from our collection. Click here for research guides on human & child trafficking.
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CHRC Response to Syrian Refugees in the United States – November 18, 2015
We empathize with victims and families impacted by the recent attacks, and acknowledge concerns for safety and security. We need to remain steadfast, however, in our support for refugees, half of whom are children, fleeing their homeland because of conflict and violence. Please read our statement that encourages our state and federal governments to continue welcoming refugee Syrian children and families to the United States.
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Universal Children's Day: The Convention on the Rights of the Child in Practice
November 20 is Universal Children’s Day, which was established in 1956 by the UN General Assembly to promote international togetherness and the welfare of children throughout the world. To commemorate this day, the Center for the Human Rights of Children and the Muslim Law Student Association are hosting a panel discussion with LUC Law students who will introduce the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) and share how the CRC operates in practice. Uniform interpretation is a challenge in the implementation of any treaty, specifically the CRC. Join us to learn how the concept of children’s rights is applied around the world. Thursday, November 19th, 2015 12-1pm Philip H. Corboy Law Center, Room 1102 25 E. Pearson, Chicago, IL 60610 -
EVENT
Inaugural Martyrs' Award Presentation, Panel Reflections, and Memorial Mass
Loyola University Chicago honors the Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants, who are currently responding to migrants and refuges from El Salvador and Latin America, with the inaugural Martyrs Award. Loyolans will reflect on their efforts to live out the Jesuit mission of the Martyrs in light of the issue of immigration and undocumented people. This event will be held on November 16th, 3:30PM, Damen MPR South, and 5:15PM, Madonna Della Strada Chapel. -
STAFF UPDATES
Children's Rights Graduate Scholar
We are excited to announce that Alison Wallace, a second-year student at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law, has been selected as the first CHRC Children's Rights Graduate Scholar.
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STAFF UPDATES
New CHRC Staff
Meet the new members to our CHRC team: Patrick CoatarPeter and Jaye Hobart.
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EVENT
Child Soldiers: Forced to Be Cruel
The exhibit, “Child Soldiers: Forced to Be Cruel,” is based on the book “Child Soldiers,” by Leora Kahn. It features forty photographs taken by talented and devoted photographers, depicting child soldiers from around the world who have been manipulated by war criminals and subjected to unspeakable violence. Their faces depict the reality of a lost childhood. Instead of the frivolity, joy, defiance, or rebellion of childhood, we see a deadly seriousness on the face of a gun-toting teenager. This internationally traveled exhibition has been shown at the Capitoline Museum in Rome, Italy, the Bonn Kunstmusem in Bonn, Germany, and the United Nations in New York City. This exhibit will be at Loyola University Chicago, Lake Shore Campus, Damen Student Center, 2nd floor from October 8th - November 2nd. For more information about the exhibit and book: www.childsolderisinitiative.org and www.proofmsj.com
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CHRC Research Fellowships
November 2014 will mark the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). In recognition of this significant milestone, later this year the CHRC will be announcing new research fellowships. These fellowships will provide an opportunity for selected students and faculty to conduct interdisciplinary research supporting themes around children's rights. Please stay tuned - more information will be posted on the CHRC website at www.luc.edu/chrc.
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EVENT
Youth Aging Out of Care: Considerations Across Domestic and International Contexts
In this presentation, Dr. Pryce will review findings from work conducted domestically and internationally on the process of young adults aging out of systems of care. Through in depth qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups, findings will illuminate the challenges and resilience demonstrated by this group. Discussion will focus on implications of findings for future research and systems of care. This event is FREE and open to the public. Please click above to RSVP by September 22, 2015. * A light lunch will be provided
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EVENT
Performance Shines Light on Immigration
On Friday, September 18th, Loyola University will present the one-woman show My Dream Act: An Immigration History, a collection of monologues about one woman's life as an undocumented American. The free performance will be at 7pm in the Damen Den on Loyola's Lake Shore campus. The event is co-sponsored by the Ann Ida Gannon Center for Women and Leadership, the Center for the Human Rights of Children, and the Emeriti Faculty Caucus. Click above for more information.
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FACULTY AND COMMUNITY
Share the Dream Safe Zone Training
Share the Dream Safe Zone training's are offered to Loyola students, staff, and faculty through the Department of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs. The training's are 3 hours long and designed to empower participants with language and content that effectively supports undocumented students. Below are some designated times/dates for the Fall 2015 semester. Wednesday, September 23, 1-4pm in Bremner Lounge (Staff & Faculty) Wednesday, October 14, Location is TBD (Students ONLY) Wednesday, November 11, 1-4pm in McCormick Lounge (Faculty, staff, students) If interested, please contact Joseph Saucedo at jsaucedo4@luc.edu. -
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Children's Health and Human Rights Research Assistant (2015-16)
The Center for the Human Rights of Children is seeking a graduate/professional student for a Children’s Health and Human Rights Research Assistant position for the 2015-2016 academic year. Deadline for the application is September 15, 2015. Please click above to download the position description and guidelines for application.
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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Children’s Rights Graduate Scholars Program (2015-2016)
The Center for the Human Rights of Children is offering scholarships to two Loyola University Chicago (LUC) graduate/professional students who have completed at least one year of study. The CHRC Scholars Program offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about and engage in legal and social science research and activities that advance and promote the rights of children. Please click above to download a copy of the application and a description of the program.
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Faculty
CHRC 2015-2016 faculty fellowship recipients
The CHRC is pleased to announce the winners of the 2015-2016 faculty fellowships! Congratulations to Melina Healey, JD; Caleb Kim, PhD, MSW; and Hille Haker, PhD. Click to learn more about these three projects.
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Faculty and Community
CHRC Advisory Board 2015-2017
The Center for the Human Rights of Children is proud to announce the members of its inaugural Advisory Board Committee. Advisory Board members, who are faculty members of the Loyola University Chicago Community, serve a critical role in guiding our efforts to advance and promote the rights of children both locally and abroad.
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Law School and CHRC
Legal challenges facing Central American asylum seekers
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA and 13 US-based Jesuit law schools recently released a report identifying legal challenges facing Central American asylum seekers and migrants. The release of “A Fair Chance for Due Process: Challenges in Legal Protection for Central American Asylum Seekers and Other Vulnerable Migrants” captures efforts by Jesuit law schools to assist asylum seekers and migrants from Central America and challenges they face in delivering these services. Loyola University Chicago School of Law, in collaboration with the Center for the Human Rights of Children, contributed to this report.
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Immigration
Law School grad is proof that DACA works
Irakere Picon, who was 2 when his parents brought him to the U.S. from Mexico City on a tourist visa and never left, is among more than 725,000 immigrants who have benefited from Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Now he is a graduate of Northern Illinois University's College of Law with an award for his commitment to public interest law.
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Policy Brief
New policy brief: Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014
The Center's Children's Rights Fellow, Jeanne Murray, has completed a policy brief of the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014.
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CHRC Advisory Board 2015-2017
The Center for the Human Rights of Children is proud to announce the members of its inaugural Advisory Board Committee. Advisory Board members, who are faculty members of the Loyola University Chicago Community, serve a critical role in guiding our efforts to advance and promote the rights of children both locally and abroad.
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Announcing the 2015-2016 Faculty Research Fellowships
The Center for the Human Rights of Children is pleased to announce a new round of Faculty Fellowship Applications for 2015-2016. Loyola faculty members are invited to apply for fellowships that support the mission of the CHRC: to represent, coordinate, and stimulate efforts to understand, protect and apply the human rights of children.
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CHRC Supports the Magis Scholarship Initiative
The Student Government of Loyola University Chicago has partnered with the Latin American Student Organization to create the Magis Scholarship Fund in an effort to further support undocumented Loyola undergraduate students. The Magis Scholarship Fund is an initiative aligned with the mission of the CHRC, and we applaud the students who helped to organize it.
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Association for a More Just Society (AJS) Talk by Director of Operations Jill VanBeek
During our Child Migrant conference, author and panelist Sonia Nazario mentioned the efforts of The Association for a More Just Society (AJS) to improve the living conditions in Honduras. Jill VanBeek, Director of Operations for AJS, will provide an overview of the organization on Loyola's Water Tower Campus on Wednesday, December 10 from 9:30-10:30am.
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The Child Migrant: Children Crossing Borders, November 13
Please join us for "The Child Migrant: Children Crossing Borders" event on November 13. Listen to a combination of scholars, service providers and other experts on immigration while they have round-table discussions. The event is complimented by theatre scenes throughout the day and a more formal theatre event during the evening.
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CHRC on Facebook
Have you liked us on Facebook yet? It's a great way to stay up to date on the Center and receive information on current news regarding the rights of children.
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Campaign for USA to Ratify the CRC
On September 1, 2014, President Obama was sent a letter urging him to submit the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) to the U.S. Senate this year. Over 109 leaders of U.S. organizations, including CHRC, signed the letter. The organizations represent millions of Americans that care about the rights and well-being of children both here and abroad. 2014 is the 25th anniversary of the CRC which has aided many children and families throughout the world. We believe the CRC is an important tool that would help the United States better address the challenges faced by children and families in our own country, and throughout the world. CHRC urges the US Government to apply research-informed and humanitarian principles to promote the well-being of vulnerable children at the border. Click to read the letter.
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Guide for Commercial Sexual Exploitation & Sex Trafficking
The 2013 Institute of Medicine (IOM) and National Research Council (NRC) report, "Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States" finds that the United States is in the very early stages of recognizing, understanding, and developing solutions for these crimes. A new guide to the report summarizes the most relevant/useful information to individuals who see children. The guide includes key terms and their definitions, in addition to an overview of risk factors and consequences.
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CHRC Responds to Humanitarian Crisis at the Border
The US is currently experiencing a humanitarian crisis at the border, with over 50,000 children currently apprehended, and more coming. Families, mostly unaccompanied children, are migrating from Central American and Mexico to the Mexican/US border due to extreme violence, gang related activity, and deprivation. The White House and Congress are currently reviewing options for responding to the crisis. Unfortunately, many of the “solutions” being proposed seek to undermine legislation set forth in 2000 and 2008 to protect vulnerable children, expedite deportation of children and families, and severely impact the rights of children. Due to the looming Congressional recess and speed of proposals issued, a response required a quick turnaround. Read more to learn about the CHRC’s response to this issue.
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Humanitarian Crisis: Unaccompanied Children at the Border
There has been an influx of young, unaccompanied children entering the United States in recent years. Lately, this humanitarian crisis has gained the attention of the media. Center Director, Katherine Kaufka Walts, was featured in a Bloomberg article, discussing different solutions to the crisis.
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The Current Landscape for Child Well-Being
Recent data on child well-being in the U.S. have found incremental but promising improvements in the domains of health and education. However, data also show that the child poverty rate in the U.S. has increased since 2005, and much more work needs to be done to address children's rights in the context of our nation's economic landscape.
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2014 Trafficking in Persons Report
The CHRC was represented last Friday at the 2014 Trafficking in Persons Report release event. CHRC Director, Katherine Kaufka Walts was invited to attend the event releasing at the Ben Franklin Room in Washington DC. Ms. Kaufka Walts was among Secretary of State, John Kerry, Ambassador Lou CdeBaca, and Sarah Sewall, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.
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Creating a Non-Violent Future Symposium
On May 23-24, the CHRC will host a two-day symposium at Loyola University Chicago: "Creating a Non-Violent Future: Children's Rights and Advances in Protection from Corporal Punishment."
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Save the Date, April 23
Anuradha Bhosale, renowned grassroots women's rights and anti-child labor activist from Kolhapur, India, will be speaking at Loyola on Wednesday, April 23. Come hear her story and see how she is working to make a difference. -
CHRC Releases Legal Needs Assessment Study for Trafficked Children
Children impacted by human trafficking require a multitude of services, including legal services. In the attached report, you will find the results of a CHRC led research project seeking to better understand the legal services landscape for trafficked children, including gaps in legal services, as well as opportunities for improving outcomes, using Cook County, Illinois as a case study. The project also included input from service providers around the country for a national comparison. We hope the results of our project help inform stakeholders working on this important issue.
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Universal Children's Day 2013
Universal Children's Day 2013 was acknowledged on Nov. 20. On this day, governments and organizations around the world came together to observe the Universal Children's Day, which marks the day on which the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and later the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989. This day promotes awareness on the human rights of children. For the full story, check out the link below.
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Poverty and the Brain
An interesting study on how poverty, education, and child development all intersect.
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Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect
A straightforward and easy-to-understand summary of what child abuse and neglect are and how they happen.
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Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Child Trafficking
The CHRC, via a subgrant from the International Organization for Adolescents (IOFA), has received an award to help child welfare processionals in New York to improve identification of human trafficking of children. Part of the project will include developing a validated screening instrument(to identify child trafficking victims – both labor and sex, non US citizen and US citizen), and an assessment of training and capacity building activities. The project is being administered by the CHRC Director, Katherine Kaufka Walts, in collaboration with Dr. Deborah Baskin, Chair, Dept of Criminal Justice & Criminology.
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.jpg "The Affordable Care Act and Its Impact on Youths in Foster Care")
The Affordable Care Act and Its Impact on Youths in Foster Care
As of January 2014, the Affordable Care Act will require states to provide full medicaid benefits to all youth who were in foster care on or after their 18th birthday, up until age 26. This is a major advancement for youth who are aging out of the foster care system. Statistics have shown that young adults who lived in foster care experience more mental health issues and have less access to care. By providing medicaid, youth in the foster care system will health outcomes.
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15% of US Youth Out of School and Work
The Opportunity Nation coalition released a report stating that about 6 million youth ages 16-24 are neither working nor in school. The report states, "Their destiny is too often determined by their ZIP code," which relates to how young person's community is connected to one's success. These statistics are contrary to rights set out in UN Convention on Rights of the Child, specifically the right of every child to have a standard of living adequate for the child's physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development.
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Profile
Children's Rights Issues Briefing: October 1, 2013
The briefing will address the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Prostitution, and Pornography (OPSC). Speakers include representatives from Loyola University's Center for the Human Rights of Children, ECPAT-USA, and The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights. The purpose of this program is to provide laypeople with the tools for using international law to advocate for children in the United States. The presentation will provide an overview of international children's rights instruments addressing exploitation of children, show how these instruments impact the United States, and provide examples of how international law can be used to improve outcomes for children in the United States. Advocates, legal service providers, social service providers, policy makers, scholars, and students working with vulnerable children are encouraged to attend. 4-6pm at Loyola's Water Tower/downtown campus. This program is open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, please click HERE or see www.luc.edu/chrc. -
2013 Trafficking in Persons Report Released
On Wednesday, June 19, Secretary of State John Kerry released the 2013 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report during a ceremony at the U.S. Department of State. The TIP Report assesses governments around the world on their efforts to combat modern slavery, and includes narratives of 188 countries and territories.
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ILO Estimates 10.5 Million Children as Domestic Workers
The International Labour Organization reported that 10.5 million children, worldwide, spend long hours as domestic workers, instead of going to school. The hidden nature of this form of employment makes children especially vulnerable to exploitation and hazardous working conditions that may sometimes verge on slavery.
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The DREAM Act at LUC Medical School
Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine is the first medical school in the nation to announce that it is accepting applications for admission from undocumented immigrants in response to President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
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Fall 2013 Human Trafficking Course
This interdisciplinary seminar will explore legal, social, and practical issues confronting human trafficking survivors within the United States, with an emphasis on child survivors. Open to law students and graduate level social work students.
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Release: Principles for Immigration Reform
On February 15, 2013, more than 200 organizations representing children, immigrants, academia, faith traditions, and civil rights (including the CHRC) released a set of principles for immigration reform legislation that meets the needs of children.
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Dr. James Garbarino in the News
Dr. James Garbarino, the CHRC’s Senior Faculty Fellow, offers his expertise on childhood trauma in historical context, in an article featured in Houstonia Magazine.
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Advocacy
CHRC Presents at the UN!
In October of this year, the CHRC presented an alternative report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child Regarding the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children in Geneva, Switzerland. Click to read more about our report!
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Publications
CHRC Publishes New Alternative Report
The CHRC, along with the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights, has published a new Alternative Report regarding the United States' compliance with an Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Click through to read our conclusions!
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Dr. James Garbarino on CNN
Dr. Garbarino offers his expertise on the recent violent events around the nation, in an opinion piece featured on CNN.com.
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Faculty Opportunities
Call for Proposals: 2018-2019 CHRC Faculty Research Fellowship - DEADLINE EXTENDED!
The Center for the Human Rights of Children (CHRC) is pleased to announce a call for proposals for 2018-2019 Faculty Research Fellowships. Loyola faculty members are invited to apply for fellowships that support the mission of the CHRC. Applications are due April 20, 2018.
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Events
Gregory Beals: They Arrived Last Night
Artist, journalist, and humanitarian Gregory Beals has focused on documenting the global refugee crisis over the course of the last eight years. They Arrived Last Night is a collection of photographs that sheds light on the refugee experience, capturing both the relief of escaping an untenable situation and the fear of an uncertain future. Beals’ images poignantly convey the multitude of experiences and emotions that come from living in a liminal state. Some portraits capture mourning and fear, while others illustrate unexpected stories of hope, resilience, and joy. Beals has worked with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and was a correspondent for Newsweek Magazine. This exhibition will run from February 6, 2018 – June 2, 2018. Please click for more information.
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CHRC Grad Scholar Meaghan Tomasiewicz's presents: Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth Victims of Sex Trafficking
CHRC Graduate Scholar Meaghan Tomasiewicz presented at Queertopia and the 11th Annual Graduate School Interdisciplinary Research Symposium: Setting the World on Fire: Research, Change, and Social Justice on April 21, 2018. Their presentations summarize the existing literature as it relates to transgender and non-binary youth whose experiences meet the definition of sex trafficking under federal law, including the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (2000) and subsequent reauthorizations. By drawing upon research from the fields of health, medicine, social work, gay and lesbian studies, queer theory, and law, this work identifies risk factors faced by transgender and non-binary youth and the population-specific considerations that need to be made by service providers working in the anti-trafficking field.
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Family Separation & Immigrant Rights
Join the CHRC for an informative discussion on family separation at the border and other current national/local immigration policies. Learn what you can do to best advocate for immigrant families and children. This discussion will be held as part of Civitas ChildLaw Center's Coffee Talk on Wednesday, October 3 at 4 pm at the Law School, 11th floor.
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Events
Children's Legal Rights Journal: The 40th Anniversary of the National Association of Counsel for Children and the Work Ahead to Achieve Justice for Children and Families
On November 9, 2018 from 1-4pm, Loyola's Children's Legal Rights Journal presents: Children's Legal Advocacy, Past, Present, and Future: The Work Ahead to Achieve Justice for Children and Families. Speakers will discuss a variety of topics on how to advocate for children successfully.
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