Human Rights Educators USA Honors William Fernekes

November 27, 2023

Human Rights Educators USA (HRE USA) announced today a special lifetime achievement award in honor of Dr. William R. Fernekes, a pioneer leader in human rights education. A dedicated educator, generous and serious scholar, and passionate activist, he has touched and inspired many lives. HRE USA will honor Dr. Fernekes at both the Human Rights Concert at the National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday, November 30th at the Omni Hotel at 8:00 p.m. Central and the virtual 75th Human Rights Day Celebration on Thursday, December 7, at 4:00 p.m. ET.*

Since the 1980s Dr. Fernekes has worked tirelessly to teach about and create infrastructure for human rights education (HRE) in every aspect of his professional life. Starting as a social studies teacher and department supervisor at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in New Jersey, he became an early advocate for HRE at the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and Amnesty International, and was a founding member and remains a long-time leader of HRE USA. He has presented at and organized a multiplicity of educational conferences and introduced a new course on Human Rights and Education at Rutgers Graduate School of Education. At HRE USA he has overseen the Curriculum Integration Project, which includes 20 lessons created, field-tested, revised and published on the HRE USA website. Most recently he has served as host of the new HRE USA podcast, Human Rights Education. NOW!, which interviews prominent human rights educators.

As a scholar Dr. Fernekes has written and edited numerous publications, many in journals such as Social Education (1985, 1992, 2015). His books include Children’s Rights: A Reference Handbook (1986), co-authored with Beverly C. Edmonds, The Human Rights Imperative in Teacher Education: Developing Compassion, Understanding and Advocacy, co-edited with Gloria T. Alter (2022), and most recently Clifford Case and the Challenge of Liberal Republicanism (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023). He has also spearheaded efforts through Amnesty International, NCSS, and HRE USA to bring HRE-related resources to educators across the country. 

Dr. Fernekes’ work has inspired numbers of educators in New Jersey and beyond, and by proxy, hundreds, if not thousands of their students, to bring not only human rights content, but also human rights principles into both their classrooms and their lives. As one nominator observed, ”Bill has been an exemplary model of professionalism, dedication, and principle in the work that educators can do to further promote human rights in their classrooms and their greater communities….[W]ithout him, I know my home state of NJ would not be anywhere near where it is at this moment in human rights education.”

Another nominator said, “ Dr. Fernekes is one of the most dedicated and generous people I know. He will take on leadership roles and do the hard work to create organizations, new programs, classes, and structures to support human rights education. His body of work and disposition exemplifies a life-time commitment to human rights education.”

HRE USA is proud to honor William Fernekes for his years of commitment and service to human rights education in the United States. 

  • The Nashville Human Rights Concert on November 30, 2023 at 8 pm Central: More details.
  • The HRE USA Human Rights Day Celebration on December 7, 2023 at 4 pm ET: Registration link.

Dignity, Freedom & Justice for All: A Human Rights Concert 

Co-hosted by Amnesty International Nashville and Human Rights Educators USA

November 30, 2023, 8-10 pm

Location: Omni Nashville Hotel (Legends Ballroom E)

Please join us for an evening of music and celebration with inspiring Nashville musicians!  Together, we will honor the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the many educators, artists, and activists working to promote and protect human rights and the right to education.

Teach Climate Network turns focus to Storytelling

In December, members of the Teach Climate Network will have the opportunity to hear from Matt Scott of Project Drawdown in a talk titled “Students Discovering Climate Stories.” We’ll discuss how narrative work and personal experiences connect each of us to climate change, climate impacts, and climate solutions. Register for this workshop and many more coming in 2024 by signing up for the Teach Climate Network!

REGISTER NOW

UN Advocacy Intern at Human Rights Watch

Application Deadline: 24 November 2023

The UN Advocacy Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking interns for its Geneva office. Ideally, Interns will be available mid February 2024 through early May 2024.

Responsibilities:

The internship will focus on the activities of the UN advocacy team before, during, and after the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), as well as relevant developments at the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, various Treaty Body reviews and other meetings. The interns will be active members of HRW’s UN Advocacy Division and will work closely with other staff members. The internship will involve: 

  • Attending UN Human Rights Council sessions, negotiations of draft resolutions, and other UN meetings and taking notes to enhance understanding of the material and brief the UN Advocacy team on developments;
  • Researching human rights issues relevant to the UN human rights mechanisms in Geneva; 
  • Drafting correspondence and advocacy materials related to the UN Human Rights Council and HRW advocacy goals;   
  • Supporting the organization of advocacy meetings and side-events at the UN Human Rights Council;
  • Tracking key UN policy debates and official statements within UN New York forums as needed; and
  • Contributing to some administrative tasks related to HRW’s advocacy activities.

Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, special events relating to human rights, as well as network with other HRW interns, volunteers, and employees. As an HRW intern, students will take skills acquired in school and apply them in a professional setting.

Qualifications: Applicants enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate-level academic program for the duration of the internship are highly preferred. In some circumstances, applicants can be recent graduates of their first degree (such as a Bachelor’s) who will be pursuing an advanced degree (such as Master’s or law degree). Strong proven oral and written command of English is essential and knowledge of French is desirable. Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Outlook, and internet) are required. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues. The ideal candidate should be a disciplined self-starter and a strong team player. Knowledge of the UN system is highly preferred.

Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid work authorization in Switzerland for the duration of the internship.

Compensation: Interns will receive a gross monthly stipend of CHF 1,550 per month, which will be pro-rated based on the number of hours worked, to help offset living expenses in accordance with HRW policy and the intern. Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships may offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, and interaction with other international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements. 

How to Apply: Please apply immediately by visiting our online job portal at: https://careers.hrw.org and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest/cover letter, and brief writing sample.

No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, please email internships@hrw.org. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We do not discriminate in hiring practices and actively seek a diverse applicant pool. We encourage candidates of all abilities, ages, gender identities and expressions, national origins, races and ethnicities, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with criminal records to apply. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.

Apply here

Call for Proposals: CLW Featured Activities

CivXNow invites Coalition members to submit proposals for a featured activity during Civic Learning Week. This year’s theme is Civic Learning as a Unifying Force Beyond 2024 and two to three events or activities will be featured each day during the week of March 11-15, 2024.

The criteria for a featured activity to be considered for Civic Learning Week includes:

  1. K-12 civic learning focused: Does the activity/event focus on K-12 civic learning?
  2. Non-partisan: Does the activity/event avoid partisan or ideological bias? Does it promote viewpoint diversity?
  3. Value: Is the event free?

We are also seeking representation from organizations that embody each of the civic superpowers including:

  • Amplifiers – An Amplifier’s work is highlighted by their skills in amplifying a message (through social media, traditional media, or other means) that ensures all young people have access to powerful civic learning.
  • Connectors – A Connector’s work is highlighted by their dedication to building partnerships and engaging in thought leadership to elevate the field and enhance the civic learning conversation.
  • Nurturers – A Nurturer’s work is highlighted by their ability to create resources–educational or otherwise–that empower others (educators, community members, etc.) to engage in more powerful civic learning.
  • Defenders – A Defender’s work is highlighted by bi-partisan advocacy at the local, state, and/or national level to affect the conditions that make civic learning more likely.
  • Fact Finders – A Fact Finder’s work is highlighted through a deeper examination of civic or historical issues through research or cultural institution exhibits that examine issues more deeply.

Proposals are due by January 4, 2024 and will be reviewed by the Coalition Advisory Committee. Organizations selected for a featured activity will be notified by January 18, 2024 and receive support with promotional efforts.

Human Rights Day (Virtual) Lecture

Beyond the “War” on Covid: Portal to a More Just Society

Catherine Powell

December 6, 2023, 12:45 PM – 01:45 PM

https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/95091807028

Zoom ID: 950 9180 7028

The Human Rights Day Lecture in honor of Shams Ghoneim

Building off my earlier work on the Color of Covid, this talk analyzes the wartime framing of “fighting” a war on COVID-19. The talk will question what is meant by “security”—by “racing” national security and interrogating what the concept of “security” foregrounds and erases. What kinds of expertise it empowers and whose knowledge matters in identifying threats?

Using feminist, racial justice, and other critical frameworks, I propose an alternative paradigm to meet the current moment with an ethics, politics, and law of care, rather than a framework of war, militarization and securitization, as this latter approach often promote “law and order” over justice.

Sponsored by UICHR, International & Comparative Law Programs, and Blacks of the American Society of International Law

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is seeking Protection Programme Development Manager, Palestine Gaza

Click here for more information

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. We work in crises across more than 31 countries, providing emergencies and long-term assistance to millions of people every year. We stand up for people forced to flee, advocating their rights. NORCAP, our global provider of expertise, helps improve international and local ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from crises. NRC also runs the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Geneva, a global leader in reporting on and advocating for people displaced within their own country.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Does your interest lie in making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals? Do you have strong implementation oversight experience as well as an enthusiastic and proactive approach to building a program portfolio? Do you have experience in developing, leading and supporting Protection from Violence (PfV) programming?  We’re seeking a strong and proactive Protection from Violence Programme Development Manager to lead our programming in Gaza and the West Bank. 

What we are looking for:

highly qualified, experienced and proactive Protection from Violence professional to provide support to our teams in Gaza and the West Bank. The successful candidate will develop, lead and support the Protection from Violence (PfV) programming for Palestine (Gaza and the West Bank) which includes fundraising and providing strategic direction and management to the protection team.

What you will do:

  1. Implement the ongoing start-up of new NRC integrated protection case management, protection monitoring and Individual Protection Assistance approaches through the Gaza Protection Consortium and West Bank dedicated projects.
  2. Play a core role in the GPC Consortium Management Unit, providing technical input to inform current and future program design in the area of responsibility. 
  3. Conduct regular needs and feasibility assessments to develop program strategy for East Jerusalem/West Bank Protection initiative, including alignment with West Bank Protection Consortium strategic roadmaps.
  4. Develop and pursue a Funding Strategy, including lead program development/proposal writing processes, to increase scope of program portfolio and diversify donor funding base.
  5. Lead external coordination engagement with cluster mechanisms and other humanitarian actors, both in West Bank and Gaza
  6. Oversee project management cycle approach to ensure effective implementation (on time, on track, on budget) of secured funding streams while ensuring contractual donor compliance. 
  7. Collaborate with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning MEL unit to ensure quality control of activities, conduct lessons learned, and complete outcome monitoring analysis.
  8. Support start-up (contracting, kick-off, work planning) and ongoing implementation oversight of new local protection from violence partnerships (such as the Gaza Protection Consortium, and in West Bank)
  9. Contribute to Protection from Violence Core Competency Regional/Global strategy, tools, guidelines and policy and research studies on relevant thematic topics.
  10. Support the Head of Programmes in the coordination for the ongoing delivery of ‘Safe and Inclusive Programming’ Action Plan targets, as they relate to the PfV Core Competency (CC).
  11. Provide PfV specific support and input to the recruitment process for PfV project staff.
  12. Provide technical direction, guidance and project implementation support.  

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position. 

What you will bring:

  • Degree in International Relations, or Social Sciences (Master’s degree would be an added advantage). 
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in a senior level project implementation role in a humanitarian/recovery context, managerial experience with a focus on strategy and programme development desirable
  • Experience from working in complex political contexts, experience of working in Palestine desirable.  
  • Technical expertise in violence prevention and response, in particular case management, cash for protection, civilian self-protection, and participatory protection approaches 
  • Ability to work effectively in a matrix hierarchical structure with various internal interlocutors and communication lines.
  • Knowledge and skills in market analysis, cash-based interventions, and market-based programmes
  • Experience with new programming start-up and expansion desirable
  • Good understanding of key technical standards (SPHERE, HAP, IASC, safe and inclusive programming, gender mainstreaming, IHL, humanitarian principles etc.) with the ability to integrate into programming.
  • Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile with documented results related to the position’s responsibilities.
  • Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Knowledge of Hebrew or Arabic desirable

What we offer:

  • Duty station: Gaza, Palestine
  • Contract: 12 months (Renewal is subject to performance and funds availability)
  • Travel: Minimum of 30% time in Gaza (to NRC operational areas)
  • Salary/benefits: grade 9 on NRC’s salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions
  • NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
  • We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process

  • Internal candidates only: To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email or click on Opportunity MarketPlace.
  • When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
  • Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
  • Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
  • We receive many applications for each vacant position and so only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Send in your application by latest November 16, 2023.
  • If you have any questions about this role, please email mero.recruitment@nrc.no with the job title as the subject line.

UNITAR and Empower School of Health: MSc in Global Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management

The United Nations Institute of Training and Research and Empower School of Health are pleased to inform you that applications are now open for our MSc and PGD in Global Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSM).

Immerse yourself in gaining extensive opportunities with an MSc and PGD in Global Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management, where health and human rights intersect seamlessly. Enrich your understanding of Global Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management and make a meaningful difference in your career. Our programs uniquely offer:

  • Consultancy and Placement Support

Empower supports its 10,000+ strong alumni with internships, consultancies, and new job openings through its network. Our alumni have led to innovative paths working at UN agencies and Ministries of Health on supply chain projects including, strategy, policy, assessment, data analysis, LMIS projects, market research, and more.

  • Technical Assistance

Enrolled students will receive on-the-job Technical Assistance through our remote digital network and platform. This academic and technical support from Empower’s global mentors will provide students with extensive use of practical exercises and global case studies to learn from.

For more information about The Master of Science in Global Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management – 24-month programme please click here.

For more information about The Post Graduate Diploma in Global Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management please click here.

Early Enrolment Scholarship for Jan 2024 Batch:

✓ Scholarship Period: 1st Nov – 20th Nov 2023
✓ Scholarship Amount: 20% off on MSc and PGD in English & French Language

Don’t miss your opportunity with this limited-time offer for Early Enrolment Scholarship! Invest in your future, and secure your spot today!

If you have any questions on these programs related to content or scholarships, please contact our colleagues at Empower School of Health at info@empowerschoolofhealth.org.

November is Native American Heritage Month: collection of resources

November is Native American Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Native cultures and communities. To honor Native peoples, we uplift their honest histories, significant contributions and contemporary experiences.

Learning for Justice offers this collection of resources to honor and teach the truth about Native peoples—and to help ensure that learning about this heritage takes place all year long, not just in November.