MaryKate Cusack, Mike Perez, Parker Palmer, Brisa De Angulo and Beth Stephens atthe Inter-American Commission on Human Rights thematic hearing on the problemof sexual violence against adolescent girls in Bolivia.

CAMDEN – The
Child and Family Advocacy Clinic at the Rutgers School of Law–Camden, in
conjunction with the International Human Rights Law Clinic of American
University and two Bolivian legal organizations, testified at a Thematic Hearing
during the 144th Session of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in
Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 28.

The commission
granted the Rutgers–Camden clinic’s request for a hearing to address human
rights violations arising from the failure of the Bolivian government to protect
adolescent girls from sexual violence.
Bolivian networks representing dozens of local groups that work with
victims of sexual violence supported the request.

Attorneys from Bolivia and law students from both clinics
presented information at the hearing. Beth Stephens, a professor of law at
Rutgers–Camden, led the Rutgers–Camden team that also included third-year law
students Brisa De Angulo, Parker Palmer, and Mary K. Cusack, and second-year
student Michael Perez. De Angulo and
Palmer also represented the Bolivian non-governmental organization Centro Una
Brisa de Esperanza (CUBE) — A Breeze of Hope.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights operates
autonomously within the OAS, a regional organization with 35 member states. Established
in 1959, the commission promotes the protection of human rights throughout the
Americas. It is composed of seven members, who are elected in a personal
capacity by the OAS General Assembly.

Students in
the Child and Family Advocacy Clinic at the Rutgers School of Law–Camden represent
children in child abuse and neglect cases in family court, as well as in various
administrative hearings and proceedings. Through advocacy, students help ensure
child welfare, safety, and well-being. The ultimate goal for clients is to help
make sure each child has a loving, safe, and permanent home, and is receiving
the needed services, treatments, and financial support to become a productive member
of society.