News
Asylum seeker dies in detention at Oakington
The terrible situation facing asylum seekers held in detention centres in the UK has been exposed in tragic circumstances. A 40 year-old Kenyan man died from a suspected heart attack on 14th April.
The man was reported to have been rolling around the floor in pain before his death, and to have requested painkillers repeatedly. Police are investigating at the Oakington Removal Centre, near Cambridge, which is run by private security company G4S. RenéCassin continues to challenge the UK's policy of detaining asylum seekers.
Push for Peace in Darfur
RenéCassin has reinforced its commitment to a secure end to the conflict in Sudan by supporting the Beat for Peace campaign, calling on the international community to focus diplomatic efforts on the region.
On Saturday, 9th January, thousands of drummers around the world joined the beat, started in Sudan, echoed from New York to Nairobi, bringing global leaders' attention to the vital independence question which will be put before the people of Southern Sudan in one year's time.
To take action, follow this link to send a letter to your local MP, and join the Beat for peace.
December 2009
JC Blogs on RenéCassin Limmud Sessions
RenéCassin's sessions at Limmud Conference 09 were superbly attended and warmly received.
Limmudniks packed into Gaza, Goldstone, and the Ethics of War for a balanced look at Richard Goldston's report into the conflict in Gaza which commenced almost exactly one year prior to the 2009 Conference. 150-200 attendees left standing-room only to hear a pre-recorded interview with the Judge himself and a range of views from the audience.
RenéCassin, and ResponseAbility, also ran a follow-up session on the report into the Government's Rights and Responsibilities Bill. British Values and Jewish Values...Can they Co-Exist was attended by around one hundred, amongst whom was Leon Symons, blogging for the Jewish Chronicle, who had some complimentary words to say about the session (and our director).
Internship Opportunity with RenéCassin
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RenéCassin is looking to appoint a Fellow to assist with much of our vital policy, research, and event management work.
Key responsibilities will include monitoring the media for developments relevant to RenéCassin's work, creating campaign materials, and helping to manage our events. The position would best suit an individual with knowledge of human rights law, and we are happy to receive applications from all backgrounds.
We would expect the Fellow to make a commitment of at least 15 hours a week for 3-6 months. For full details of the post and how to apply, please click here. The deadline for applications is Monday 11th January.
JC Blogs on RenéCassin Limmud Sessions
RenéCassin's sessions at Limmud Conference 09 were superbly attended and warmly received.
Limmudniks packed into Gaza, Goldstone, and the Ethics of War for a balanced look at Richard Goldston's report into the conflict in Gaza which commenced almost exactly one year prior to the 2009 Conference. 150-200 attendees left standing-room only to hear a pre-recorded interview with the Judge himself and a range of views from the audience. You can watch the interview here.
RenéCassin, and ResponseAbility, also ran a follow-up session on the report into the Government's Rights and Responsibilities Bill. British Values and Jewish Values...Can they Co-Exist was attended by around one hundred, amongst whom was Leon Symons, blogging for the Jewish Chronicle, who had some complimentary words to say about the session (and our director).
RenéCassin and ResponseAbility Launch Rights & Responsibilities Report
Justice Minister Michael Wills spoke at the launch of Rights & Responsibilities: A Jewish Perspective, on Monday 23rd November. The Report details the Jewish community's response to the Government Green Paper on Rights and Responsibilities, and to the issues these topics raise.
The launch was held in the wonderful setting of The Athenaeum Club on Pall Mall. The Minister's speech was referred to in the Jewish Chronicle this week. Head of the Reform Movement, Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield, and Dr Raphael Zarum both contributed to the synopsis.
Campaign Update: At-Risk Darfuri Asylum Seekers Can Stay in UK
RenéCassin are pleased to report the UK Government has finally acknowledged the risk of torture and other forms of persecution faced by "all non-Arab Darfuris" on their return to Darfur. New Government guidelines increase the likelihood that an at-risk Darfuri asylum seeker will be permitted to stay in the UK.
RenéCassin campaigned for this change, lending our voice to the Protect Darfur Coalition. We are delighted the Government has taken this sensible, just, decision.
They're Talking about Us...in France!
Click here to read Eve Gani's article about RenéCassin, published on a French website on 13th November. (It's in French!)
22nd November 2009
Training Day a Huge Success
2009's International Human Rights Law Training Day was a huge success. Around 100 people attended, amongst them law students, lawyers, and those with an interest in human rights issues.
Professor Bill Bowring, Jonathan Cooper OBE, and Richard Hermer QC gave talks introducing participants to the foundation of human rights, the international inistituions upholding human rights, and to the challenges of guaranteeing security and preserving individuals' rights. Helen Bamber OBE and Krishna Upadhyaya of Anti-Slavery International joined a panel on Careers in Human Rights.
Attendees received an excellent grounding in international advocacy and human rights, with every speaker receiving superb feedback. We are proud to say that 94% of those who attended would recommend the day to a friend.
We plan to run similar events in the future.
26th April 2009
2009's International Human Rights Law Training Day was a huge success. Around 100 people attended, amongst them law students, lawyers, and those with an interest in human rights issues.
Professor Bill Bowring, Jonathan Cooper OBE, and Richard Hermer QC gave talks introducing participants to the foundation of human rights, the international inistituions upholding human rights, and to the challenges of guaranteeing security and preserving individuals' rights. Helen Bamber OBE and Krishna Upadhyaya of Anti-Slavery International joined a panel on Careers in Human Rights.
Attendees received an excellent grounding in international advocacy and human rights, with every speaker receiving superb feedback. We are proud to say that 94% of those who attended would recommend the day to a friend.
We plan to run similar events in the future.
26th April 2009
RenéCassin held its AGM on Sunday 26th April 2009, where elections to the committee took place.
Maya Jaffe and Vicki Prais were unanimously re-elected as Co-Chairs of the group. The committee for 2009-10 are:
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Clarissa Coleman
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Jonathan Drapkin
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Laura Forster
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Suzy Kantor
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Daniel Kingsley
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Sarah Oliver
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Daniel Reisel
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Naomi Soetendorp
Congratulations to all the committee who are sure to do a fantastic job leading RenéCassin over the next year.
We are sad to say goodbye to Alex Goldberg, Dana Landau and Simon Century. Alex, Dana and Simon have all contributed so much to RenéCassin and we hope that they will continue to be involved in the group's activities in the future.