Rightslink
Rightslink was founded in 1993 by students who believed that the rich resources of the Columbia and New York area would provide assistance to groups working for human rights around the world. It has since expanded to include individuals in the New York legal and academic community, and it has developed strong ties with the Center for the Study of Human Rights at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Students working with Rightslink research various issues on the request of human rights organizations, ranging from death penalty jurisprudence to language discrimination issues. Research projects include fulfilling requests for domestic and international legal information, and substantive legal research and writing. Students gain legal research skills and experience, and they help develop a new concept in human rights assistance. Rightslink also serves as a bridge between the Law School and the Center for the Study of Human Rights at SIPA.
Contact: rightslink@law.columbia.edu
Amnesty International
Thousands of people are in prison because of their beliefs. Many are held without charge or trial. Torture and the death penalty are widespread. In many countries, men, women, and children have "disappeared" after being taken into official custody. Still others have been killed without any pretense of legality. These human rights abuses occur in countries of widely differing ideologies. Amnesty International is an independent, worldwide movement of people dedicated to the protection and promotion of internationally-recognized human rights. The Columbia chapter shares this vision and works towards its fulfillment through campaigns touching on all areas of human rights. In addition to conducting monthly meetings and sponsoring letter writing events, we work with other student groups and outside organizations to educate the law school community about pressing human rights issues through speakers, panel discussions, and film screenings. We invite you to get involved, and we welcome your questions and ideas.
Contact: amnesty_international@law.columbia.edu
Columbia Society of International Law
The Columbia Society of International Law (CSIL) is Columbia Law School's principal student group dedicated to issues involving international law. The Society informs its members about opportunities to practice international law and current issues in international law; provides members in-person access to many of the top international firms; allows members the opportunity to meet leading scholars in the field; offers guidance and advice on career paths in the fields of public and private international law; and permits opportunities for American and international law students and alumni to form connections with each other that span the globe after graduation from Columbia Law School.
Contact: csil@law.columbia.edu
Society for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
The Society for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (SIRR) is dedicated to promoting a dialogue about legal rights of refugees and immigrants in the United States and globally. Students sponsor panels, conduct immigration and asylum workshops, and organize a career forum about immigration and refugee laws. Additionally, SIRR helps run the Battered Immigrant Women's Project and Pro Se Immigrant Rights Project.
Contact: sirr@law.columbia.edu
