3/20/20

Civil Causes of Action for Child Human Trafficking Victims

Post by: Josh Barbosa

Greetings! My name is Josh Barbosa and I am finishing up my 3L year at Regent University School of Law. I am originally from Connecticut and came to Regent in large part because of the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law. I began with the Center in the Fall of my 2L year and have since worked on projects regarding parental rights in Canada and enforced disappearances in an African country.

This semester, I have the privilege of working with National Center on Sexual Exploitation on a research project that focuses on the ability of child pornography victims to file a civil cause of action against those who have exploited them. While children should be the safest when with they are with family, this is sadly not always the case. Rather, there are many who take advantage of those children in their care in order to satisfy their own perverse or financial desires. Because of these depraved individuals, Congress has seen fit to enact a statute that not only gives a civil cause of action for child victims of pornography, but also sets a minimum damage amount of $150,000. Although this does not erase the damaging photos or videos that will continue to haunt the victims, it enables the victims to find closure and obtain some restitution.

While it has been sobering to work on various projects over the past year, none has been more so than this one. However, while it is sad to read cases of so many that have been taken advantage of, it is encouraging to see how justice has been served in both the criminal and civil context.

It has been a terrific experience working to protect the rights of those who have the greatest need for protection, and I look forward to continuing this work throughout the rest of semester!

This post was written by a Center for Global Justice student staff member.  The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice.

3/17/20

My Passion for Human Rights

Post by: Joseph Woltmann

My name is Joseph Woltmann and I am a 3L who is in my fifth and final semester of working with the Center for Global Justice. Throughout my time in the Center, I have been fortunate to work on a variety of projects targeted towards protecting victims of human trafficking, abuse and violence within and outside of the United States.

These projects have fueled my own passion in the fight against human trafficking. More specifically, these projects have highlighted the plight of the victims. Victims face a wealth of issues, including legal, economic, educational, and psychological issues. With regard to legal issues, often times, victims have criminal records due to their trafficking, and as such, they are very much handicapped in their pursuit of a ‘normal’ life after their trafficking experience.

Fortunately, many states have judicial relief for victims in the form of expungement and vacatur, but this this relief does not adequately restore victims to normalcy. This knowledge has fueled my passion, and has led to my writing of articles specifically to benefit victims of human trafficking.

Human trafficking is an epidemic, and what victims face during and after their trafficking is atrocious. Therefore, more awareness of these issues is needed and, more importantly, laws must be changed and created to protect and restore victims of human trafficking.

This post was written by a Center for Global Justice Student Staff Member. The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice.

3/15/20

What about Religious Freedom?


Post by: Jillian Schinzing

My name is Jillian Schinzing and I’m a 2L here at Regent University School of Law. This semester I am working as a student staff member for the Center for Global Justice, where I have been fortunate enough to continue to work on a project for Christian Legal Fellowship (CLS) in Canada. I have continued my research into how international courts and legal bodies, including the United Nations Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights, have approached laws which restrict the wearing of religious clothing and symbols for government employees.

CLF is working on responding to Quebec’s Bill 21, which was just passed this summer, banning all government employees from wearing religious clothing or symbols in the workplace. This religious clothing ban includes all forms of clothing and jewelry. Things like cross necklaces, Jewish kippah’s, and Muslim hijabs, will all be banned in the workplace of government officials. The goal of this Bill 21 was to make all government employees neutral in their position as representatives of the state. However, this Bill instead of promoting freedom of religion, strips government employees of their right to manifest their own religion. Christian Legal Fellowship is trying to fight against Quebec’s Bill 21 because freedom of religion and the manifestation of that religion should be one of the most protected rights in society.

In November of 2016 I spent a month in Vietnam doing missions work. Although Vietnam is not as hostile to Christians as nations like China, believers in that country still receive persecution. While there I talked to many pastors about the abuse they have received at the hand of their own government because of their beliefs. Since hearing of this persecution, I became very passionate about religious freedom worldwide. I’m thankful to be a small part of working toward religious liberty and the ability to manifest that sincere faith for all.

This post was written by a Center for Global Justice student staff member.  The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice.

3/11/20

The Struggle for Freedom in India


Post by: Yaeeun Shin

I had many obstacles before even setting my foot in India for internship. First, the student Internship visa took more than a month to come through with no explanation for the delay. Second, consequently I had to cancel and re-schedule the flight tickets and even after booking the ticket I had to re-book it due to the Coronavirus situation in Asia. I was very discouraged and even doubted whether I could do this internship. However, throughout this experience, I had learned many things. I got to pray more. Not only to ask God for the visa but I begun to ask God why he was letting this happen, and what he wanted me to get out of the situation. Furthermore, I had improved professional e-mail writing skills! I had to actively communicate with many channels regarding the delayed visa and internship, the professors, Regent Justice Grant authorities, travel agencies, the embassy and my India internship supervisors.

While I was waiting for the visa in Korea, my work as externship was to research the discrimination the Dalit Christians face throughout India and find some legal justifications to offer them protection and government ‘reservation’ like the other Dalit groups. When going through the sources I found out this issue, in fact, the majority of discrimination Indian minorities face, is closely entangled with the Caste system in India. This became evident when I finally joined the Indian office. Discriminations in employment opportunities, education, treatment of women and minority religion were almost all related to the ancient long roots of the Caste system and the Hindu religion. In many people’s minds, some of the discriminations were like fate and were reluctant to change. Despite their rights being violated, the victim as well as the perpetrator approached it as if it was the will of god. At first I was infuriated about this, and wanted to let people know of their basic rights, however as I interacted with the locals I realized it really was not that simple. As one of my jobs, I sorted the record of religious persecution cases (mostly Indian pastors and church members) into categorized database. Reading through the cases, I could indirectly witness some of the atrocious violence and persecution towards Christian minorities around India especially in smaller tribes.

Christian lawyers and other Indian senior advocates in India are actively working on the religious persecution cases. One of the most recent case they were working on, which I did research for, was the Sabarimala case. In this case a temple priests was banning women from enter the temple to worship. There are efforts made in India is beginning to make a change. More victims are coming forward and seeking legal protection. However, as I talked to more and more Christians and lawyers we all agreed the change cannot come just by legal or political development, but by the change of fundamental mindsets of the people throughout. There is really no other way, but for the Gospel to spread and change people’s minds. To be free from the restraints of their Castes and other restrictions set by the Hindu religion.

My short experience in India was so precious and revealing. A lot of work to be done both legally and spiritually. The worship in India was powerful, people were yearning for God’s mercy and grace. I will remember India in my prayers, for all the restrained hearts to be truly liberated and experience the freedom and love of the one true God.

This post was written by a Center for Global Justice Intern. The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice.

3/2/20

Hope in the Midst of Darkness


Post by: Jessica Sherwood

This semester I have the opportunity to work on two memos for International Justice Mission (IJM). Currently, we are researching data analysis for trafficking across Eastern Europe. IJM recently launched its first anti-trafficking program in Central and Eastern Europe with a team based in Bucharest, Romania. A part of the work we get to do is develop an understanding of the current landscape in Eastern Europe in relationship to the crisis of human trafficking. By gaining a foundational knowledge of the complexity and niches of the issue, IJM will be better equipped to launch additional programs. 

I have discovered one of the most important aspects to implementing strategic programs with long-term outcomes is to gain a deep understanding of the context. Oftentimes, I have a tendency to want to jump immediately to the end goal, rather than taking the due diligence to recognize the landscape and address the specific needs to a given population. 

In the book of 2 Kings after Elisha has been anointed by Elijah and received a double portion, he crosses the Jordan into Jericho. Men of the city approach him and say, “Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful” (2 Kings 2:19).

These men recognized the potential of the city and the hope for its citizens. They however, also, recognized the ugly reality of poisonous water that, if left to itself, could destroy the community. At this moment, rather than despairing, Elisha makes a bold decision. He says to his men, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” After they do as he requested, he goes to the spring of water and throws salt in it and then proclaims, “Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.” The verse goes on to say, “So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke” (2 Kings 2:20-22).

This is a short passage, but its meaning is significant. Elisha wasn’t content or satisfied to allow the water to remain unsanitary in the city. He chose to try something completely new and asked the Lord to bless it. His faithfulness led the city to be healed from “death and miscarriage.”

Many Biblical characters recognized the significance of knowing the landscape and context before beginning the work God intended them to do. Throughout Scripture, I see how women and men following God actively choose innovation and creativity, over fear and dismay. In 1 Chronicles, David is selecting men who will help him turn Saul’s kingdom over to him. He chooses men from Issachar, “men who men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:31-33).David knew he needed men on his side who understood the present reality and were prepared to take the steps needed to evoke change. 

In the same way, the context in Eastern Europe is intimidating. It's riddled with multiple types of trafficking, oftentimes embedded in many aspects of the culture. The numbers reported regionally do not address the magnitude of the issue and building a case against perpetrators is very complex.

Yet despite these realities, IJM has chosen to step out in faith and choose innovation over fear. They are currently surveying the landscape and choosing their next steps strategically. Their work to fight human trafficking looks different in every nation based on what the research unfolds. They are an organization that “understands the times” and recognizes what needs to be done to fights for the lives of the oppressed.

In the midst of the disturbing and unsettling gravity of the sex trade, there is a remnant of hope. Since IJM started working in the Philippines in 2000, the government has made rapid strides to stop traffickers from exploiting children in the commercial sex trade. Bars closed that sold minors for sex and pimps were brought to justice. Since then, studies have shown the number of minors available for purchase on the streets once known for trafficking has significantly reduced between 75%-86% in the cities where IJM has worked. 

I’m excited to see the progress in reduction of human trafficking cases that will transpire throughout all of Eastern Europe as IJM continues its innovative work. 

This post was written by a Center for Global Justice Student Staff Member. The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice.

2/25/20

Little Steps for Human Rights – Fighting against Corruption in a Little City in France


Post by: Ji Hye Baek

My name is Ji Hye Baek. I am a 3L, working as a legal trainee at GRECO of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. I have had the privilege of working for GRECO, a Group of States against Corruption which fights against corruption through research, investigation, evaluation and recommendation process on 49 member states including the United States. GRECO’s ultimate goal is to reduce corruption in its member states, to strengthen its sovereignty and furthermore to promote and protect an individual’s human rights.  

The internship at GRECO benefited me and my legal career because, similar to what GRECO pursues, my professional approach is geared towards globalization involving legal issues while promoting the human rights of those who are underprivileged. While working at GRECO, I researched and analyzed the corruption status of different member states, such as Belgium, Croatia, France, Lithuania, Norway, and more. Based on my research, I analyzed if the member states are complying with GRECO’s standard. I also had a chance to review GRECO’s opinions and recommendations on draft laws of different states and learn how GRECO’s opinions have a worldwide effect on not only its member states but also those who are not members.

I also had a chance to attend a hearing at the European Court of Human Rights. The case was about the appointment of judges to the new Icelandic Court of Appeal contravened the principle of a tribunal established by law. I found it interesting how there were twenty judges from different states of Europe to make a judgment on a case from Iceland. It was such a memorable experience because I have only read and heard about the European Human Rights hearing through news and articles. It was interesting how European countries formed a Council and and helping each other to comply with the EU law as if they were one big nation. 

The Lord has given me such a privileged opportunity and changed me in a positive way and opened my perspective through this opportunity. Through my internship experience at GRECO, I acquired knowledge of different corruption levels by countries, the ability to identify deficiencies in national anti-corruption policies and provide an adequate recommendation to improve the situation. I also enjoyed working with trainees from all over the world and got a chance to learn and understand different cultures by cooperating with each other.

I enjoyed every single moment at GRECO and learned and developed every day in various ways. I learned the great importance of this international platform as I experienced the positive changes that GRECO brings to numerous member states. I had always wanted to intern at GRECO because corruption prevents individual and private entities from operating business in that State and to achieve my goal of protecting human rights through international business law. I thought acquiring knowledge of corruption in various aspects is crucial. My internship experience at GRECO will definitely help me promote trade liberalization and promulgate fair-trade law more effectively and thus lead me to achieve my ultimate goal to safeguard fundamental human rights.

This post was written by a Center for Global Justice Intern. The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global justice.

2/24/20

Protection of Transitional Youth


Post by: Francesca McManus

Hello! My name is Francesca McManus and I am a 1L at Regent University School of Law. I am from Washington where I was working as a Social Worker for Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families before attending law school. My background in Social Work is one of the main reasons why I am extremely excited to be working on the Shared Hope International project this semester with the Center for Global Justice.

Shared Hope International is an organization focused on child sex trafficking issues including prevention, awareness, and providing legislative support. This semester, our team has been tasked to assist in research for their annual ‘report cards’ which are produced by Shared Hope for each state within the United States. Specifically, Shared Hope has asked us to research ‘Raise the Age’ laws which allow transitional youth, usually young adults between the ages of 18 to 24, the ability to remain in Juvenile Court after they reach 18 years of age and eligibility for state protections and services.

I have been researching Washington who appears to have liberal legislative protections for transitional youth for state services and in youth in the foster care system. An 18-year-old may request Extended Foster Care which will allow the individual to remain in the foster care system and receive housing and funding until the individual is 21 years old. Additionally, independent youth housing programs allow at risk youth to apply for state funded housing until the age of 23. Additionally, many other states have statutes which allow transitional youths to remain in Juvenile Court for offenses while committed as a minor.

Services like these mentioned above are critical for transitional aged youth who have been involved in sex trafficking as it gives survivors the ability to feel protected and to rebuild their lives.

I look forward to furthering my research and gain the opportunity to compare and contrast the different approaches states take in protecting transitional youth.

This post was written by a Center for Global Justice student staff member.  The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice.