|
|
|
October 2007
|
INTERNATIONAL NEWS |
|||
|
WCL Welcomes 10 Humphrey Fellows from Across the Globe
The 2007–08 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows are a diverse international group, boasting a former presidential candidate, an academic, a judge, public prosecutors, and private attorneys. Despite their vastly different résumés, however, the 10 fellows—accomplished, midlevel legal practitioners from such corners of the globe as Haiti, Slovakia, and Egypt—share one thing in common: a desire to learn, share, grow, and explore. “D.C. is the capital of the world, in a sense. Both in the [classroom] and throughout the city, we have the opportunity to exchange ideas with people from all over the world,” said Anderson Freitas de Cerqueira, a district attorney within the Public Ministry of the State of Bahia, Brazil. “It’s an amazing opportunity.” Founded in 1978, the Humphrey program brings journalists, urban planners, economists, educators, and other professionals from around the world to the United States for a year of study. Since its inception, nearly 3,500 fellows from more than 140 countries have participated in the prestigious program. AU’s Washington College of Law has served as a host institution since 1980, alongside such universities as Cornell, MIT, and Johns Hopkins. During their time at WCL, fellows—all of whom share an interest in human rights—pursue an individualized program that includes courses, workshops, networking events, and site visits to such Washington landmarks as the Library of Congress. Cerqueira, who describes the Bahia police as often unreliable and corrupt, said he plans to study how the American justice system addresses police corruption and human rights abuses. “In Brazil, we have a very authoritarian tradition, but we’re trying to put that legacy behind us,” he explained. “I want to learn more about the American justice system so that I [may] serve the Brazilian people better.” The Humphrey program isn’t just about what participants take from their time at WCL, however. It’s also about what they give back to their fellow students. Anna Cusnir, who practices corporate and international corporate law in Moldova, is also a former Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot coach and arbitrator. This year, she plans to help WCL train students for the competition, held every spring in Vienna. “I’m eager to help WCL [prepare] first-time students for the competition,” she said. Similarly, Cerqueira hopes other students gain an appreciation for Brazil’s commitment to public service. “Our system has a very good standing, and we are very accessible to the public,” he said. “I think others could learn something from that. “In the Humphrey program, every person is unique,” he continued. “We are 10 fellows from nine countries, and we each have something different and exciting to share.” -Adrienne Frank, originally published in American Today | |||
