Annual law school event to celebrate human rights

To celebrate the anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, various human rights organizations based in Central Indiana will host the program, “Human Rights Defenders: Voices from the Community,” at Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis, 530 W. New York St., Dec. 3 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the atrium. The event is free and open to the public.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the U.N. on Dec. 10, 1948.

The welcome and introductions are scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m. Avril Rua, president of the law school’s Master of Laws Association, will emcee the event. Speakers include Vice Dean and Centennial Professor of Law Paul N. Cox of the law school; Ian McIntosh, director of International Partnerships and professor of anthropology at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis; Marina Hadjioannou Waters, executive director and co-founder of Human Rights Works; and professor George E. Edwards, director of the law school’s Program in International Human Rights Law.

Other featured speakers include Isaias Guerrero of the Latino Youth Collective; artist Rogelio Gutierrez, whose art will be prominently displayed at the event; Raio Krishnayya of the Center for Victim and Human Rights, who will discuss human trafficking; Allison Luthe of Central Indiana Jobs with Justice; Kevin Muñoz, co-founder of Human Rights Works; Robert Pedersen of Central Indiana Jobs with Justice, who will discuss human rights at home; Becky Smith, an organizer for UNITE HERE; and Marquita Walker, an assistant professor of the Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Labor Studies Program.

The event will also feature art from Kurt Ihrig, music By DJ Kyle Long of Cultural Cannibals, and food will be provided by India Garden. Free parking is also available in the surface lot immediately west of the law school.