STU School of Law's Institute of Human Rights at Forefront of Refugee Advocacy

MIAMI, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This summer, Miami's St. Thomas University Institute of Human Rights has kept busier than ever in Hispanic, Haitian and multicultural affairs, participating in the 2010 Tri-County Task Forces of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties' World Refugee Day conferences and events. Back in June, the series' kick-off included a Red-Carpet Premiere at The Improv Comedy Club in the Seminole Hard Rock Casino that showcased a movie about the struggles that refugees and those granted asylum must overcome in their pursuit of freedom. Proceeds went to benefit Haiti relief efforts, which have counted with St. Thomas University's ongoing resources and staff/faculty pro-bono hours.

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Community leaders, business associations, public officials, organizational heads and South Florida entrepreneurs have been coming together to expand their awareness of issues as well as possible solutions/activities to respond to the needs of the world's most vulnerable citizens through the task forces. "For decades, our School of Law's Institute of Human Rights has been serving those in need of protection and self-sufficiency," said St. Thomas University School of Law IHR Director and attorney Christine Reis. "Recognizing refugees' plight and taking action has proved to be our priority. We have developed legal clinics, registration, referrals, counseling and other immediate action to help Haitian detainees obtain the TPS status as well as other local minorities of South Florida obtain empowerment to rebuild their lives. And in support of the outstanding efforts and goals of the Tri-County Task Forces we engaged as a major sponsor of this year's VIP Premiere June 14. Looking into Fall 2010, we still face endless hours of work to help these refugees transition into a new country and our IHR's long-standing commitment remains."  

The University took a landmark program last year preparing Haitian asylees for their  credible fear interviews. "The assistance of an attorney was vital … even though the representation is limited because of the nature of the proceeding," said Reis.  "Anything our clients say at this interview can be used against them if they are granted an asylum hearing in Immigration Court." Following the credible fear interviews, the attorneys of the Human Rights Institute requested parole, or release, for their clients, and represented them before the Immigration Court in a hearing for asylum if granted.  

"As a Catholic legal services agency, our greatest concern is that the human rights of these people are respected, and that they are offered the best possible opportunity to state their case," says St. Thomas University President Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale. "In addition to the Institute's staff hours, often requiring ten hours per client, St. Thomas University School of Law students also volunteered their assistance. The incredible effort being undertaken by the Human Rights Institute on behalf of the elderly, Latino immigrants and Haitian refugees is a testament to the depth of our concern and commitment to human rights, justice, and dignity for all persons."

SOURCE St. Thomas University