IHRC Projects

United Nations Advocacy

The UIC Law International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) plays a pivotal role in advancing human rights through engagement with the United Nations review bodies, and other international bodies. This advocacy ensures that the voices of impacted communities are represented in international human rights assessments, reinforcing the importance of accountability and legal protections. Through direct collaboration with civil society organizations, the IHRC provides critical legal support during UN treaty body reviews, the Universal Periodic Review, and other monitoring mechanisms. Additionally, we conduct in-depth research and submit reports to review bodies highlighting human rights violations and policy gaps that require international attention. This work helps shape global recommendations that influence domestic policies.

After engaging in human rights advocacy at the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in Geneva, Switzerland, the UIC Law International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) releases a Summary of Record of the 107th Review of the United States in relation to its obligations under the treaty.

Access to Justice in the United States

The IHRC advances access to justice by submitting amicus curiae briefs in cases where individuals or communities face barriers to a fair legal system. These briefs provide legal analysis and human rights perspectives, influencing courts to uphold fundamental rights and protections. Through this work, we challenge unjust legal frameworks, advocate for systemic reforms, and promote stronger human rights protections in the United States. By addressing legal inequities, we help ensure that marginalized communities receive the justice and recognition they deserve.

Immigrant Rights

The IHRC is committed to protecting and advancing the rights of immigrants through a holistic approach that combines direct advocacy and representation, legal literacy expansion, and community outreach. We work to ensure that immigrants in the United States understand their rights, have access to legal resources, and receive the protections they are entitled to under domestic and international law. The IHRC also conducts in-dept research and reporting on critical issues affecting migrants, such as privacy rights, the right to health, and mistreatment under the Convention Against Torture or other treaties. By documenting human rights violations and advocating for reform, we help shape legal frameworks that safeguard the dignity and well-being of immigrant communities. This comprehensive approach strengthens protections for immigrants and ensures that their voices are heard in legal and policy discussions at local, national, and international levels.

Inter-American Advocacy

The IHRC engages in Inter-American advocacy to promote human rights, justice, and accountability across the Americas. Through strategic legal interventions, we work to hold governments accountable for human rights violations and advance protection for marginalized communities. Our Inter-American work seeks to introduce novel arguments to develop the recognition of the rights of persons or communities who have been historically disenfranchised or rendered vulnerable.

Santa Barbara Campesino Community v. Perú

On January 26 and 27, 2014, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, heard the arguments and testimony of the alleged forced disappearance of 15 victims belonging to the Santa Barbara Community. The victims argued that the Peruvian Army obstructed the investigation for the human rights violations committed at the hands of the Peruvian armed forces in 1991.

Inter-American Project on Name Change

On May 18, 2016 the State of Costa Rica submitted a request for an advisory opinion to the Secretariat of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights regarding the level of recognition given to a person’s name change according to their gender identity. This allows organizations to submit amicus curiae briefs to the Court for them to consider while drafting their advisory opinion.  The IHRC is researching and drafting an amicus brief to submit to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights regarding available protections and need to provide a more robust set of protection in name change rights for transgender persons. Through its Inter-American Project on Name Change, the IHRC, is working towards strengthening the rights of transgender individuals in the Americas.

 

Human Rights of Older Persons

The IHRC played a key role in the creation of the Chicago Declaration on the Rights of Older Persons, a global statement outlining the fundamental rights of older individuals. Developed by experts, scholars, and activists from around the world, the Declaration advocates for a new United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, ensuring their protections stand alongside existing international human rights treaties. The Declaration was presented at the Fifth Session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing, marking a significant step towards strengthening the rights and dignity of older persons.

Human Rights for Syrians Initiative (HRSI)

The HRSI provides a hub of centralized, credible and accessible information and resources to both Syrian refugees in the U.S. and those planning to come to the U.S. seeking asylum. The HRSI provides legal representation in asylum cases and a reliable referral system for legal representation in immediate and long-term social and emergency services. Attorneys, advocates and other qualified providers may contact the HRSI to offer their services and/or obtain referrals.

Puerto Rican Human Trafficking Project

The Puerto Rican Human Trafficking project has been focused on investigating the practices of the government of Puerto Rico, HUD, and other government agencies in the United States mainland in trafficking Puerto Rican homeless persons with addiction.  We believe that the practice begins with the recruitment of homeless persons with addiction living in Puerto Rico.  The recruited individuals are told that they will come to the U.S. to live in rehab facilities.  Once they arrive in the U.S. they are taken to unlicensed facilities that are operated privately and without permit.  In the “AA” group homes, these individuals undergo the process of detox without medication or medical assistance.  In addition, the conditions under which they live and are expected to stay are of sub-human condition.  There is vermin infestation, lack of access to constant heat in the winter, among others.  Our investigation will likely result in the shedding of light on this issue.

For more information: http://interactive.wbez.org/puertoricochicagopipeline/

Privacy & Human Rights

The IHRC advocates for the protection of privacy rights in the face of increasing government surveillance and the misuse of technology. We investigate the ways in which state actors implement surveillance tools that result in infringement on fundamental rights, like privacy, the right to protest, freedom from discrimination, and more. Through legal research, advocacy, and strategic interventions, we challenge the use of invasive technologies, like mass data collection, facial recognition, and predictive policing. We also examine the role of law enforcement and government in using surveillance to suppress activism and target human rights defenders. By exposing these practices and advocating for stronger legal safeguards, we work to ensure that emerging technologies are used in ways to uphold, rather than undermine, fundamental rights and freedoms.