Advocates throughout Chicago will gather at DePaul University to discuss timely human rights issues, explore tools and methods useful in program implementation, and help raise awareness about human rights in the Midwest and around the world as part of second annual Chicago Conference on Human Rights. The program will be held on April 11 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the DePaul Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave. Registration is highly encouraged and is available at www.law.depaul.edu/ihrli/register.

"The Second Annual Chicago Conference on Human Rights: Tools to Bring Global Advocacy Home" will feature workshops and discussions aimed at arming participants with the skills needed to become effective human rights advocates who can address violations taking place locally, as well as nationally and internationally. The event will examine topical human rights issues such as torture, poverty, refugees and juvenile justice.

"This conference is an important instrument in the fight for human rights and equality," said Chuck Tucker, executive director of DePaul’s International Human Rights Law Institute. "Leaders, advocates and future practitioners will highlight the important role that the Midwest, and more specifically Chicago, plays in the international dialogue about human rights."

U.S. representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill), will provide the day’s keynote address at 11:25 a.m. Throughout her career, Schakowsky has worked to achieve economic and social justice and improve the quality of life for all citizens. An avid supporter of women’s rights, Schakowsky has won major legislative victories to increase federal funding for abused women and children. She also has sponsored legislation aimed at preventing violence against immigrant women and establishing housing for victims of violence. As a leading member of the House, Schakowsky continues to push for national investment in healthcare, public education and housing, along with humane immigration reform.

Workshops at the conference will explore important issues and offer tools for progressing human rights in Chicago. Topics will include, the state of economic inequality around the world; creating human rights Web sites for students; rights-based approaches to social justice work; realizing human rights in Illinois; using international human rights standards to condemn human rights violations at home, and using social media to spread the human rights message. Participants also will be able to learn about volunteer and internship opportunities at local universities and human rights organizations at an advocacy fair.

The Chicago Conference on Human Rights is the result of a cooperative effort between Midwest organizations in the academic and non-profit communities. The event provides an opportunity for practitioners and students to consider the complexity of current human rights issues, discuss opportunities and increase coordination of efforts.

Conference sponsors include, DePaul University College of Law, Columbia College, DePaul University School of Public Service, Roosevelt University, Midwest Coalition for Human Rights, Coalition of African, Arab, Asian European and Latino Immigrants of Illinois, American Friends Services Committee—Great Lakes Region and Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights. The Libra Foundation and the Vincentian Endowment Fund of DePaul University also provided support.