Osgoode Hall Law School Launches Global Policy and
International Legal Research Initiative for Developing Countries
TORONTO, April 20, 2006 -- On Thursday, May 11, 2006 Osgoode Hall Law School of York University will officially launch the International Legal Partnership (ILP), the first non-profit, professional and student cooperative organization in Canada to provide systematic global policy and legal research assistance to developing countries.
Canada’s leading international legal scholars, policy-makers, practitioners and students will come together to mark the beginning of this unique initiative which aims to provide an unparalleled international experience for law students, while simultenously providing a valuable pro bono legal service to developing countries around the world. Based in Toronto at Osgoode Hall Law School, the largest common-law school in Canada, ILP’s mission is to enhance the institutional capacity of developing countries to respond to regulatory issues in their countries, including the negotiation and implementation of multilateral treaties, and to facilitate the exchange of information concerning legal research and policy development. The value of this legal service to people in developing countries is that it provides a practical tool in support of increased economic, social and cultural rights through the rule fo law.
Under the direction of two of Canada’s renowned international legal experts, Professor Craig Scott and Dr. Charles Gastle, ILP has assembled an impressive roster of Patrons and a Council of Advisors, including Lloyd Axworthy (former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs), Barbara McDougall (former Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs), Bob Rae (former Premier of Ontario), Alex Neve (Secretary-General, Amnesty International Canada), Clarence Dias (President, International Center for Law in Development), Robert Sharpe (Justice, Ontario Court of Appeal), Lawrence Herman (former head of the Economic and Treaty Law Section, Legal Bureau, Canada’s External Affairs Department), Rana Khan (Legal Officer, United Nations High Commisioner for Refugees / Resource Person), Valerie Hugues (former Director of the WTO Appellate Body Secretariat), Aly Alibhai (Senior Counsel, International Legal Programs, Department of Justice Canada), Sharon Williams (former ad litem judge, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia), and many other accomplished legal and policy experts from Canada and around the world.
At the launch, beginning at 6:00PM, ILP’s first flagship project will be formally announced. It relates to the collaborative development of a national judicial institute in Kenya focussing on improved legal transparency and access to justice in the East African region. The ILP Patrons and Council of Advisors will then be formally introduced, followed by a Keynote Address and Wine & Cheese Reception, to which all are invited.
The two co-founders of the initiative, select members of the Student Executive and Board of Directors will be available for media interviews prior to the launch. In addition, a media table will be arranged for the launch itself. For further information, please contact Jordan or Zara by referring to the contact details below.
What: Official Public Launch of the International Legal Partnership (ILP)
When: Thursday, May 11, 6:00PM
Where: Osgoode Hall Law School Professional Development Centre
1 Dundas Street West, next to the Eaton’s Center (26th Floor)
Please RSVP to ilpcommunications@osgoode.yorku.ca.
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Jordan Zed External Advising Director / Co-Founder International Legal Partnership jordanzed@osgoode.yorku.ca +1-416-599-3003 |
Zara Angelina Merali Law Student Director / Co-Founder International Legal Partnership zaramerali@osgoode.yorku.ca +1-416-593-7733 |
