This is a good opportunity for young people from Burma / Myanmar to get involved - maybe some people who have not had many chances to go abroad rather than the same old suspects. Though it is too late to prevent the genocide of Karen people in the country.

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The Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism is proud to announce The Global Conference on the Prevention of Genocide to be held at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, October 11th to 13th, 2007.  The Conference is generously supported by the Echenberg Family Conference Fund.

This event, organized in collaboration with the McGill Faculty of Law, will bring together eminent intellectual, political, and civil society leaders, in an effort to explore means of preventing genocidal violence, and to reassess the role and responsibility of different stakeholders in moving from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention.

The Conference is intended as a platform not only for informed dialogue and academic exchange on pressing issues, but also for a broader engagement with a view to shaping public debate and policy. Speakers who have already confirmed include Romeo Dallaire, Member of the Senate of Canada, and leader of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Rwanda; Mr. Juan E. Me'ndez, UN Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide; Professor Martha Minow of Harvard Law School; and Ben Kiernan, Yale University. Other prominent invitees include Louise Arbour, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Luis-Moreno Ocampo, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

In an effort to foster and promote sustainable discussion around and beyond the Conference, the Centre will also host an International Forum for Young Leaders, from Monday October 8th to Thursday October 11th. This Forum will consist of a series of workshops, roundtable discussions, and cultural events aimed at exploring the unique contribution that young professional scholars can make to the prevention of genocide, and the promotion of human rights, both in their own countries and in the international arena.

In addition to being a unique networking opportunity for like-minded young leaders from around the world, the forum will provide the opportunity to meet with some of the distinguished speakers invited at the conference and engage in scholarly debate on key issues surrounding genocide, including: the history, sociology and economics of genocide; the law and politics of humanitarian intervention; the 'responsibility to protect'; the role of the media, civil society and the private sector in preventing genocide; and international criminal justice as a means to prevent future atrocities.

All costs will be covered by the McGill Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism, including travel expenses to and from Montreal, accommodation from Sunday 7th - Sunday 14th, and conference fees.

CHRLP is looking for people who can make a contribution to, as well as benefit from, this unique experience. Criteria for participation are:

- under 30 years of age - a social science degree - in law, political science, economics, sociology, history, anthropology or any other relevant field - preferably at the Master's level - relevant field experience - demonstrated commitment to the area of human rights and/or social justice - demonstrated ability to work independently and to communicate in English

Applicants from countries affected or threatened by armed conflict and/or genocide are particularly encouraged to apply. Representatives of indigenous and aboriginal groups from the Americas and Australia are also encouraged to apply.

The deadline for applications to the Young Leaders Forum is February 10, 2007.

Applicants should send their application form along with a copy of their curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation to the following address:

International Forum for Young Leaders (IFYL) Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism 3661 Peel Street      Montreal, Quebec     Canada   H3A 1X1

Please note: Applications can also be faxed to +1 514 398 8197.

For further information (including application forms), please visit www.mcgill.ca/humanrights/

Source: Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism (CHRLP)