On July 1, 2023, with USAID Rule of Law Program support, the Human Rights and Strategic Legislative Initiatives Clinics at Ilia State University hosted a Colloquium on the cases that the Clinics’ students worked on during the academic semester.

The event brought together 19 students and professionals from the Clinics and other guests, and provided a platform for robust discussions.

The students provided a comprehensive review of the 13 cases they had worked on during the semester. The cases covered a wide range of human rights issues, including the rights of the hearing-impaired, sexual harassment, constitutional lawsuits, gender-based violence, and access to education. Each case presented its own challenges and complexities, allowing the students to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

During the Colloquium, USAID Rule of Law Program-invited Professor Bridget Arimond of Northwestern University Law School (USA), an expert in the field, provided valuable feedback to the students. Her expertise and guidance were instrumental in shaping the students' understanding of the cases and enhancing their approach to human rights advocacy.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the students and professors shared their impressions and experiences related to the clinical courses. Tamar Kordzaia, the head of the clinical course on strategic legislative initiatives, voiced her opinion that offering the clinical course in both semesters would be highly beneficial. She emphasized the need to address the long breaks between courses, which posed challenges for the students' continuous learning and engagement.

The students expressed their appreciation for the human rights clinical course, highlighting its invaluable role in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Working in pairs proved to be a fruitful strategy for the students, enabling them to share the workload and engage in discussions that resulted in improved strategies and written materials. This collaborative approach also enhanced their productivity and fostered a sense of camaraderie and support among the students.

However, the students also acknowledged the demands of their full-time jobs and studies, finding it challenging to provide weekly feedback. They suggested exploring alternative feedback models, such as receiving feedback monthly or establishing a rotation system where pairs take turns in submitting feedback.

The involvement of the clinic staff was highly regarded by the students, as their guidance and support played a crucial role in keeping the students focused on the objectives of their work. However, the students felt the duration of the course was insufficient to fully delve into the intricacies of human rights issues. Some students proposed extending the course to two semesters to allow for a more comprehensive exploration and deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Professor Arimond commended the students' dedication and hard work, emphasizing the importance of continuous feedback and a longer course duration. She firmly believed that extending the course would yield even more results and empower the students to become formidable advocates for human rights.

The Colloquium served as a testament to the students' commitment to justice and their pursuit of a fairer society. By delving into real-world cases and engaging in meaningful discussions, these future human rights defenders gained valuable practical experience and developed a deeper understanding of the complexities in the human rights field.