'Media and the Law' Conference to Build on Kony 2012 Success

By Alex Murashko, CP Contributor
Monday, March 19, 2012

Organizers of an upcoming conference that will feature 100 human rights groups say an important purpose for the gathering is to further the success of Invisible Children, Inc.'s Kony 2012 campaign of bringing people together for a common cause.

Regent University School of Law's Center for Global Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law will host its first "Media and the Law: Seeking Justice for the Least of These" conference at the school's campus in Virginia Beach, Va., on March 29-31.

"The wildly successful Kony 2012 social media campaign demonstrated that artists, human rights advocates and legal professionals can work together to confront issues surrounding human trafficking, the legal protection of children, and international religious freedom," organizers of the event said in a statement from the school's law center.

In addition to partners representing 100 human rights organizations, the conference will include 60 speakers, legal professionals, government leaders, film producers, music artists, the Regent community and other guests that will be taking part in expert panels, networking events and musical performances, "providing multiple opportunities for partners to engage and share their work around the world."

Ashleigh S. Chapman, who is the administrative director of the Law Center for Global Justice, told The Christian Post that Invisible Children has done a brilliant job of communicating to the world about the horrific injustices perpetrated by Joseph Kony. The warlord has abducted 30,000 children in Uganda over 26 years, selling many of the girls as slaves and forcing the boys to fight in his rebel group, the Lord's Resistance Army.

"This upcoming symposium highlights the nexus of how crucial media is to raising an awareness of issues and then how law and other related organizations can provide the solutions," Chapman said. "This is geared towards professionals and those just passionate about the issue who want to come and learn."

Keynotes will be given by veteran filmmaker Ken Wales, producer of "Amazing Grace," the film based on the life of anti-slavery pioneer William Wilberforce, and Mexican Congresswoman Rosi Orozco, leader of the Counter Human Trafficking Force in Mexico and founder of Camino a Casa, a safe home in Mexico City for young women.

Noted presenters and panelists include principals from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Invisible Children, Anti-Slavery International, Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs, International Justice Mission, Focus on the Family, Truckers Against Trafficking, the Polaris Project, and the A21 Campaign.

"This first symposium is an unprecedented forum for participants to explore partnership, training, and advocacy on many human rights issues around the globe and within the United States," Chapman shared. "The Center for Global Justice is honored to host so many leading experts and professionals, and we are confident the networking and discussions that will take place throughout the weekend will lead to both immediate and lasting impact on behalf of victims of trafficking, children who are hurting in our world, and individuals who are being persecuted for their faith."

Officials at Regent Law's Center for Global Justice say the center "equips Christian advocates who will promote the rule of law and seek justice for the world's downtrodden – the poor, the oppressed and the enslaved – and serves and supports those already engaged in such advocacy."

More information, including registration on the Web: http://www.regent.edu/acad/schlaw/globaljustice/symposium.cfm