Human Trafficking Conference at St. Thomas University

Join the LL.M./ J.S.D. Program in Intercultural Human Rights & the
Coalition of Catholic Organizations against Human Trafficking

for a conference on:

“Human Trafficking: Global and Local Perspectives”

Thursday, February 12, 2009
9 AM – 5 PM

Moot Court Room
St. Thomas University School of Law
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami, FL 33054

The most vulnerable members of our human family, the victims of human trafficking, in their silent pain call for help. Millions of them suffer each year from one of the greatest affronts to human dignity the world has ever seen. This shocking phenomenon now successfully rivals drugs and weapons, becoming one of the most lucrative criminal enterprises in the world.

The community of nations has stood up to face the challenge. The United States continues to be in the forefront of international efforts to combat this horrendous crime. Successes are great, but the challenge even greater. Governed by our duty as civil society members to help shed light on this phenomenon, but also to assess needs, analyze situations, and suggest solutions, academic and religious communities, non-governmental organizations and interested individuals gather to contribute their efforts to defeat this scourge. Through presentations and discussions, questions and answers the conference will play its modest role in battling this 21st century slavery.

Sessions will examine:

• Human Trafficking: A Human Rights or a Criminal Law issue?
• The Necessity of a Victim-Oriented Approach to Human Trafficking
• Trafficking Initiatives in South Florida
• Research and Training Needs in the Field and Incipient Responses

Open to the public. No reservations required.

For more information contact:

Dr. iur. Roza Pati, LL.M.
Executive Director & Adjunct Professor of Law
LL.M./ J.S.D. Program in Intercultural Human Rights
Phone: 305 474 2447
E-Mail: rpati@Stu.edu


Conference Agenda:

8:30 AM – 9: 00 AM --Registration and Continental Breakfast

9: 00 AM – 9: 30 AM --Welcome & Opening Remarks:

Reverend Monsignor Franklyn Casale
President of St. Thomas University

Dean Alfredo Garcia
Professor of Law & Dean, St. Thomas University Law School

Dr. iur. Roza Pati, LL.M.
Executive Director & Adjunct Professor of Law
LL.M./ J.S.D. Program in Intercultural Human Rights

9:30 AM-11AM

Panel I: Human Trafficking: A Human Rights or a Criminal Law issue?

Speakers:

Professor Dr. Ryszard Piotrowicz
University of Aberystwyth, Department of Law and Criminology
Wales, United Kingdom

Ann Marie Villafana, Esq.
Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida

Mark Kielsgard, Esq. LL.M., J.S.D. Candidate
Human Rights Expert

Karlyn J. Hunter, Esq.
Assistant U. S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida

11:00 AM-12:30 PM

Panel II: The Necessity of a Victim-Oriented Approach to Human Trafficking

Speakers:

Professor Dr. Federico Lenzerini
University of Siena School of Law, Siena, Italy

Ana Isabel Vallejo, Esq., LL.M., J.S.D. Candidate
Supervising Attorney, Lucha: A Women’s Legal Project
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center

Jasna Vujin, Esq., LL.M.
Human Trafficking Expert, Serbia

Kara Franker
Legal Fellow
Shared Hope International


12:30 PM-1:30 PM Lunch


1:30 PM- 3:15 PM

Panel III: Trafficking Initiatives in South Florida

Speakers:

Regina Bernadin
Program Manager, International Rescue Committee
Florida Freedom Partnership

Maria Jose Fletcher
Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center

Martha Mino
Case Manager, Awareness Campaign & Victims Specialist
Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking

Janette Mendoza
Program Specialist, Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program,
Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Miami

Sandy Skelaney
Program Manager
Kristi House


3:15 PM- 4:30 PM

Panel IV: Research and Training Needs in the Field and Incipient Responses
Speakers:

Dr. Elzbieta M. Gozdziak
Research Director & Editor, International Migration
Institute for the Study of International Migration, Washington D.C.

Professor Dr. Johnny McGaha
Director, Esperanza Project
Florida Gulf Coast University

Professor Dr. iur. Siegfried Wiessner, LL.M.
Director, LL.M. /J.S.D. Program in Intercultural Human Rights
St. Thomas University School of Law

4:30 Wine & Cheese Reception