The International Human Rights Clinic is thrilled to announce that Haroon Mokhtarzada, JD ’05, has endowed a fund to support our work. His generous gift establishes The Courage Fund “in recognition of the courageous leadership of the Harvard Law School International Human Rights Clinic in advancing justice around the world, even when such work is unpopular or challenges the status quo.”
The International Human Rights Clinic is the cornerstone of Harvard Law School’s commitment to educate students in international human rights law and prepare them to practice in this field. Under the close supervision of expert clinicians, students work in small teams on projects that seek to dismantle oppressive systems and create a more just and equitable world.
Susan Farbstein, Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Clinic, says that this gift will allow the Clinic to continue to flourish while also amplifying its reach. “The Courage Fund means so much to our Clinic. We can make an even more profound impact across a range of issues—protecting fundamental freedoms, ensuring accountability for gross violations, and promoting social and economic justice, to name just a few,” Farbstein says.
Since its creation in 2004, the Clinic has been a leader and innovator in clinical legal education. Recent projects include advocating for access to remedies for communities in Kosovo and Haiti whose rights were violated through UN-supported aid; addressing the effects of nuclear weapons through treaty implementation and victim assistance principles; documenting how climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized communities in India; promoting the protection of Palestinians’ civil and political rights and adherence to international legal standards; spearheading efforts to create a new global treaty to end international trade in law-enforcement equipment used for torture; and seeking accountability for victims of enforced disappearances in Mexico.
“This gift is a wonderful recognition of the Clinic’s track record of making a difference for clients and rightsholders, and shaping critical thinking about the future of the human rights movement,” Farbstein says. “Going forward, we’ll be able to prepare even more HLS students to become thoughtful and effective human rights advocates, and better support the brave and tireless work of our partner organizations.”