HUMAN RIGHTS AND U.S.
By James W. St.Clair, Esquire

Concern for others has been present in one form or another since the beginning of mankind. Human beings are naturally concerned about the well being of others. When disaster strikes we rally to offer aid. Food, clothing and shelter are regularly distributed. Individually, socially, religiously and from a governmental position we have being aiding the needy allover the world.

Protection of human rights fit into this pattern. We have criticized, economically boycotted and even militarily intervened in countries with human rights abuses.

As lawyers, we attempt to protect human rights. Our court system has advanced this cause. Through the rule of law and aggressive protection of individual rights, attorneys can make a contribution. But, what have we done outside of our community to assist in this effort?

The American Bar Association has been actively involved in recent years with the emerging former Soviet countries and their efforts to promote human rights and commercial law . The Central and Eastern European Law Initiative, commonly referred to as CEELI, is the ABA' s effort. Located in the American Bar Building in Washington, D.C., this organization has established Liaisons in all of the former Soviet countries. These Liaisons encourage formation of local bar associations which in turn encourage lawyers to actively represent their fellow citizens to advance the rule of law Liaisons also work with Legislative bodies in bill drafting, judicial reform, legal education and other areas to promote the rule of law.

CEELI has a small professional staff, but depend primarily upon volunteers to participate in different areas. First are those willing to commit one-year service in a foreign country. Second are those willing to commit shorter periods of time to work in foreign countries. Third, those who are willing to assist in the review and advise of legislative bills Fourth, to host groups of attorneys and/or law students who come to the United States for specialized training.

Religious groups advance their beliefs through the work of missionaries. As lawyers we should be of a like mind concerning our desire to spread democratic process and the rule of law. World peace depends upon nations with stable governments, willing to participate with other governments in an orderly fashion. This involves the kinds of things lawyers do. If lawyers are going to have any impact on world peace we must support these activities. Sweden, with an active bar membership of approximately 3,500 members, the size of the West Virginia State Bar, sponsors foreign bar association meetings, international studies and many other activities aimed at trying to promote world peace through law. Last year, the Swedish Bar sponsored the first annual Serbian Bar Association meeting in Bosnia. The Sweeds finance not only the meeting, but paid all of the attendees costs during the three-day conference. Needless to say attendance was good and hopefully the locals were encouraged to pursue their law practice in a manner which may eliminate the need for additional military involvement.

I was part of the Bosnian bar meeting in December 1998 and was impressed with the efforts ofCEELI and of the response of the Serbian Bar. The rights of individuals were championed by able attorneys. Those who have chosen to establish their position by force must be stopped legally. We West Virginians are ideally suited for work as missionaries and CEELI Liaisons. We have observed and participated in a more rugged lifestyle than attorneys from major urban areas. We can relate to the needs, wants and visions of the people of emerging countries.

Most overseas assignments offer spartan accommodations. A willingness to make friendships with those whom you cannot communicate well; willingness to learn; and a willingness to volunteer your time. In most places there are few "tourist attractions" and a very basic lifestyle. It can be lonely, but exciting because so much is unknown.

Most of us are not in a position to serve overseas, but we can help. The West Virginia State Bar could become the first state bar to support a Liaison in one of the emerging countries. This may motivate other state bars to participate in this overseas effort. The support of a single Liaison for a year would not impose a heavy burden on our association. A few dollars invested today may prevent military involvement in the future.

Few of us have personally fought in a major war. Hopefully, if we spend time in promoting world peace through the rule of law then military involvement can be reduced. It appears that the U.S. will continue the responsibility of "policing the world." Possibly our outreach as lawyers can reduce the need for these activities. Why not help? It will not cost much, but possibly may reap huge dividends.

About the Author
James W. St Clair, an attorney in Huntington has served as a short-tern liaison in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Bosnia. If you would like to discuss participation call him, (304)529-3030 or call CEELI, (202) 662-1950.