New York City Bar

This event addresses the global crackdown on civil society space and the resulting challenges in protecting fundamental rights and freedoms. While threats are global, documented in over 100 countries, this event focuses on those experienced specifically in India, Russia/Eastern Europe and the United States. The worldwide trend, which extends beyond authoritarian regimes to democracies in many regions, includes new laws restricting or prohibiting protest and other forms of political activism; direct targeting of activists, journalists, and human rights defenders; and regulatory and funding obstacles aimed at non-profit organizations. Discussion addresses restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression in the United States in the context of a worldwide pattern of shrinking space for civic engagement and dissent. The speakers also share resistance strategies activists and human rights defenders are using to counter this crackdown. Speakers: Sukti Dhital, Deputy Director, Robert L. Bernstein Institute fo

In many of the world’s most destabilized areas, the grand theft of pillage is a regular and frightening occurrence. Poaching of ivory and theft of minerals to fund armed groups and the destruction of religious sites and cultural heritage have been well documented. This program discusses the many pillage crimes currently being committed and the restrictions on such pillage in domestic and international law, including the Rome Statute and U. S. Dodd Frank Act. Speakers: Carly Oboth, Policy Advisor, Global Witness Holly Dranginis, Senior Legal Analyst at The Sentry Jimmiel Mandima, Program Officer, African Wildlife Foundation Karen Mosoti, Head of the Liaison Office, International Criminal Court to the United Nations Moderator: Elizabeth Barad, International Law and Gender Consultant, former co-chair of the NYC Bar's African Affairs committee. Sponsoring Association Committee: African Affairs Committee, Victoria Safran and Melanie Claussen, Co-Chairs Co-sponsoring Association Committees: United Nation

Some states and municipalities, including New York State, are considering laws that would ban the practice of onychectomy, the surgical declawing of cats. At this program, advocates in favor of and advocates opposed to the New York bill discuss its potential impact on animals and veterinarians in New York. Speakers: Benjamin L. Hart, Animal Behaviorist and Distinguished Professor Emeritus, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis Dr. Jenny Conrad, Founder and Director, The Paw Project Dr. Eileen Jefferson, New York State Representative, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Director of New York State Legislative Affairs, The Paw Project, Owner/Founder, Ethical Veterinary Moderator: Jane Hoffman, Member, Animal Law Committee Sponsoring Association Committee: Animal Law Committee, Lori Barrett-Peterson, Chair