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Background information
on gender and asylum issues4

Join CGRS's network to receive updates on campaigns, events and gender asylum issues

 

CGRS’s core mission is to protect the basic human rights of refugee women and girls by advancing gender-sensitive asylum laws, helping advocates successfully represent women in need of protection, and preventing these refugees from being forcibly returned to the countries from which they have fled.

In addition to engaging in scholarly research, policy work, and impact litigation, the Center carries out original research and advocacy initiatives around human rights violations in specific countries or regions of the world. CGRS also seeks to address root causes for migration flows, including injustices and human rights violations against women in refugee-producing countries.

Matter of R.A.

Download DHS's brief to the Attorney General in Matter of R.A. (Feb. 2004) urging that Rodi Alvarado be granted asylum. See this page for other legal documents and information pertaining to Matter of R.A.

 

Femicide in Guatemala

In Guatemala, women are being raped, mutilated and murdered every day. The killings are notable for their brutality and the continuing impunity of those responsible. To learn more see our page on the femicides in Guatemala 4
Download our latest report on the Guatemalan femicides (Sept. 2006) [1 MB]

 

Fauziya Kassindja and the Struggle for Gender Asylum

Read Fauziya's inspiring story4

 

CGRS in the News

New York Times column on Matter of A-T- by Adam Liptak, Drawing a Line Between Enduring Harm and Legitimate Fear. November 5, 2007

Free Speech Radio News, interview with CGRS Director Karen Musalo about the murder of Pepe Mendez and violence in Guatemala, September 4, 2007

Bartow, Felecia, Killings of Women Rising in Guatemala, El Tecolote, August 10, 2007

More News4

 

The UC Hastings Clinic

Law students at U.C. Hastings can work with CGRS through the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic. Follow this link to learn more about the Refugee & Human Rights Clinic. Current and prospective students can find materials and application forms here.

 

 

 

Latest News & Updates

  • In honor of International Women's History Month, and in order to end violence against women and girls around the world, ask your Senator to co-sponsor the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA).  Violence against women is an enormous human rights problem around the world. It includes rape, domestic violence, acid burning, "honor killings," human trafficking, female genital cutting and more. I-VAWA (S. 2279) is groundbreaking legislation introduced in the Senate by Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) on October 31, 2007 that is designed to incorporate solutions to gender violence into U.S. foreign assistance programs. It would also support grassroots organizations working to stop gender-based violence, give victims more assistance, hold perpetrators accountable, support a rule of law that would prevent and respond to violence against women and improve U.S. government efforts to stop gender-based violence globally. Contact your Senator and ask him or her to co-sponsor I-VAWA (S. 2279) by calling the Senate Switchboard at 202/224-3121 and asking to be connected directly to his or her office.
    Talking points and additional information.

  • Support growing efforts to protect women's rights; support the campaign to reverse In re A-T-. In this recent decision the BIA denied protection to a woman who suffered from past female genital cutting. Join our campaign to reverse In re A-T-.

  • CGRS's Summer/Fall 2007 Newsletter

  • Citing Ventura and Thomas, the Supreme Court vacates Gao v. Gonzales, 440 F.3d 62 (2d cir. 2006), the Second Circuit decision approving asylum for a young woman fleeing forced marriage.  You can find the Supreme Court decision here.

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Need help with your appeal?

CGRS's Appellate Advocacy Project may be able to help. CGRS authors amicus briefs as well as enters as co-counsel in select cases. Please contact Lisa Frydman for more information.

Need advice or assistance with your asylum case? Please fill out this form4

Join the listserve devoted to legal issues around gender asylum - send an email to
dvasylum_updates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com