ND Law Global Human Rights Clinic Advocates for Human Rights Before the United States International Trade Commission
The United States International Trade Commission held a public hearing in Washington, DC, where staff attorney Jean Marc Brissau and legal fellow Josemaría Rodríguez Conca, together with Notre Dame Law J.D. student interns Yuta Inada and Mary Pat Peterson, and International Human Rights LL.M. student Mónica Elizabeth Nuño Nuño of the Notre Dame Law School Global Human Rights Clinic, appeared on behalf of their client, Mr. Amaru Ruiz Aleman, president of Fundación del Rio, to provide testimony regarding human rights violations suffered under the Nicaraguan government.
During the hearing, the Commission listened to powerful testimonies from the Clinic, representing Mr. Ruiz Aleman and other victims and their representatives, shedding light on the extensive human rights abuses perpetrated by the Nicaraguan government. The purpose of the hearing was to provide the US government with firsthand accounts to identify human rights violations that may have implications for US commerce. If such cases are substantiated, they could lead to actionable measures under the relevant statute.
The Commission expressed deep concern about the intersection of press freedom, the rule of law, and labor rights, emphasizing their critical influence on US trade relations. The hearing underscored how the erosion of these fundamental rights in Nicaragua could adversely affect American commercial interests and operations within the region.
The US Trade Representative (USTR) appears focused on drawing connections between the deterioration of human rights and the erosion of the rule of law in Nicaragua to US economic and geopolitical interests. This emphasis was evident in the active participation of representatives from various federal departments, who directed much of their inquiries toward understanding how the Nicaraguan situation may impact the ability of US individuals, enterprises, and affiliates to operate effectively in the country.
The outcome of the hearing will play a crucial role in determining the USTR's next steps. The Commission's evaluation of the extent of human rights abuses and the degradation of governance in Nicaragua will influence potential trade actions and policy decisions aimed at safeguarding US commercial interests while promoting human rights and democratic values abroad.
Notre Dame Law School’s Global Human Rights Clinic remains committed to advocating for justice and accountability for human rights violations in Nicaragua and will continue to support victims in their pursuit of redress.
Read insights from members of Notre Dame Law School’s Global Human Rights Clinic who participated in the public hearing at the United States International Trade Commission in Washington, DC.
Jean Marc Brissau, Staff Attorney, Notre Dame Law School Global Human Rights Clinic:
“Attending and appearing on behalf of our client at the Public Hearing according to Investigation Section 301 in Washington, DC, was an enriching experience for me. It reinforced the understanding that defending human rights does not stop at the court or other international or regional mechanisms. The hearing provided a unique platform where the International Trade Commission listened to testimonies from victims and their representatives about the human rights violations they suffered under the Nicaraguan government. Although there will be no direct redress for victims of human rights abuses through this process, the hearing served its purpose by allowing the US government to hear personal experiences and identify human rights violations that may affect US commerce.”
Josemaría Rodríguez Conca, Legal Fellow, Notre Dame Law School Global Human Rights Clinic:
“Participating in the public hearing is part of the clinic's commitment to promoting the protection of human rights and denouncing the terrible human rights violations in Nicaragua. The experience was interesting and formative for the students, who saw how human rights could be applied in a different context, beyond a court of law, and linked to other areas of law, such as commerce.”
Mónica Elizabeth Nuño Nuño, LL.M. Student:
“As an international student, participating in the public hearing deepened my understanding of human rights advocacy and the importance of speaking out against human right abuses in different forums. The Global Human Rights Clinic is doing outstanding work in this field!”
Yuta Inada, 2L:
“Being at the U.S. Trade Representative hearing in DC was a great way to see human rights advocacy in action. Not only did the Global Human Rights Clinic present our client’s case to executive agencies who can truly put pressure on the Nicaraguan government to create meaningful change, but I got to see other human rights victims, including our own Dr. Chamorro of Notre Dame, speak out against the Ortega regime. Finally, from more of an academic perspective, it was interesting to see how human rights can be connected to US business and trade interests.”
Learn more about the Notre Dame Law School Global Human Rights Clinic at https://ndlsglobalhumanrights.nd.edu/.