‘Kony 2012’ Opens Door to Media and Law Symposium

The wildly successful Kony 2012 social media campaign demonstrated that artists, human rights advocates and legal professionals can work together to confront issues surrounding human trafficking, the legal protection of children, and international religious freedom.

In a move to further these efforts, Regent University School of Law’s Center for Global Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law is hosting its first “Media and the Law: Seeking Justice for the Least of These,” symposium on March 29-31, 2012.

“This first symposium is an unprecedented forum for participants to explore partnership, training and advocacy on many human rights issues around the globe and within the United States,” says Ashleigh S. Chapman, administrative director of Regent University’s Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

The three-day conference will feature partners representing 100 human rights organizations, 60 speakers, legal professionals, government leaders, film producers, music artists, the Regent community and other guests that will be taking part in expert panels, networking events and musical performances, providing multiple opportunities for partners to engage and share their work around the world.

Keynotes will be given by veteran filmmaker Ken Wales, producer of Amazing Grace, the film based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, and Mexican Congresswoman Rosi Orozco, leader of the Counter Human Trafficking Force in Mexico and founder of Camino a Casa, a safe home in Mexico City for young women.

Noted presenters and panelists include principals from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Invisible Children, Anti-Slavery International, Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs, International Justice Mission, Focus on the Family, Truckers Against Trafficking, the Polaris Project, and the A21 Campaign.

“The Center for Global Justice is honored to host so many leading experts and professionals, and we are confident the networking and discussions that will take place throughout the weekend will lead to both immediate and lasting impact on behalf of victims of trafficking, children who are hurting in our world, and individuals who are being persecuted for their faith,” Chapman says.