Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Violence against journalists is an attack on democracy itself.

The Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law contributed to the OHCHR process under Human Rights Council Resolution 59/15, drawing from Eduardo Bertoni’s UNESCO publication:
“Prevent and Punish: In Search of Solutions to Fight Violence against Journalists.”

Protecting journalists means protecting society’s right to information, accountability, and democratic participation.

Learn more:
https://www.american.edu/wcl/impact/initiatives-programs/center/

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Center Director Eduardo Bertoni recently spoke at the 2026 American Society of International Law Annual Meeting on the “Neurotechnology and the Future of Privacy Rights” panel (April 23, 2026), discussing the legal and human rights challenges posed by rapidly advancing neurotechnologies. As these technologies enter the consumer space, the panel examined urgent questions around mental privacy, autonomy, and the protection of highly sensitive neural data.

His participation reflects the Center’s ongoing commitment to engaging at the forefront of emerging technologies and ensuring that human rights protections evolve alongside innovation. To learn more about the Center’s work in this area, see our “Neurotech on Trial” and “Neurotechnologies on Human Rights” symposiums on Youtube.

Eduardo Andres Bertoni | American University Washington College of Law

Center Director Eduardo Bertoni was recently invited to contribute his expertise to a proposed legislative initiative in Chile on the protection of neurorights and mental integrity.

At the request of the Chairman of Chile’s Commission on the Future, Sciences, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, Professor Bertoni participated as a data privacy expert, offering insight on how legal frameworks can respond to the rapid development of neurotechnologies and the growing need to safeguard mental privacy, autonomy, and human dignity.

Professor Bertoni’s engagement reflects the Center’s broader commitment to addressing the human rights implications of emerging technologies. Through initiatives like our “Neurotech on Trial” and “Neurotechnologies on Human Rights” symposiums (watch on Youtube), the Center continues to convene global experts to examine how law and policy must evolve to protect fundamental rights in the age of neurotechnology.

Eduardo Andres Bertoni | American University Washington College of Law

As the semester comes to a close, we want to wish all students the very best on finals. Your hard work, dedication, and curiosity have made this year’s conversations and programs truly meaningful.

We’re also excited to have recently shared our latest Center newsletter, highlighting the many events, initiatives, and achievements from this past semester. Thank you to everyone who engaged with the Center, whether by attending events, asking thoughtful questions, or contributing to our work in so many ways.

We’re grateful to be part of such a committed and dynamic community. Good luck on finals – we’re rooting for you!

Eduardo Andres Bertoni | American University Washington College of Law

Be part of the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law’s Director Professor Eduardo Bertoni’s program this summer!

The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at AUWCL is hosting an intensive three-week Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (May 25 to June 12, 2026)! Happening here in DC at AUWCL, this is a unique opportunity to learn from leading international experts, earn credits towards your degree, and expand your professional network while still having time to intern or study abroad during summer.

This program presents the opportunity to learn from leading experts around the globe who come to AUWCL to teach only during this three-week session. Experts come to AUWCL from international organizations, ICJ, UN, and Inter-American System.

Courses (12 offered) are two hours long and run for three weeks at AUWCL. You may transfer up to 6 credits towards your degree.

Eduardo Andres Bertoni | Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law | American University Washington College of Law

We are proud to highlight the recent work of our Board Member Marcos A. Orellana in his official capacity as United Nations Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, following his country visit to Mexico.

During his investigation, Professor Orellana issued a clear and urgent call for stronger environmental governance grounded in human rights. He emphasized that Mexico lacks a comprehensive legal framework to regulate hazardous chemicals and highly dangerous pesticides, an absence that, in his words, contributes to what can become “legalized contamination” when regulatory systems fail to adequately protect public health and the environment.

Professor Orellana’s work continues to elevate the global conversation on the intersection of environmental protection and human rights, reinforcing the urgent need for states to address toxic exposure as a matter of justice, dignity, and fundamental rights. We are honored to have his leadership and expertise represented on our Board.

Hear more about Professor Orellana’s investigation from his interview with the Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/07/mexico-us-toxic-waste-un-special-rapporteur) or El País (https://elpais.com/mexico/2026-03-23/marcos-orellana-relator-de-la-onu-en-mexico-falta-una-ley-general-de-sustancias-quimicas-y-sobre-plaguicidas-altamente-peligrosos.html).

See his report at: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/03/un-expert-urges-mexico-promote-environmental-justice-actions-toxic.

Eduardo Andres Bertoni | American University Washington College of Law

On March 31, Center Director Eduardo Bertoni participated in “Biometrics, Trust & Digital Inclusion: Perspectives from the Americas,” a discussion cosponsored by Crowell Global Advisors and Mercado Libre that brought together leading experts on data privacy, technology, and human rights. The conversation explored how biometric technologies are reshaping trust, governance, and digital inclusion across the region.

Eduardo Andres Bertoni | American University Washington College of Law

Center Director Eduardo Andres Bertoni will be participating in “Biometrics, Trust & Digital Inclusion: Perspectives from the Americas,” a timely discussion bringing together leading experts on data privacy, technology, and human rights. The conversation will explore how biometric technologies are reshaping trust, governance, and digital inclusion across the region.

We look forward to contributing to this important dialogue at the intersection of technology and human rights.

📅 March 31
🕐 12:00 – 1:30 PM EST
📍 Marriott Marquis, Washington, DC
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4lAVgPR

Eduardo Andres Bertoni | American University Washington College of Law