Sam Sasan Shoamanesh, LLM ’12, and Megan A. Karsh, JD ’09, have been named by the American Society of International Law (ASIL) as 2012 Helton Fellows. Selected from more than 50 applicants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Eurasia, Oceania, and North and South America, the students, two of eight fellows, will receive micro-grants of $2,000 to pursue fieldwork in or research on issues involving international law, human rights, humanitarian affairs, and related areas.   

ASIL established the Helton Fellowship Program in 2004 in honor of Arthur C. Helton, an internationally renowned lawyer and advocate for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons.  Helton died in the August 19, 2003, bombing of the United Nations mission in Baghdad.  Helton Fellows undertake their fellowship fieldwork and research in association with established educational institutions, international organizations, or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). 

Shoamanesh will be working with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on a comprehensive survey of the needs and priorities of the Middle East region in preparation for the opening of a regional center.  The results of this research project will be compiled in a report to be presented to the ICC and the attorney general of Qatar. Karsh will undertake a victim advocacy project for Access to Justice Asia as a pro bono lawyer representing Khmer Krom victims at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.