JTP

What does that stand for? Justice Testament Project. Which will be presented by us interns to all of IJM this afternoon.

Some blurbs from my part of the presentation:

"the Justice Testament Project is essentially a curriculum that is created by the DC interns, addressing a human rights problem and then presenting an action step for IJM college campus chapters to do something about the problem presented. This particular project will be used by students in Fall of 2007."

"The setting for our JTP is Guatemala, the context is the court system where “the greatest barrier to securing a rape conviction is the judicial standard of proof for rape.” The judge’s common interpretation of rape relies on the hymen condition. This standard, which we will later show contradicts most internationally accepted standards, leads to very few rape convictions.....The action step that we propose is the most tangible step offered in a Justice Testament Project to date at IJM. We are asking students to raise money to provide for a specialized medical training for Guatemalan nurses. The training will address proper evidence collection, victim care, and medical expert testimony in rape cases, all which can be a catalyst for this change. "

" In the case of Conchita, there was a conviction, but the perpetrator was only convicted of “attempted rape” which is commutable to a fine. The word “attempt” generally indicates “to try to do something” but Conchita’s perpetrator did more than try, he DID rape Conchita and he more or less got away with it. With the help of college students, we hope to ensure this scenario does not repeat itself. "

I'll let you know how it goes!