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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 


Sarah Herder
Development and Communications Director
(w) 612-341-3302, ext. 126  
sherder@advrights.org
Robin Phillips
Executive Director
(w) 612-341-3302, ext. 109
rphillips@advrights.org


 
 
The Advocates for Human Rights to Receive Outstanding Service to the Profession Award
 
Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN (January 29, 2009) – The Advocates for Human Rights is proud to announce that the organization has been recognized by Minnesota Lawyer with the 2008 Outstanding Service to the Profession Award, "for its years of programs to promote human rights and represent victims of human-rights abuses." The award is given to honorees that "have strengthened the state's legal community through many years of efforts and exemplify what is best about the Minnesota legal community."  
 
The mission of The Advocates for Human Rights is to implement international human rights standards in order to promote civil society and reinforce the rule of law. By involving volunteers in research, education, and advocacy, we build broad constituencies in the United States and around the world. To advance that purpose, The Advocates has worked with hundreds of members of the Minnesota legal community to protect human rights in our communities. We appreciate the many dedicated individuals who have offered pro bono services in the form of research and legal representation for asylum seekers, immigrants, and others whose rights are at risk.
 
Accepting the award on behalf of The Advocates for Human Rights is Executive Director Robin Phillips. Ms. Phillips has served in this position for nine years. Before becoming executive director, she served as director of the Women's Human Rights Program and as deputy director. Ms. Phillips has authored several articles on a variety of topics related to women's human rights and has taught courses on international human rights at the University of Minnesota Law School and St. Thomas University Law School. Ms. Phillips has conducted fact-finding missions to document human rights violations in Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Prior to The Advocates, Ms. Phillips practiced law with the firm of Briggs and Morgan. She received her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Pepperdine University.
 
The award will be presented at a reception hosted by Minnesota Lawyer on February 24th, at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis.
 
The Advocates for Human Rights is a non-governmental, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of internationally recognized human rights. With the help of over 600 volunteers, The Advocates investigates and exposes human rights violations; represents immigrants and refugees in our community who are victims of human rights abuses, trains and assists groups that protect human rights; and works through education and advocacy in Minnesota to engage the public, policy makers and children about human rights and cultural understanding. The Advocates for Human Rights holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations.