James Balser ’16 received a Helton Fellowship from the American Society of International Law. During the summer of 2014, Balser worked with the No Peace Without Justice International Criminal Justice Program’s Syrian Accountability Project in Gazientep, Turkey. The project’s aim is to “reduce the expectation and rewards of impunity and build a culture of accountability” among the Syrian population through training and advocacy events. Balser was one of eight Helton Fellows selected from an international pool of applicants. Each fellow receives a $2,000 microgrant to pursue fieldwork in or research on issues involving human rights, international criminal law, humanitarian affairs, and other areas of international law.
“James also supported the work of the Syrian Commission for Justice and Accountability, documenting war crimes committed during the war in Syria,” said Michael A. Newton, professor of the practice of law, who assisted with Balser’s placement. “Helton Fellowships are prestigious, and I’m extremely pleased he had an opportunity to participate in this important project.”