ALPHA Education (Association for Learning and Preserving the History of WWII in Asia): Legal/Historical Research into WWII in Asia

Project Type: Public Legal Education (presentations, workshops, podcasts, brochures, blogs, etc.)

Fields of Law: Human Rights, International Law, Labour Law, Criminal Law, Treaty Law, Legal History

Positions Available: 2

This is a joint project in which University of Toronto students will work with students from Lincoln Alexander Law School (TMU).

About ALPHA Education:

ALPHA  Education  is  an  educational  NGO,  non-profit,  and  registered  charity  in  Canada  that promotes a critical-historical investigation of the events of World War II in Asia. Our mission is to foster  awareness  of  an  often  overlooked  aspect  of  World  War  II  history,  in  the  interest  of furthering the values of justice, peace, and reconciliation, both for survivors of the past and for those who shape the historical narratives of the present and future.

Project Details:

The project will support the ongoing development of ALPHA Education and its Asia Pacific Peace Museum. In particular, the project will involve the research and development of materials that will support the museum’s exhibits on justice and other legal issues arising from WWII in Asia and its post-war years. The output of the project could take different formats proposed by the PBSC student volunteer. 

Student volunteers will conduct research on legal topics that are relevant to WWII in Asia and ALPHA Education’s mission. Student volunteers are encouraged to explore specific aspects of these topics that are relevant to their own personal, academic, and professional interests. Student volunteers are welcome to work individually or in pairs for their project. Along with ALPHA Education staff, student volunteers will co-construct the final product for their research.

Research topics may include post-war trials (Khaborovsk Trials, Batavia War Crime Trials, International Military Tribunal for the Far East), lawsuits (forced labour, prisoners of war, JMSS/"comfort women"), treaties and agreements (San Francisco Peace Treaty, Japan-China Joint Communique, Japan-South Korea Comfort Women Agreement), and more (such as Article 9).

Will the student(s) be expected to show up for regular shifts each week, or is the schedule flexible?

The student is welcome at ALPHA's office for regular weekly shifts; however, if they need to work elsewhere (e.g. to access materials from a law library, or other legal resources such as LexisNexis), other arrangements can be made. Students are required to meet with their supervisor at least 4-5 times over the internship period for the purpose of finalizing the work plan, and providing updates/feedback on the progress of their work (in person) at an agreed upon date and time.

Requirements and Expectations:

Knowledge of East Asian languages is an asset. An  interest and/or background  in  history,  international  law,  human  rights,  and  an  interest  in World War II history is an asset. Observance of deadlines, above average (or better) writing skills are also an asset.