Events and Announcements: April 13, 2014

Event

• The British Institute of International and Comparative Law and Cambridge University Press invite you to the International and Comparative Law Quarterly Annual Lecture 2014, to be held at Charles Clore House at 5.30-7.30pm on Tuesday 20^th May. Professor Mindy Chen-Wishart of Merton College, Oxford will deliver a lecture entitled: ‘Legal Transplant and Undue Influence: Lost in Translation or a Working Misunderstanding’, followed by a question and answer session. The event is free to attend, but please register here. The lecture will discuss an increasing awareness of the unquestioned assumptions of one’s own legal system as a means of understanding how a transplanted doctrine has been applied in a particular context, with a focus on Singaporean courts ‘borrowing’ undue influence in family guarantee cases from the English legal system. Through exploring hierarchy versus equality, the positional versus the personal, and collectivism versus individualism, it will conclude on whether a ‘Western’ legal transplant can be successful in a very different Singaporean cultural context. The Young Scholar Prize 2013 will also be awarded at the event, to Bharat Malkani, University of Birmingham, for his paper: The Obligation to Refrain from Assisting the Use of the Death Penalty. This Prize is awarded annually to a scholar aged 35 or under at the time of the publication of their article. The welcome address for the event will be given by the General Editor of the ICLQ, Professor Malcolm Evans OBE. The Lecture will be followed by a drinks reception, and is generously sponsored by Cambridge University Press, who publish and distribute the ICLQ.

Announcements

• The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law sponsors the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law which runs from May 27th to June 13th 2014. The program offers 19 courses taught by more than 43 prominent scholars in the field of human rights in both English and Spanish, with experience in the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), United Nations, Inter-American Commission and Court on Human Rights, recognized international NGOs and think tanks. Last year, the program welcomed more than 165 participants from over 24 countries with differing backgrounds and levels of experience for an intensive three weeks in Washington, D.C. The Program is offered in three categories which include the modality of Certificate of Attendance, ABA Credits for students currently studying in a U.S. law school and finally, the Diploma Course that is offered to a select group of 35 law professionals who fulfill the admission requirements. Additionally during the Program, the Academy hosts Human Rights Month, which features several special events such as panels, a film series, and site visits to international organizations. The May 1st deadline is less than a month away. The organizers encourage you to apply as soon as possible. You can access more information here
• International scholars and practitioners of transitional justice are invited to apply for a 1-week workshop and training program on transitional justice organized and led by the Hague Institute for Global Justice from 23-27 June 2014 in The Hague. This week-long training is part of the Transitional Justice in Africa Fellowship Program, a joint initiative by the Hague Institute and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) in South Africa, that brings together senior and mid-level expert scholars and practitioners with extensive experience working to advance transitional justice in their community. For more information about the application process and the fellowship program, please visit our website at: Hague 1-week fellowship program.
• The Grotius Center for International Law at Leiden University has announced several summer schools:

  International Criminal Law (23 June – 4 July 2014, The Hague) From Theory to Practice
  This summer school offers a unique opportunity to gain expertise in international criminal law in the International City of Peace and Justice. The course, which welcomes around 50 participants from all over the world, combines theory with practice: academics from Leiden University and experts from the international courts and tribunals lecture on topics as genocide, crimes against humanity, the crime of aggression and modes of liability, while students develop their skills through a cross-examination session and a challenging moot court exercise. (Law) Students and young professionals are invited to apply. Application deadline: May 1, 2014.

  Columbia Summer Program (June 30 – July 25, Leiden) In American Law
  The Columbia Summer Program is organized by the Law Faculties of Leiden University, the University of Amsterdam and Columbia University in the City of New York. Since 1963 these summer courses are held alternately at the Leiden Law School and at the Amsterdam Law School. The program is entirely taught by Columbia professors, and is designed to provide a general introduction to the American legal system for lawyers and other (legal) professionals, or (graduate) students interested in the program. Besides the excellent educational aspects, the Columbia Summer Program is also known for its exceptional fine atmosphere amongst participants and professors from Columbia University. Take a look at the website and apply before May 1, 2014!

  International Children’s Rights (7 – 11 July 2014, Leiden/The Hague) Frontiers of Children’s Rights
  Frontiers of Children’s Rights provides a comprehensive children’s rights course, which takes a close look at contemporary children’s rights issues from a legal perspective accompanied by reflections from other academic disciplines, legal systems, local perceptions and realities. Leading academic and professional experts in the field of children’s rights, international law and other relevant disciplines offer inspiring and interactive lectures, seminars and excursions in and around the historical university town of Leiden. Professionals and advanced students are welcome to apply. A limited amount of scholarships are available for this course. Application deadline: May 1, 2014.

  Human Rights and Transitional Justice (14 – 18 July 2014, The Hague) Transitional Justice and Regional Responses to Conflict
  Past decades have witnessed new approaches and tensions in the interplay between international justice, regional approaches and local responses to conflict. International Courts and Tribunals have sought to develop policies and mechanisms to engage with domestic constituencies and actors. But practice has also shown weaknesses and constraints of international criminal justice institutions. The ICC has faced challenges in its engagements in regional conflicts and new regional initiatives are emerging. At the same time, regional human rights have had to deal with dilemmas of historical justice and transitions. The Summer School explores these developments, including practice and underlying accountability strategies. Professionals and advanced students are kindly invited to apply before May 1, 2014.

  Women, Peace and Security (9 – 20 June 2014, The Hague) Challenges and Achievements
  In 2000 the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325, affirming the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace building, and calling on all parties to take special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence in situations of armed conflict. The 15th anniversary of Resolution 1325 in 2015 has been set as a marker for the achievements and goals on this core issue of international peace and security. This course, a joint initiative of Oxfam Novib and Leiden University, takes a close look at the WPS agenda and enables the participants to increase their knowledge, skills and networks in this field. Professionals and advanced students with a demonstrated interest in the theme are invited to apply before 1 May 2014.

Last week’s events and announcements can be found here. If you would like to post an announcement on Opinio Juris, please contact us.