Victoria hosts debate increasing awareness of the laws of war

The third New Zealand Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot Court competition will be hosted by Victoria’s Faculty of Law this weekend.

Seeking to raise awareness of the laws of war, the competition provides an opportunity for law students to make their case and apply the law in a practical setting. 

This year’s moot problem asks students to make their case on a variety of IHL issues, including protection of cultural property in armed conflict and who can be deemed as directly participating in hostilities.

Teams from Victoria, University of Waikato, Auckland University of Technology, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury and University of Otago have been required to prepare both sides of the problems, which has seen them become familiar with international criminal law from tribunals addressing crimes in, for example, Rwanda, Cambodia and the former Yugoslavia. 

The winning team from the weekend will head to Hong Kong in March to represent New Zealand at an IHL Moot Court competition.

The Judges for the final round are Sir Geoffrey Palmer—former Prime Minister and Law Commissioner and Victoria Distinguished Fellow; Colonel Justin Emerson—Defence Legal Services; and David Vogelsanger—Ambassador of Switzerland to New Zealand.

Competition details

When: Saturday 29 November, 9am–2pm
Where: Government Buildings, Room G07

Moot Final details

When: Saturday 29 November, 4–5pm
Where: Old High Court (access off Stout Street)

Alongside the competition, the New Zealand Association for Comparative Law and the New Zealand branch of the International Law Association will host a seminar titled International Humanitarian Law: Current Topics in Progress, which will include a presentation by Victoria’s Dr Alberto Costi who will discuss the accountability and protection of Private Military and Security Contractors under International Law. 

Seminar details

When: Friday 28 November, 8.45am–12.30pm
Where: Government Buildings, Room G34