Victor Allison, Mina Nur Basmaci, Nareh Derhartounian, and Zej Moczydlowski recently represented WashU Law at the 16th annual International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Roundtable in New York.
The IHL Roundtable is hosted by the Athenaeum Hotel, the Robert Jackson Center, and the Chautauqua Institute. The Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute at WashU Law is one of the original founders and supporters of the Roundtable and sponsored students to attend this year.
The IHL Roundtable is a working retreat for international prosecutors, scholars of international criminal law, and students. This year, the Roundtable included the current or former chief prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), and the International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism for Syria (IIIM).
A highlight of the meeting was the “Prosecutors Roundtable,” during which they reflected on developments in international criminal law and the work of their courts. Then, they joined scholars and students in breakout sessions to discuss emerging issues, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure; crimes against children; democracies versus dictatorships; and the use of force to settle disputes.
Another highlight was the Clara Barton Lecture which was delivered by Andrew Cayley, K.C., former Chief International Co-Prosecutor of the ECCC who is currently a lead prosecutor at the ICC. Professor Margaret M. deGuzman, currently serving as a Judge at the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, delivered the Katherine B. Fite Lecture.
One recurring topic of discussion throughout the week was the emerging convention on crimes against humanity. Support and enthusiasm was expressed for the adoption of this new treaty, which the UN General Assembly will address in October. WashULaw Professor Leila Sadat, director and founder of the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative, has led the drafting and negotiation of this treaty and is currently involved, along with a team of students at WashULaw, in the effort to rally States and non-governmental organizations to support the convention.
