News & events 2016

Event
15-12-16
Tom Ruys; Luca Ferro
Save the date - 15 & 16 December: Conference on Immunities in International Law

GRILI is hosting – in collaboration with the ULB, UCL, and KUL – a two-day conference on 15-16 December 2016 on ‘Immunities in International Law’. The aim of the conference is to take stock of recent evolutions in immunity, and to offer a comprehensive tour d'horizon of outstanding challenges and controversies. To this end the conference brings together distinguished scholars (Belgian, EU and non-EU) as well as practitioners, civil servants and other experts (e.g. ICC, ILC, EU, Foreign Affairs), to broach the various issues at stake.

Presentations will be grouped into four clusters: jurisdictional immunities, immunity from execution, immunities in the international legal order, and immunities of the armed forces / in armed conflict. Moreover, a roundtable on the immunities of foreign officials will take place, during which the ILC Special Rapporteur Concepción Escobar Hernández will present her views and engage with expert respondents. Finally, the keynote lecture will be given by Judge Christine Van den Wyngaert of the International Criminal Court.

Detailed information on the upcoming two-day international conference - programme, venue, and registration link - can be found here!

Event
22-11-16
GUEST LECTURE FREYA BAETENS

On Tuesday 29 November 2016, 11.30 a.m., prof. dr. Freya Baetens will give a guest lecture on Judicial Review of International Adjudicatory Decisions. The guest lecture is organized in the framework of the lectures of prof. Diederik Bruloot and takes place in auditorium D, Universiteitstraat 4, Ghent.

Prof. dr. Freya Baetens is an Associate Professor of Law and the Director of the LUC Research Centre of Leiden University. 

For more information, please contact prof. Diederik Bruloot.

Event
10-11-16
Tom Ruys
Guest Lecture by Colonel Chris De Cock

On Thursday 10 November 2016, Colonel Chris De Cock (Head of the International Law Department with the Belgian Department of Defense) will give a guest lecture in the framework of the course on the 'Law of Armed Conflict'.

Colonel De Cock will address the issue of 'targeting' in the context of the law of armed conflict.

The guest lecture will take place from 1pm to 3.45 p.m. in room Paddenhoek 1.3, Paddenhoekstraat, Ghent. Persons that are not enrolled in the course on the 'Law of Armed Conflict' are welcome to join, but are invited to signal their attendance beforehand to Ms. Kristien Ballegeer (Kristien.Ballegeer@Ugent.be).

News
21-10-16
Eva Brems
Lecture on Critical Global Studies and Peacekeeping Operations of the UN - 21/10 - UGent

The Ghent Centre for Global Studies and the CCC-research group kindly invite you to a Lecture by Dr. Martin Ottovay Jorgensen (Aalborg University, Denmark) on "Critical Global Studies and the Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations: Capturing the Global with a Multilateral Frontier Framework." 21-10-2016, 10:00-12:00 h

Room -2.1 "von Neumann", Technicum Block 1 (left entrance, floor -2), Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Gent

Martin Ottovay Jorgensen is a post-doc researcher and lecturer at the Institut for Kultur og Globale Studier, Aalborg University, Denmark, and affiliated to the CCC research group, member of the Ghent Centre for Global Studies.

Jorgensen holds a PhD in History on "Revisiting the first United Nations peacekeeping intervention in Egypt and the Gaza Strip, 1956-1967 : a case of imperial multilateralism?" (joint PhD, Aalborg University and Ghent University, 2016) . In his research he examines the Cold War UN Peacekeeping Operations from a platform of post colonialism and global history centred on the case of Danish troops in Gaza from 1956 to 1967, (Congo from 1960 to 1964) and Cyprus from 1964 to 1992. He connects the context of the international, regional and local power relations to provide a frame for the different local groups’ encounters with the incoming troops and the processes of assigning meaning to the connecting and overlapping spaces of ‘home’ and that of ‘mission area’ and each other as ‘the other’.

His research is a contribution to the construction of an alternative and far more than hitherto localized or grounded perspective on peacekeeping operations.

Event
31-05-16
PhD defence Blaise-Pascal Ntirumenyerwa Mihigo on 31/05/2016

"L'optimisation juridique du paiement pour services environnementaux en faveur de la préservation des services environnementaux dans le Bassin du Congo: le cas du Caméroun et de la République Démocratique du Congo"

This research demonstrates that the legal frameworks on the payment for environmental services (PES) in Cameroon and in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) are not fully optimized, and thus undermine the opportunities to better preserve environmental services.
To obtain this result, this research has proceeded in three main phases. First, the theoretical framework of an optimized PES has been shaped by highlighting its indicators and its definition, built from selected existing definitions on PES. Then, the domestic, regional and international legal instruments related to PES in force in Cameroon and in the DRC have been confronted with the indicators and the definition of an optimized PES. Finally, based on the indicators and the definition of an optimized PES, two PES projects (one in Cameroon, called "PES Comminatory project", and another implemented in the DRC,"CBFF-Luki REDD+ project") have been investiguated.
This research has used legal analysis and interviews.

The defence takes place on Tuesday May 31 May 2016, 17.30 p.m. in the Aula - Academieraadzaal, Voldersstraat 9, 9000 Ghent.

Please confirm your presence via BlaisePascal.NtirumenyerwaMihigo@UGent.be before 30/05/2016.

Event
31-05-16
Lecture Mr. Dat Tien Bui

On Tuesday 31 May, 2016, Mr. Dat Tien Bui, lecturer at Vietnam National University and PhD candidate at Macquarie University (Australia) will visit our Faculty in order to present his paper “Assessing Overall Unfairness of Limitations on Fair Trial Rights in Summary Criminal Processes: A Remedy for Due-Process-Evading Justice”.

Abstract:
“In an era of preventive and administrative state, massive limitations on fair trial rights in summary criminal processes (for preventive measures, non-serious offences and regulatory offences) raise concerns about the extent of procedural rights ought to be designed for these procedures. Due to the nature of fair trial rights, overall balancing is the most meaningful sub-test among four sub-tests of proportionality analysis to assess the overall fairness of those limitations on procedural rights. However, it is acknowledged that applying a formulaic balancing process to a bundle of fair trial rights is an extremely thorny and even impossible task. By examining the English and Vietnamese models of due-process-evading summary criminal processes, this article develops two analytical tools, acting as prerequisites for the formulaic overall balancing, to assessing overall (un)fairness of limitations on fair trial rights. First, apart from internal and external overall fairness, I develop reasoning about the two-stage overall fairness. Accordingly, I identify four models of two-stage process and analyse their suitability for different measures. Second, I suggest that it is crucial to determine the core of procedural due process, which is comprised of several essential elements of the right to a fair trial.”

The event will take place at 10.30 a.m. in the Faculty Board Room.

Please register through event manager: https://webapps.ugent.be/eventManager/events/lecturedattienbui

 

Event
03-05-16
Lecture Robert Kolb

THIS LECTURE IS CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES

On 3 May 2016, Prof. Robert Kolb will give a lecture "Changes and continuity in the peaceful settlement of disputes by the League of Nations and the United Nations" (as part of the 2015-16 International Order & Justice Lecture Series at Ghent University).

Prof. Dr. Robert Kolb is a professor at the Université de Genève.

His lecture will take place in the 'Academieraadzaal', Voldersstraat 9, Ghent between 9.00 and 10.30 a.m. Prior online registration is required.

Afterwards, Prof. Kolb will moreover take part in a closed seminar with doctoral students (11.00-12.00 a.m., salons Aula, Voldersstraat 9, Ghent). Separate online registration is also required.

More information: contact Ms. Kristien Ballegeer.

Event
12-04-16
Lecture by Sir Michael Wood

On 12 April 2016, Sir Michael Wood will  give a lecture on "The history and evolution of inter-state arbitration" (as part of the 2015-16 International Order & Justice Lecture Series at Ghent University).

Sir Michael Wood is associated with the International Law Commission and the Cambridge Lauterpacht Centre.

His lecture will take place in the 'Academieraadzaal', Voldersstraat 9, Ghent, between 9.00 and 10.30 am. Prior online registration is required.

Afterwards, Sir Wood will moreover take part in a closed seminar with doctoral students (11.00-12.30 a.m., salons Aula, Voldersstraat 9, Ghent). Separate online registration is required.

More information: contact Ms. Kristien Ballegeer.

 

Event
21-03-16
Lecture by Kevin Jon Heller

On 21 March 2016, Prof. Kevin Jon Heller will give a public lecture on "The history of the international criminal tribunals" (as part of the 2015-16 International Order & Justice Lecture Series at Ghent University).

Prof. Dr. Kevin Jon Heller is a professor at SOAS, University of London and the Melbourne Law School.

His lecture take place in the 'Rode zaal', Universiteitsstraat 4, Ghent between 10 and 11.30 am. Prior online registration is required.

Furthermore, in the afternoon of Monday 21 March, Professor Heller will also take part in a closed seminar with doctoral students (2.00-3.00 p.m., Facultaire Raadzaal, Voldersstraat 3, Ghent). Separate online registration is required.

More information: contact Ms. Kristien Ballegeer.

Event
14-03-16
Lecture by Marko Milanovic

On 14 March 2016, Dr. Marko Milanovic will give a lecture on "The impact of the ICTY on the Former Yugoslavia: a (possibly premature) post-mortem" (as part of the 2015-16 International Order & Justice Lecture Series at Ghent University).

Dr. Marko Milanovic works at the University of Nottingham and is vice-president of the European Society of International Law.

His lecture will take place in the 'Rode zaal', Universiteitsstraat 4, Ghent, between 10 and 11.30 a.m. Prior online registration is required.

Furthermore, in the afternoon of Monday 14 March, Dr. Milanovic will also take part in a closed seminar with doctoral students (2.00-3.00 p.m., Facultaire Raadzaal, Voldersstraat 3, Ghent). Separate online registration is required.

More information: contact Ms. Kristien Ballegeer.

Event
16-02-16
Guest lecture by Ms. Mélanie De Groof, arms expert of the UN Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic
On Tuesday 16 February 2016, Ms. Mélanie De Groof will give a lecture on the importance of political means of dispute settlement, such as fact-finding missions and commissions of inquiry. Ms. De Groof will draw in particular from her experience as the arms expert of the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established by the UN Security Council.
 
This event will take place from 9.30 until 11 a.m. in the Pleading room (Pleitlokaal), Universiteitstraat 4, Ghent.
 
Ms. De Groof holds a master’s degree in law (Antwerp University) and an LL.M in European and International law (Maastricht University). From February 2013 to March 2015, she was a researcher at the Group for Research and Information on Peace and Security (GRIP) in Brussels. Her research work focused on the normative framework governing arms transfers, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, and the threat or use of force in international relations.
 

Prior to joining GRIP, Mélanie de Groof worked as a researcher at Maastricht University (2005-2010), Human Rights Watch (2011) and Handicap International (2011). She conducted several field missions in Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Haiti, Colombia, Kenya and the Central African Republic.

Event
15-02-16
Lecture by Martti Koskenniemi

On 15 February 2016, Prof. Martti Koskenniemi will give a lecture on "Sovereignty and Property: A History of International Law" (as part of the 2015-16 International Order & Justice Lecture Series at Ghent University).

Prof. Dr. Martti Koskenniemi  is a professor at the University of Helsinki and is director at the Erik Castrén Institute of International Law and Human Rights. He is a former Finnish diplomat and former member of the International Law Commission. He is an associate member of the Institut de Droit International. Prof. Koskenniemi is the author of acclaimed works such as The Gentle Civilizer of Nations and From Apology to Utopia.

His lecture will take place in the Academieraadzaal, Voldersstraat 9, Ghent, between 3.00 and 4.30 p.m. Prior online registration is required.

Afterwards, professor Koskenniemi will take part in a closed seminar with doctoral students (5.00-6.00 p.m., salons Aula, Voldersstraat 9, Ghent). Separate online registration is required.

More information: contact Ms. Kristien Ballegeer.

News
29-01-16
Expert Workshop on International Human Rights Systems

A two-day closed expert workshop entitled “Moving Beyond the Good, the Bad and the Ugly: What to Learn From International Human Rights Systems?“, organised by Prof. Yves Haeck and Dr. Clara Burbano-Herrera (Faculty of Law, 29-30 January 2016), will look at international human rights systems from a critical perspective and examine which of their practices have contributed towards ensuring genuine respect for human rights.

During this event, which will be opened by the Dean of the Law Faculty, Prof. Tison, renowned scholars, practitioners, including judges, from Europe, the Americas and Africa, will assess what good practices, strategies and actions to address violations of human rights can be copied from other jurisdictions, and which practices do not deserve to be repeated or replicated. They will discuss opportunities for improving policies and outcomes through the implementation of decisions of international human rights organs and the use of rights, and address the dilemmas in the context of violence, discrimination, exclusion, inequality and economic constraints.

In addition, the most recent publication of Dr. Burbano Herrera and Prof. Dr. Haeck, edited together with Mr. Ruiz-Chiriboga, The Inter-American Court of Human Rights: Theory and Practice, Present and Future (Cambridge, Intersentia, 2015, 832 p) will be presented by Prof. Leo Zwaak (Utrecht University and American University). Drawing on the case law of the Court, this volume analyses crucial developments over the years on both procedural and substantive issues before the Inter-American Court, as well as its relationships with other international human rights adjudicators.

 

News
14-01-16
Job opening UN Association Flanders BE / Internship Red Cross NL

Job opening (BE)

UN Association Flanders Belgium (Vereniging voor de Verenigde Naties - VVN) is looking for a motivated part time secretary to keep the Association running smooth in Leuven from 1 February 2016 onwards.

Responsibilities include organising events, managing internal coordination, contacting external partners and keeping social media communication up to date.

More info: contact the VVN president Prof. Dr. Jan Wouters, Deberiotstraat 34, 3000 Leuven, jan.wouters@ggs.kuleuven.be.

Apply before 22 January 2016 by sending your CV + motivational letter to Jan.Wouters@ggs.kuleuven.be.
 


Internship (NL)

Red Cross Netherlands is offering an internship (stipend of €305 per month fulltime) inThe Hague at the department of International Humanitarian Law to students nearing the end of their Law studies.

Responsibilities include authoring articles on IHL, organising lectures & events and managing social media communication.

Apply before 25 January 2016, more info overall here.