Kiwi Students Win Debate on the Role of Law in War

NEWS RELEASE

31 March 2015

Kiwi Students Win Debate on the Role of Law in War

New Zealand students from Victoria University have taken home the top prize at the 13th Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot for Asia Pacific, which deals with fictitious court cases anchored in the realities of war and violence.

Wellington law students Abhiteja Kandarpa and Conor Donohue competed against 23 other university teams from across the region at the annual competition, held in Hong Kong between 12 and 14 March.

The Victoria University team was sponsored by New Zealand Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The pair represented New Zealand after winning the National IHL Moot Court Competition in November last year.

“The moot competitions, both in New Zealand and in Hong Kong, allow students with an interest in international law to have exposure to the specific, fascinating and important branch of law applicable in times of war – IHL, or the law of armed conflict,” New Zealand Red Cross IHL and policy manager Marnie Lloydd says.

“Conor and Abhiteja have proven themselves as great international lawyers and we are sure that the experience will support them in their future studies and careers, as well as hopefully spark an ongoing interest in humanitarian issues and IHL.”

This year’s regional moot involved the simulated trial of a senior military commander, facing charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Participants dealt with subjects related to rules of military occupation, civilian displacement during hostilities, sexual violence, and the protection of cultural property during warfare. @NZRedCross facebook.com/newzealandredcross

“The issues raised in the moot are all too prevalent in real world armed conflict. Exploring these themes exposes students to the practical challenges of implementing IHL and punishing violations,” says Netta Goussac, ICRC’s regional legal adviser for the Pacific.

Conor Donohue, who also won the title of best mooter, says the competition has opened his eyes further to the importance of IHL and international criminal law and the role that these two bodies of law play in ensuring that the worst effects of conflict can be mitigated and prevented.

New Zealand’s annual IHL Moot Court Competitions are held as part of the New Zealand Red Cross ‘Wars, Laws and Humanity’ programme, which supports high school and university students to learn about IHL.

The next national competition is scheduled for December this year. University students from across the country will have the opportunity to make their case before a distinguished panel of moot judges and compete for the chance to represent the country at the 14th Asia-Pacific IHL Moot in Hong Kong in 2016.

ENDS

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