ECCC co-hosted the Cambodian national rounds of the International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition

On Sunday, 11 December 2022, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) co-hosted the Cambodian national rounds of the International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE).

Four teams from participating universities took part in the semi-final and final rounds, which were held inside the ECCC Courtroom and public gallery. Seven Cambodian and foreign legal professionals, including ECCC Trial Chamber Judge Martin KAROPKIN, adjudicated the competition. The winning team, comprising Mr. SIN Chansoppheap, Ms. THONG Ratanakvimean

Ms. NIN Sotheavy, will proceed to compete in the 2023 Regional International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition to be held in Hong Kong.

The ICRC Head of Mission, Ms. Dena FISHER, commented: “It is a great privilege to be able to organize this year’s final round of the IHL Moot Court Competition at the ECCC. It provides a unique and meaningful opportunity for the competing teams to perform their legal arguments in front of a panel of judges in this historic courtroom. I believe the students will gain practical experience from this competition which can help towards their academic and professional success in the future”.

International humanitarian law, as enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, is a set of rules which aim to prevent human suffering and avoid the worst atrocities of war.

Ms. Fisher added: “The ICRC is very grateful to the ECCC for its on-going support to this initiative and for providing such an inspirational experience to the students who have worked so hard to be here. I would like to congratulate all our young lawyers for their achievements in reaching the final stages of the competition and wish them every success in their future endeavours.”

Ms. TANN Boravin from RULE highlighted that: “The IHL moot court competition has been an essential component of young Cambodian law students’ educational experience. Once again this year, in the ECCC Courtroom where the legal and historical memories of Cambodia are established, our law students showcased their legal proficiency and professionalism. I hope that in the next years, more young, enthusiastic and inquisitive students will join this competition to continue its legacies.”

The ECCC congratulates all participating students on their efforts to promote the important principles of international humanitarian law and looks forward to actively supporting such initiatives during its residual functions.

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