Arrangementsbeskrivelse

Globalization increases the need for instruments making it possible to work more smoothly across borders in order to solve issues of conflict between and among nations and between nations and other actors

In an attempt to bring justice in cases of conflicts between states, war criminals, civil rights issues and economic disputes, a number of international courts, temporary tribunals and similar bodies, have been established during the past decades.

The Danish United Nations Association and iCourts, Centre of Excellence for International Courts,* have joined forces to shed light on lessons learned about international courts, and to invite discussions of the future role of international courts in the face of various challenges, such as globalization.

The conference consists of two sessions: In the first session, we will focus on the historical and legal development of international courts, stretching from the first international court to the proliferation of regional courts. Furthermore, the CICC, an NGO, will give us an insight into their perspectives on and roles in developing international courts.

In the second session, we will focus more concretely on experience gained in different fields of courts and justice. Speakers are two former international judges.

Programme

15.00-15.10  Welcome by organizers

Session 1: International Courts from Cradle to Globalization of Justice

15.10-15.40           

The history of the ICJ (International Court of Justice) – and Challenges for the Future

By Cristina Hoss, Former Legal Officer at the International Court of Justice, The Hague

15.40-16.10           

International Criminal Tribunals – Success or Failure?

By Frederik Harhoff, Former Judge at International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and former Senior Legal Officer at International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)

16.10-16.30

Q & A

16.30-17.00

The Proliferation of Regional Courts – the New Centre of International Law?

By Shai Dothan, Associate Professor, Director of iCourts, Copenhagen

17.00-17.15

Questions and debate 

17.15-17.30

Coffee break and finger sandwiches.

Session 2: Experience and Assessment in Different Fields of Courts and Justice

17.30-17.50

The role of NGOs/Civil Society in Developing Global Justice

By Kirsten Meersschaert, Head of Office, Director of Programs, CICC (Coalition for the ICC) in the Hague.

18.00-18.20

The Authority of International Courts – Law Versus Reality and Interests

By Shai Dothan, Associate Professor, Director of iCourts, Copenhagen

18.20-18.50

The European Court of Human Rights – The Crown Jewel of Europe?

By David Björgvinsson, former judge at the European Court of Human Rights & Professor, iCourts

18.50-19.10

Debate

19.10-19.30

Closing remarks by organizers