Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies

20/05/2026

19/05/2026

The new generation of spin dictators is increasingly weaponising international police cooperation to silence critics beyond their borders.

From politically motivated Interpol Red Notices to transnational repression targeting journalists, activists, and dissidents, the misuse of international police cooperation poses a growing challenge to human rights, and the independence of institutions.

The Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies and invite you to join the discussion on 9 July 2026

WHEN POLICING BECOMES POLITICAL

International police cooperation in the era of spin dictators

📍 Leiden University, Spui Campus, The Hague

🕕 18:00–20:15* followed by reception

Register here: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/events/2026/07/when-policing-becomes-political

The seminar will bring together leading scholars, barristers, and practitioners to discuss:

* the abuse of Interpol by authoritarian regimes

* state obligations under international law

* transnational repression and political persecution

* the broader challenge posed by the global rise of “spin dictators”

Whether you are a student, practitioner, policymaker, journalist, or simply interested in international law and global politics, we would be delighted to welcome you.

09/05/2026

⏰ Registration for closes on 15 May 2026!

If you require a visa to travel to , we strongly encourage you to begin your application process now. Summer is one of the busiest travel periods, and visa appointment waiting times can become significantly longer in the coming weeks.

: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-arbitration-training-course

: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-humanitarian-law-in-theory-and-practice

: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-criminal-law-from-theory-to-practice

30/04/2026

⏳ Deadline Extended: More time to join us this summer 2026!

Great news for those who were still considering applying: the registration deadline for the has been extended to 15 May 2026.

The summer schools bring together leading experts from around the world in , offering you a unique opportunity to learn from, and connect with, the very best in their fields. Curious who’s joining us this year? Visit our website to meet the speakers.

: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-arbitration-training-course

: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-humanitarian-law-in-theory-and-practice

: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-criminal-law-from-theory-to-practice

22/04/2026

⚖️Meet the minds behind this year’s !

We’re excited to introduce the Academic Coordinators for the International Criminal Law: from Theory to Practice on its 18th edition—Dr. Joe Powderly, María Manuela Márquez Velásquez, and Arvind Pillai.

Bringing together strong academic expertise and fresh perspectives from research and practice, we have carefully designed and refined the programme to make it more relevant, and engaging than ever.

Thanks to their work, the updated programme is now live on our website

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-criminal-law-from-theory-to-practice

Curious to see what’s in The Hague this summer?

30/03/2026

2026 - Understand the impact of humanitarian law in a global context

The Grotius Summer Schools is pleased to welcome Dr. Giulia Pinzauti as our Academic Coordinator for the IHL Summer Course 2026. With a strong background in , , , and professional experience working at the , , and , Dr. Pinzauti brings both academic depth and practical insight to the programme.

This five-day course in is designed for law students and practitioners who want to step back, exchange perspectives, and engage with some of the key questions shaping IHL today.

Under her coordination, participants can expect a thoughtfully curated programme and a strong line-up of speakers from across the field.

Excited to have a summer in The Hague this year? Join us here: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-humanitarian-law-in-theory-and-practice

04/02/2026

On 3 Feb 2026, we were deeply honoured to host an inspiring book launch and discussion with Judge Theodor Meron CMG on the occasion of his new memoir From Surviving the Holocaust to Judging Genocide. This memorable event was held in collaboration between the and the British Embassy The Hague

’s extraordinary life and lifelong dedication to international justice – from surviving the Holocaust to leading some of the most important tribunals in history – remind us of the enduring importance of accountability, legal integrity, and human dignity.

Graced by opening remarks from the to the Netherlands, the event was further honoured by the participation of Prof. Dapo Akande and Ms. Gabrielle McIntyre, with the discussion moderated by Prof. Carsten Stahn.

Thank you to all who contributed to this meaningful discussion and celebration of Judge Meron’s remarkable legacy to and .

15/01/2026

Visit our website to secure your spot for the . Join us in -the city of Peace and Justice, this upcoming .

🌍 Why join?

-Explore current and emerging issues in international law while studying in The Hague
-Learn directly from experienced academics and legal practitioners
-Build connections with law students and young professionals from around the world
-Develop practical knowledge and perspectives that support your academic and career goals

📌Register here:
: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-arbitration-training-course
: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-humanitarian-law-in-theory-and-practice
: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/international-criminal-law-from-theory-to-practice
: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/summer-schools/duke-leiden-institute-in-global-and-transnational-law

18/12/2025

Earlier this month, the Grotius Centre was proudly represented by several colleagues at the Twenty-fourth session of the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court. Through side-events, plenary sessions, and more, members of the Centre actively contributed to key discussions on international criminal justice:

Director Prof. Daniëlla Dam-de Jong participated in a panel on the occasion of the launch of the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor new Policy on Addressing Environmental Damage Through the Rome Statute. She represented the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's World Commission on Environmental Law during the same.

PhD Candidate Emre Acar participated as delegate of Liechtenstein at the ASP plenary sessions, particularly on the issue of non-cooperation and sanctions against the Court, considering his PhD research on the role of the ASP in responding to state resistance.

Prof. Larissa van den Herik played a leading role in several side events on international justice. She acted as chair of a session on advancing a Crimes Against Humanity Convention, side-event discussant on reforming the crime of aggression regime, and as panel moderator on restorative justice and the ICC.

Prof. Carsten Stahn launched a new open access volume on Quality Control in Fraud and Corruption Investigations as part of a CILRAP Panel on Frontiers of International Criminal Law and Justice. The book is part of the Quality Control Project, involving discussions on the interplay between atrocity crime and financial crime.

Assistant Prof. Letizia Lo Giacco was a speaker at the event 'The Evolving Role of NGOs in international courts and tribunals: Limits and opportunities', where she presented her study on the consolidating institutionalization of NGOs at the ICC.

PhD Candidate Joni Van Laeken spoke alongside Dr. Lo Giacco, reflecting on the central role of NGOs as implementing partners in the Trust Fund for Victims' reparations and assistance mandates.

The Grotius Centre continues its long-standing tradition as a leading hub for international law scholarship and engagement, and looks forward to contributing meaningfully to future Assemblies of States Parties.

Read more: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/news/2025/12/grotius-centre-brings-academic-expertise-to-rome-statute-assembly

16/12/2025

🔴 2026 IBA ICC Moot: Pre-Trial Chamber XV Issues Case with Corrections and Clarifications

Pre-Trial Chamber XV of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued its Decision with regards to the Requests for Clarification and Corrections received from participants in the case The Prosecutor v. Droganna Syrax. The amended 2026 Case including the same may be accessed here: https://iccmoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Case-and-Clarifications-2026-IBA-ICC-Moot-Court-Competition.pdf.

The Organizing Office takes this opportunity to also share its official artwork for the 2026 edition, showcasing an essential moment involving the Defendant, President Droganna Syrax of Merine. We are sure teams will recognize what specific moment the artwork showcases! Note: artwork is not to be considered to include new facts. Teams should limit themselves to the content of the case.

We wish teams best of luck while they continue preparations for our 2026 edition, as well as an enjoyable holiday and end of year/semester period ahead.