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        <title>T.M.C. Asser Instituut news feed</title>
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                <title>[New update] Asser Institute hosts UN Disarmament Fellowship Programme</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-update-asser-institute-hosts-un-disarmament-fellowship-programme/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[Earlier this month, the Asser Institute hosted the delegation of the United Nations (UN) Disarmament Fellowship Programme. The participants of the programme discussed the implications of emerging technologies for disarmament regimes and the role of the EU export controls.]]></description>
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                <title>[New policy brief] &#x2018;A fair fossil fuel phase-out is feasible&#x2019;: SEVEN policy brief presented at the Santa Marta Conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-policy-brief-a-fair-fossil-fuel-phase-out-is-feasible-seven-policy-brief-presented-at-the-santa-marta-conference-on-transitioning-away-from-fossil-fuels/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-policy-brief-a-fair-fossil-fuel-phase-out-is-feasible-seven-policy-brief-presented-at-the-santa-marta-conference-on-transitioning-away-from-fossil-fuels/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Transition away from fossil fuels is not an act of collective sacrifice detached from law. It is a legal, scientific and justice imperative. On the eve of the Santa Marta Conference, twelve climate researchers affiliated with the UvA Climate Institute SEVEN, including Asser researcher Stephanie Triefus, presented a policy brief outlining a just and feasible pathway for phasing out fossil fuels.&#xA;Credits: Kate Ausburn]]></description>
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                <title>[Open access] The EU and distant strangers: The (extra)territorial scope of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/open-access-the-eu-and-distant-strangers-the-extra-territorial-scope-of-the-eu-charter-of-fundamental-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/open-access-the-eu-and-distant-strangers-the-extra-territorial-scope-of-the-eu-charter-of-fundamental-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Does the EU owe human rights obligations toward &#x2018;distant&#x2019; strangers located outside EU borders and if so, why? A new open-access article by Dr. Eva Kassoti, Senior Researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, tackles this important, yet unresolved, question.]]></description>
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                <title>[Podcast interview] AI in the Courtroom: The pros and cons of tech-driven investigations </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/podcast-interview-ai-in-the-courtroom-the-pros-and-cons-of-tech-driven-investigations/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/podcast-interview-ai-in-the-courtroom-the-pros-and-cons-of-tech-driven-investigations/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new edition of the international justice podcast series &#x27;Asymmetrical Haircuts&#x27;, senior researcher Marta Bo (Asser Institute) and associate professor Benjamin Thorne (University of Reading) discuss the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence in international criminal investigations. While Big Tech tools can streamline and accelerate information analysis, they raise a fundamental question: can we trust an algorithm to establish the truth and objectively investigate both incriminating and exonerating evidence?]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] UN Special Rapporteur Ben Saul: &#x201C;We must ensure human rights are mainstreamed throughout all counter-terrorism programming&#x201D;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-un-special-rapporteur-ben-saul-we-must-ensure-human-rights-are-mainstreamed-throughout-all-counter-terrorism-programming/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-un-special-rapporteur-ben-saul-we-must-ensure-human-rights-are-mainstreamed-throughout-all-counter-terrorism-programming/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Professor Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, will keynote the Asser Institute&#x27;s annual training programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism, and the rule of law this August. We spoke with him about the state of global counter-terrorism, human rights and the upcoming Ninth Review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. &#x201C;Targeting civilians on boats at sea with missiles is no different in principle from the US government killing an alleged drug dealer on the streets of Washington D.C. or New York City.&#x201D; An interview.&#xA;By Francesco Baroni]]></description>
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                <title>Civil society perspectives on fossil fuel phase-out: The road to the TAFF conference</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/civil-society-perspectives-on-fossil-fuel-phase-out-the-road-to-the-taff-conference/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/civil-society-perspectives-on-fossil-fuel-phase-out-the-road-to-the-taff-conference/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 14 April 2026, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the Hague Humanity Hub co-organised, together with several NGOs, an event to bring together civil society, policy makers and researchers in the lead up to the conference on first Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels Conference (TAFF) co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands. Discussion centred around how notions of equity and justice should underpin the transition away from fossil fuels.&#xA;Credit: Holland Park Media]]></description>
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                <title>[New interview] &#x27;Born this way, banned anyway&#x27;: the new Olympic policy that can end a woman&#x27;s career over a gene </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-interview-born-this-way-banned-anyway-the-new-olympic-policy-that-can-end-a-womans-career-over-a-gene/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-interview-born-this-way-banned-anyway-the-new-olympic-policy-that-can-end-a-womans-career-over-a-gene/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[At the end of March 2026, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a new policy on the protection of the female (women&#x27;s) category in Olympic sport. Antoine Duval, senior researcher at the Asser Institute published (with Michele Krech) a critical blog on the new IOC policy and contributed to a Joint Statement from Legal Experts on Genetic Sex Testing in Sport, which raised concerns about the compatibility of genetic sex testing with national, European and international law.]]></description>
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                <title>[New project] NWO five-year project on knowledge security: Asser Institute&#x2019;s Academic Director leads key work packages </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-nwo-five-year-project-on-knowledge-security-asser-institute-s-academic-director-leads-key-work-packages/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-nwo-five-year-project-on-knowledge-security-asser-institute-s-academic-director-leads-key-work-packages/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The NWO consortium to investigate knowledge security in a geopolitical context has received a major grant of over six million euros from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) as part of the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA) programme. The Asser Institute&#x2019;s Academic Director Machiko Kanetake will lead the conceptual and normative work packages.]]></description>
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                <title>[New update] Two defended PhD theses on AI, warfare, and international law </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-update-two-defended-phd-theses-on-ai-warfare-and-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-update-two-defended-phd-theses-on-ai-warfare-and-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In March 2026, Asser Institute and Amsterdam Law School researchers Klaudia Klonowska and Taylor Kate Woodcock, successfully defended their doctoral theses on artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations. Their work, conducted within the NWO-funded DILEMA project, raises pressing questions about human agency, legal accountability, and the capacity of international humanitarian law to govern AI-assisted warfare.]]></description>
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                <title>[New interview] Ukrainian judges pursue international criminal law expertise amid air raids </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-interview-ukrainian-judges-pursue-international-criminal-law-expertise-amid-air-raids/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-interview-ukrainian-judges-pursue-international-criminal-law-expertise-amid-air-raids/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[While missiles fall on Ukrainian cities, the country&#x27;s judges and lawyers are doing something quietly remarkable: attending evening training sessions on international criminal law. They show up exhausted, often after sleepless nights broken by air raid sirens, and they keep coming back.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law 2024: International Humanitarian Law under pressure</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-yearbook-of-international-humanitarian-law-2024-international-humanitarian-law-under-pressure/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-yearbook-of-international-humanitarian-law-2024-international-humanitarian-law-under-pressure/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In the latest Volume of the Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law, published by T.M.C. Asser Press and Springer, key controversies relating to the application of international humanitarian law raised by the armed conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine are identified, unpacked, and analysed.]]></description>
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                <title></title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-militaries-are-increasingly-accepting-ai-s-mistakes-in-warfare/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-militaries-are-increasingly-accepting-ai-s-mistakes-in-warfare/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] AI in warfare is reshaping international law</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-ai-in-warfare-is-reshaping-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
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                <title>[Analysis] Concerns persist over Sri Lanka&#x2019;s counter-terrorism law reform</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-concerns-persist-over-sri-lanka-s-counter-terrorism-law-reform/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-concerns-persist-over-sri-lanka-s-counter-terrorism-law-reform/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new counter-terrorism bill in Sri Lanka risks entrenching, rather than resolving, longstanding human rights concerns, writes researcher Niki Siampakou (Asser Institute) in an analysis for East Asia Forum. Despite being presented as a step forward, the new framework falls short of aligning with international legal standards and may put human rights and transitional justice at risk, with potentially serious political and economic ramifications.]]></description>
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                <title>[Open access] Identity under scrutiny: Security and surveillance at the 2026 World Cup</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/open-access-identity-under-scrutiny-security-and-surveillance-at-the-2026-world-cup/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/open-access-identity-under-scrutiny-security-and-surveillance-at-the-2026-world-cup/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics draw nearer, concerns over the impact of heightened border security and surveillance on mega sporting events are rising. In a new open access paper, senior researcher Rumyana van Ark (Asser Institute) warns that the World Cup risks becoming a &#x201C;stage for repression&#x201D; rather than a celebration of football.]]></description>
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                <title>[New blogpost] Upholding international law as a public interest: A comment on Case T-482/25</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-upholding-international-law-as-a-public-interest-a-comment-on-case-t-48225/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-upholding-international-law-as-a-public-interest-a-comment-on-case-t-48225/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A recent case before the General Court of the European Union tested whether civil society organisations can bring collective actions to uphold international law as a public interest. The Association of Jurists for Respect for International Law (JURDI) alleged that the EU&#x2019;s inaction towards violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful. The Court&#x2019;s decision to deny standing raises questions about access to justice and the enforcement of international legal obligations in the EU.]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] When speaking up is dangerous: Inside Venezuela&#x2019;s fight for rights and dignity</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-when-speaking-up-is-dangerous-inside-venezuela-s-fight-for-rights-and-dignity/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-when-speaking-up-is-dangerous-inside-venezuela-s-fight-for-rights-and-dignity/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Victoria is a Venezuelan &#x27;pracademic&#x27; working at the intersection of human rights, migration, and gender. Throughout her career, she was involved in strategic litigation and advocacy before International bodies. Furthermore, she co-coordinated a working group on modern slavery in Venezuela and worked to sustain workshops on the prevention of gender-based violence. As a fellow researcher at the Asser Institute, she examined the Venezuelan State&#x2019;s obligations toward its nationals abroad in the context of the migration and refugee crisis. &quot;For those living in (imperfect) democracies: do not take your institutions for granted&quot;, said Victoria. An interview.&#xA;Families of political prisoners are in vigil outside Zona 7, a detention and torture centre in Caracas (January 2026) by Rosal&#xED; Hern&#xE1;ndez Marcano]]></description>
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                <title>[New short course] International courts are reshaping global justice &#x2013; and this matters for your country&#x2019;s policies </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-short-course-international-courts-are-reshaping-global-justice-and-this-matters-for-your-country-s-policies/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-short-course-international-courts-are-reshaping-global-justice-and-this-matters-for-your-country-s-policies/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From climate litigation to war crimes trials, the relationship between international courts and national systems has entered a new, challenging phase. It is not just about rulings from The Hague; it is about how global standards and national courts interact to fill gaps in accountability. To help professionals navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, the Asser Institute is launching a unique short course, Contemporary developments from international courts and tribunals (22&#x2013;23 June 2026, The Hague). Seats are limited, so save your spot now.]]></description>
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                <title>[New blogpost] Rethinking the corporate role in Russia&#x2019;s war on Ukraine: From accountability to reparations?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-rethinking-the-corporate-role-in-russia-s-war-on-ukraine-from-accountability-to-reparations/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-rethinking-the-corporate-role-in-russia-s-war-on-ukraine-from-accountability-to-reparations/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In this new blogpost written for Business and Human Rights Journal Blog, Asser Institute researcher Dmytro Cherneha looks at due diligence framework and analyses the extent to which business operations in Russia&#x2019;s market or even tax contributions, could imply a failure to respect human rights. He elaborates on suggestions for post-accountability steps in Ukraine&#x2019;s reconstruction, considering potential contributions to remediation programmes.&#xA;Photo by Ivan Bandura on Unsplash]]></description>
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                <title>Three questions regarding the US&#x2019; strike on the Minab school in Iran: Quest for accountability for targeting decisions </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/three-questions-regarding-the-us-strike-on-the-minab-school-in-iran-quest-for-accountability-for-targeting-decisions/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/three-questions-regarding-the-us-strike-on-the-minab-school-in-iran-quest-for-accountability-for-targeting-decisions/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 28 February 2026, the girls&#x2019; school in Minab, Iran, has been hit by a missile. The Minab school was next to a facility of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC). The analysis by Bellingcat of the video footage and satellite image shows that it was a US Tomahawk missile that hit the area. The strike cost the lives of at least 175 people, most of whom are children. Marta Bo, Asser Institute researcher and the coordinator of the research group on disruptive technologies, looked at the legal implications of the school strike. Photo: Mehr News Agency]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Arms companies and impunity: New special issue exposes accountability gap</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-arms-companies-and-impunity-new-special-issue-exposes-accountability-gap/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-arms-companies-and-impunity-new-special-issue-exposes-accountability-gap/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Arms companies continue to operate with near-total legal impunity, even when their weapons can be traced to mass atrocities. That is the central finding of a new special issue of the Business and Human Rights Journal (Cambridge University Press), co-edited by Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz and bringing together nine researchers and practitioners from across three continents.&#xA;Photo by Renaldo Kodra on Unsplash]]></description>
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                <title>[New podcast] Marketing justice: An interview with Georgia Antonopoulou and Christine Schw&#xF6;bel-Patel</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-marketing-justice-an-interview-with-georgia-antonopoulou-and-christine-schwoebel-patel/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[What happens when courts market themselves? In a recent episode of the JurisDictions podcast, Eduardo Silva de Freitas speaks with Georgia Antonopoulou and Christine Schw&#xF6;bel-Patel about how marketing practices are present in justice institutions.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Development at a price: Human rights and the reality of displacement</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-development-at-a-price-human-rights-and-the-reality-of-displacement/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-development-at-a-price-human-rights-and-the-reality-of-displacement/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new monograph from T.M.C. Asser Press and Springer, &#x2018;The Human Cost of Development &#x2013; Situating Development-Induced Displacement in International Human Rights Law&#x2019;, Roman Girma Teshome (Utrecht University) examines one of the most difficult tensions in contemporary development policy: how economic progress can lead to the displacement of communities and the erosion of fundamental rights. The book appears as Volume 104 in the Human Rights Research Series and is published by Asser Press and Springer in collaboration with the Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research (NNHRR).]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] Venezuelan human rights defenders: &#x201C;Venezuelans are not voiceless; they have been unheard&#x201D; </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-venezuelan-human-rights-defenders-venezuelans-are-not-voiceless-they-have-been-unheard/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-venezuelan-human-rights-defenders-venezuelans-are-not-voiceless-they-have-been-unheard/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 3 January 2026, US military operation to capture Nicol&#xE1;s Maduro has ended his time in power but raises significant questions about whether the human rights abuses occurring in Venezuela will continue and how those responsible can be held accountable. Venezuela faces one of the most severe human rights crises in the world. Following the disputed 2024 presidential election, repression escalated dramatically. International observers have documented extrajudicial killings, widespread torture, and nearly two thousands arbitrary detentions.&#xA;Families of political prisoners are in vigil outside Zona 7, a detention and torture centre in Caracas. January 2026. Photo: Rosal&#xED; Hern&#xE1;ndez Marcano]]></description>
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                <title>[Op-ed] Europe&#x2019;s fragmented rearmament undermines its security</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-europe-s-fragmented-rearmament-undermines-its-security/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-europe-s-fragmented-rearmament-undermines-its-security/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Europe&#x27;s uncoordinated rearmament is weakening rather than strengthening its collective defence, argues Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz in a new op-ed published by Euractiv. Without binding procurement mechanisms and shared messaging, European rearmament risks generating confusion rather than credible deterrence.&#xA;Photo by Mick Latter]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] International law as a political question: Judicial deference by EU courts in international affairs</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-international-law-as-a-political-question-judicial-deference-by-eu-courts-in-international-affairs/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-international-law-as-a-political-question-judicial-deference-by-eu-courts-in-international-affairs/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new research paper, Asser Institute researcher Eva Kassoti examines the evolving practice of judicial deference by EU courts in international law issues &#x2013; focusing on cases that involve an external territorial dimension. Judicial deference - the principle where courts decline to second-guess the expertise or policy decisions of the executive and legislative branches - raises fundamental questions about the separation of powers.]]></description>
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                <title>[Open access] The politics of memory laws: Russia, Ukraine, and beyond</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/open-access-the-politics-of-memory-laws-russia-ukraine-and-beyond/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/open-access-the-politics-of-memory-laws-russia-ukraine-and-beyond/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[To mark today&#x2019;s fourth anniversary of Russia&#x2019;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Asser Institute researcher Ulad Belavusau highlights the open-access edition of &#x2018;The Politics of Memory Laws: Russia, Ukraine, and Beyond&#x2019; (Hart-Bloomsbury, 2025). This timely book explores how the Kremlin spent years weaponising history through restrictive legislation, effectively building the legal and psychological foundation for the 2022 invasion long before the first tanks crossed the border.]]></description>
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                <title>[New blogpost] Mind your earbuds: Can neural data be weaponised? </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-mind-your-earbuds-can-neural-data-be-weaponised/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-mind-your-earbuds-can-neural-data-be-weaponised/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[What if the everyday earbuds that you wear could be weaponised &#x2013; not by controlling your brain, but just by reading it? In a new post for OpinioJuris, Asser Institute researchers Carl Emilio Lewis and Jonathan Kwik argue that even &#x27;read-only&#x27; brain&#x2013;computer interfaces (BCIs) could become powerful tools for cognitive warfare. While these devices are designed for harmless tasks like sleep monitoring, their data potential is immense.]]></description>
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                <title>New webinar series helps EU judges navigate group lawsuits</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-webinar-series-helps-eu-judges-navigate-group-lawsuits/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-webinar-series-helps-eu-judges-navigate-group-lawsuits/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, Asser Institute researcher Eduardo Silva de Freitas will participate in the European Commission&#x2019;s &#x2018;Practical Guide for Judges&#x2019; webinars. These sessions are practical, hands-on workshops designed to help judges apply the European Union&#x2019;s &quot;Representative Actions Directive.&quot;]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] From omission to accountability: Reconceptualising superior responsibility in international criminal law</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-from-omission-to-accountability-reconceptualising-superior-responsibility-in-international-criminal-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-from-omission-to-accountability-reconceptualising-superior-responsibility-in-international-criminal-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new monograph from T.M.C. Asser Press and Springer, &#x201C;Prosecuting Superior Responsibility in International Criminal Law: From Tokyo and Nuremberg to The Hague and Beyond&#x201D;, author Humoud Y. Al-Fadhli (Kuwait University) offers a wide-ranging reassessment of one of international criminal law&#x2019;s most contested doctrines: examining how responsibility is attributed to those in positions of military and political authority. Photo: Shutterstock]]></description>
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                <title>[Workshop] Developing legal assessment frameworks for military AI: ELSA Lab Defence</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/workshop-developing-legal-assessment-frameworks-for-military-ai-elsa-lab-defence/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/workshop-developing-legal-assessment-frameworks-for-military-ai-elsa-lab-defence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 29-30 January 2026 at the Asser Institute in The Hague, researchers Jonathan Kwik and Marta Bo organised an interdisciplinary workshop for ELSA Lab Defence. One key component of responsible use is ensuring the ability of key players and decision-makers (such as procurement officers, commanders, industry and developers) to efficiently identify and analyse factors that could pose risks to ELSA compliance.Photo: T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></description>
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                <title>[Call for paper] The European Union as a sanctioning actor: Legal and institutional developments </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-paper-the-european-union-as-a-sanctioning-actor-legal-and-institutional-developments/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-paper-the-european-union-as-a-sanctioning-actor-legal-and-institutional-developments/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER), the T.M.C. Asser Institute and the Multidisciplinary International Network on Sanctions (MINOS) operating at Ghent University invite abstracts for a conference on &#x2018;The European Union as a sanctioning actor: Legal and institutional developments&#x2019; that will take place on 11 December 2026 at the premises of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague.]]></description>
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                <title>[New report] Defence under pressure: why fair trials in Ukraine depend on stronger support for defence lawyers</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-report-defence-under-pressure-why-fair-trials-in-ukraine-depend-on-stronger-support-for-defence-lawyers/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-report-defence-under-pressure-why-fair-trials-in-ukraine-depend-on-stronger-support-for-defence-lawyers/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new report by the Asser Institute (available in English &amp;amp; Ukrainian) highlights why strengthening the functioning of the defence counsel is essential for justice, human rights compliance and Ukraine&#x2019;s European future.]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] Crisis in Venezuela: Asser Institute&#x27;s visiting fellow speaks to NOS</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-crisis-in-venezuela-asser-institutes-visiting-fellow-speaks-to-nos/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-crisis-in-venezuela-asser-institutes-visiting-fellow-speaks-to-nos/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A Venezuelan visiting research fellow at the Asser Institute has spoken to Dutch media about the ongoing human rights crisis in Venezuela, highlighting the fears faced by activists and the uncertain path toward democracy.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] From accession to accountability: Two decades of EU law after enlargement</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-from-accession-to-accountability-two-decades-of-eu-law-after-enlargement/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-from-accession-to-accountability-two-decades-of-eu-law-after-enlargement/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new edited volume from T.M.C. Asser Press/Springer, The European Union 2004-2024: Twenty Years of Legal Experience, Challenges and Growth after Unprecedented EU Enlargement, volume editors Indr&#x117; Isokait&#x117;-Valu&#x17E;&#x117; and Haroldas &#x160;ink&#x16B;nas examine how the European Union has changed legally and institutionally since its largest enlargement, offering a detailed assessment of two decades of integration, challenge and consolidation.Photo: Shutterstock]]></description>
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                <title>[New blog post] &#x2018;What law applies when the alien worldship attacks?&#x2019;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-what-law-applies-when-the-alien-worldship-attacks/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-what-law-applies-when-the-alien-worldship-attacks/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a thought-provoking new blog post, authors Jonathan Kwik (Asser Institute) and Hendrik Mathis Dr&#xF6;&#xDF;ler (University of Salzburg) are using a spectacular fictional conflict - an alien world-ship hovering over Europe - to demonstrate how fictional scenarios can be used for teaching, applying and stress-testing international humanitarian law (IHL).]]></description>
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                <title>More than 350 students from the MENA region registered for the celebratory 15th edition of the free inter-university programme on international criminal law </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/more-than-350-students-from-the-mena-region-registered-for-the-celebratory-15th-edition-of-the-free-inter-university-programme-on-international-criminal-law/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/more-than-350-students-from-the-mena-region-registered-for-the-celebratory-15th-edition-of-the-free-inter-university-programme-on-international-criminal-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Yesterday saw the kickoff of the celebratory 15th edition of the Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure (IUP), a free online course with expert lectures on international criminal law and procedure.&#x202F;More than 350 students from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq have registered for the programme, which is organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, in collaboration with IUSTICOM and the Human Rights Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law of La Sagesse University in Lebanon, with support from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Photo: Shutterstock; La Sagesse University in Lebanon.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Exploring sustainability and investor protection: How international trade and foreign investment shape the global sustainability transition </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-exploring-sustainability-and-investor-protection-how-international-trade-and-foreign-investment-shape-the-global-sustainability-transition/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-exploring-sustainability-and-investor-protection-how-international-trade-and-foreign-investment-shape-the-global-sustainability-transition/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The sustainability transition requires profound shifts in production, consumption, and financing at both national and international levels. In their paper &#x2018;Key Dimensions of International Trade and Investment Law from a Sustainability Perspective&#x2019;, Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh (UvA/SEVEN) and Stephanie Triefus (Asser Institute) examine how international trade and investment law shapes this transition. The analysis shows that a fundamental reorientation of investment and trade treaties, together with stronger national policy coordination, is essential to enable a climate-neutral and sustainable future.]]></description>
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                <title>[New update] Recent developments of foreign terrorist fighters in Syria and Iraq</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-update-recent-developments-of-foreign-terrorist-fighters-in-syria-and-iraq/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-update-recent-developments-of-foreign-terrorist-fighters-in-syria-and-iraq/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) Knowledge Hub, an online resource and database developed collaboratively by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) has been updated to reflect recent developments related to foreign terrorist fighters in Syria and Iraq. The FTF Knowledge Hub remains an essential resource on foreign terrorist fighters and states&#x2019; responses to them, uniquely combining quantitative and qualitative data.]]></description>
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                <title>[New podcast] Strategic litigation: An interview with Nani Jansen Reventlow</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-strategic-litigation-an-interview-with-nani-jansen-reventlow/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-strategic-litigation-an-interview-with-nani-jansen-reventlow/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[&#x201C;Communities themselves, who are affected by injustice, are the ones who actually know what the solutions are&#x201D;. This insight from award-winning lawyer Nani Jansen Reventlow frames a vital shift in legal activism. In a recent interview with Asser Institute researcher Taylor Kate Woodcock, Nani explains why the power to fight injustice - whether it is climate change or racial discrimination - must be returned to the communities that are most affected.&#xA;Photo: Bete van Meeuwen (@betephotography on Instagram)]]></description>
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                <title>The Asser Institute and European Advisory Mission for Ukraine sign a cooperation agreement</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-asser-institute-and-european-advisory-mission-for-ukraine-sign-a-cooperation-agreement/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-asser-institute-and-european-advisory-mission-for-ukraine-sign-a-cooperation-agreement/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute has signed a Cooperation agreement with the European Advisory Mission for Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine) to jointly develop a Knowledge Hub on International Criminal Law for Ukrainian Judiciary (&#x2018;the Hub&#x2019;), a platform aimed at strengthening Ukraine&#x27;s application of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international criminal law (ICL) in domestic courts.&#xA;Photo by Lerone Pieters on Unsplash]]></description>
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                <title>[New blogpost] Can AI independently decide to commit wartime treachery? </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-can-ai-independently-decide-to-commit-wartime-treachery/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-can-ai-independently-decide-to-commit-wartime-treachery/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Defensive AI systems could independently learn to violate the laws of war by mimicking humanitarian organisations, a new analysis warns. In a recent blogpost on Articles of War, researchers Jonathan Kwik and Adriaan Wiese argue that autonomous &#x2018;Cyber Defence Agents&#x2019; may eventually spoof protected symbols, such as the Red Cross emblem, to trick enemies into aborting attacks.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Edited volume &#x2018;The European Union and regionalism: Conceptual and contextual perspectives&#x2019;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-edited-volume-the-european-union-and-regionalism-conceptual-and-contextual-perspectives/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-edited-volume-the-european-union-and-regionalism-conceptual-and-contextual-perspectives/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The new book &#x2018;The European Union and Regionalism &#x2013; Conceptual and Contextual Perspectives&#x2019; (Brill) offers the first critical, legal account of the EU as a Regional International Organisation.]]></description>
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                <title>[New project] TRUST-AI project for judicial training on artificial intelligence kicks off 1 December</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-trust-ai-project-for-judicial-training-on-artificial-intelligence-kicks-off-1-december/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-trust-ai-project-for-judicial-training-on-artificial-intelligence-kicks-off-1-december/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[December 2025 marks the start of the TRUST-AI project to provide trainings for European criminal justice sector professionals on artificial intelligence (AI). In this project, the Asser Institute partners with project coordinator the Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights and the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, in cooperation with a number of European judicial training institutes.]]></description>
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                <title>[Expert presentation] Asser Institute delegation at the OPCW: AI and other emerging technologies in chemical non-proliferation</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/expert-presentation-asser-institute-delegation-at-the-opcw-ai-and-other-emerging-technologies-in-chemical-non-proliferation/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/expert-presentation-asser-institute-delegation-at-the-opcw-ai-and-other-emerging-technologies-in-chemical-non-proliferation/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 20-21 November, two researchers from the Asser Institute presented their expert views at the Annual Meeting of National Authorities at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The Institute&#x2019;s researcher Thea Coventry and academic director Machiko Kanetake presented on the challenges and ways forward for chemical security in the era of technological advancement.]]></description>
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                <title>[Register now] Framing Climate Justice -  an exhibition and panel discussion</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-framing-climate-justice-an-exhibition-and-panel-discussion/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-framing-climate-justice-an-exhibition-and-panel-discussion/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 3 December 2025, from 18:00, the Asser Institute and the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK) will present &#x27;Framing Climate Justice&#x27;, an exhibition that visually investigates the entangled consequences of our current global system.]]></description>
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                <title>[OpinioJuris] Interview with Joyeeta Gupta on protecting the public interest in times of climate change</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/opiniojuris-interview-with-joyeeta-gupta-on-protecting-the-public-interest-in-times-of-climate-change/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/opiniojuris-interview-with-joyeeta-gupta-on-protecting-the-public-interest-in-times-of-climate-change/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an interview for OpinioJuris conducted by researcher Stephanie Triefus, international environment and development scholar Joyeeta Gupta reflects on urgent global challenges in climate governance, calling for transformative action, legal innovation, and a more just sharing of the planet&#x2019;s remaining ecological space.]]></description>
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                <title>[New blogpost] Digital rights enforcement: private international law and representative actions</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-digital-rights-enforcement-private-international-law-and-representative-actions/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-digital-rights-enforcement-private-international-law-and-representative-actions/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new Op-Ed for EU Law Live&#x2019;s Competition Corner, Eduardo Silva de Freitas examines how private international law affects representative actions brought to enforce obligations contained in the European Union&#x2019;s recent digital legislation. He explains that instruments such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) can now be the subject of representative actions, which brings particular attention to situations where infringements affect consumers in more than one Member State.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Comparing regional human rights courts: From Strasbourg to San Jos&#xE9; and beyond</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-comparing-regional-human-rights-courts-from-strasbourg-to-san-jose-and-beyond/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-comparing-regional-human-rights-courts-from-strasbourg-to-san-jose-and-beyond/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new book from T.M.C. Asser Press/Springer, editors Ahmed Almutawa (Durham University, UK) and Konstantinos D. Magliveras (University of the Aegean, Greece) gather a remarkable group of scholars to explore how regional human rights courts actually operate&#x2014;and what their differences tell us about the idea of justice across regions. Photo: @Shutterstock-The European Court of Human Rights Building in Strasbourg, France.]]></description>
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                <title>Amsterdam Law School&#x2019;s Global Justice Session organised for the second time at The Hague&#x2019;s Asser Institute</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/amsterdam-law-school-s-global-justice-session-organised-for-the-second-time-at-the-hague-s-asser-institute/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/amsterdam-law-school-s-global-justice-session-organised-for-the-second-time-at-the-hague-s-asser-institute/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Yesterday, the T.M.C. Asser&#x202F;Instituut&#x202F;and the&#x202F;Amsterdam&#x202F;Law School&#x202F;(ALS) co-organised a new Global Justice Session (GJS) in The Hague, further strengthening the educational links between the two organisations.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Europe&#x2019;s geopolitical shift: The EU&#x2019;s role in a reordering world</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-europe-s-geopolitical-shift-the-eu-s-role-in-a-reordering-world/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-europe-s-geopolitical-shift-the-eu-s-role-in-a-reordering-world/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In the new book &#x201C;A Geopolitical Europe in the Making? The EU&#x2019;s Actorness in a (De-)Globalising World&#x201D;, the editors emphasise that the European Union&#x2019;s strategic goals should be assessed by how effectively it performs in world politics. They conclude that the European Union has made major strides in projecting geopolitical influence, though, for instance, regulatory authority in trade and climate policy, but that structural limits remain. The editors warn that the EU&#x2019;s ability to take decisive action during times of global crisis may be weakened if member states do not fully cooperate.the EU&#x2019;s ability to take decisive action during times of global crisis may be weakened if member states do not fully cooperate.&#xA;Photo: @iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[Register now] 10th T.M.C. Asser Annual Lecture with Spinoza Prize winner Joyeeta Gupta: Protecting the public interest in an era of climate change</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-10th-tmc-asser-annual-lecture-with-spinoza-prize-winner-joyeeta-gupta-protecting-the-public-interest-in-an-era-of-climate-change/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-10th-tmc-asser-annual-lecture-with-spinoza-prize-winner-joyeeta-gupta-protecting-the-public-interest-in-an-era-of-climate-change/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Join us on Wednesday, November 26 2025, at 17.00 hrs CET, in The Hague for the 10th T.M.C. Asser Annual Lecture. This year features Professor Joyeeta Gupta, Spinoza Prize winner, speaking on &quot;Protecting the public interest in times of climate change: from abandoning fossil fuel to sharing our Earth.&#x201D; Register now - seats are limited! Photo: Professor Joyeeta Gupta]]></description>
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                <title>[Sports law] Are human rights challenges facing the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sports-law-are-human-rights-challenges-facing-the-2026-fifa-world-cup-in-the-united-states/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sports-law-are-human-rights-challenges-facing-the-2026-fifa-world-cup-in-the-united-states/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Institute researcher Daniela Heerdt was recently interviewed by Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant about the human rights challenges facing the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States under President Trump&#x27;s policies.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] The art of judicial inquiry: Exploring the ICJ&#x2019;s questioning practice&#x202F;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-art-of-judicial-inquiry-exploring-the-icj-s-questioning-practice/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-art-of-judicial-inquiry-exploring-the-icj-s-questioning-practice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new book by T.M.C. Asser Press, author Karel Wellens (Radboud University Nijmegen) examines the International Court of Justice&#x2019;s (ICJ) long-standing use of questioning during oral proceedings. He argues that judicial questions are not simply rhetorical tools but actively shape deliberations and outcomes in contentious cases. Photo: T.M.C. Asser Institute-International Court of Justice, proceedings (2022)]]></description>
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                <title>[Hague Journal on the Rule of Law] Decoding Xi Jinping&#x2019;s vision for rule of law in China</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/hague-journal-on-the-rule-of-law-decoding-xi-jinping-s-vision-for-rule-of-law-in-china/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 30 Sept 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/hague-journal-on-the-rule-of-law-decoding-xi-jinping-s-vision-for-rule-of-law-in-china/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Hague Journal on the Rule of Law (HJRL), recently ranked 8th among law journals worldwide, has released a special issue dedicated to the question: &#x2018;What is Xi Jinping thought on rule of law?&#x2019; The issue brings together nine articles examining how the Chinese Communist Party has reshaped the rule of law under Xi Jinping&#x2019;s leadership. With six contributions published open access, the volume offers wide-ranging perspectives on a legal philosophy that is shaping China&#x2019;s domestic and international order.&#xA;@Shutterstock: President of the People&#x27;s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, during the G20 summit in Hangzhou, China]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Sanctions against Israel: An international law perspective</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-sanctions-against-israel-an-international-law-perspective/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 25 Sept 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-sanctions-against-israel-an-international-law-perspective/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new article for Just Security, James Patrick Sexton analyses recent proposals made for states to take sanctions against Israel. He concludes that international law permits the creation of certain sanctions against Israel, and that the obligation to prevent genocide arguably requires states, in certain circumstances, to take such measures.]]></description>
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                <title>[Conference presentation] Asser Institute delegation at ESIL 2025: Military applications of AI and Big Tech&#x2019;s role in reconstructing international law</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/conference-presentation-asser-institute-delegation-at-esil-2025-military-applications-of-ai-and-big-tech-s-role-in-reconstructing-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 23 Sept 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/conference-presentation-asser-institute-delegation-at-esil-2025-military-applications-of-ai-and-big-tech-s-role-in-reconstructing-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From 11&#x2013;13 September, a delegation from the Asser Institute attended the 2025 Annual European Society of International Law (ESIL) Conference, organised by the Institute of International and European Union Law at Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin. This year&#x2019;s conference theme was on the many facets of &#x2018;reconstructing international law&#x2019;. The conference was attended by academic director and ESIL board member Machiko Kanetake, senior researcher and strand coordinator Christophe Paulussen, researcher Taylor Kate Woodcock, and publisher at Asser Press Frank Bakker. At the Agora session on &#x2018;Actors of Reconstruction,&#x2019; Taylor Woodcock presented on military applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and the role of Big Tech in the reconstruction of international law.&#xA;Photo: T.M.C. Asser Institute]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Rhetoric and regulation: The (Limits of) Human/AI comparison in debates on military artificial intelligence</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-rhetoric-and-regulation-the-limits-of-humanai-comparison-in-debates-on-military-artificial-intelligence/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 22 Sept 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-rhetoric-and-regulation-the-limits-of-humanai-comparison-in-debates-on-military-artificial-intelligence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The promise of artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous and compelling, yet can it truly deliver &#x2018;better&#x2019; speed, accuracy, and decision making in the conduct of war? As AI becomes increasingly embedded in military targeting processes, legal and ethical debates often compare who performs better, humans or machines? In a new publication, researchers Klaudia Klonowska and Taylor Kate Woodcock argue for the urgent need to critically examine the assumptions behind the human/AI comparison and its usefulness for legal analysis of lawful targeting.&#xA;Photo: @Shutterstock]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Memory Laws on slavery in France and the Netherlands: From guillotines to windmills</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-memory-laws-on-slavery-in-france-and-the-netherlands-from-guillotines-to-windmills/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 19 Sept 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-memory-laws-on-slavery-in-france-and-the-netherlands-from-guillotines-to-windmills/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[When it comes to confronting the dark chapters of colonial history, European nations are trying different approaches. A surprising finding suggests that sometimes saying &#x2018;sorry&#x2019; works better than passing laws. A new article by Ulad Belavusau (Asser Institute), published in the journal Law and Critique (Springer), shows that the Netherlands&#x27; symbolic gestures may be more effective than France&#x27;s formal legislation at acknowledging historical injustices while preserving academic freedom. Photo: RVD - Robin Utrecht (December 2021 - King Willem-Alexander.)]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] When gaming becomes gambling: The hidden risks of video game mechanics on children&#x2019;s rights </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-when-gaming-becomes-gambling-the-hidden-risks-of-video-game-mechanics-on-children-s-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 15 Sept 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-when-gaming-becomes-gambling-the-hidden-risks-of-video-game-mechanics-on-children-s-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new book titled &#x201C;Ready to Play?&#x201D; &#x2013; A Children&#x2019;s Rights Analysis of Gambling-like Elements in Videogames (Asser Press/Springer), author Pieterjan Declerck (Ghent University) argues that the videogame industry should tackle the growing risks of gambling-like features aimed at children. He calls for a fundamental rethink of how children&#x27;s rights are protected in an increasingly commercialised digital environment. Regulators should apply existing gambling, consumer and data protection laws more robustly. Photo: mikkelwilliam @iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[Call for abstracts] International legal resonance workshop: On &#x2018;selective attention&#x2019; in international law</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-abstracts-international-legal-resonance-workshop-on-selective-attention-in-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sept 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-abstracts-international-legal-resonance-workshop-on-selective-attention-in-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is welcoming abstracts for a workshop on &#x2018;International Legal Resonance&#x2019;. Convened by researchers Carl Lewis and Gabriele Chlevickaite, the workshop will take place on Thursday 26 February 2026, at the Asser Institute in The Hague.&#xA;Photo: @iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[Opening Academic Year] Putting the obligations to co-operate and prevent international crimes above geopolitical divides </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/opening-academic-year-putting-the-obligations-to-co-operate-and-prevent-international-crimes-above-geopolitical-divides/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sept 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/opening-academic-year-putting-the-obligations-to-co-operate-and-prevent-international-crimes-above-geopolitical-divides/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[When the International Court of Justice stressed the essential role of states&#x27; &#x2018;obligation to co-operate&#x2019; in its advisory opinion on climate change of 23 July 2025, the pronouncement inevitably carried a deep sense of appeal for solidarity in the seas of geopolitical and military divisions, beyond the contour of climate change. While the Court&#x27;s opinion can be characterised as &#x27;historic&#x27; both in terms of processes and substantive clarity on applicable rules, such characterisation also captures the particular time and space in which the Court was placed in the summer of 2025, where rule- and science-based governmental decisions felt urgently needed. Read here the interview by the Asser Institute with four experts about the ICJ opinion.]]></description>
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                <title>[New policy brief] &#x201C;The use of transnational repression in the name of security: Implications and concerns&quot;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-policy-brief-the-use-of-transnational-repression-in-the-name-of-security-implications-and-concerns/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sept 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-policy-brief-the-use-of-transnational-repression-in-the-name-of-security-implications-and-concerns/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new policy brief for the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), researcher Niki Siampakou (Asser Institute) examines how authoritarian regimes are increasingly engaging in transnational repression &#x2013; the practice of reaching across borders to silence dissidents abroad. The brief shows how tactics such as digital surveillance and intimidation of families threaten national security of host states, undermine the rule of law, and divide communities, and calls for states and international organisations to take action.&#xA;Photo: @Shutterstock]]></description>
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                <title>[Launch] Knowledge hub on international criminal law for Ukrainian judiciary</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/launch-knowledge-hub-on-international-criminal-law-for-ukrainian-judiciary/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 01 Sept 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/launch-knowledge-hub-on-international-criminal-law-for-ukrainian-judiciary/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 8 September 2025, the Asser Institute and European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) will launch the &#x201C;Knowledge Hub on International Criminal Law for the Ukrainian Judiciary&#x201D; in Kyiv, Ukraine. This initiative will work directly with Ukrainian judges to bridge the gap between them and international legal experts, connecting judges with trusted information sources, guidance, and professional networks. The launch marks a crucial milestone in strengthening Ukraine&#x27;s justice sector as the country continues navigating ongoing armed conflict while conducting large-scale investigations and trials of international crimes.&#xA;Photo: @ssu.gov.ua - A sentencing hearing of a war crimes case in Ukraine, May 2023]]></description>
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                <title>Kurdistan Center for International Law and Asser Institute sign legal cooperation agreement</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/kurdistan-center-for-international-law-and-asser-institute-sign-legal-cooperation-agreement/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/kurdistan-center-for-international-law-and-asser-institute-sign-legal-cooperation-agreement/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A delegation from the Kurdistan Center for International Law, headed by executive director Mr Hawre Ahmed, visited the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague this week to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for bilateral cooperation on research and training activities in international law.&#xA;Photo: Managing director Kasper Vrolijk (Asser Institute) and Mr Hawre Ahmed (Kurdistan Center for International Law).]]></description>
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                <title>[Updated] Four new countries added to the Foreign Fighters Knowledge Hub</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/updated-four-new-countries-added-to-the-foreign-fighters-knowledge-hub/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/updated-four-new-countries-added-to-the-foreign-fighters-knowledge-hub/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) Knowledge Hub, an online resource and database developed collaboratively by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), has been expanded to include four additional countries: the Maldives, Uzbekistan, Kosovo and Sweden. This expansion includes comprehensive profiles for each country, detailing their counterterrorism frameworks and providing up-to-date statistics on foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs).&#xA;Photo: Tunisia Live, @Flickr]]></description>
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                <title>[New Project] Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz awarded NWO grant for Rearming Europe with Legal Accountability (RELY)</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-awarded-nwo-grant-for-rearming-europe-with-legal-accountability-rely/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-awarded-nwo-grant-for-rearming-europe-with-legal-accountability-rely/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Institute senior researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz was awarded an NWO SSH XS Grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) for the project Rearming Europe with Legal Accountability (RELY).&#xA;Photo: @European Union, 2025, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons]]></description>
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                <title>[Last chance] Strengthen your expertise on counter-terrorism and disarmament law this summer</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/last-chance-strengthen-your-expertise-on-counter-terrorism-and-disarmament-law-this-summer/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/last-chance-strengthen-your-expertise-on-counter-terrorism-and-disarmament-law-this-summer/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This summer, you can still take part in two landmark training programmes marking fifteen years of legal education at the Asser Institute. Whether your focus is on tackling terrorism or preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), these advanced, expert-led legal courses provide you an opportunity to deepen your knowledge, develop your professional skills, and network and engage with a global community of peers.&#xA;Photo: @Hilko Visser]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Justice on hold: The consequences of non-cooperation with the International Criminal Court</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-justice-on-hold-the-consequences-of-non-cooperation-with-the-international-criminal-court/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-justice-on-hold-the-consequences-of-non-cooperation-with-the-international-criminal-court/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new book from Asser Press argues that the International Criminal Court (ICC) must look beyond its founding treaty, the Rome Statute, to confront a growing crisis of states refusing to cooperate. In &quot;The Consequences of Non-cooperation with the International Criminal Court,&quot; author Melville Ludwig Jacobs (Palack&#xFD; University Olomouc) asserts that when nations fail to assist the ICC, it not only harms the court&#x27;s credibility but also leaves victims without justice and undermines the global rule of law. Jacobs proposes that to address this legal vacuum, the ICC should draw on broader principles of general international law to respond effectively. His bold proposition is a call for a fundamental rethink of how the international community can ensure global justice when cooperation breaks down.&#xA;@iStock, ID: 1677497930-International Criminal Court.]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] From startup to global top 10: The Hague Journal on the Rule of Law&#x27;s rise to academic prominence</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-from-startup-to-global-top-10-the-hague-journal-on-the-rule-of-laws-rise-to-academic-prominence/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-from-startup-to-global-top-10-the-hague-journal-on-the-rule-of-laws-rise-to-academic-prominence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As the Hague Journal on the Rule of Law rose to number 8 among law journals worldwide in the 2024 Journal Citation Reports, we interviewed Ronald Janse, the journal&#x2019;s editor-in-chief about this milestone. For Janse, the key to their success is clear: a focus on relevance, quality, and accessibility. What does this achievement mean for legal scholarship, for the importance of open access publishing, and for the ongoing effort to keep the rule of law alive. An interview.&#xA;Photo: T.M.C. Asser Press]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] &#x201C;Digital yes-men: How to deal with sycophantic military AI?&#x201D;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-digital-yes-men-how-to-deal-with-sycophantic-military-ai/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-digital-yes-men-how-to-deal-with-sycophantic-military-ai/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new publication, researcher Jonathan Kwik (Asser Institute) examines sycophantic military AI assistants. He explores the reasons behind &#x2018;bootlicking&#x2019; behaviour in AI systems, highlights the significant battlefield dangers it presents, and proposes a two-part strategy comprising improved design and enhanced training to mitigate these risks for military forces. Photo: 2536676195 @ShutterStock]]></description>
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                <title>[New podcast] &#x2018;The litmus test of Palestine&#x2019; - A conversation with Ammar Hijazi, Ambassador and Head of the Palestinian Mission to the Kingdom of the Netherlands</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-the-litmus-test-of-palestine-a-conversation-with-ammar-hijazi-ambassador-and-head-of-the-palestinian-mission-to-the-kingdom-of-the-netherlands/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-the-litmus-test-of-palestine-a-conversation-with-ammar-hijazi-ambassador-and-head-of-the-palestinian-mission-to-the-kingdom-of-the-netherlands/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a brand-new episode of JurisDictions, the Asser Institute&#x2019;s international law podcast, researcher Dr Carl Lewis interviews Ammar Hijazi, Ambassador and Head of the Palestinian Mission to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to International Organizations in The Hague.&#xA;Photo: @UNWRA - Wikimedia (2024) Displaced Palestinians in Deir el Balah line up to receive food provided by charitable organisations.]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] ICJ climate opinion puts &#x27;final nail in coffin&#x27; of states&#x27; excuses, experts argue</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-icj-climate-opinion-puts-final-nail-in-coffin-of-states-excuses-experts-argue/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-icj-climate-opinion-puts-final-nail-in-coffin-of-states-excuses-experts-argue/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Last week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a &quot;historic&quot; Advisory Opinion on climate change obligations, calling it &quot;an existential problem of planetary proportions.&quot; Though not legally binding, the Court&#x27;s emphasis on international cooperation and law&#x27;s potential to address the crisis offers new hope. Academic director Machiko Kanetake (Asser Institute) asked four legal experts &#x2013; Nata&#x161;a Nedeski, Kate Mackintosh, Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, and Yusra Suedi &#x2013; what this means for climate policies and litigation. An interview.&#xA;Photo: @Thurgga Vigneswaran - People demonstrating at the International Court of Justice in The Hague prior to the Court&#x27;s Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change - 23 July 2025]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] In the public interest - Community engagement in counter-terrorism</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-in-the-public-interest-community-engagement-in-counter-terrorism/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-in-the-public-interest-community-engagement-in-counter-terrorism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new publication, researcher Zs&#xF3;fia Baumann (Asser Institute/University of Amsterdam) highlights how community engagement can significantly enhance policies on preventing and countering violent extremism (&#x2018;P/CVE&#x2019;). Baumann argues that by empowering local communities, these policies can more effectively address radicalisation and support the reintegration of former violent extremists. Photo: spfoto on iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] &#x2018;Iterative assessment&#x2019;: A framework for safer military AI systems?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-iterative-assessment-a-framework-for-safer-military-ai-systems/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-iterative-assessment-a-framework-for-safer-military-ai-systems/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new publication, researcher Jonathan Kwik (Asser Institute) proposes an innovative approach to reduce civilian harm from successive deployments of military artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The chapter offers practical guidance for militaries committed to responsible AI use, providing a roadmap based on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) principles that can be used for protecting civilian populations while maintaining operational effectiveness. Photo: shutterstock-2413619159]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Could transitional justice approaches offer new perspectives on how we respond to terrorism?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-could-transitional-justice-approaches-offer-new-perspectives-on-how-we-respond-to-terrorism/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-could-transitional-justice-approaches-offer-new-perspectives-on-how-we-respond-to-terrorism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new chapter by researcher Niki Siampakou (Asser Institute) explores how transitional justice - a framework traditionally used in post-authoritarian or post-conflict settings to address large-scale human rights violations - can complement and inform counter-terrorism efforts.&#xA;Photo: tuaindeed on istock]]></description>
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                <title>[Op-ed] Keti Koti: &#x201C;The Dutch model of public and unifying apologies deserves international attention&#x201D;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-keti-koti-the-dutch-model-of-public-and-unifying-apologies-deserves-international-attention/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-keti-koti-the-dutch-model-of-public-and-unifying-apologies-deserves-international-attention/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Uladzislau Belavusau, senior researcher at the Asser Institute, has published an opinion piece in Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant arguing that the Netherlands&#x27; approach to addressing its colonial past offers a compelling alternative to restrictive memory laws adopted by other European countries. Belavusau: &#x201C;Let Ketikoti remind us not only of the past, but also of the wisdom with which we give that past &#x2013; constitutionally and morally &#x2013; its place.&#x201D;&#xA;Photo: @Pexels - Slavery monument in Rotterdam by artist Alex da Silva, commemorating the Dutch history of slavery. The art work is titled: &#x27;Clave: The body that is a slave leaves, the soul that is free remains&#x27;.]]></description>
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                <title>[New report] The transparency deficit in European arms exports</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-report-the-transparency-deficit-in-european-arms-exports/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-report-the-transparency-deficit-in-european-arms-exports/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Hague, 30 June 2025 &#x2013; A new report by the Asser Institute in cooperation with the University of Amsterdam International Law Clinics reveals that European states continue to impose substantial barriers to transparency in weapons transfers. The findings have significant implications for international efforts to enhance accountability in the global arms trade, especially as defence spending escalates worldwide, including the recent plan by the European Union to invest &#x20AC;800 billion in defense by 2030.&#xA;Photo: The 2024 International Law Clinic team at the University of Amsterdam: Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz (supervisor), Jiaxin Li, Zia Wendt, Jennifer Bunnik, Jan Melk, and Ana Gobillon.]]></description>
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                <title>[Podcast] Establishing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine: An interview with H.E. Dr Anton Korynevych</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/podcast-establishing-the-special-tribunal-for-the-crime-of-aggression-against-ukraine-an-interview-with-he-dr-anton-korynevych/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/podcast-establishing-the-special-tribunal-for-the-crime-of-aggression-against-ukraine-an-interview-with-he-dr-anton-korynevych/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[For the first time in history, a dedicated tribunal is being established to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression. Photo: istock]]></description>
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                <title>[New report] The special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine: Legal assessment and policy recommendations</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-report-the-special-tribunal-for-the-crime-of-aggression-against-ukraine-legal-assessment-and-policy-recommendations/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-report-the-special-tribunal-for-the-crime-of-aggression-against-ukraine-legal-assessment-and-policy-recommendations/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, 25 June 2025, Ukraine&#x27;s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset signed the historic agreement to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine within the framework of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. This marks the first time in history that a dedicated tribunal is being established to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression.&#xA;Photo: The Asser Institute&#x27;s new report on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression offers the first legal analysis of the tribunal and its legal and policy considerations.]]></description>
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                <title>[Analysis] U.S. Supreme Court rules for gun companies, but legal pathways remain open</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-us-supreme-court-rules-for-gun-companies-but-legal-pathways-remain-open/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-us-supreme-court-rules-for-gun-companies-but-legal-pathways-remain-open/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for Just Security, researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz analyses a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, which unanimously ruled that Mexico&#x2019;s lawsuit against seven U.S. gun manufacturers and one distributor is barred by the immunity they enjoy under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). The ruling reversed an earlier decision that had permitted some of Mexico&#x2019;s claims to move forward. Castellanos-Jankiewicz: &#x201C;Ultimately, Mexico&#x2019;s lawsuit has shifted the conversation around corporate responsibility for wrongful arms sales&#x2014;a victory that extends beyond any single court ruling.&#x201D;&#xA;Photo: Flickr - CC 2.0. TexasGovVote]]></description>
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                <title>New resources to strengthen defence and fairness of conflict-related trials in Ukraine</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-resources-to-strengthen-defence-and-fairness-of-conflict-related-trials-in-ukraine/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-resources-to-strengthen-defence-and-fairness-of-conflict-related-trials-in-ukraine/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[To strengthen Ukraine&#x2019;s defence function in conflict-related criminal cases, the Asser Institute today launched its new Strategic Report: Supporting Defence Counsel in Conflict-Related Criminal Cases in Ukraine, following the recent release of its Handbook for Legal Professionals in Ukraine: Ensuring the Fairness of Conflict-Related Trials. Both initiatives respond to growing concerns that unequal resources between prosecution and defence threaten fair trial standards essential for Ukraine&#x2019;s European integration. To boost the defence&#x2019;s capacity and resilience, the Strategic Report suggests next steps including coordinated training, a national defence network, peer support, and sustained government and institutional backing.&#xA;Photo: Ukrainian Bar Association - Launch of the Strategic Report in Kyiv earlier this month]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Rethinking the protection of dual-use infrastructure in conflict: The civilian protection challenge</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-rethinking-the-protection-of-dual-use-infrastructure-in-conflict-the-civilian-protection-challenge/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-rethinking-the-protection-of-dual-use-infrastructure-in-conflict-the-civilian-protection-challenge/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As modern armed conflicts increasingly impact civilian infrastructure, new research is calling for an urgent reassessment of how international humanitarian law (IHL) approaches dual-use objects. In a new publication from Asser Press and Springer, legal scholar Francesca Capone critically examines the legal treatment of infrastructure that serves both civilian and military functions, such as energy systems, transport networks and communication facilities&#xA;Photo: Shutterstock, Asset ID: 2134120847]]></description>
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                <title>European Commission publishes long-awaited report on Brussels I-bis Regulation &#x2013; the backbone of EU private international law.</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/european-commission-publishes-long-awaited-report-on-brussels-i-bis-regulation-the-backbone-of-eu-private-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/european-commission-publishes-long-awaited-report-on-brussels-i-bis-regulation-the-backbone-of-eu-private-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The European Commission has published its long-anticipated Report on the application of the Brussels Ia Regulation (Regulation No 1215/2012, also known as Brussels I-bis). Often referred to as the &#x2018;backbone of EU private international law&#x2019;, this key legal instrument governs jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters across the EU. The Report draws extensively on the main findings of JUDGTRUST project led by Asser Institute researcher Vesna Lazi&#x107; and the resulting book.&#xA;Photo: istock]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Australia&#x27;s investment treaties under scrutiny: A push for human rights and green transition</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-australias-investment-treaties-under-scrutiny-a-push-for-human-rights-and-green-transition/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-australias-investment-treaties-under-scrutiny-a-push-for-human-rights-and-green-transition/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As Australia moves to renegotiate its bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with Argentina, Pakistan, and T&#xFC;rkiye, new research is highlighting the critical need to integrate human rights and environmental considerations into these agreements. A submission by Asser Institute researchers Stephanie Triefus and Dmytro Cherneha, commends the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade&#x27;s efforts while urging a comprehensive approach that prioritises people and planet.&#xA;Photo: Julia Gomina on iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[Call for papers] Emerging voices in private international law</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-emerging-voices-in-private-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-emerging-voices-in-private-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is welcoming abstracts for its panel &#x201C;Emerging Voices in Private International Law&#x201D;, as part of the Institute&#x2019;s 60-year anniversary conference on &#x201C;Adapting private international law in an era of uncertainty&#x201D;. PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers are invited to submit a 400-word abstract by 15 August 2025 for the opportunity to present in The Hague on 24 October 2025.&#xA;Photo: istock]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] Bibi van Ginkel: &#x201C;We are currently dealing with a &#x2018;hybridisation&#x2019; of threats, which is a far more complex than the past&#x201D;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-bibi-van-ginkel-we-are-currently-dealing-with-a-hybridisation-of-threats-which-is-a-far-more-complex-than-the-past/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-bibi-van-ginkel-we-are-currently-dealing-with-a-hybridisation-of-threats-which-is-a-far-more-complex-than-the-past/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Extremist threats are growing increasingly complex and hybrid in nature. Counter-terrorism expert Bibi van Ginkel (International Center for Counter-terrorism) outlines how the landscape of violent extremism and terrorism is reshaped by ideological blending, digital ecosystems, and transnational networks. &#x201C;This &#x2018;hybridisation&#x2019; makes it much harder to detect clear warning signs, coordinate responses for security services, policymakers, and practitioners.&#x201D; An interview.&#xA;Photo: Poulssen on iStock]]></description>
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                <title>Stephanie Triefus wins 2025 Praemium Erasmianum Dissertation Prize</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/stephanie-triefus-wins-2025-praemium-erasmianum-dissertation-prize/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/stephanie-triefus-wins-2025-praemium-erasmianum-dissertation-prize/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Institute researcher Stephanie Triefus has been named one of the winners of the 2025 Praemium Erasmianum Dissertation Prizes. The award, granted by the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation, is one of the most prestigious honours for PhD research in the Netherlands. Photo: Protests for Rosia Montana by davidionut on Istock]]></description>
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                <title>[Op-ed] Scholars warn for silent revolution in warfare driven by AI-powered decision systems</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-scholars-warn-for-silent-revolution-in-warfare-driven-by-ai-powered-decision-systems/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-scholars-warn-for-silent-revolution-in-warfare-driven-by-ai-powered-decision-systems/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Researchers Marta Bo (Asser Institute) and Jessica Dorsey (Utrecht University) have published a critical op-ed in Dutch quality paper NRC Handelsblad, shedding light on a silent revolution in modern warfare. Their piece, titled &quot;Er is een stille revolutie gaande in de manier waarop strijdkrachten beslissingen nemen in oorlogstijd,&quot; highlights the rapidly increasing use of AI-based Decision Support Systems (AI-DSS) in military operations.&#xA;Photo: Army Capt. Eric Tatum assigned to the Army Futures Command&#x27;s Artificial Intelligence Integration Center, conducts field testing with the Inspired Flight 3 Drone during Project Convergence 2022 at Fort Irwin, Calif., Oct. 27, 2022. Army Sgt. Woodlyne Escarne]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] Google skips due diligence for cloud services to Israel</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-google-skips-due-diligence-for-cloud-services-to-israel/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-google-skips-due-diligence-for-cloud-services-to-israel/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new story published in The Intercept reveals that tech company Google had serious concerns about providing state-of-the-art cloud and machine-learning services to Israel. The piece quotes Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz weighing on Google&#x2019;s contractual inability to conduct proper risk assessments.&#xA;Photo: Me dia on Shutterstock]]></description>
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                <title>KNAW Early Career Partnership award for proposal on international legal resonance</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/knaw-early-career-partnership-award-for-proposal-on-international-legal-resonance/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/knaw-early-career-partnership-award-for-proposal-on-international-legal-resonance/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Researcher Carl Emilio Lewis (Asser Institute/University of Amsterdam) has been granted a prestigious KNAW Early Career Partnership 2025. This award, presented by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), recognises promising young researchers and provides &#x20AC;10,000 to organise an interdisciplinary meeting.&#xA;Photo: Roy Gilham on Istock]]></description>
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                <title>[New blog post] The quiet rise of &#x2018;deep sensing&#x2019;: how AI is reshaping military intelligence</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-the-quiet-rise-of-deep-sensing-how-ai-is-reshaping-military-intelligence/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 26 May 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-the-quiet-rise-of-deep-sensing-how-ai-is-reshaping-military-intelligence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new blog post by researchers Klaudia Klonowska (Asser Institute) and Sofie van der Maarel (Netherlands Defense Academy) sheds light on the burgeoning concept of &quot;deep sensing&quot; within military artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The authors raise attention and urge scholars in the field of military AI not to overlook military initiatives labeled as &#x2018;deep sensing&#x2019; technologies and their impacts on warfighting.&#xA;Photo: Dragos Condrea on iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[New blogpost] The Nationality lottery: Why deprivation of nationality does not constitute direct discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-the-nationality-lottery-why-deprivation-of-nationality-does-not-constitute-direct-discrimination-on-the-basis-of-ethnic-origin/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blogpost-the-nationality-lottery-why-deprivation-of-nationality-does-not-constitute-direct-discrimination-on-the-basis-of-ethnic-origin/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a recent blog post on Verfassungsblog, research intern Santiago Dresen analyses a significant ruling by the Amsterdam District Court. He examines the court&#x27;s finding that revoking Dutch nationality from dual citizens convicted of terrorism-related crimes constitutes unlawful direct discrimination based on ethnic origin. Dresen argues that the ruling conflates nationality with ethnicity and misapplies established legal standards of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Photo: GolubaPhoto on Shutterstock]]></description>
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                <title>Amsterdam Law School&#x2019;s Global Justice Session for the first time organised at The Hague&#x2019;s Asser Institute</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/amsterdam-law-school-s-global-justice-session-for-the-first-time-organised-at-the-hague-s-asser-institute/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/amsterdam-law-school-s-global-justice-session-for-the-first-time-organised-at-the-hague-s-asser-institute/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the Amsterdam Law School (ALS) have marked a small milestone in their strengthening partnership with the first-ever Global Justice Session (GJS) held at the Asser Institute in The Hague. The session, focused on &quot;Accountability for International Crimes in Ukraine&quot;, brought students from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) to the heart of international justice on Monday May 19, 2025. Photo: Asser Institute]]></description>
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                <title>[Save the date] Renowned climate expert Prof. Joyeeta Gupta to deliver the T.M.C. Asser Annual Lecture 2025</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-renowned-climate-expert-prof-joyeeta-gupta-to-deliver-the-tmc-asser-annual-lecture-2025/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-renowned-climate-expert-prof-joyeeta-gupta-to-deliver-the-tmc-asser-annual-lecture-2025/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute is very pleased to announce that Professor Joyeeta Gupta, winner of the prestigious Spinoza Prize and a leading global voice on climate and environmental governance, will deliver the 10th T.M.C. Asser Annual Lecture. The lecture, which will address the need for abandoning fossil fuel and the role of social movements and independent courts providing access to climate justice, will take place on Wednesday 26 November 2025 in the Hoge Raad, The Hague. Please mark your calendar.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Examining Europe&#x2019;s foreign fighter conundrum through the lens of the rule of law and human rights</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-examining-europe-s-foreign-fighter-conundrum-through-the-lens-of-the-rule-of-law-and-human-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-examining-europe-s-foreign-fighter-conundrum-through-the-lens-of-the-rule-of-law-and-human-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new book titled Europe&#x2019;s Foreign Fighter Conundrum: Legal Responses, the Rule of Law, and Human Rights, explores how Europe can address the security challenges posed by foreign fighters without compromising its commitment to the rule of law and human rights. Written by Tarik Gherbaoui, a researcher in international law at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, this timely monograph focuses on the complex legal responses to European individuals who joined the armed conflict in Syria and Iraq.&#xA;Photo: @Shutterstock]]></description>
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                <title>[New blog post] More than a verdict: Local perspectives on the Pakistan Reko Diq dispute</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-more-than-a-verdict-local-perspectives-on-the-pakistan-reko-diq-dispute/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-more-than-a-verdict-local-perspectives-on-the-pakistan-reko-diq-dispute/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post on the Business and Human Rights Journal blog, authors Asif Khan, Dmytro Cherneha and Stephanie Triefus argue that the arbitration case between the Australian copper company Tethyan v. Pakistan has largely overlooked local perspectives, prioritising resource development over the well-being of affected communities.&#xA;Photo: IslandHopper X from pexels]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] &#x201C;Guarding knowledge in the AI era&quot; - Publisher Frank Bakker on the evolving role of academic publishers</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-guarding-knowledge-in-the-ai-era-publisher-frank-bakker-on-the-evolving-role-of-academic-publishers/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-guarding-knowledge-in-the-ai-era-publisher-frank-bakker-on-the-evolving-role-of-academic-publishers/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an era where anyone with internet access can create content and AI threatens to flood the marketplace of ideas, who safeguards the quality of knowledge that shapes our societies? For Frank Bakker, publisher at T.M.C. Asser Press, the answer remains clear: dedicated academic publishers. &quot;As academic publishers, we must keep working hard to uphold the quality of academic publications and to protect academic integrity. Artificial intelligence should be a tool to improve academic work, not to replace it,&quot; he asserts with conviction as he prepares to pass the torch after a distinguished three decade-long career. An interview.&#xA;Photo: Asser Institute]]></description>
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                <title>[New update] The Foreign Terrorist Fighters Knowledge Hub</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-update-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-update-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) Knowledge Hub, an open-access online resource developed by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), has just been updated to incorporate recent developments surrounding states&#x2019; responses to foreign terrorist fighters. In doing so, the FTF Knowledge Hub continues to be an essential resource on FTFs and states&#x2019; responses to them, uniquely combining quantitative and qualitative data. Photo: Shutterstock]]></description>
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                <title>[City of Peace and Justice] Hague project seeks to bridge peace and justice gap with youth</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/city-of-peace-and-justice-hague-project-seeks-to-bridge-peace-and-justice-gap-with-youth/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/city-of-peace-and-justice-hague-project-seeks-to-bridge-peace-and-justice-gap-with-youth/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Hague, globally known as the International City of Peace and Justice, is grappling with a disconnect between its prestigious international institutions and its younger residents. A new project, &quot;Youth in the City of Peace and Justice,&quot; aims to bridge this gap, fostering engagement with peace, justice, and human rights among the city&#x2019;s youth.&#xA;Photo: Haagse Hogeschool]]></description>
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                <title>[New recording] ASIL 2025 closing plenary: Can arms trade bring about peace?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-recording-asil-2025-closing-plenary-can-arms-trade-bring-about-peace/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-recording-asil-2025-closing-plenary-can-arms-trade-bring-about-peace/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The world is rearming. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, world military expenditure rose 9.4 per cent in real terms to $2718 billion in 2024. Against this backdrop, the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of International Law (ASIL) closed with a vital question: Can arms trade bring about peace? The full video of the session, held on 18 April at the Washington Hilton, is now available online.]]></description>
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                <title>Experts urge immediate safeguards on military use of AI Decision-Support systems</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/experts-urge-immediate-safeguards-on-military-use-of-ai-decision-support-systems/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/experts-urge-immediate-safeguards-on-military-use-of-ai-decision-support-systems/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A group of leading legal scholars has called on the international community to urgently regulate the use of artificial intelligence-based decision-support systems (AI-DSS) in military operations, warning that current frameworks fail to address the profound risks these systems pose to international humanitarian law and human judgment. Unlike autonomous weapon systems, which have been the focus of UN discussions for over a decade, AI-DSS remain largely unregulated and under-scrutinised.&#xA;Photo: Diy13]]></description>
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                <title>[Call for papers] Early career workshop on EU external relations law: reviving multilateralism &#x2013; what role for the EU?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-early-career-workshop-on-eu-external-relations-law-reviving-multilateralism-what-role-for-the-eu/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-early-career-workshop-on-eu-external-relations-law-reviving-multilateralism-what-role-for-the-eu/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut, the Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER), Utrecht University and the University of Groningen are pleased to announce the Early career workshop on &#x2018;EU external relations law: reviving multilateralism &#x2013; what role for the EU?&#x2019;. The workshop will take place on 4-5 December 2025 at the Asser Institute in The Hague. PhD candidates and early career researchers are invited to submit 500-word abstracts on the legal dimensions of the European Union&#x2019;s role in rebuilding multilateralism. The deadline for abstracts is 30 June 2025. Photo: skyfish]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] Klaudia Klonowska: &#x201C;The calls for &#x2018;human judgement&#x2019; in AI warfare are not matched by developments in military defence&#x201D;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-klaudia-klonowska-the-calls-for-human-judgement-in-ai-warfare-are-not-matched-by-developments-in-military-defence/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-klaudia-klonowska-the-calls-for-human-judgement-in-ai-warfare-are-not-matched-by-developments-in-military-defence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape the future of military operations, Asser Institute PhD researcher Klaudia Klonowska discusses how machine learning is rapidly transforming military decision-making, particularly in terms of AI-enabled decision-support systems (AI-DSS). &#x201C;Despite AI&#x2019;s portrayal in the media as a highly sophisticated technology, machine learning is still evolving - and so is our understanding of how to manage and govern it. Legal scholars need to engage with developers to make sure these systems reflect legal principles, especially in high-stakes conflict environments.&#x201D; An interview. Photo: @Picryl - US military defence operator.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] The EU and questions of &#x2018;territory&#x2019; under public international law</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-eu-and-questions-of-territory-under-public-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-eu-and-questions-of-territory-under-public-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Territory is a cardinal concept of international law and it is intrinsically linked to core tenets thereof, including sovereignty, Statehood and jurisdiction. However, despite its centrality, the concept of &#x2018;territory&#x2019; is not often discussed in international legal literature, and it remains a blind spot of international law, writes researcher Eva Kassoti in her new paper &#x201C;The EU and Questions of Territory under Public International Law.&quot;&#xA;Photo: Image by Hadrian]]></description>
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                <title>[Call for papers] Early career conference on humanitarian disarmament</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-early-career-conference-on-humanitarian-disarmament/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-early-career-conference-on-humanitarian-disarmament/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute has announced its &#x2018;Early career conference on humanitarian disarmament&#x27; to be held September 11-12, 2025 in The Hague. Doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers are invited to submit 250-word abstracts on the topic of &#x2018;humanitarian disarmament&#x2019;, which seeks to establish and implement legal norms that prevent and remediate harm to people and the environment rather than states. The deadline for abstracts is 17 July 2025, with full papers (1,500 words) due by 18 August 2025. Photo: Photo by MikeDotta]]></description>
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                <title>Mongolian judicial academy and Asser Institute sign cooperation agreement</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/mongolian-judicial-academy-and-asser-institute-sign-cooperation-agreement/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/mongolian-judicial-academy-and-asser-institute-sign-cooperation-agreement/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Judicial Training, Research and Information Academy of Mongolia and the Asser Institute in The Hague have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a framework for bilateral cooperation in judicial training and research.&#xA;Photo: Asser Institute]]></description>
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                <title>[New blog post] Slovakia&#x2019;s forced labour law for doctors</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-slovakia-s-forced-labour-law-for-doctors/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-slovakia-s-forced-labour-law-for-doctors/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In their new blog post on Human Rights Here, Hendrik Mathis Dr&#xF6;&#xDF;ler (Asser Institute) and Richard Patassy discuss the legal implications of a controversial new law in Slovakia. This new law compels doctors to continue working during emergencies, raising concerns about forced labour and human rights violations.&#xA;Photo: Image generated by ChatGPT]]></description>
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                <title>[ASIL 2025] Closing plenary: Can arms trade bring about peace?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asil-2025-closing-plenary-can-arms-trade-bring-about-peace/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asil-2025-closing-plenary-can-arms-trade-bring-about-peace/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On April 18, researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz will moderate the closing plenary of the 2025 annual meeting of the American Society of International Law (ASIL) in Washington D.C.. The closing plenary, sponsored by the Asser Institute and the Municipality of The Hague, is one of the highlights of ASIL&#x2019;s annual meeting. This year&#x2019;s closing plenary, &#x201C;Can Arms Trade Bring About Peace?&#x201D;, will address the important yet overlooked role of weapons transfers in ensuring stability, as well as the consequences of their misuse as wars intensify worldwide.&#xA;Photo by Wizard Goodvin]]></description>
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                <title>[CLEER Paper Series] The legal implications of the EU&#x27;s geopolitical awakening</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/cleer-paper-series-the-legal-implications-of-the-eus-geopolitical-awakening/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/cleer-paper-series-the-legal-implications-of-the-eus-geopolitical-awakening/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Against the backdrop of a growing trade war with the United States, a timely new paper series examines the European Union&#x27;s move towards &#x27;strategic autonomy&#x27;. Edited by Asser Institute researchers Narin Idriz, Eva Kassoti, and Joris Larik (Leiden University), the volume explores the legal implications of its shift from &#x27;soft power&#x27; to &#x27;hard power&#x27; in a rapidly changing global landscape. Photo by Alexandros Michailidis]]></description>
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                <title>[New project] Advancing the rule of law in Ukraine: strengthening the judicial system and freedom of expression</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-advancing-the-rule-of-law-in-ukraine-strengthening-the-judicial-system-and-freedom-of-expression/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-advancing-the-rule-of-law-in-ukraine-strengthening-the-judicial-system-and-freedom-of-expression/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute has been granted a subsidy from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to start a new MATRA project aimed at bolstering Ukraine&#x2019;s rule of law and media freedom as the country continues its path toward EU accession. The project, co-implemented with the Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC) will focus on enhancing the fairness and transparency of Ukraine&#x27;s judicial system while strengthening protections for media freedom and freedom of expression.&#xA;Photo: Efrem Efre]]></description>
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                <title>New Jurisdictions podcast episode tackles football governance and landmark rulings</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-jurisdictions-podcast-episode-tackles-football-governance-and-landmark-rulings/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-jurisdictions-podcast-episode-tackles-football-governance-and-landmark-rulings/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A brand new episode of the Jurisdictions podcast delves into the complex world of international sportslaw and the governance of football. Featuring sports law expert Antoine Duval, the episode &#x27;Rights, transfers, and transnational law: Exploring football&#x27;s legal and regulatory landscape&#x27; explores the intricacies of the football transfer system, focusing particularly on the seismic shifts brought about by the Bosman (1995) and Diarra (2024) rulings.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Rethinking genocide law: Exploring the legal right of groups to exist</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-rethinking-genocide-law-exploring-the-legal-right-of-groups-to-exist/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-rethinking-genocide-law-exploring-the-legal-right-of-groups-to-exist/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new publication, &#x2018;Genocide and the Right of Groups to Exist: An International Criminal Law Account&#x2019; (Asser Press) by Dimitrios Kourtis, re-examines genocide as a legal concept, offering a fresh perspective on the rights of groups under international criminal law. The book presents a novel approach to the Genocide Convention by exploring the recognition of groups as rights-holders, challenging conventional interpretations and providing deeper insights into the legal framework protecting vulnerable communities.&#xA;Photo: iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] UvA and Asser Institute researchers explore digital tools in sustainability regulation</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-uva-and-asser-institute-researchers-explore-digital-tools-in-sustainability-regulation/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-uva-and-asser-institute-researchers-explore-digital-tools-in-sustainability-regulation/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an interview with the Amsterdam Law School (University of Amsterdam), researchers Klaas Eller (UvA) and Antoine Duval (Asser Institute) talk about their innovative project DigiChain, which explores how digital technologies are transforming sustainability due diligence in global supply chains. Do digital tools actually help in preventing human rights violations and environmental degradations, and how do they interpret and reshape legal norms? Photo by Kindel Media]]></description>
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                <title>[Movies that Matter film screening] The Reckoning Project: Ukraine testifies</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/movies-that-matter-film-screening-the-reckoning-project-ukraine-testifies/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/movies-that-matter-film-screening-the-reckoning-project-ukraine-testifies/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Join us on Wednesday 26 March, for a free screening of three powerful short documentaries from The Reckoning Project, a vital initiative bearing witness to the realities of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These films document crucial testimonies and investigate war crimes and environmental crimes through the compelling voices of those directly affected.&#xA;Still from CHORNOBYL22 - Author: Oleksiy Radynski]]></description>
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                <title>[New blog post] Investment treaties: protecting transition investments, but are they just?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-investment-treaties-protecting-transition-investments-but-are-they-just/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-investment-treaties-protecting-transition-investments-but-are-they-just/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new post on the blog of the Business and Human Rights Journal, former Asser intern Rafaella Monesi and Asser researcher Stephanie Triefus argue that international investment law is more a hinderance than a help to the clean energy transition. Taking the example of the closure of the Cobre Panam&#xE1; copper mine, the researchers show that investment arbitration is being used to protect foreign investment projects that are detrimental to the environment and associated with human rights abuses. By Stephanie Triefus and Rafaella Monesi]]></description>
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                <title>[Law Clinic] Arms trafficking and human rights</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/law-clinic-arms-trafficking-and-human-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/law-clinic-arms-trafficking-and-human-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This week, the third edition of the international law clinic on access to justice for arms exports has been launched by the University of Amsterdam in cooperation with the Asser Institute and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The pro bono clinic will examine the relationship between the Firearms Protocol and state obligations under international human rights law. Photo by Franklin Pe&#xF1;a Gutierrez]]></description>
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                <title>[Blog post] Should mandatory human rights due diligence be based on social expectations?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-should-mandatory-human-rights-due-diligence-be-based-on-social-expectations/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-should-mandatory-human-rights-due-diligence-be-based-on-social-expectations/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On the tenth anniversary of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), Asser Institute researcher Antonio Guzm&#xE1;n Mutis examines the definition basis of corporate responsibility in a new blog post. Should corporate responsibility continue to rely on industry expectations, or should mandatory due diligence laws be rooted in human rights justifications? Photo by ThisisEngineering]]></description>
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                <title>[Call for papers] Legal assessment of EU integration in the Western Balkans</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-legal-assessment-of-eu-integration-in-the-western-balkans/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-legal-assessment-of-eu-integration-in-the-western-balkans/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Europa Institute (Leiden University) and the Asser Institute are organising a joint workshop on &quot;A Legal Assessment of (EU) Integration in the Western Balkans,&quot; on 31 October 2025, in The Hague. For this workshop, they are inviting 600 word paper proposals by academics on the following three themes: 1) Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs) and enlargement; 2) The legal dimension of (economic) cooperation in the region, and 3) A view from the Western Balkan countries.&#xA;Photo by Alexandros Michailidis]]></description>
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                <title>Dr Machiko Kanetake appointed as new academic director of the Asser Institute</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/dr-machiko-kanetake-appointed-as-new-academic-director-of-the-asser-institute/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/dr-machiko-kanetake-appointed-as-new-academic-director-of-the-asser-institute/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Hague &#x2013; 10 March 2025 - The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is delighted to announce that Dr Machiko Kanetake has been appointed as Chairperson of the Executive Board and Academic Director, starting on 1 July 2025. She will also become a professor at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Machiko brings a wealth of experience in public international law research and a distinguished record of academic leadership and institutional development. Machiko Kanetake and managing director Kasper Vrolijk will jointly form the executive board of the Asser Institute.]]></description>
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                <title>[Call for papers] CLEER conference 2025: shifting institutional dynamics in EU external relations</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-cleer-conference-2025-shifting-institutional-dynamics-in-eu-external-relations/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-cleer-conference-2025-shifting-institutional-dynamics-in-eu-external-relations/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut invite abstracts for a conference on &#x2018;Shifting institutional dynamics in EU external relations&#x2019; that will take place on 12th December 2025 at the premises of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague. By Eva Kassoti&#xA;Photo by George Khelashvili]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Exploring sustainability in EU&#x2019;s external relations</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-exploring-sustainability-in-eu-s-external-relations/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-exploring-sustainability-in-eu-s-external-relations/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new book in the &#x2018;Global Europe: Legal and Policy Issues of the EU&#x2019;s External Action&#x2019; entitled &#x27;EU External Relations Law and Sustainability - The EU, Third States and International Organizations&#x27; provides an in-depth analysis of how sustainability measures are adapted in the European Union&#x2019;s external relations. Edited by Ramses A. Wessel, Jamile B. Mata Diz, J&#xFA;lia P&#xE9;ret T. Tarsia and Saide Esra Akdogan, this volume brings together experts to examine the legal and policy frameworks that shape the EU&#x2019;s sustainability commitments.&#xA;Photo: iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Investment arbitration perpetuates environmental injustice</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-investment-arbitration-perpetuates-environmental-injustice/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-investment-arbitration-perpetuates-environmental-injustice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[New research sheds light on how extractive foreign investment projects affect local communities and their environment. In their chapter &quot;Polenta and Cyanide? Investment Arbitration as Prospective Environmental Injustice in Ro&#x219;ia Montan&#x103;&quot;, researchers Stephanie Triefus and Irina Velicu (CES-UC, ULBS) talked to people affected by these projects and found that the system used to settle foreign investment disputes often excludes local community voices.&#xA;Photo by @salajean]]></description>
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                <title>[New blog post] UK-EU fish fight: first major post-Brexit legal battle nears verdict</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-uk-eu-fish-fight-first-major-post-brexit-legal-battle-nears-verdict/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-uk-eu-fish-fight-first-major-post-brexit-legal-battle-nears-verdict/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The first major legal dispute between the UK and EU under their post-Brexit trade agreement is set to reach its conclusion next month, centering on Britain&#x27;s controversial ban on sandeel fishing in its waters, writes researcher Eva Kassoti in a new blog post on Verfassungsblog.&#xA;By Eva Kassoti&#xA;By ollo (iStock)]]></description>
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                <title>[Policy brief] Can Rules of Engagement and military directives effectively control military AI?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-brief-can-rules-of-engagement-and-military-directives-effectively-control-military-ai/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-brief-can-rules-of-engagement-and-military-directives-effectively-control-military-ai/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape modern warfare, the need for effective control over military AI systems has become increasingly urgent. Insights from a recent expert workshop, led by researcher Jonathan Kwik and colleagues, underscore the need for strategic, flexible, and context-specific AI guidelines.]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] Acting academic director Christophe Paulussen: &quot;It&#x27;s precisely because the ICC holds power to account that it faces resistance&quot;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-acting-academic-director-christophe-paulussen-its-precisely-because-the-icc-holds-power-to-account-that-it-faces-resistance/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-acting-academic-director-christophe-paulussen-its-precisely-because-the-icc-holds-power-to-account-that-it-faces-resistance/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) escalate and global leaders increasingly defy international conventions, the foundations of global justice face their greatest test in decades. Christophe Paulussen, acting academic director and chairperson of the executive board of the Asser Institute, warns of a dangerous shift in world order where power politics threatens to override established legal frameworks. &#x201C;While one could reasonably argue that the ICC is facing an existential crisis because of these challenges, one could also assert they actually demonstrate its effectiveness &#x2013; it&#x27;s precisely because the court is holding powerful figures accountable that it&#x27;s facing such resistance.&#x201D; An interview.]]></description>
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                <title>[Blog symposium] Mandatory human rights due diligence in practice: Lessons from France&#x2019;s duty of vigilance law</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-symposium-mandatory-human-rights-due-diligence-in-practice-lessons-from-france-s-duty-of-vigilance-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-symposium-mandatory-human-rights-due-diligence-in-practice-lessons-from-france-s-duty-of-vigilance-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The French duty of vigilance law is a groundbreaking regulation mandating corporate human rights and environmental due diligence for the largest French companies. Despite its pioneering role in Europe, the implementation law has remained underexplored academically. Business &amp;amp; human rights experts Antoine Duval (Asser Institute) and Nadia Barnaz (Wageningen University) have co-edited a blog symposium on the Business and Human Rights Journal Blog, aiming to dive into different dimensions of the law&#x2019;s implementation.&#xA;Photo by Shiwam]]></description>
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                <title>[Exhibition] &#x2018;Lens on law: Edges of proximity&#x2019;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/exhibition-lens-on-law-edges-of-proximity/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jan 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/exhibition-lens-on-law-edges-of-proximity/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the Royal Academy of Art The Hague proudly present &#x201C;Lens on law: Edges of proximity&#x201D; - a collective exhibition in West Den Haag, that explores the intersection of international law and visual arts. From 28 February until 14 March 2025 you are very welcome to join us on a journey that connects international law, art and society in unexpected and exciting ways. Demystifying the architecture of the International Criminal Court in The Hague by @Daria Radu]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Are courts effectively protecting individual rights? Rule of law backsliding on national security matters</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-are-courts-effectively-protecting-individual-rights-rule-of-law-backsliding-on-national-security-matters/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-are-courts-effectively-protecting-individual-rights-rule-of-law-backsliding-on-national-security-matters/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In their new article, researchers Dr Rumyana van Ark and Tarik Gherbaoui examine the intersection between national security measures, judicial deference, and the rule of law. They highlight the dangers of normalising expansive national security provisions which can compromise the effective protection of human rights.&#xA;@Gorodenkoff - The dangers of normalising expansive national security provisions can compromise the effective protection of human rights]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] Shelter City Research Fellow Lou: Documenting children&#x27;s rights in the Philippines </title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-shelter-city-research-fellow-lou-documenting-childrens-rights-in-the-philippines/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-shelter-city-research-fellow-lou-documenting-childrens-rights-in-the-philippines/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Lou*, a Filipina human rights defender with a local human rights network, is dedicated to documenting gross human rights violations against children and young people in her country. As a Shelter City Research Fellow at the Asser Institute, she is investigating the accessibility of international justice mechanisms for child victims. Lou observes, &quot;In the Philippines, human rights are more of a privilege, than actual rights.&quot; An interview.&#xA;By Audrey Nguyen Photo: People in the Market Place by Nic Law]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] The global debate on hate speech and its criminalisation</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-global-debate-on-hate-speech-and-its-criminalisation/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-global-debate-on-hate-speech-and-its-criminalisation/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new publication entitled &#x2018;Criminalising Hate Speech: A Comparative Study&#x2019; (Asser Press), edited by Eric Heinze, focuses on the complex and urgent issue of hate speech. This is the world&#x2019;s first publication to offer detailed, country-by-country studies from international experts in free speech and human rights. Photo: Shutterstock]]></description>
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                <title>[Sports law] EU advocate general cites Asser Institute researcher in opinion challenging the Court of Arbitration for sport</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sports-law-eu-advocate-general-cites-asser-institute-researcher-in-opinion-challenging-the-court-of-arbitration-for-sport/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sports-law-eu-advocate-general-cites-asser-institute-researcher-in-opinion-challenging-the-court-of-arbitration-for-sport/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A potential landmark ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is challenging the authority of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the long-standing arbiter of key disputes in transnational sports governance. CJEU&#x2019;s Advocate General Tamara C&#x301;apeta&#x2019;s opinion, published yesterday, suggests that athletes and organisations should have the right to challenge CAS awards on the basis of EU law in the national courts of EU member states, potentially subjecting sports governance to much greater judicial oversight.&#xA;Photo: Shutterstock]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] A global perspective on animal law and welfare</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-a-global-perspective-on-animal-law-and-welfare/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-a-global-perspective-on-animal-law-and-welfare/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new book, entitled &#x201C;Animal Law: Comparative and Global Perspectives&#x201D; (T.M.C. Asser Press), edited by Federico Dalpane and Maria Baideldinova, shows that legal frameworks worldwide are evolving to address the welfare, protection and legal status of animals. The authors see a trend among countries to amend their constitutions to explicitly include animal welfare, signalling a growing global recognition of animals&#x27; intrinsic value.&#xA;Photo: iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[Human Rights Council] United Nations to highlight Asser Institute call for transparency in Italy&#x2019;s arms exports</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/human-rights-council-united-nations-to-highlight-asser-institute-call-for-transparency-in-italy-s-arms-exports/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/human-rights-council-united-nations-to-highlight-asser-institute-call-for-transparency-in-italy-s-arms-exports/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Monday 20 January, recommendations made by experts from the Asser Institute regarding Italy&#x2019;s arms exports will be discussed at the 48th session of the United Nation&#x2019;s Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. According to these recommendations, Italy should incorporate human rights due diligence in the decision-making process about its arms exports.&#xA;Photo: Daniel Nouri; The UN has concerns about the human rights impact of Italian arms exports.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] New pathways toward supply chain accountability</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-new-pathways-toward-supply-chain-accountability/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jan 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-new-pathways-toward-supply-chain-accountability/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The amount of due diligence standards regulating supply chains is rapidly increasing worldwide. In a recent symposium published in the American Journal of International Law Unbound, researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz and his co-authors bring much-needed clarity on the meaning of these new measures.&#xA;Photo: Utsab Ahamed Akash; Photograph of a Man Carrying a Sack]]></description>
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                <title>New Year&#x2019;s academic resolutions? Achieve them with our training programmes in 2025</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-year-s-academic-resolutions-achieve-them-with-our-training-programmes-in-2025/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-year-s-academic-resolutions-achieve-them-with-our-training-programmes-in-2025/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Stop procrastinating. Start exercising. Get organised. You know the drill&#x2026;. The academic choices you make this year are yours, and they have the potential to shape your future in significant ways. So stay ahead in your studies and career with our 2025 training programmes! Join us in The Hague, City of Peace and Justice, to embark on a journey of professional growth, knowledge enhancement and building lifelong networks in critical fields like counterterrorism, disarmament, corporate sustainability, and more. Ready to take the next step? Discover our upcoming programmes and enrol today.]]></description>
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                <title>[New podcast episode] The rules of modern warfare and ancient traditions</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-episode-the-rules-of-modern-warfare-and-ancient-traditions/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-episode-the-rules-of-modern-warfare-and-ancient-traditions/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[What can ancient philosophies, theologies and laws teach us about ethical warfare today? A brand new episode of our JurisDictions podcast on international law takes you on a journey to explore humanitarian principles, from modern warfare to ancient traditions. Listen to our brand new JurisDictions podcast episode on the roots of international humanitarian law (IHL).]]></description>
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                <title>Towards a more just future: Transitional justice course for Ukrainian civil servants</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/towards-a-more-just-future-transitional-justice-course-for-ukrainian-civil-servants/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/towards-a-more-just-future-transitional-justice-course-for-ukrainian-civil-servants/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[To help address the complex challenges arising from the Russia-Ukraine war, the Asser Institute, UpRights, and the Hague Academy for Local Governance have developed a training programme to enhance Ukranian officials&#x2019; understanding of transitional justice issues, such as reparations, reconciliation, and the restoration of public services. In 2024, close to a hundred Ukrainian civil servants received a specialised training, and are now leading training initiatives for hundreds of their colleagues. Building on the strong engagement and positive outcomes, the partners plan to extend the reach of the programme in 2025.&#xA;Photo: (May 2024) Ukrainian government officials that completed a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on transitional justice in The Hague.]]></description>
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                <title>Nearly 340 students for 14th edition of free inter-university programme on international criminal law</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/nearly-340-students-for-14th-edition-of-free-inter-university-programme-on-international-criminal-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/nearly-340-students-for-14th-edition-of-free-inter-university-programme-on-international-criminal-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, nearly 340 students from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq will kick off with the 14th edition of the Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure (IUP), a free online course with expert lectures on international criminal law and procedure. The training programme is organised by T.M.C. Asser Instituut, in collaboration with IUSTICOM, the Human Rights Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law (La Sagesse University) in Lebanon, with support of AUF. Photo: Shutterstock; La Sagesse University in Lebanon. More than 340 students from Lebanon and the Mena region have enrolled the Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure.]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] International investigative body proposed to combat impunity for journalist killings</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-international-investigative-body-proposed-to-combat-impunity-for-journalist-killings/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-international-investigative-body-proposed-to-combat-impunity-for-journalist-killings/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new report by the Asser Institute and the Center for International Criminal Justice (VU Amsterdam) proposes the establishment of an International Investigative Support Body (IISB) to respond to the murders of journalists and support national and international investigative efforts.&#xA;Photo: Jose Hernandez; Portrait of Lenka Klicperova covering the war in Ukraine]]></description>
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                <title>[Blog post] ICC warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant could be a watershed moment for AI accountability in warfare</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-icc-warrants-for-netanyahu-and-gallant-could-be-a-watershed-moment-for-ai-accountability-in-warfare/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-icc-warrants-for-netanyahu-and-gallant-could-be-a-watershed-moment-for-ai-accountability-in-warfare/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for OpinioJuris, legal expert Marta Bo (Asser Institute) argues that the recent ICC arrest warrants for Israeli officials Netanyahu and Gallant could offer a unique opportunity to set a precedent for addressing the complex ethical and legal implications of using artificial intelligence in warfare.&#xA;Photo: Shutterstock; The International Criminal Court in The Hague]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] Lens on law: &#x201C;Sometimes I get hyper-focused and end up talking about drones with my mom or even during a date&#x201D;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-lens-on-law-sometimes-i-get-hyper-focused-and-end-up-talking-about-drones-with-my-mom-or-even-during-a-date/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-lens-on-law-sometimes-i-get-hyper-focused-and-end-up-talking-about-drones-with-my-mom-or-even-during-a-date/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Can art make international and European law more accessible to the public? An innovative project by the Asser Institute and the Royal Academy of Art The Hague (KABK) explores this question through the lens of photography. For three months, 4th year Photography students of the KABK are collaborating with international law researchers to deliver a visual narrative of international law&#x2019;s role in society, culminating in a public exhibition. We interviewed the talented students Salome Erni, Daria Radu and Anastasia T.. &#x201C;I think that art can be a great facilitator for the translation of law into something everyone can relate to.&#x201D; An interview.&#xA;By Audrey Nguyen Photo: Kim Nguyen]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Ot van Daalen explores the intersection of information security and human rights</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-ot-van-daalen-explores-the-intersection-of-information-security-and-human-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-ot-van-daalen-explores-the-intersection-of-information-security-and-human-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Ot van Daalen&#x2019;s new book From Encryption to Quantum Computing - The Governance of Information Security and Human Rights examines the complex intersection of information security and human rights in the digital age. With rapid developments in quantum computing and encryption technologies, van Daalen studies the challenges of safeguarding privacy and security in an increasingly interconnected world.&#xA;Photo: Tero Vesalainen]]></description>
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                <title>Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz on Dutch arms exports to Israel: &#x2018;All weapons are used to gain military advantage, and all can be misused&#x2019;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-on-dutch-arms-exports-to-israel-all-weapons-are-used-to-gain-military-advantage-and-all-can-be-misused/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-on-dutch-arms-exports-to-israel-all-weapons-are-used-to-gain-military-advantage-and-all-can-be-misused/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[International legal expert Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz (Asser Institute/University of Amsterdam), was recently interviewed by journalists from the investigative platforms Follow the Money and The Investigative Desk about the Dutch arms export policy. The story, published this morning, sheds light on how the Netherlands has increasingly relaxed its interpretation of international rules on military exports to Israel, despite ongoing conflicts in the region.&#xA;Photo: Public domain; Israeli Defense Forces - November 2023]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] Counter-terrorism expert Rumyana van Ark: &#x2018;All children should be considered as vulnerable&#x2019;</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-counter-terrorism-expert-rumyana-van-ark-all-children-should-be-considered-as-vulnerable/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-counter-terrorism-expert-rumyana-van-ark-all-children-should-be-considered-as-vulnerable/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In the recently published book &#x2018;Children&#x2019;s Rights, &#x201C;Foreign Fighters&#x201D;, Counter-Terrorism: Children of Nowhere,&#x2019; Asser senior researcher Rumyana van Ark and her co-authors call for policymakers to incorporate a more child-centric approach to counter-terrorism. &#x27;We want to redirect the conversation away from the (potential) wrongdoing of the parents, and on to one of the most vulnerable groups in the world&#x27;. An interview.&#xA;By Sara Urso and Audrey Nguyen Photo: Trent Inness]]></description>
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                <title>[Human rights in the European Union] Can due diligence rescue Frontex?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/human-rights-in-the-european-union-can-due-diligence-rescue-frontex/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/human-rights-in-the-european-union-can-due-diligence-rescue-frontex/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a post for European Law Blog, Ewa Romanowska (Asser Institute) criticises a recent decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The court dismissed a human rights lawsuit brought by Syrian asylum seekers against Frontex, the EU&#x27;s border agency. Romanowska argues that the ruling exacerbates Frontex&#x27;s accountability gap. By Ewa Romanowska&#xA;Photo: mary416; Protest in Copenhagen, Denmark in June 2010]]></description>
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                <title>[Expert drafting] Rules of engagement for military artificial intelligence</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/expert-drafting-rules-of-engagement-for-military-artificial-intelligence/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 06 Nov 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/expert-drafting-rules-of-engagement-for-military-artificial-intelligence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 6 and 7 November 2024, the Asser Institute is hosting an expert workshop on rules of engagement (ROE) for military artificial intelligence (AI) systems. As a tool used by commanders to provide clear instructions for military forces, could rules of engagement help ensure lawful application of military AI? Photo: Researcher Jonathan Kwik leading the workshop]]></description>
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                <title>[New blog post] European Union support to Ukraine through windfall profits</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-european-union-support-to-ukraine-through-windfall-profits/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-european-union-support-to-ukraine-through-windfall-profits/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new blog post by Asser Institute researchers James Patrick Sexton and Victoria Kerr analyses the EU&#x2019;s recent decision to send profits from frozen Russian Central Bank assets to Ukraine. Estimated to amount to around &#x20AC;3 billion per year, Sexton and Kerr argue that such windfall profits (or a large percentage of them) should be channelled towards victims of the conflict by, for example, contributing to the proposed compensation fund to be attached to the Register of Damage for Ukraine. Photo: paparazzza; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen]]></description>
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                <title>[New publication] Jonathan Kwik discusses the use of autonomous weapon technologies</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-jonathan-kwik-discusses-the-use-of-autonomous-weapon-technologies/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-jonathan-kwik-discusses-the-use-of-autonomous-weapon-technologies/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Institute&#x2019;s researcher, Dr Jonathan Kwik&#x2019;s new book explores the practical and legal challenges of deploying autonomous weapon systems (AWS) in the context of quickly advancing artificial intelligence (AI). AI, once a more unknown technology, is now inextricably woven into our daily life, and influences everything from online services to law enforcement, and media.&#xA;Photo: iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[Call for papers] The manifold forms of contemporary international legal scholarship</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-manifold-forms-of-contemporary-international-legal-scholarship/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-manifold-forms-of-contemporary-international-legal-scholarship/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Photo: iStock]]></description>
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                <title>[Foreign Terrorist Fighters Knowledge Hub] New developments in thirteen states</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub-new-developments-in-thirteen-states/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub-new-developments-in-thirteen-states/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) Knowledge Hub, an open-access online resource developed by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), has just been updated to incorporate recent developments surrounding states&#x2019; responses to foreign terrorist fighters. In doing so, the FTF Knowledge Hub continues to be an essential resource on FTFs and states&#x2019; responses to them, uniquely combining quantitative and qualitative data. Photo: PRESSLAB; Silhouette of soldier with rifle on a sunset dark background]]></description>
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                <title>[Interview] The private is political: Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz on human rights histories</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-the-private-is-political-leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-on-human-rights-histories/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-the-private-is-political-leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-on-human-rights-histories/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a recent interview, Asser researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz highlights conflict of laws as a crucial yet overlooked foundation of international human rights law.&#xA;Photo: Majivecka]]></description>
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                <title>[Call for papers] Who are &#x2018;humans&#x2019; in military artificial intelligence?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-who-are-humans-in-military-artificial-intelligence/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-who-are-humans-in-military-artificial-intelligence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Utrecht University and the Asser Institute are calling for papers to contribute to a critical examination of the human role in military artificial intelligence. The interdisciplinary workshop, titled &quot;Who are &#x2018;humans&#x2019; in military AI?&quot;, will take place in Utrecht on 13 June 2025, and aims to shed light on the ethical, legal, and political implications of artificial intelligence systems used in warfare.&#xA;Photo: Picryl - Public domain; US Airmen assigned to the 11th intelligence squadron review]]></description>
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                <title>[International Crimes Database] New cases on terrorism, sexual violence, and cultural heritage</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-crimes-database-new-cases-on-terrorism-sexual-violence-and-cultural-heritage/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 30 Sept 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-crimes-database-new-cases-on-terrorism-sexual-violence-and-cultural-heritage/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The International Crimes Database (ICD), a publicly accessible online resource maintained by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, has recently been updated. Seven new case summaries have been added, reflecting the latest developments in international criminal justice and the prosecution of international crimes.&#xA;Photo: Shutterstock; Boy riding a bicycle among destroyed houses in Homs, Syria.]]></description>
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                <title>Asser Institute seeks new academic director</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-seeks-new-academic-director/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Sept 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-seeks-new-academic-director/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is seeking a visionary academic director to lead its research and educational initiatives. As chair of the two-member executive board, the academic director will collaborate closely with the managing director to oversee the institute&#x27;s daily operations.&#xA;Photo: Hilko Visser; The Asser Institute is seeking a new academic director.]]></description>
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                <title>[New blog post] Is Ukraine finally breaking its 24-year International Criminal Court commitment phobia?</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-is-ukraine-finally-breaking-its-24-year-international-criminal-court-commitment-phobia/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 20 Sept 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-is-ukraine-finally-breaking-its-24-year-international-criminal-court-commitment-phobia/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post, Asser Institute researcher Gabriela Radu writes that after decades of delays and debates, Ukraine is finally on the brink of joining the International Criminal Court. While the ratification of the Rome Statute is a significant step, the country still faces hurdles in implementing necessary domestic legislation to ensure full compliance with the treaty.]]></description>
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                <title>[Policy brief] The challenges of transitional justice in Sri Lanka</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-brief-the-challenges-of-transitional-justice-in-sri-lanka/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 19 Sept 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-brief-the-challenges-of-transitional-justice-in-sri-lanka/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new policy brief by Asser researcher Dr. Niki Siampakou explores the case of post-war Sri Lanka, where transitional justice mechanisms have failed to address crimes committed by terrorist groups, among other actors. Upon close inspection, the reasoning lies not in the inherent capacity of transitional justice tools, but rather in the unique context of Sri Lanka. The country currently lacks the required conditions for transitional justice to succeed. Photo: eryto5; Sri Lankan military stands in front of national flag]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/final-call-just-peace-open-day-2024-voices-from-gaza-exhibition-programme-out-now/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 17 Sept 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/final-call-just-peace-open-day-2024-voices-from-gaza-exhibition-programme-out-now/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Only a few spots left &#x2013; don&#x2019;t miss your chance to see this exhibition and secure your free tickets now&#xA;This Sunday 22 September 2024, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, in collaboration with the HOPE Foundation, will open its doors to the public for a powerful exhibition titled &#x27;Voices from Gaza&#x27;. This captivating installation aims to bring attention to the experiences of children and young adults living in conflict zones.&#xA;&#x27;Voices from Gaza&#x27; showcases artwork created by young Palestinians, alongside performances by breakdancers, actors, writers and spoken word poets, and short presentations by international law experts. The exhibition doesn&#x27;t just highlight artistic expression, it also aims to foster understanding of the children&#x27;s resilience, hopes, and the harsh realities of growing up amidst conflict.&#xA;The public event, which is suitable for all ages, takes place during the Just Peace Open Day in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice, and coincides with the 125th anniversary of the First Hague Peace Conference.&#xA;The Asser Institute building will be turned into one big installation, designed by interior architect KC Bodegom. It will come alive while serving as a backdrop for conversations with legal experts, artists, and with advocates working in the Gaza Strip within conflict-afflicted communities. In a space for learning and conversations, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the artworks, the performances, and the practitioners.&#xA;Please join us in marking 125 years of peace and justice in The Hague, while inspiring hope for a brighter future. &#x27;Voices from Gaza&#x27; promises to be a moving experience for all.&#xA;The programme features:Artists Fatena Al-Ghorra, Palestinian poet, journalist and translator&#xA;Ingrid Rollema, artist and co-founder of HOPE foundation&#xA;Dario Goldbach, author and radio columnist Performances William Sutton, actor&#xA;Heavy Hitters Breakdancers Researchers Christophe Paulussen, acting academic director T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/un-human-rights-council-italy-urged-to-increase-transparency-and-accountability-for-arms-exports/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 16 Sept 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/un-human-rights-council-italy-urged-to-increase-transparency-and-accountability-for-arms-exports/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new stakeholder report for the United Nations Human Rights Council by the Asser Institute and Global Rights Compliance urges Italy to ensure its arms export laws comply with international standards and prevent human rights abuses.&#xA;Recently, researchers from the Asser Institute, in collaboration with Global Rights Compliance (GRC), submitted a stakeholder contribution to the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) concerning Italy&#x2019;s arms export practices. The UPR is a process carried out by the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, which evaluates the human rights record of each UN member state every four and a half years. Prepared in the context of the project &#x2018;Enabling Civil Society Efforts to Address the Misuse, Diversion and Abuse of Arms Exports in Latin America&#x2019;, the submission highlights the impact of Italian weapons transfers on human rights.&#xA;Italy is currently debating a bill to amend its legal framework governing the export, import and transit of armament materials. The reform aims to modernise the Italian weapons export regime and ensure that it can readily respond to the ever-changing international security landscape. By eliminating interpretative uncertainties, simplifying transfer operations, and streamlining decision-making processes, the initiative looks to equip Italian authorities with the tools and capabilities to reduce the risk of arms trafficking. Four recommendations The Asser Institute and GRC submission provides four recommendations. First, Italy should ensure that the proposed initiative to amend its arms export regime&#x202F;is aligned with obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty. The adopted text should promote transparency, boost data collection, and emphasise the role of human rights risk assessments to prevent arms transfers which could be used to commit violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.&#x202F;It should also address the risks of diversion and implement post-delivery verifications.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/public-panel-unpacking-explainability-in-military-artificial-intelligence/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 06 Sept 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/public-panel-unpacking-explainability-in-military-artificial-intelligence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 9 September 2024, the Asser Institute&#x2019;s DILEMA Project is presenting at the 2nd REAIM Summit in Seoul. In a breakout session titled &#x2018;Beyond the black box: Unpacking explainability in military AI,&#x2019; our researchers will look at explainability from legal, ethical, technical, and operational perspectives. Context&#xA;The surge in military applications of AI has sparked many debates, especially regarding its regulation. There is legal and ethical ambiguity when it is unclear how or why certain decisions are reached in AI systems. A concept that has emerged in the midst of this is explainability, which generally refers to the ability to describe the internal mechanisms of a system in an understandable manner to humans. While some argue that explainability is desirable for military AI, others are skeptical of its value.&#xA;This session will facilitate expert discussion of the role of explainability in military AI, hoping to clarify and operationalise explainability. Taking a legal, ethical, technical, and operational perspective, it will address the key issues surrounding explainability, including what it entails, its challenges, and its relevance for the governance of military AI. Breakout session Our panel will demonstrate whether explainability of military applications of AI is required and, if so, how explainability can be operationalised throughout the lifecycle of AI systems, from design to deployment and after use. The panel will address the challenges of ensuring that AI military systems are not only technically explainable but also comprehensible and usable by military personnel during and after military operations. By unpacking the nuances of explainability, this session will contribute to a deeper understanding of its role in shaping global norms and regulatory frameworks for responsible military AI. The discussion will be moderated by Asser senior researcher Dr. Marta Bo and features fellow Asser researcher Taylor Woodcock. Other speakers include: Dr Zena Assaad]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/just-peace-open-day-voices-from-gaza-art-by-children-and-young-adults-living-in-conflict/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 30 Aug 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/just-peace-open-day-voices-from-gaza-art-by-children-and-young-adults-living-in-conflict/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 22 September 2024, the Asser Institute will open its doors to the public for a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition co-hosted by the HOPE Foundation, titled &#x27;Voices from Gaza&#x27;. This captivating installation aims to bring attention to the experiences of children and young adults living in conflict, showing artworks created by the children of Gaza, as well as dance performances by breakdancers, and spoken word poetry. &#x27;Voices from Gaza&#x27; not only highlights the creativity and artistic expressions of Gaza&#x2019;s youth, but also serves to foster a deeper understanding of their experiences, resilience, and hopes for the future. In the heart of The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice and this year celebrating the 125th anniversary of the &#x27;First Hague Peace Conference&#x27; of 1899, you can witness the heart-wrenching realities of growing up in the midst of conflict and violence. Increasingly under pressure&#xA0;&#x201C;We are honoured to host this impressive exhibition of the HOPE Foundation at the T.M.C. Asser Institute,&#x201D; says Christophe Paulussen, Acting Academic Director of the Asser Institute. &#x201C;It&#x27;s a fitting location, as our institute is named after the famous international lawyer Tobias Asser, who played a significant role in bringing the First Peace Conference to The Hague and thus assisted in establishing The Hague as the International City of Peace and Justice. Despite this year&#x27;s celebrations, international law is increasingly under pressure, as conflicts around the world, including in Gaza, show. However, it is our mission to contribute to the development of international law and not to give up hope. In doing so, we are inspired by the resilience of Gaza&#x27;s youth, as demonstrated by this powerful installation.&quot; Ingrid Rollema, co-founder and director of the HOPE Foundation, says on the importance of practicing art in conflict: &#x201C;Art can offer children a shelter for mental survival, offering a perspective beyond wars when reality is failing. It is precisely that]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-new-managing-director-kasper-vrolijk-many-people-i-speak-with-are-surprised-to-learn/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-new-managing-director-kasper-vrolijk-many-people-i-speak-with-are-surprised-to-learn/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute&#x27;s new managing director, Kasper Vrolijk, speaks about his first six months at the institute. With a background in economics and a passion for global affairs, Vrolijk discusses the Asser Institute&#x27;s academic excellence, its role in society, and his plans for innovation. &#x201C;My colleagues are fantastic, and truly dedicated to the Institute and our shared mission. What has surprised me the most, however, is the number and diversity of the stakeholders we are involved with.&#x201D; An interview. Can you tell us about your professional journey and what led you to the Asser Institute as managing director? &#x201C;My academic background is in Business Administration and Public Policy. An early role at the United Nations fostered a passion for international affairs and global trends. Seeking a deeper understanding of the underlying economic factors, I then pursued a PhD in Economics. &#x201C;Throughout my career, I&#x27;ve cultivated a keen interest in the intersection of science, policy, and public debate. This led me to the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), a research institute and think tank, where I focused on the transformation of economics and social systems. When I saw the Asser Institute vacancy, the opportunity to work at a globally renowned research institute was immediately appealing. But what truly sets the Asser Institute apart, however, is its exceptional commitment to knowledge dissemination and public engagement. The institute&#x27;s diverse valorisation initiatives, from educating professionals to engaging in teaching, and holding documentary screenings and public lectures, demonstrates to me a profound dedication to knowledge sharing and societal impact.&#x201D;&#xA0;How does your non-legal background and your PhD in Economics influence your approach to your current role?&#xA0;&#x201C;My background in human development and my specialisation in development economics actually connects quite closely with the Asser Institute&#x2019;s research themes on important global topics]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/catch-up-on-your-legal-summer-reading-with-our-high-quality-journals/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/catch-up-on-your-legal-summer-reading-with-our-high-quality-journals/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Press makes legal research accessible to everyone with a growing number of open-access articles. From international law to business law or sports law, there&#x27;s something for every legal enthusiast. Check out the list below to do some catching up over the summer. Asser Press journals, distributed by SpringerNature, are known for providing thoroughly reviewed research on current global legal topics. They present advanced research and analysis that is invaluable for academics, legal professionals, and policymakers.&#xA;Rising impact factors Recently, the impact factors of the Asser Press journals have seen a significant rise. Impact factors, which represent the average number of citations per year for articles published, highlight the growing importance of Asser Press journals in the academic community.&#xA;The following Asser Press journals offer open access articles: Netherlands International Law Review (NILR): NILR is a leading journal in international law, published three times a year. It features peer-reviewed articles, case notes, and reviews, offering essential updates on global legal developments since 1953. Find all open access articles of NILR. The Hague Journal on the Rule of Law (HJRL): HJRL explores the rule of law in various contexts, including domestic and international settings. It publishes research papers and practitioner notes on legal theory, human rights, and rule of law initiatives. Find all open access articles of HJRL. European Business Organization Law Review (EBOR): EBOR provides in-depth analysis of corporate and business laws within the EU. It covers i.a. legislative changes, firm theory, and capital markets. Find all open access articles of EBOR.&#xA;The International Sports Law Journal (ISLJ): ISLJ offers peer-reviewed analysis of sports law issues worldwide. It provides valuable insights and updates on legal matters affecting sports, contributed by an international panel of experts. Find all open access articles of ISLJ. About T.M.C.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-private-international-law-and-the-making-of-human-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-private-international-law-and-the-making-of-human-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In his latest article, &#x2018;A New History for Human Rights: Conflict of Laws as Adjacent Possibility&#x2019;,&#xA0;published recently in the Journal of the History of International Law,&#xA0;Asser researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz&#xA0;highlights conflict of laws as a crucial yet overlooked foundation of international human rights law.&#xA;The article opens with the following quote by the late Karen Knop: &#x27;Private international law can sometimes be more cosmopolitan than public law, and in illuminating ways.&#x27; Castellanos-Jankiewicz takes this statement as his starting point to rethink the emergence of human rights.&#xA;The adjacent possibleIn his article, Castellanos-Jankiewicz argues that private international law was generative of human rights by using the theory of the adjacent possible (TAP). Theoretical biologist Stuart Kauffman originally put forward the idea of adjacent possibility in the 1990s to describe evolutionary potential in the biosphere.&#xA;TAP refers to all the elements outside but near a certain system which provide that organism with opportunities to expand and can themselves become system components. This means that the incremental interaction of existing things can lead to unpredictable paths towards new ideas and structures, thus reinventing the present we know. Using TAP as a theoretical metaphor, Castellanos-Jankiewicz argues that private international law in the nineteenth century together with ethno-nationalism, state-based codification, and transnational expertise networks allowed for international human rights law to flourish. The article follows the discursive moves of conflict scholars to trace the epistemic adjacency between private international law and human rights.&#xA;Overcoming disciplinary boundariesAccording to Castellanos-Jankiewicz, the application of TAP&#x2019;s combinatorial model to international law breaks new ground: &#x27;Today, it is not self-evident to write about public and private international law in the same register because their research methodologies are]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/enrol-now-unleash-your-potential-master-the-essentials-of-non-proliferation-in-our-expert-led/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 09 Aug 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/enrol-now-unleash-your-potential-master-the-essentials-of-non-proliferation-in-our-expert-led/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Are you seeking to broaden your horizons, enhance your skills, and learn how to make a meaningful impact in the world of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation? Look no further. This September, we offer an intensive training programme designed exclusively for young and mid-career professionals working on Weapons of Mass Destruction&#xA0;issues and related disciplines. Do you work for an NGO, think tank, or government organisation? Don&#x2019;t miss out on this unique opportunity to grow your network and advance your career! Embark on an exciting journey of discovery, knowledge, and personal growth as you explore the fascinating realms of disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Join us for an unforgettable summer of learning, growth, and networking, on the fifteenth edition of this well-established training programme. Our renowned training programme on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, co-organised with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), is your gateway to shaping a safer world. Dive deep into the complex realm of global non-proliferation norms and gain a comprehensive understanding of disarmament and non-proliferation frameworks. Learn from top experts, participate in engaging discussions, and embark on eye-opening study visits to esteemed institutions. Join hands with fellow participants to tackle urgent global challenges. Read more and register. Don&#x27;t miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with experts, and gain practical skills that will propel your career forward. Seize the chance to make a real impact in disarmament and non-proliferation. Note: Limited spots available, so secure your place soon. All programmes are conducted in English. Participants are therefore expected to have a good oral and written command of this language. After the successful completion of our training programmes, you will receive a certificate. For more information,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-ulad-belavusau-on-jewish-history-constitutional-law-citizenship-and-the-role-of/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-ulad-belavusau-on-jewish-history-constitutional-law-citizenship-and-the-role-of/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In his recent contribution for a symposium on Verfassungsblog, researcher Ulad Belavusau&#xA0;analyses how the Jewish past has influenced constitutional and citizenship law. The online symposium, edited by Mattias Kumm and Liav Orgard and entitled &#x201C;Never Again: The Holocaust Trauma and Its Effect on Constitutional and International Law&#x201D;, collects essays on the role of the &#x2018;never again&#x2019; theme worldwide, especially in the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israeli citizens in October 2023.&#xA;In his analysis, Ulad Belavusau explores the concept of mnemonic constitutionalism, which refers to the use of constitutional law and citizenship regulations to shape collective memory and national identity, often by institutionalising official narratives about historical events. Central to this concept is the theme &#x2018;never again&#x2019;, which has driven the creation of memory laws, especially in Europe, initially to combat Holocaust denial and ensure the horrors of the Shoah are not repeated.&#xA;These memory laws extend beyond punitive measures and encompass broader regulations that influence and, at times, conflict with academic freedom, minority protection, and the rule of law. Belavusau&#x2019;s analysis focuses on how countries like Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Israel have incorporated the Jewish past into their constitutional and citizenship regulations to promote a culture of remembrance and moral lessons from history. Protecting Jewish lifeIn Germany, the Basic Law and citizenship regulations embody this mnemonic constitutionalism, with provisions explicitly aimed at protecting Jewish life and combating denialism beyond criminal law. The recent reform of the citizenship law enacted in Germany and effective as of June 2024, will also require the recognition of the Israeli state&#x27;s right to exist for acquiring citizenship, in line with Germany&#x27;s commitment to counteracting anti-Semitism and enforcing the &#x2018;Nie wieder&#x2019; narrative. Similarly, Spain and Portugal have enacted laws granting citizenship to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/shelter-city-2025-call-for-applications-for-asser-institute-visiting-research-fellowship/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/shelter-city-2025-call-for-applications-for-asser-institute-visiting-research-fellowship/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Justice &amp;amp; Peace Netherlands has a new&#xA0;call&#xA0;for applications for at risk human rights defenders to participate in its&#xA0;Shelter City&#xA0;programme. The Hague-based Asser Institute is hosting one Shelter City Fellow per year. The deadline for applications is 30 August 2024 at 23:59 CEST (Central European Summer Time).&#xA;Many human rights defenders, people who peacefully promote freedom, justice and peace, are threatened. Worldwide, human rights defenders increasingly face harassment, slander or even physical violence.&#xA;Shelter City, a global movement of cities, organisations and people who stand side by side with human rights defenders at risk. Shelter City provides temporary safe and inspiring spaces for human rights defenders at risk where they re-energise, receive tailormade support and engage with allies.&#xA;The term &#x2018;human rights defender&#x2019; refers to a broad range of activists, journalists and independent media professionals, scholars, writers, artists, lawyers, civil and political rights defenders, civil society members, and others working to advance human rights and democracy around the world in a peaceful manner.&#xA;From March, June and September 2025 onwards, 14 cities in the Netherlands will receive human rights defenders for a period of three months. At the end of their stay in the Netherlands, participants are expected to return with new tools and energy to carry out their work at home.&#xA;Shelter City research fellow at the Asser InstituteTo strengthen and support the capacity of local human rights defenders worldwide, Justice &amp;amp; Peace and the Asser Institute have joined forces, whereby the Asser Institute&#xA0;hosts&#xA0;one Shelter City fellow a year within the Asser Institute&#x2019;s&#xA0;Visiting researchers programme. The selected fellow will carry out a research project during the three-month period and participate in other human rights-related (research) activities of the Asser Institute. In line with these activities, closer to the end of the three-month period, the Fellow will]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-asser-institute-and-uva-launch-project-on-digital-infrastructures-of-sustainability/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jul 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-asser-institute-and-uva-launch-project-on-digital-infrastructures-of-sustainability/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Digital Infrastructures of Sustainability Regulation is a new interdisciplinary research project between the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the Asser Institute which explores the role of technology in sustainability regulation, especially in value chain due diligence. Project setup&#xA0;The adoption of the landmark EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is the latest evidence of a turn to &#x2018;due diligence&#x2019; as a central pillar of EU sustainability regulation. It requires large companies to identify, prevent and mitigate sustainability risks across their value chains. The DigiChain project illustrates that the practice of due diligence especially under the CSDDD will be digital, in the sense that companies and regulators will use digital technologies, foremost AI-driven, to reach and evaluate compliance with the new rules. Digital technologies and data analysis provide the infrastructure that shapes the due diligence process and determines its effectiveness. The DigiChain project explores interconnections between regulatory and technological developments, and&#xA0;identifies the features of these emerging &#x2018;techno-legalities&#x2019; and how they are assembled into a new governance regime for the global economy. Towards this, the project team (1.) maps existing technological tools and relates them to the different stages of the due diligence process, (2.) examines how the data input, evaluation and presentation underlying leading tools allow compliance with the EU CSDDD, and (3.) draws initial recommendations to regulators and business on the use of digital due diligence tools. Project outreachThe team is currently setting up practice workshops with digital tool providers and public policy stakeholders. Please get in touch via email if you would like to know more or get involved. Project team members have also served as experts or consultants to different civil society, governmental and private stakeholders. The project builds on a week-long professional training]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/forthcoming-publication-asser-institute-develops-new-handbook-to-strengthen-ukraines-justice/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/forthcoming-publication-asser-institute-develops-new-handbook-to-strengthen-ukraines-justice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute is developing a handbook to assist Ukrainian legal professionals in conducting fair trials in the context of the ongoing conflict. The handbook, elements of which were recently tested during two workshops for Ukrainian legal professionals and civil society organisations, will provide guidance on bringing Ukrainian practice and procedure in conflict-related cases in line with international fair trial standards. Ensuring fair trials is a fundamental obligation for Ukraine under both domestic and international law. This commitment is also essential for Ukraine&#x27;s broader political goals, such as EU accession, which prioritise upholding the rule of law. In the context of conflict-related criminal trials, fair proceedings are particularly important. They demonstrate Ukraine&#x27;s capacity to deliver justice domestically, influencing the extent of international intervention. This is known as &#x2018;complementarity&#x2019; &#x2013; the principle that international courts, such as the International Criminal Court in The Hague should only act when domestic courts are unable or unwilling to prosecute.&#xA0;The challenges of ensuring fairness in these complex trials, however, will increase the likelihood of closer examination by domestic and international observers, including civil society and the media. Navigating complex procedural matters&#xA0;During a recent workshop in The Hague, and a follow-up workshop in Kyiv, Ukrainian prosecutors, defence and victims&#x2019; counsel, judges, and civil society organisations were invited to discuss elements of the Asser Institute&#x2019;s upcoming &#x2018;Handbook for Legal Professionals on the Fairness of Conflict-related Trials in Ukraine&#x2019;. The first workshop was part of a weeklong study visit to The Hague co-organised with the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute, the International Bar Association in The Hague, and the Ukrainian Bar Association. While working through a hypothetical case study during the workshop, participants raised key challenges in]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-ai-based-targeting-in-gaza-asser-researcher-klonowska-refines-the-debate-on-military-ai/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-ai-based-targeting-in-gaza-asser-researcher-klonowska-refines-the-debate-on-military-ai/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As the&#xA0;death toll in Gaza rises, the Israel&#xA0;Defence&#xA0;Force&#x2019;s&#xA0;controversial use of artificial intelligence-enabled decision-support systems&#xA0;sparks&#xA0;heavy debate&#xA0;amongst experts. In her recent&#xA0;blog post for the Lieber Institute, Klaudia Klonowska&#xA0;calls&#xA0;experts to&#xA0;shift&#xA0;away from abstract discussions of emerging AI&#xA0;and to&#xA0;instead&#xA0;concentrate&#xA0;on existing applications and how they are currently reshaping the realities of war. Artificial intelligence-enabled decision-support systems,&#xA0;(AI-DSS)&#xA0;like&#xA0;the Gospel&#xA0;and&#xA0;Lavender&#xA0;that are currently being used by the&#xA0;Israel&#xA0;Defense&#xA0;Forces&#xA0;(IDF)&#xA0;are technically different from autonomous weapons systems (AWS).&#xA0;AI-DSS process and filter information that is then presented to a human operator who makes the final decision of&#xA0;authorising&#xA0;a target. Although this system suggests that there is a greater level of human involvement in decision-making compared to AWS,&#xA0;Asser Institute researcher Klaudia&#xA0;Klonowska points to several expert opinions raising concerns about the shortened&#xA0;timeframe&#xA0;of deliberation and the cognitive limits of human operators when using AI-DSS. High-pressure situations and biases can lead to an overreliance on decisions made by AI, increasing the risk of targeting civilians.&#xA;Klonowska&#x2019;s review, recently published&#xA0;as a blog post for the&#xA0;Lieber&#xA0;Institute,&#xA0;finds that two types of interventions have emerged in response to the IDF&#x27;s reported use of AI-DSS: one focusing on human conduct and responsibilities under international humanitarian law (IHL) and international criminal law (ICL), and the other examining the technology itself and its impact on warfare. The latter group questions whether AI-DSS&#xA0;affect&#xA0;compliance with legal norms and&#xA0;contribute&#xA0;to civilian harm. The invisibility of engineers&#xA0;However, the role of engineers and developers in the design and production of AI-DSS has been&#xA0;largely neglected&#xA0;in expert interventions.&#xA0;In the blog,&#xA0;Klonowska&#xA0;criticises&#xA0;the invisibility of engineers in these debates as these]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-hjrls-latest-issue-special-focus-on-the-catalan-secessionist-process/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-hjrls-latest-issue-special-focus-on-the-catalan-secessionist-process/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The latest issue of the Hague Journal on the Rule of Law, published by T.M.C. Asser Press, presents a comprehensive exploration of the Catalan secessionist process through the lenses of International and European law. This special issue, which contains six open access articles, brings together a series of scholarly chapters by prominent legal experts, offering critical insights into the complex legal dimensions surrounding Catalonia&#x27;s bid for independence.&#xA;Key contributions include an analysis of the implications of international law on Catalonia&#x27;s quest for sovereignty, as well as a detailed examination of Spain&#x27;s democratic framework amidst the secessionist process. Insights into the European Union&#x2019;s response to Catalonia&#x2019;s aspirations are provided, emphasising the Union&#x2019;s commitment to upholding legal norms. Additionally, human rights considerations during Catalonia&#x27;s political upheaval are explored, highlighting the role of international bodies like the UN Human Rights Committee.&#xA;The UN Human Rights Council&#x27;s special procedures regarding Catalonia shed light on international mechanisms influencing the secession debate. The analysis of institutional responses to Catalan nationalism frames the broader context of regional autonomy within international governance frameworks.&#xA;Read this issue of the Hague Journal on the Rule of Law on the Catalan secessionist process now. About the Hague Journal on the Rule of LawThe Hague Journal on the Rule of Law (HJRL), published by T.M.C. Asser Press in cooperation with SpringerNature, is a multidisciplinary journal that aims to deepen and broaden our knowledge and understanding about the rule of law. Its main areas of interest are: (1) current developments in rule of law in domestic, transnational and international contexts (2) theoretical issues related to the conceptualisation and implementation of the rule of law in domestic and international contexts; (3) the relation between the rule of law and economic development,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-peace-justice-and-europe-in-the-age-of-geopolitics-phd-workshop-series/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-peace-justice-and-europe-in-the-age-of-geopolitics-phd-workshop-series/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Institute&#x2019;s Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) and Leiden University are organising a two-day PhD workshop on the legal implications of the EU&#x2019;s &#x201C;geopolitical awakening&#x201D;&#xA0;and are inviting current&#xA0;PhD scholars and early career researchers to submit an abstract of max. 800 words by 15 July 2024.&#xA0;The event is a follow-up to the successful PhD workshop that took place on 6-7 May 2024 and is organised jointly by the T.M.C. Asser Institute and Leiden University with the generous financial support of the Municipality of The Hague.&#xA;The workshop will explore the challenges and opportunities posed by the EU&#x27;s growing role as a geopolitical actor in the wake of the war in Ukraine. Participants will discuss how the EU can balance its commitment to multilateralism and international law with its need for strategic autonomy in a complex and uncertain global environment.&#xA;Abstracts of no more than 800 words must be submitted by 15 July&#xA0;2024. Selected participants will be invited to submit a draft paper by&#xA0;15 October&#xA0;2024. The papers will be presented and discussed at the workshop, and the organisers aim to publish them in the CLEER paper series subject to peer-review.&#xA;A limited number of scholarships will be available to support participation in the workshop. Interested applicants are invited to submit a separate motivated application of up to 300 words.&#xA;The workshop is part of a series of events organised by the Asser Institute and Leiden University to foster research on the EU&#x27;s role in the world. Read the full call here.&#xA;Key Dates 15 July 2024: abstract submission&#xA0;deadline&#xA;15 October 2024:&#xA0;draft paper submission deadline&#xA;14 - 15 November 2024:&#xA0;workshop dates]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-balancing-military-and-humanitarian-interests-scaling-the-scope-of-autonomous/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jul 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-balancing-military-and-humanitarian-interests-scaling-the-scope-of-autonomous/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new publication, researcher Jonathan Kwik proposes a scaling methodology to help characterise attacks by autonomous weapon systems (AWS). This could provide greater clarity on the legality of such attacks under international law, benefiting both civilians and belligerents. The new publication &#x2018;The scope of an autonomous attack&#x2019; by Asser Institute researcher Jonathan Kwik addresses a crucial but often overlooked aspect of the debate on autonomous weapon systems (AWS): How broadly should we define &#x2018;an attack&#x2019;? Consider this example: At 12.00 hours, Commander-A activated an autonomous weapon system to attack a tank platoon, resulting in 7 shots fired at 4 tanks. Later, at 15.00 hours, the same system was deployed to attack 4 tanks guarding the city&#x2019;s main routes, releasing 6 shots. How many attacks did Commander-A launch today? Scaling potential scopes of attacks International law regulates warfare by defining what constitutes an &#x2018;attack&#x2019;. However, there is currently no consensus on what exactly constitutes an autonomous weapon systems attack, leading to legal ambiguities and practical challenges. To address this uncertainty, Kwik suggests using a scaling methodology to determine an attack&#x2019;s &#x2018;scope&#x2019;. This method helps military commanders decide the extent of autonomous activity that can be considered a single attack under international law, considering the proximity in time and space.&#xA0;Clarity on the &#x27;attack scope&#x27; benefits both civilians and belligerents by balancing humanitarian and military interests. Kwik&#x2019;s methodology shows that the scope of autonomous weapon systems attacks can vary widely. An attack could be defined as a single shot, a series of shots at the same target, bursts of shots targeting small groups, or a broader campaign against multiple objectives with a shared &#x27;signature.&#x27; Attack scope spectrum According to Kwik, these varying definitions can be summarised into an &#x27;attack scope spectrum,&#x27; including: Shot: Each individual shot&#xA;Single: All shots]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/icl-tcl-training-empowering-national-judges-and-prosecutors-from-west-africa/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jul 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/icl-tcl-training-empowering-national-judges-and-prosecutors-from-west-africa/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[National judges and prosecutors from West Africa have arrived in The Hague for the 7th edition of our specialised training programme on international criminal law (ICL) and transnational criminal law (TCL). Co-organised by the Asser Institute, Antonio Cassese Initiative, and the International Nuremberg Principles Academy, the course aims to strengthen domestic legal capacities in French-speaking African countries. In the past forty years, the international criminal justice system has witnessed significant progress with the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and several&#x202F;ad hoc&#x202F;international criminal tribunals, which prosecute those responsible for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other atrocities and serious humanitarian violations that threaten the international community. Nevertheless, the primary responsibility assigned by international law for the prosecution and prevention of international crimes remains with states. Therefore, to combat impunity, provide access to justice for victims, prevent crimes, and promote the rule of law, the role of national prosecutors and judges is fundamental. Domestic challenges Applying international criminal law at the national level, however, is often a complex endeavour. International criminal law is a relatively young discipline in the global legal field. National investigators often face difficulties when working on cases involving crimes of international nature. These crimes take place in remote areas, entail large-scale atrocities with a nexus of different perpetrators and they often involve a very complicated evidence-collection process. Moreover, crimes may involve persons who are still occupying high-level governmental or military functions, which increases the difficulty for judges to guarantee the independence of their institution in such a context. Empowering national judges &amp;amp; prosecutors&#xA;In the context of these challenges, the high-level training taught in French aims to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-antoine-duval-we-have-the-goal-to-steer-the-field-of-transnational-sports-law-to/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-antoine-duval-we-have-the-goal-to-steer-the-field-of-transnational-sports-law-to/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This summer, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will bring fans together worldwide. Global sporting events like the Olympics are governed by a transnational legal regime, lex sportiva, which enmeshes private regulation with national and European law. A new open-access monograph &quot;The European Roots of the Lex Sportiva: How Europe Rules Global Sport&quot;, explores the role of European legal institutions, processes, and norms within the governance of global sports. We spoke with senior researcher Antoine Duval, co-editor of the book, to understand why he became interested in this field and what the book is about. Duval:&#xA0;&#x27;We are hoping to spark critical research on how dominant European institutions and processes are in the world of sports governance&#x27;. An interview. In a couple of weeks, fans from all over the world will be glued to their screens to watch the Olympic Games. Global spectacles like the Olympics bring us together for a moment as a global community. This idea of universality, used by sports&#xA0;governing bodies (SGBs) such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to justify their transnational&#xA0;authority, hinges on the ideal of a global level playing field. Thus, international sports events operate under a transnational regulatory regime &#x2013;lex sportiva&#x2013; which is being created and enforced by SGBs, making it a prime example of global private law-making and law-enforcing. SGBs like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and the IOC govern through private regulations. Disputes are settled by specialised courts like the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), shaping the interpretation of these rules and sports law in general. This system is supported ideologically by the idea of the &#x2018;autonomy of sport&#x2019;, which calls for state restraint in sporting matters. Like other transnational legal orders, lex sportiva is often perceived as &quot;anational&quot;, existing outside the traditional state-based legal systems. The edited]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-training-to-boost-capacity-in-tackling-international-crimes/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 21 Jun 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-training-to-boost-capacity-in-tackling-international-crimes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new training programme, launched today by the Asser Institute, the Antonio Cassese Initiative and the International Nuremberg Principles Academy aims to bolster Colombia&#x27;s ability to prosecute international crimes like war crimes and crimes against humanity. The initiative aims to strengthen the rule of law and combat impunity, contributing to peace and justice in Colombia and beyond.&#xA;National courts play a vital role in holding perpetrators accountable and delivering justice for victims. However, prosecutions of international crimes by post-conflict countries raises complex legal, technical and institutional challenges.&#xA;This week, 18 magistrates and legal professionals from Colombia&#x27;s Special Jurisdiction for Peace are participating in a specialised training course at the Asser Institute in The Hague.&#xA0;The programme&#xA0;will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate and prosecute international crimes. Topics covered include the elements of these offences, investigation planning, international cooperation, and relevant principles of international law.&#xA;Collaboration and learningThe programme goes beyond legal knowledge, fostering exchanges of best practices and sharing of expertise. Participants will interact with European counterparts, learning from their experience and best practices, to build a growing international network that supports accountability efforts globally.Since 2018, and together with the&#xA0;Antonio Cassese Initiative&#xA0;and&#xA0;International Nuremberg Principles Academy, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut has been organising training courses on international criminal law (ICL) and transnational criminal law (TCL) for the judicial sector. The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of national jurisdictions in prosecuting international and transnational crimes. Since 2020, this project has received support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the NUFFIC Orange Knowledge Programme. This&#xA0;capacity-building programme contributes to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/update-new-states-added-to-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/update-new-states-added-to-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Foreign Terrorist Fighters Knowledge Hub, an open-access, interactive database on foreign terrorist fighters and states&#x2019; responses to them, now includes information on two new states: Tunisia and Lebanon. The FTF Knowledge Hub has further incorporated recent developments on states&#x2019; responses to foreign terrorist fighters for nine other states, including Belgium, France, Germany and the United States. In doing so, the FTF Knowledge Hub continues to be an essential resource for research on FTFs and states&#x2019; responses to them, uniquely combining quantitative and qualitative data.&#xA;The number of states included on the FTF Knowledge Hub, developed by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), has been expanded to 32 states with the new additions of Tunisia and Lebanon. Information on FTFs travelling to Syria and Iraq from these two states and the national policies adopted as a response, can now be found on the individual country pages.&#xA;As part of this review of the FTF Knowledge Hub, domestic policies and legal frameworks of every country page have been revised to reflect the newest developments. Data points were updated for nine states, including Belgium, France, Germany, and the United States. Comparison between the different national approaches can be drawn by using the policy matrix interactive tool. In addition, new readings have been included at the bottom of the country pages under &#x201C;Additional resources&#x201D; as well as in the &#x2018;Library&#x2019;. The &#x2018;Standards and guidance&#x2019; tab now contains new documents, including from the United Nations and Eurojust.&#xA;About the FTF Knowledge HubThe FTF Knowledge Hub is an open-access, interactive database on states&#x2019; data and responses to &#x2018;foreign terrorist fighters&#x2019; (FTFs), which could be defined as &#x2018;individuals who travel to a State other than their States of residence or nationality for the purpose of the perpetration, planning, or preparation of, or participation in, terrorist acts or the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-panel-explores-ecocide-at-the-third-international-conference-on-environmental/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-panel-explores-ecocide-at-the-third-international-conference-on-environmental/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, the Asser Institute, in cooperation with the University of Amsterdam, will convene a panel discussion titled &#x2018;Ecocide: Should Harm to the Environment be Criminalized?&#x2019; at the Third International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding in The Hague. The panel will explore the pros and cons of adding ecocide, the so-called fifth international crime, to the Rome Statute to help protect the environment.&#xA;Co-hosted by the Environmental Peacebuilding Association and Leiden University&#x2019;s Grotius Centre, this week&#x2019;s Third International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding brings together scholars, practitioners, activists, and students from over 90 countries to explore environmental peacebuilding strategies. The Asser Institute is one of the sponsors of the conference.&#xA;During the event, the Asser Institute, in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam, will host the panel &#x2018;Ecocide: Should Harm to the Environment be Criminalized?&#x2019;. Speakers include Christophe Paulussen (Chair, Asser Institute),&#xA0;Laura Burgers (University of Amsterdam), Merle Kooijman&#xA0;(University of Amsterdam), Stavros Pantazopoulos (Asser Institute &amp;amp; University of Helsinki), and Niki Siampakou&#xA0;(Asser Institute &amp;amp; ICCT). Environmental protection as a core valueThe proposed crime of ecocide, defined by the Independent Expert Panel of the Stop Ecocide Foundation in 2021 as &quot;unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts&#x201D;, seeks to elevate environmental protection to a core value.&#xA;This potential addition to the Rome Statute, alongside existing international crimes like genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression, would ignite a new chapter in international law, sparking further debate among legal experts and civil society organisations. The idea of criminalising ecocide is not new, as it first emerged during the Vietnam]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/from-classrooms-to-community-hague-students-bridge-peace-justice-disconnect/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jun 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/from-classrooms-to-community-hague-students-bridge-peace-justice-disconnect/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This week, students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences presented their recommendations to increase youth engagement in peace, justice, and global cooperation. The &#x2018;Young People as World Citizens&#x2019; project, led by the World Citizenship lectorate in collaboration with the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, bridges the gap between youth and policymakers from The Hague Municipality, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Hague-based community centres and schools. Students recommended pop-up events showcasing positive police interaction, social media campaigns, youth ambassadors, and curriculum changes to raise awareness and foster a more inclusive The Hague.&#xA;The research project &#x2018;Young People as World Citizens&#x2019;, with students from European Studies and Public Administration &amp;amp; Government Management programmes at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS), focused on the question: &#x201C;How can young people from The Hague foster a closer dialogue with policy makers, administrators and international institutions on the themes of peace, justice and international cooperation?&#x201D;&#xA;The research question arose after previous THUAS research showed that the perceptions of young people from the Schilderswijk and Moerwijk neighbourhoods in The Hague seemed diametrically opposed to those of policymakers in the same city, especially on themes such as security, the importance of family, diversity and sustainable society.&#xA;For the follow-up project, policy makers and students from THUAS and Maris College visited various community centres and schools in The Hague to interview young people about access to justice, perceptions of injustice, international cooperation and the stability of public institutions. The results of the interviews showed that although young people know relatively little about these topics, they were very interested. However, the role of The Hague as the International City of Peace and Justice plays little or no role in young people&#x2019;s daily lives, and is also]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-ebors-latest-issue-insights-into-european-financial-regulation/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-ebors-latest-issue-insights-into-european-financial-regulation/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The latest issue of the European Business Organization Law Review published by T.M.C. Asser Press, is available now. The journal brings together a collection of articles diving deep into crucial aspects of European financial regulation and the future of equivalence in the EU financial sector. Most of the articles are available as open access publication. The new issue of the European Business Organization Law Review (EBOR) starts with an introduction to third-country regimes in European financial regulation. When assessing the operational rights or treatment of foreign banks in the European Union, the EU will assess whether the standards of regulation and supervision in a bank&#x2019;s home market are &#x2018;equivalent&#x2019; to those of the EU. Authors share insights on prospects of equivalence in the EU financial sector, shedding light on the evolving landscape post-Brexit and access to the UK financial market. A transatlantic perspective offers valuable comparative insights into both the United States&#x2019; and Switzerland&#x2019;s perspective on equivalence. Readers will also find analyses on the current EU third-country regime for credit institutions and upcoming changes, along with discussions on central counterparties (CCPs)&#x2014;financial institutions that facilitate trading in various markets by acting as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. Additionally, the issue covers collective investment schemes. Insightful articles&#xA0;Each article offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by third-country regimes and equivalence in European financial regulation. To access the newest issue of EBOR and delve into these insightful articles, visit the journal&#x27;s website here.&#xA;Notably, eight of the articles in this issue are open access, providing free and unrestricted access to readers worldwide. About the European Business Organization Law ReviewFocused on European business structures, the European Business Organization Law Review (EBOR), published by T.M.C. Asser Press]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/honouring-a-champion-scl-lecture-series-rebranded-in-honour-of-benjamin-ferencz/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 02 Jun 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/honouring-a-champion-scl-lecture-series-rebranded-in-honour-of-benjamin-ferencz/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 2 June 2024, during an event at the Peace Palace commemorating the work of international criminal justice champion Benjamin Ferencz and former ICJ judge Thomas Buergenthal, acting academic director of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut Christophe Paulussen announced the rebranding of the Supranational Criminal Law (SCL) Lecture Series into the Benjamin Ferencz Lecture Series on International Criminal Justice. The SCL Lecture Series, established in 2003, has become a prominent platform to discuss international criminal law. The series is organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, in cooperation with the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University (Campus The Hague) and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. The series has hosted leading figures in the field, including former ICC officials, prosecutors from international tribunals, and renowned legal scholars. One such speaker was Benjamin Ferencz, a tireless advocate for international criminal justice, who sadly passed away in 2023 at the age of 103. Ferencz rose to prominence for his role in prosecuting Nazi war crimes at Nuremberg after World War II. As a young lawyer, he served as the chief prosecutor in the Einsatzgruppen trial&#xA0;and later helped establish the International Criminal Court (ICC). The power of law&#xA0;Ferencz&#x27;s unwavering belief in the power of law to prevent future atrocities is reflected in his famous quote: &quot;Nuremberg taught me that creating a world of tolerance and compassion would be a long and arduous task... If we did not devote ourselves to developing effective world law, the same cruel mentality that made the Holocaust possible might one day destroy the entire human race.&quot; Throughout his life, Ferencz tirelessly advocated for the creation of the ICC, which became operational in 2002. His dedication, which he compared to a &#x201C;rock being pushed up a hill which would roll down the hill the moment you let go&#x201D; continues to inspire young audiences worldwide, including]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-asser-institute-researcher-leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-on-mexico-s-request-to-intervene/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-asser-institute-researcher-leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-on-mexico-s-request-to-intervene/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Mexico has requested permission to intervene in the case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for alleged genocide in Gaza. This announcement was made by the court on Tuesday. Spanish newspaper El Pa&#xED;s asked Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz to comment on the development. &#x2018;Mexico has a very clear legal interest as a signatory of this treaty&#x2019;. The case was initially filed by South Africa in December last year, following Hamas&#x2019; October 7 terrorist attack and Israel&#x2019;s military response in Gaza. Mexico, a signatory of the Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, aims to contribute its perspective on the interpretation of international law principles relevant to the case. The Mexican government has taken a step forward to say how, in its opinion, these principles should be interpreted in the context of the conflict in Gaza. The Convention is one of the most important legal instruments in the international system because it addresses basic humanitarian considerations. &#x2018;A clear legal interest&#x2019;&#xA0;Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz, international law expert at the Asser Institute, explained in Spanish newspaper El Pa&#xED;s that Mexico&#x27;s legal interest as a State party to the Genocide Convention motivates its intention to support the ICJ in determining its legal position. &#x201C;Mexico is communicating to the Court its intention to share its views about the content and scope of the Convention on Genocide&#x201D;, he said. The Mexican government has condemned civilian attacks in Palestinian territories while also opposing the terrorist attacks that triggered the conflict on October 7. In April, Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution that ensures Israel&#x27;s security and establishes a viable Palestinian state. The recent discovery of Ori&#xF3;n Hern&#xE1;ndez&#x27;s body, a Mexican citizen kidnapped by Hamas, has added a personal dimension to Mexico&#x2019;s involvement in the case. Following Mexico&#x27;s request to intervene, Israel and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-video-asil-hague-closing-panel-on-confronting-impunity-and-safeguarding-journalists/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-video-asil-hague-closing-panel-on-confronting-impunity-and-safeguarding-journalists/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new video, you can now watch the Hague Closing Plenary of the 2024 annual meeting of the American Society of International Law (ASIL). The plenary, convened by Asser Institute researcher Gabriele Chlevickaite, reviewed efforts to fight impunity for journalist attacks, including cyber threats, intimidation, and prosecution challenges. Watch it now. Journalists and media workers worldwide are confronting escalating threats, intimidation, and violence. They do so in the throes of armed conflict, within increasingly authoritarian contexts, and in seemingly peaceful states. The cases of&#xA0;the late Jamal Khashoggi, Dom Phillips&#xA0;and Bruno Pereira, J&#xE1;n Kuciak, Daphne Caruana Galizia, among the many others serve as examples. In December 2023, UNESCO sounded an alarm over the deaths of journalists who work in conflict zones, with killings almost doubling over the past three years. This trend has been exacerbated by the record toll of journalists killed in the Israel-Gaza war since 7 October 2023. &#x2018;Zones of silence&#x2019;&#xA0;The consequence of intensified conflicts and related destruction of lives and media infrastructure, creates, in the words of UNESCO, &#x2018;zones of silence&#x2019;, which have severe consequences for access to information. The increase in journalists killed in situations of declared armed conflict overshadows the likewise serious situation in a number of non-conflict contexts, or contexts where an armed conflict has not been officially declared. The impunity for killings of journalists persists at a rate above 85% over the last fifteen years. Many explanations for this have been offered: capacity issues, such as the lack of technical competence and/or staff able to conduct complex investigations involving both direct perpetrators and those potentially orchestrating the killings remotely. There are also issues of willingness: fear, coercion, and wilful ignorance of going after those silencing media workers worldwide. International investigative task force In the past two]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-counterterrorism-expert-christophe-paulussen-critisises-citizenship-stripping-for/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-counterterrorism-expert-christophe-paulussen-critisises-citizenship-stripping-for/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an interview with Dutch media organisation De Kanttekening, counterterrorism expert Dr Christophe Paulussen calls for a more evidence-based approach to counterterrorism policy. In the article, Paulussen reflects on plans to revoke the citizenship of convicted terrorists, according to the Coalition Agreement (&#x2018;Hoofdlijnenakkoord&#x2019;) presented last week. &#x201C;A dangerous trend&#x201D;, according to Paulussen, who calls the plans &#x201C;purely symbolic politics&#x201D; and &#x201C;muscle-flexing rhetoric&#x201D;. The proposed &#x201C;Coalition Agreement&#x201D; (het &#x201C;Hoofdlijnenakkoord&#x201D;) is a political agreement between the four parties BBB, NSC, VVD and PVV that will probably form the next Dutch government. The plan states that the cabinet wants to investigate whether and how Dutch citizenship can be taken away from convicted terrorists. Paulussen calls this a dangerous trend. Nationality stripping is already possible for people with dual nationality, but the new coalition apparently wants to extend this measure to people with only Dutch nationality, Paulussen thinks. Convicted Syria returnees who have had their nationality revoked but have not left the Netherlands are disappearing into illegality, and are posing a security risk. Two years ago, the municipalities of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague already warned about this in a letter to the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Dilan Yesilg&#xF6;z. Although there has been some thought since then about a pilot project to keep this group of people under surveillance, this is overshadowed by the new plans, which would only make the risk group larger. Vocal critic&#xA0;Christophe Paulussen, acting academic director and chair of the executive board of the Asser Institute and research fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), has long been a vocal critic of policies such as revoking the citizenship of suspected and convicted terrorists, arguing that such measures are more likely to create a two-tiered society and make reintegration actually more]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-training-ukrainian-judges-are-offered-specialised-training-on-adjudicating-international/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-training-ukrainian-judges-are-offered-specialised-training-on-adjudicating-international/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This summer, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut,&#xA0;with the support of the Ukrainian National School of Judges, is launching its free &quot;Specialised Judicial Training Series for Ukrainian judges&quot; under the project &quot;Restoring Justice and Dignity in Ukraine&quot;*, an initiative funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which aims to advance and promote accountability for international crimes in Ukraine. [&#x423;&#x43A;&#x440;&#x430;&#x457;&#x43D;&#x441;&#x44C;&#x43A;&#x438;&#x439; &#x43F;&#x435;&#x440;&#x435;&#x43A;&#x43B;&#x430;&#x434;&#xA0;&#x431;&#x443;&#x434;&#x435; &#x434;&#x43E;&#x441;&#x442;&#x443;&#x43F;&#x43D;&#x438;&#x439; &#x43F;&#x456;&#x441;&#x43B;&#x44F;&#xA0;&#x430;&#x43D;&#x433;&#x43B;&#x456;&#x439;&#x441;&#x44C;&#x43A;&#x43E;&#x433;&#x43E; &#x442;&#x435;&#x43A;&#x441;&#x442;&#x443;/UKR translation to follow English] The training programme consists of two parts: online sessions open to all Ukrainian judiciary members, and in-person sessions for a select group of judges.&#xA0;Simultaneous translation will be provided throughout the series and to the maximum extent possible, all materials will be translated to Ukrainian. Online sessions: These free webinars run from 6 June to 9 July 2024, covering critical topics such as: Utilising open-source digital (OSINT) evidence in cases of atrocity crimes. Legal frameworks and practicalities of conducting in absentia criminal proceedings. (using the MH17 case as a study example). Understanding trauma and its impact on victims and witnesses. Implementing trauma-informed judicial practices. All participants completing the online series will receive certificates. In-person sessions: Following the online sessions, a select group of judges will be invited to a two-day in-person workshop at the Kyiv Opera Hotel on 18 and 19 July, 2024. Registration: Judges, legal clerks, and legal assistants interested in the free online sessions can register before 4 June&#xA0;2024. Read the full programme.&#xA0;Please note that the programme may be changed or supplemented by the organisers. For any questions or further information, please contact Gabriela Radu at g.radu@asser.nl . *This training series is part of a larger project titled &#x2018;Restoring Dignity and People-Centred Justice in Ukraine: A Whole-of-Government Approach to Advancing Accountability for International Crimes.&#x2019; This]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-un-rapporteur-michael-fakhri-on-food-systems-and-structural-violence/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-un-rapporteur-michael-fakhri-on-food-systems-and-structural-violence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new publication by T.M.C. Asser Press, Professor Michael Fakhri, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, provides an interesting analysis of the complex relationship between food systems and structural violence. Drawing on his experience as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Fakhri outlines the impact of food systems on intensifying poverty, vulnerability, and marginalisation. The new publication, based on the 8th T.M.C. Asser Annual Lecture held in 2023 in the Peace Palace in The Hague, is part of the Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture Series by book publisher&#xA0;T.M.C Asser Press. The book is available as an open access publication, and in print (see details below). In the book, Fakhri examines the global economy&#x2019;s reliance on dependency and extractivism within food systems, emphasising how these structures continue cycles of structural inequality and systemic violence. Fakhri further highlights that food systems not only produce food but also intensify forms of violence, leading to widespread human rights violations. &#x27;&#x27;So again, discrimination shows how we all have a range of different identities, and our access to food is determined by the different degrees of privilege and oppression that operate through the intersection of all those identities.&#x27;&#x27;&#xA0;- Michael Fakhri&#xA;Fakhri draws attention to the war in Ukraine in order to illustrate how regional conflicts often cause global shocks by intensifying rather than decreasing violence. His observations highlight the critical necessity to solve the systemic problems with food systems in order to fight inequality and advance human rights throughout the world. &#x27;&#x27;What I learned from the food sovereignty movement is that people have been fighting for decades to regain power in their food systems. They are trying to regain it from transnational corporations and those that serve corporate interests. What I have also learned from the food sovereignty movement is that if you change the food system,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/out-now-video-by-fleur-johns-on-rethinking-community-in-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 13 May 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/out-now-video-by-fleur-johns-on-rethinking-community-in-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On April 25, in a packed Peace Palace in The Hague, Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture speaker prof. Fleur Johns explored new techniques of community-making in her lecture &#x27;Connection in a divided world: Rethinking &#x2018;community&#x2019; in international law&#x27;. Johns introduced the concept of an &#x201C;attenuated community&quot;, a more cautious and limited form of community - moving away from a unified ideal towards temporary alliances based on shared interests. Watch the video now. In her lecture, professor Johns discussed the concept of &#x2018;community&#x2019;, a cornerstone of international law, which serves a multitude of purposes. Sometimes the concept of community is used as a legitimising tool, fostering the perception of international law as having a global constituency. At other times it serves as a technique for transcending bilateral legal frameworks, detaching issues from solely national interpretations.&#xA;The concept of community, however, has also been used as assimilationist, racist, or excluding. In the Peace Palace, Johns pointed towards early racist accounts of a community of nations comprised of the &#x2018;civilised&#x2019;, for instance, in the work of the 19th century Scottish international lawyer James Lorimer, one of the founders of the Institut de Droit International. He wrote that international law must admit &#x201C;inferior races&#x201D; into its political community on the basis of &#x201C;perpetual pupilarity and guardianship&#x201D;, so long as &#x201C;the preponderance of proximate power remains with the superior race&#x201D;.&#xA;According to Johns, even today&#x2019;s international law tends to prioritise the views and experiences of &#x2018;developed&#x2019; nations over those imagined to be at an earlier developmental stage. Johns: &#x201C;Whether expressed in racial terms or developmentally, the unity of international community often depends on the scapegoating, subordination, and expulsion of forces and peoples identified with disunity and decline.&#x201D;&#xA;New, temporary alliancesProfessor Johns then zoomed in on recent international legal cases before the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/scholarships-netherlands-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-funding-full-scholarships-for-upcoming-wmd/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/scholarships-netherlands-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-funding-full-scholarships-for-upcoming-wmd/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is offering five fully-funded scholarships for the upcoming training programme on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, co-organised by the Asser Institute and the Organisation on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The threat posed by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons has reached levels of urgency not seen since the Cold War. The global non-proliferation norms regarding the use and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are under pressure. Consequently, there is a growing demand for professionals with the necessary legal, technical, and policy expertise to tackle the challenges of today&#x2019;s non-proliferation and disarmament agenda. The fifteenth edition of the training programme on weapons of mass destruction, co-organised by the Asser Institute and the OPCW, will&#xA0;provide participants with a greater understanding of disarmament and non-proliferation efforts and the international legal challenges faced by practitioners in the field. Intensive training programme&#xA0;During this intensive training programme, you will receive a comprehensive overview of the international non-proliferation and disarmament framework. You will learn from renowned experts and practitioners in the field and engage in active discussions about key topics and current debates. The programme also provides you with the opportunity to build your professional network with experts in the field and includes study visits to the TU-Delft Nuclear Research Reactor and the OPCW. The MFA&#x2019;s scholarships include tuition fees, international travel, accommodation, per diem allowance and medical insurance. The deadline for applications is 23 June&#xA0;2024. To find out more about eligibility requirements and to apply, read more. Read more Register now Watch the video]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-gaza-and-the-international-legal-community-south-africa-v-israel-at-the-icj/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-gaza-and-the-international-legal-community-south-africa-v-israel-at-the-icj/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a brand new episode of JurisDictions, the Asser Institute international law podcast by researcher and podcast host Dr Carl Lewis, four guests discuss the ICJ&#x2019;s South Africa v Israel case. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has provided two orders of provisional measures in the&#xA0;Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip&#xA0;(South Africa v. Israel) case, following the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza since the 26th of January 2024.&#xA;But what are provisional measures? What does it mean to invoke a breach of an obligation owed to the &#x2018;international community&#x2019;? What implications follow from these proceedings beyond the Peace Palace? And in what sense could it be argued that the ICJ may be denying reality?&#xA;Listen to the latest episode of the JurisDictions podcast to find out. Guests:&#xA;Dr Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz, senior researcher in international law (Asser Institute)&#xA;Dr Shahd Hammouri, lecturer in Law (University of Kent)&#xA;Dr Giulia Pinzauti, assistant professor in international law (Leiden University)&#xA;Dr Sarah Thin, assistant professor in international and European law (Radboud University)&#xA;Host:&#xA;Dr Carl Lewis, researcher in public international law (Asser Institute) Listen now]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/opiniojuris-interview-with-fleur-johns-on-rethinking-community-in-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/opiniojuris-interview-with-fleur-johns-on-rethinking-community-in-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an interview for OpinioJuris conducted by researcher Klaudia Klonowska, international law scholar Fleur Johns explores how the concept of &#x2018;community&#x2019; shapes international law. Professor Johns, who will speak at the 9th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture in The Hague on Thursday, argues that traditional notions of community often reinforce power imbalances and justify violence. She proposes a new approach &#x2013; &quot;attenuated community&quot; &#x2013; that focuses on specific struggles and fosters cross-cutting alliances.&#xA;International law frequently invokes &quot;community&quot; for legitimacy and framing legal issues. However, the concept of &quot;community&quot; can also be problematic by creating a sense of universality that overlooks differences and historical grievances. Historical formulations of community have also been assimilationist and racist, excluding groups deemed &quot;other.&quot; Johns: &#x201C;Many instantiations of community or efforts to secure community depend on identifying figures or elements that do not belong, and scapegoating, expelling, or suppressing these figures or elements. There is, for instance, a lot of literature on this phenomenon in the context of the war on terror.&#x201D;&#xA;Shared oppositionInstead, Fleur Johns proposes a new approach: &quot;attenuated community.&quot; This focuses on shared opposition to specific forms of violence and oppression. According to Johns, this concept avoids romanticised notions of unity, acknowledging the inherent tensions and exclusions of community formation. Johns: &#x201C;I talk about this in terms of an attenuated notion of community, drawing an analogy to an attenuated vaccine. In a vaccine that is made from the pathogens that it is designed to protect against, you attenuate the pathogens. You try to make them less pathogenic and less likely to cause disease. But they still need to remain potent or active for the vaccine to work.&#x201D;&#xA;New legal relationships Johns highlights recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings as examples of this notion. Cases like Gambia v.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-general-principles-in-eu-external-relations-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-general-principles-in-eu-external-relations-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The&#xA0;Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) and the T.M.C. Asser Institute invite papers for a conference on the topic of &#x2018;General Principles in EU External Relations Law&#x2019; which will be held on 6 December 2024, at the T.M.C. Asser Institute in The Hague. Applicants are invited to submit an abstract of max. 500 words by 20 June 2024.&#xA0;Selected speakers are expected to submit a full draft of their paper (8,000-10,000 words) by 1 November 2024.&#xA;General principles play an important role in EU external relations law shaping the legal framework for EU external action as well as strengthening the judicial accountability of the EU as a global actor. At the same time, many questions regarding their specific function, scope and method of identification in EU external relations law remain unclear. What is the function of general principles in EU external relations law? Could these principles be in tension with the objectives and values of the Union&#x2019;s external action and how is this tension resolved in practice? What is the role of the CJEU in identifying and developing general principles in EU external relations law? What is the role of general principles of international law in EU external relations law?&#xA;The conference aims to&#xA0;investigate these questions and more, exploring the topic of&#xA0;&#x2018;General Principles in EU External Relations Law&#x2019;. Prof. Samantha Besson (Coll&#xE8;ge de France, Fribourg University) will deliver the keynote address. The conference conveners aim to partially cover the travel and accommodation costs for selected speakers.&#xA;Abstract submission:Applicants are invited to&#xA0;submit an abstract&#xA0;of max. 500 words by&#xA0;20 June&#xA0;2024. Selected speakers are expected to submit a full draft of their paper (8,000-10,000 words)&#xA0;by 1&#xA0;November&#xA0;2024. Read the full call here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-the-need-for-speed-the-cost-of-unregulated-ai-decision-support-systems-to-civilians/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-the-need-for-speed-the-cost-of-unregulated-ai-decision-support-systems-to-civilians/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In their recently published blog piece for Opinio Juris, Marta Bo (Asser Institute) and Jessica Dorsey (Utrecht University) criticise the lack of regulation for military use of AI-enabled decision-support systems (AI-DSS). These AI-enabled systems are being implemented by militaries at an alarming speed and scale, including in ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Gaza. The authors call for more scrutiny around AI-DSS usage. Earlier this month, the Guardian reported the Israeli Defence Forces&#x2019; (IDF) use of previously undisclosed AI systems to generate and track human targets in Gaza. In fact, military use of AI-enabled decision-support systems (AI-DSS) in ongoing conflicts is increasing, as seen in Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen, and Syria. Bo and Dorsey emphasise the danger of allowing these systems to persist with minimal regulation, particularly from an international legal perspective. There are various AI systems and algorithms that fall under the umbrella of AI-DSS, but in a military context, their purpose is to &#x2018;assist&#x2019; humans in finding and following targets. AI-DSS are considered useful in increasing the efficiency of bombing attacks, a factor which Bo and Dorsey argue is behind why the&#xA0;use of these AI-enabled systems is on the rise. AI-DSS are not technically autonomous &#x2013;they merely generate targets rather than launch attacks&#x2013; and so they have received comparatively less attention than autonomous weapons systems. This partly stems from the belief that human decision-making still plays a big role when launching attacks involving AI-DSS, but Bo and Dorsey challenge this assumption. They delve into the numerous factors that severely limit human decision-making in practice, including cognitive biases that overly trust decisions made by machines &#x2013;particularly in high-pressure situations. Legal implications of implementing AI-DSS Considering the limited input of human judgement when AI-enabled targeting systems are in play, a major concern that comes to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/eu-scrutinises-arms-export-controls-as-focus-shifts-to-supply-chain-accountability/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/eu-scrutinises-arms-export-controls-as-focus-shifts-to-supply-chain-accountability/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, EU stakeholders, including Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz, are meeting in Brussels to discuss export controls for conventional arms during the Working Party on Conventional Arms Exports (COARM). Intergovernmental bodies are increasingly focusing on supply chain accountability to ensure responsible arms trade.&#xA0;Castellanos-Jankiewicz: &#x201C;It will be interesting to see how states interpret their obligations to conduct risk assessments prior to deciding on exports.&#x201D; Today, EU stakeholders are meeting in Brussels to discuss export controls for conventional arms during the Working Party on Conventional Arms Exports (COARM). Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz will attend the COARM-NGO Forum to share expertise about export control policies. Castellanos-Jankiewicz, who has been following procedures in the United Nations and the European Union, thinks that &#x201C;stakeholders are ready to try something new.&#x201D; On paper, the regulations governing the arms trade prohibit exporting weapons if there&#x27;s a clear risk they&#x27;ll be used to violate international humanitarian law (IHL) or international human rights law (IHRL). However, in reality, arms and related services are still exported to countries where they&#x27;re used to commit a wide range of human rights abuses, potentially including war crimes and crimes against humanity. Castellanos-Jankiewicz: &#x201C;This underscores the need to implement existing legal frameworks to ensure human rights compliance of the defense sector.&#x201D; Human rights violations&#xA0;The arms industry is increasingly being carved out from mandatory human rights due diligence obligations in national legislation and European Union regulations. The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, for instance, has recognised that &#x201C;arms products and services are still exported to States where they are used to commit a wide variety of human rights violations&#x201D;. To prevent this, the focus is shifting from states and arms manufacturers towards]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/dont-miss-out-register-for-the-9th-annual-tmc-asser-lecture-today/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/dont-miss-out-register-for-the-9th-annual-tmc-asser-lecture-today/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[If you have not registered yet, please make sure to save your seat for the 9th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture on Thursday 25 April in the Peace Palace in The Hague. We only have a few seats left! The lecture, by professor Fleur Johns, a recognised expert on international law and on the role of automation and digital technology in global legal relations, is free, with a reception included, but registration is required.&#xA;In her lecture, professor Fleur Johns will explore the concept of &#x2018;community&#x2019; in today&#x27;s international law, especially in the context of humanitarianism. As technology has radically changed the ways in which we connect, communicate, share values with each other, exercise power, and engage in conflict, the concept of &#x2018;community&#x2019; in international law is once more in contention. &#x27;Ideas of &#x2018;community&#x2019; have long played a role in making insiders and outsiders in international law, and continue to do so. Yet techniques of community-making in international law may nevertheless present egalitarian possibilities - or so this lecture will show.&#x27; Professor FLeur Johns&#xA;Don&#x27;t miss out! Register for the 9th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture today.&#xA;Read more&#xA0;Register nowRead the full programme]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-performance-or-explainability-a-law-of-war-perspective/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 08 Apr 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-performance-or-explainability-a-law-of-war-perspective/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In their publication for the Law, Governance, and Technology book series, Jonathan Kwik and Tom van Engers address the trade-off between explainability and performance in artificial intelligence-enabled weapons systems from a legal perspective. They introduce a general guideline for decision-makers, derived from existing international humanitarian law principles, on striking a balance in a way that complies with international law. A&#x202F;UN report&#x202F;on the Libyan civil war suggests that an autonomous STM Kargu&#x202F;drone system may have been involved in an attack where 32 students were killed, and The Guardian reports that the Israeli Defense Forces uses artificial intelligence (AI) to select bombing targets in Gaza. How to apply international humanitarian law (IHL) becomes increasingly important with this increased use of AI in the military context. IHL was created before the rapid adoption of AI in the military, meaning that there are no specific laws to clarify who can be held accountable when AI systems are used in conflict. Kwik and van Engers interpret existing IHL principles to address this issue. Legal accountability&#xA0;The notions of expectancy and foreseeability play a significant role in determining the legality of using a weapon under IHL, particularly when it comes to assigning blame. Kwik and van Engers (2021) highlight the difficulty of holding individuals legally accountable for outcomes they could not have reasonably foreseen, which becomes problematic when unexplainable AI models are being used in autonomous weapons. The ability to understand why an algorithm behaved in a particular way, also referred to as AI explainability, is important in establishing legal accountability when AI weapons are deployed, because if something goes wrong when using unexplainable AI, this error could be considered unforeseeable. The more complex an algorithm is, the more difficult it becomes for humans to understand how or why it is producing a certain output, obscuring the way the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asil-2024-hague-closing-plenary-confronting-impunity-and-safeguarding-journalists-in-a-global/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asil-2024-hague-closing-plenary-confronting-impunity-and-safeguarding-journalists-in-a-global/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Saturday 6 April, Gabriele Chlevickaite, researcher at the Asser Institute, will convene the closing plenary of the 2024 annual meeting of the American Society of International Law (ASIL) in Washington, United States. This prestigious society aims to foster the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations based on law and justice.&#xA;The closing plenary, sponsored by the Municipality of The Hague, is one of the highlights of ASIL&#x2019;s annual meeting. This year&#x2019;s closing plenary will focus on impunity for crimes against journalists and is entitled &#x2018; Confronting impunity and safeguarding journalists in a global context&#x2019;. BackgroundJournalists worldwide confront escalating threats, intimidation, and violence, whether in the throes of armed conflict or within increasingly authoritarian contexts. Global monitoring of the safety of journalists demonstrates that growing numbers of journalists are jailed and the rate of killings is on the rise, with a record toll of journalists killed in or while covering Gaza since 7 October 2023. Meanwhile, impunity for crimes against journalists persists at a rate above 85% over the last 15 years.&#xA;This panel critically examines the pressing issue of safeguarding journalists and addressing the rampant impunity for crimes committed against them - a fundamental tenet for preserving the right to freedom of opinion and expression under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and preserving democracy more generally.&#xA;The panellists will discuss the intricate challenges of combatting impunity, exploring both the willingness and the capacity of states to pursue justice. By scrutinising innovative legal approaches and existing initiatives, the panel seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted efforts required to combat impunity and ensure the safety of journalists globally, and the interdependency of local and international actors in supporting these efforts. Moderator: Dr]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-between-crisification-and-legal-resilience-change-and-stability-in-eu-external/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-between-crisification-and-legal-resilience-change-and-stability-in-eu-external/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) and the Asser Institute are inviting papers for a conference on the topic of &#x2018;Crisification and Legal Resilience: Change and Stability in EU External Relations Law&#x2019; which will be held on 11 October 2024, at the Asser Institute in The Hague.&#xA0;Applicants are invited to submit an abstract of max. 800 words by 15 May 2024. Selected speakers are expected to submit a full draft of their paper (8.000-10.000 words) by 1 September 2024.&#xA;In recent years, crisis narratives have dominated EU legal discourse. Policy makers and academics alike have used &#x2018;crisis vocabulary&#x2019; in order to articulate and conceptualise recent challenges faced by the Union - including the eurozone and migration crises, Brexit, the rule of law crises, the global pandemic as well as the war in Ukraine &#x2013; as well as its response thereto.&#xA;While traditionally crises are seen as moments of rapture in a continuum of normal law and policy-making within a given governance field, the recent proliferation of crises &#x2013; whether real or perceived &#x2013; has arguably led to a perpetual state of exceptionalism. In turn, this new normal exposes the law to exacting demands about what it must realise: crisis-thinking favours swift actions and allows for the adoption of exceptional measures &#x2013; something which is often at odds with the procedural and judicial guarantees of decision-making. Some authors have already warned about the &#x2018;crisification&#x2019; of EU policy-making which prioritises quick decision-making over the traditional processes of democratic deliberation.&#xA;A matter of perceptionOthers, such as De Witte (CMLRev. 2022), have drawn a conceptual distinction between crises and emergencies. While crises fall within a broader category and their existence is largely a matter of perception, emergencies constitute a narrower category referring to sudden threats that require the adoption of special laws. On this basis, De Witte discusses the contours of the nascent EU emergency]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/mexico-s-cases-against-us-gun-industry-move-forward/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/mexico-s-cases-against-us-gun-industry-move-forward/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This week, an Arizona federal court allowed Mexico&#x27;s lawsuit against U.S. gun dealers to move forward. The court found&#xA0;that Mexico&#x27;s complaint plausibly alleges that defendants &quot;knew or should have known&quot; their firearms would be used by violent cartels.&#xA;Mexico is suing five Arizona gun&#xA0;shops for allegedly aiding and abetting gun trafficking across the border. The sovereign country argues that these merchants are conducting negligent sales which contribute to gun trafficking and violence.&#xA;Mexico estimates that 200,000 guns are smuggled from the U.S. every year. As a result, the Latin American country has seen over 30,000 homicides annually over the past six years. According to Mexico, 70% of guns used in these killings can be traced back to U.S. gun shops.&#xA;The defendants had requested the court to dismiss the case on the basis of immunity from suit. In an unprecedented move, the court rejected their argument. The case is now primed for trial and Mexico is entitled to &#x201C;discovery&#x201D;, meaning it can request company records from the defendants and question industry executives under oath.&#xA;This decision comes on the heels of a 22 January decision&#xA0;in a U.S. appeals court in Massachusetts&#xA0;where, in separate proceedings, Mexico prevailed against gun manufacturers seeking to dismiss a similar case.&#xA;Researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz, who has been following the case closely, says: &quot;By siding with Mexico on a number of counts, both courts are signalling that the claims brought forward are legitimate and justiciable. In other words, they are concluding that Mexico is entitled to prove its allegations at trial.&quot; Castellanos-Jankiewicz adds that&#xA0;these rulings are mutually reinforcing because they intervene at different yet complementary stages of the supply chains to seek accountability for negligent gun sales.&#xA0;&quot;Mexico&#x2019;s actions are therefore doing away with the long-held assumption that the U.S. gun industry is untouchable.&quot;&#xA;The Arizona court made two important points. Firstly,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-course-using-satellite-imagery-as-evidence-in-international-judicial-proceedings/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-course-using-satellite-imagery-as-evidence-in-international-judicial-proceedings/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[An innovative training course on using satellite imagery as evidence in international judicial proceedings has been launched by UNITAR-UNOSAT, the&#xA0;Asser Institute, the&#xA0;Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI) and IUSTICOM. Legal professionals working with international justice organisations are the first beneficiaries of the course concerning technical and legal requirements of using satellite images as evidence in court. Satellite images are often the only way to prove that human rights abuses and atrocities have happened, especially in hard-to-reach places. These images can help with investigations and be used as evidence in court.&#xA;Knowledge gapAs satellite imagery is a relatively new source of information and evidence in criminal proceedings, many professionals in the international criminal justice system (judges, lawyers, and defence and victims&#x27; attorneys) have limited experience with its use. Many satellite imagery analysts, on the other hand, have no experience with the criminal justice system.&#xA;To close this knowledge gap, UNITAR-UNOSAT, the Asser Institute and IUSTICOM &#x2013; with support from the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI) &#x2013; have developed the online training course, with the aim of maximising the positive impact of using satellite imagery in court in the pursuit of justice. In February 2024, participants from the realm of international justice participated in the online training course concerning the technical and legal specificities of using satellite image acquisition in the context of international judicial proceedings, and how satellite imagery analysis can be used to identify and understand violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The course also addressed the issue of obtaining assistance from satellite imagery experts, such as those at the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), a part of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)&#xA;In response to this project, UNOSAT Officer-In-Charge (and UNITAR]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/connecting-historical-memory-governance-in-latin-america-and-east-asia/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/connecting-historical-memory-governance-in-latin-america-and-east-asia/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The MEMOCRACY project is bringing scholars from Latin America and East Asia together to the Hague, to explore new solutions to legal governance of history through &#x2018;memory laws&#x2019; &#x2013; laws that regulate historical memory. These laws can be punitive, with a criminal punishment for denialism of historical fact, and non-punitive, usually declarative or commemorative. It is the first time that scholars from these two regions have come together to compare the legal governance of history and the addition of these unique regional perspectives complements the research of the project case studies on Baltic States, Germany, Hungary and Poland, Russia, and Ukraine.&#xA;&#x2018;Memory laws in the two regions are often very different from those Europe. This unique connection gives us an opportunity to stimulate the new ways for cooperation and research amongst the scholars in this field in East Asia, Europe and Latin America,&#x2019; explains Dr. Uladzislau Belavusau, Senior Researcher in the Asser Institute and the Head of the Dutch team of the MEMOCRACY consortium.&#xA;National narrative versus critical self-reflectionAbuses of memory laws and policies can undermine European values such as democracy, fundamental human rights and the rule of law. In some cases, laws governing historical memory have played a key role in building, or re-building of a sovereign state. However, as memory laws often punish certain historical perceptions, they can challenge the efforts of public debate and the ability to reflect critically on the past. In particular, in Central and Eastern Europe they can also facilitate authoritarianism. As the country studies of the MEMOCRACY Project have shown, legal bans on historical speech have been proliferating in Central and Eastern Europe since 2010s. Achieving a balance with freedom of speech and human rights can be a challenge. But that problem is not exclusively regional. For example, the Federal Constitutional Court in Germany had to rule on the constitutionality of the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/law-clinic-seeking-transparency-on-arms-exports/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/law-clinic-seeking-transparency-on-arms-exports/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Recently, a new edition of the international law clinic on &#x2018;Access to Justice for Gun Violence&#x2019; was launched by the Amsterdam International Law Clinic of the University of Amsterdam in cooperation with the Asser Institute and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR). The pro bono clinic will address access to information for arms exports from the standpoint of European legislation and international human rights law.Students working with the clinic will receive academic credit to develop a memorandum on the challenges of obtaining information relating to arms sales, exports and licensing. Students will outline the regulatory deficiencies of the arms trade in Europe, where some of the foremost exporters of weapons are located. In particular, ECCHR has requested the clinic to identify the legal and practical obstacles to accessing comprehensive information on arms exports in key European jurisdictions, including Germany, France, Belgium and Spain, to name but a few.&#xA;Accountability deficit&#xA;&#x201C;European arms sales are notoriously opaque&#x201D;, says Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz, who serves as the Law Clinic supervisor for this project. &#x201C;European arms exports lack binding transparency rules despite being transferred to at-risk states and conflict areas such as Israel and Ukraine. The law clinic will identify this accountability deficit to assist policymakers in improving the system.&#x201D;&#xA;The Amsterdam Law Clinics enable students to work on matters of public interest and broad social relevance on behalf of clients, giving them hands-on experience. The clinic complements existing projects such as the Fair Trials Clinic and the Business and Human Rights Clinic. These are all part of the experiential education programme of the Amsterdam Law Practice.&#xA;Addressing negligent conduct&#xA;The clinic is partnering with ECCHR, which has engaged in strategic litigation relating to arms trade in several European jurisdictions. The students will be]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-julia-mullert-the-foreign-fighter-phenomenon-has-some-unique-challenges-for/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-julia-mullert-the-foreign-fighter-phenomenon-has-some-unique-challenges-for/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Julia Mullert is a visiting research fellow at the Asser Institute and a Fulbright research scholar in the Schuman programme, which focuses on EU-wide research. Her work investigates how member states in the European Union have implemented the EU 2020 Counterterrorism Agenda in their domestic counterterrorism approaches as it pertains to foreign fighter returnees. &#x201C;We&#x27;re starting to move into the future of mitigating and controlling risk rather than responding to the immediate threat.&#x201D; An interview. What is the main research project that you are working on at the moment?&#xA0;&#x201C;My current research project is called &#x2018;Mapping EU member state responses to foreign fighter returnees&#x2019; and its main focus is the 2020 EU counterterrorism agenda. A lot of the agenda deals with foreign fighter returnees &#x2013; people who went to Islamic State (IS) conflict zones in Syria and Iraq and that are coming back to their home countries. The EU counterterrorism agenda offers suggestions on how to deal with these returnees, but it does not say &#x2018;You have to do XYZ&#x2019;. So there are different national approaches that fit within this broader framework. I am writing three case studies on EU countries that have been uniquely impacted by the foreign fighter phenomenon - the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium - and these case studies involve systems mapping, a data visualisation technique to look how different elements of a system interact with one another. I&#x2019;m trying to show not only the policies that member states have enacted, but also how these policies are currently being implemented. I also want to create maps of these national responses that include all stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, as well as multinational entities. I&#x27;m hoping to shed light on how these EU countries have responded to the threat of returning foreign fighters, maybe draw some preliminary conclusions on what challenges still remain, and what policies have been successful or not.&#x201D; Why did you choose to focus on]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/ukrainian-members-of-parliament-and-experts-work-on-the-development-of-a-comprehensive-legal/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/ukrainian-members-of-parliament-and-experts-work-on-the-development-of-a-comprehensive-legal/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute hosted a series of closed expert meetings to work on the development of a comprehensive legal framework to address atrocity crimes in Ukraine. In cooperation with the USAID Justice for All (J4A) programme, we welcomed key representatives of the Ukrainian Parliament and international experts this week to carry out specialised, technical expertise sessions on the adaptation of the international law into the domestic legal framework.&#xA;Restoring dignity and justice in UkraineThese expert sessions are part of our &#x2018;Restoring Dignity and Justice in Ukraine&#x27; consortium programme focused on advancing accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine. The programme is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs implemented by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), in partnership with the Asser Institute, the Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC), and the Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC). Aligning Ukrainian legislation with international lawThis initiative has ensured fruitful discussions on the vital importance of aligning Ukrainian legislation with international law and best practices that can serve the cause of justice and accountability for atrocity crimes committed in Ukraine.&#xA;The Asser Institute will continue to support the ongoing efforts of the drafting domestic legislation that is comprehensive and robust in order to advance justice and accountability.&#xA;Asser Institute working on legal capacity building projects in Ukraine The T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#xA0;and&#xA0;Global Rights Compliance are working on a Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs funded project designed to assist investigators, the&#xA0;Office of the Prosecutor General and regional prosecutors&#x27; offices, judges, CSOs, journalists and defence lawyers&#xA0;in Ukraine to investigate, prosecute, adjudicate and&#xA0;monitor international crimes.&#xA0;Read more.&#xA;First of its kind basic investigative standards for documenting international crimes in Ukraine On 23 May 2023, the EU]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-is-wearing-sunglasses-an-attack-obligations-under-international-humanitarian-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-is-wearing-sunglasses-an-attack-obligations-under-international-humanitarian-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a forthcoming article for the International Review of the Red Cross, researcher Jonathan Kwik addresses the legal ambiguity of adversarials, an anti-artificial intelligence countermeasure that can induce hallucinations, bias, and performance drops in an opponents&#x2019; AI systems. Kwik proposes a cognitive framework that builds on existing international humanitarian law to answer the question of what can be considered an attack when adversarials are used, and who can be held responsible in that case. All weapons have countermeasures, and autonomous weapons, weapons that can select and engage targets without further intervention by humans, using artificial intelligence (AI) are no different. In 2017, researchers 3D-printed a seemingly ordinary turtle. However, when photos of the object were fed into Google&#x2019;s image classifier, it predicted that the image was of a rifle, with approximately ninety percent certainty. This was an example of an AI adversarial, an undetectable pattern that could fool an otherwise well-performing algorithm into consistently misclassifying the object as something else. While belligerents can use adversarials to &#x2018;trick&#x2019; their opponent&#x2019;s AI into classifying a soldier as a civilian, they can also be used to cause immense civilian casualties &#x2013; by misclassifying a hospital as a target, for example. This potential brings into question the extent to which adversarials can be considered as a lawful countermeasure under international law. Countermeasures are not prohibited by international humanitarian law (IHL) in principle; in fact many are permitted under the category of ruses, provided they do not break an IHL rule. IHL offers certain protections through its &#x2018;obligations in attack&#x2019;, but it can be unclear who these obligations apply to under contested circumstances. If an opponent is able to wrest control from a system user (e.g.: through hacking), then they can be considered the attacker and are responsible. However, the case is more ambiguous with]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-french-due-diligence-law-after-five-years-of-implementation/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-french-due-diligence-law-after-five-years-of-implementation/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute and Wageningen University law group invite early career researchers to submit their abstracts by 22 March for the conference, &#x2018;The French due diligence law after five years of implementation: (in)effectiveness, (un)accountability and (in)justice?&#x2019; in May 2024. In March 2017, the loi relative au devoir de vigilance des soci&#xE9;t&#xE9;s m&#xE8;res et des entreprises donneuses d&#x27;ordre (French due diligence law) was adopted by the French national assembly, making France the first country to enact a due diligence law.&#xA0;Despite the law&#x2019;s prominent place in public debates throughout Europe as a legislative model (or counter-model), it remains relatively understudied from an international perspective. Conference on the implementation of the French due diligence law&#xA0;The papers published on the law thus far focused on the political process leading up to the adoption of the law, the nature of the legal requirements imposed by the law, and more generally the philosophy underpinning it. Furthermore, most of the existing scholarship is accessible only in French.&#xA;In this context, the Asser Institute and Wageningen University law group (through the REBALANCE Horizon Europe Project, grant number: 101061342) are jointly organising a conference to take stock of the first five years (2018-2023) of implementation of the French law. The conference will bring together academics from different disciplines (law, economics, management studies, sociology), as well as practitioners from civil society and French corporations who are directly engaged in the implementation of the law. The main objective of the conference is to look back at the five years of implementation of the French law. Therefore, we are inviting early career researchers to submit their abstracts (in English with a maximum of 500 words) by 22 March to Dr&#xA0;Antoine Duval (a.duval@asser.nl) and Dr&#xA0;Nadia Bernaz (nadia.bernaz@wur.nl). The selected participants will be informed on 29 March and will be asked to submit a short]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/quarterly-update-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub-1/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/quarterly-update-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub-1/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) Knowledge Hub, an open-access online resource developed by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), has just been updated to incorporate recent developments surrounding states&#x2019; responses to foreign terrorist fighters. In doing so, the FTF Knowledge Hub continues to be an essential resource on FTFs and states&#x2019; responses to them.&#xA;In total, 14 data points, involving 6 states, were updated. Among other important developments, the number of women repatriated to Morocco, as well as the number of FTFs known to have departed and returned to Italy, are reflected. In addition, the website&#x2019;s standards and guidance section has been updated and recent literature has been added to the resource library, including ICCT&#x2019;s new publication titled &#x201C;Female Jihadis Facing Justice: Comparing Approaches in Europe&#x201D;. Furthermore, all domestic policies and legal frameworks have undergone review to reflect the newest developments. About the FTF Knowledge Hub&#xA;The FTF Knowledge Hub is an open-access database concerning states&#x2019; responses to so-called &#x2018;foreign terrorist fighters&#x2019;, or as defined by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014): &#x2018;individuals who travel to a State other than their States of residence or nationality for the purpose of the perpetration, planning, or preparation of, or participation in, terrorist acts or the providing or receiving of terrorist training, including in connection with armed conflict&#x2019;. The FTF Knowledge Hub contains country-specific information on 30 different states, including FTF-related data, administrative and criminal measures, as well as rehabilitation and prevention policies, and is aimed at policy makers, practitioners, academics, journalists and students. The website provides comprehensive and detailed information specifically about FTFs who have travelled to Syria or Iraq.&#xA;Provide us your feedback and suggestions&#xA;We welcome the contribution of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-dutch-court-halts-f-35-aircraft-deliveries-to-israel/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-dutch-court-halts-f-35-aircraft-deliveries-to-israel/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Citing a &#x201C;clear risk&#x201D; of abuse, the Hague Court of Appeal has&#xA0;ordered the Dutch government to stop delivering F-35 aircraft components to Israel. Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz is following the case and provides his analysis of the 12 February decision. As he stated in a recent interview with Al-Jazeera: &#x201C;the judgment underlines the urgency for further transparency in the arms trade.&#x201D; The Dutch government has said it would comply with the judgment and stop transferring F-35 components to Israel, as requested by the court. Yet officials have already stated their intention to appeal in the Supreme Court. Citing the decision, Josep Borrel, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, alluded to the unchecked provision of arms to Israel as having a role in the civilian death toll on the Gaza strip. Since the judgment was handed down, the F-35 programme has also prompted parliamentary questions in Australia, where parts of the aircraft are manufactured. The decision also comes amid high-profile resignations in the U.S. government over arms sales to Israel and in the Dutch Foreign Ministry over similar policy issues. Dutch arms exports to Israel&#xA0;According to the latest available data, the Netherlands was the fifth-largest EU exporter of military equipment to Israel in 2022, with the total value of these transfers amounting to &#x20AC;12.5 million. In 2022, the Netherlands issued over &#x20AC;10 million in export licenses for arms sales to Israel.&#xA0;The F-35 complaint, brought by Oxfam Novib, PAX for Peace and the Rights Forum Foundation, comes amid growing international concern over arms exports to Israel in the context of its military campaign on the Gaza Strip. Their key argument is that, following the despicable events of 7 October and their repercussions, the Dutch government was under the obligation to conduct a new risk assessment for its F-35 program on the basis of relevant legal standards. The case before the Hague Court of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/phd-researcher-jonathan-kwik-sparks-debate-on-ai-weapons-with-groundbreaking-dissertation/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/phd-researcher-jonathan-kwik-sparks-debate-on-ai-weapons-with-groundbreaking-dissertation/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Fresh off his recent cum laude PhD graduation on February 14th, researcher Jonathan Kwik is making waves in the legal and technical communities with his research on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in warfare. His dissertation, exploring the legal implications of AI-powered weapons, has garnered significant media attention, triggering important conversations about the future of armed conflict. Several newspapers and publications have featured Kwik&#x27;s work, highlighting his nuanced approach to this complex issue. Dutch newspaper Het Parool dedicated an article to his research, while UvA student magazine Folia conducted an in-depth interview with him in both Dutch and English, exploring his analysis of the ongoing AI arms race.&#xA0;Additionally, the UvA Faculty of Law&#xA0;published an interview discussing his insights and recommendations for regulating AI weapons. Kwik&#x27;s research delves into the legal grey areas surrounding AI-driven weaponry, arguing that existing international humanitarian law needs reinterpretation to encompass these emerging technologies, rather than new laws. Kwik advocates for a proactive approach, suggesting potential solutions like creating a new manual similar to the Tallinn Manual, which addresses autonomous weapons and other innovative technologies. Considering the rapid advancements in AI and the growing concerns surrounding its potential use in warfare, Kwik&#x27;s work is particularly timely. His dissertation, to be published later this year by T.M.C. Asser Press, promises to be a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in navigating the ethical and legal complexities of AI in armed conflict. Additionally, several upcoming publications will further amplify Kwik&#x27;s research: An article in the&#x202F;International Review of the Red Cross&#x202F;focusing on anti-AI countermeasures is expected later in 2024. A commercial book based on his dissertation will be published by Asser Press in the third quarter of 2024. Jonathan Kwik&#x27;s]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/in-memoriam-michiel-de-rooij-1962-2024/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/in-memoriam-michiel-de-rooij-1962-2024/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Michiel de Rooij. Michiel, born on 1 September 1962, passed away unexpectedly last week. He leaves behind his wife, Nadine, and two children.&#xA;Michiel joined the Asser Institute in November 1992 and quickly became a valued member of our community. His dedication to research and his expertise in private international law were instrumental in numerous projects and publications. Michiel was specialised in private international law, civil commercial law with a focus on transnational aspects, and in general maritime law and the law of transport.&#xA;Michiel played a vital role in data collection and editing for the T.M.C. Asser Press periodical &quot;Nederlands Internationaal Privaatrecht&quot; (Netherlands Private International Law), demonstrating his commitment to advancing legal scholarship. In 2022, Michiel edited the 14th edition of &#x2018;Jurisprudentie Internationaal Privaatrecht 2022&#x2019;, detailing the most important judgments from 1924 to 2022 in the field of Private International Law, aimed at students and legal practice.&#xA;T.M.C. Asser Press publisher Frank Bakker: &quot;For many years Michiel selected, analysed and reported on case law in the field of private international law, forming the backbone of our journal Nederlands Internationaal Privaatrecht and of the documentation part of the online database NIPR Online. His deep knowledge of private international law and civil law, his commitment to his work and his wit and good humour will be greatly missed by his colleagues at Asser Press and by the members of the Editorial Board of NIPR.&quot; Acting academic director Christophe Paulussen: &quot;Beyond his professional contributions, Michiel will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and genuine connection with others. His daily walks to the coffee machine led to many informal gatherings, where colleagues could engage in stimulating discussions on legal matters or simply enjoy his vibrant personality.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/shelter-city-call-for-applications-for-a-visiting-research-fellowship-at-the-asser-institute-for/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 15 Feb 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/shelter-city-call-for-applications-for-a-visiting-research-fellowship-at-the-asser-institute-for/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Justice &amp;amp; Peace Netherlands has launched a new call for applications for at-risk human rights defenders to participate in the Netherlands Shelter City starting in June or September 2024. The deadline for applications is 28 February 2024 at 23:59 CET (Central European Time).&#xA;The visiting research fellowship programme offers a safe and inspiring space to human rights defenders where they can re-energise, receive tailor-made support and engage with allies to reinforce their local actions for change. The Asser Institute hosts one human rights defender per year as part of the Shelter City project initiated by Justice &amp;amp; Peace Netherlands. They conduct a three-month research project in the field of human rights, international law, or European law. While researching the ongoing situation in their home countries, they become part of the local research community and contribute to the Institute&#x27;s research.&#xA;Applications must be submitted by 28 February 2024 at 23:59 CET (Central European Time). Read the criteria for eligibility in the full call.&#xA;Read more&#xA;[Interview] Shelter city research fellow Omar Pi&#xF1;ango: &#x201C;We are on a path to justice&#x201D; Omar Pi&#xF1;ango was a Shelter City Research Fellow at the Asser Institute in The Hague for three months, where he conducted research on the International Criminal Court&#x27;s Venezuela investigation on the research Strand A. &#x201C;In Venezuela we have no rule of law.&quot; An interview.&#xA;[Interview] Shelter City research fellow Ali Erdog&#x306;an: &#x201C;European institutions can be very patriarchal&#x201D; During a three-month stay in The Hague, Shelter City research fellow Ali Erdog&#x306;an focused on human rights and same-sex marriages in EU law. &#x201C;I would like to make some changes in this world with regard to LGBTIQ&#x2B; rights. And I believe that I can achieve this through international public law.&#x201D; An interview.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-jonathan-kwik-i-am-bridging-the-gap-between-the-technical-and-the-legal-domains/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-jonathan-kwik-i-am-bridging-the-gap-between-the-technical-and-the-legal-domains/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Researcher Jonathan Kwik specialises in the laws regulating conduct of hostilities and artificial intelligence (AI). Today, 14 February, he will defend his PhD dissertation entitled: &#x2018;Lawfully using autonomous weapon technologies: A theoretical and operational perspective&#x2019;. Jonathan Kwik: &#x201C;What is often missed by jurists is the factual, concrete understanding of what technology can do and what its limitations are&#x201D;. An interview. Autonomous weapons systems operate independently, executing their functions without direct human input. While artificial intelligence (AI) is not necessary for their operation, integrating AI in autonomous weapon systems can enhance their capabilities. AI is expected to have a significant impact on the future of war, combat, and national defence. In this interview, Jonathan discusses the use of AI technology in military operations, with a particular emphasis on targeting, and the applications of existing laws regulating warfare in this context. What is the main research project that you are working on at the moment?&#xA0;&#x201C;I am currently looking at data-driven artificial intelligence technology that is used within a military context, and then specifically at its use for targeting: selecting and engaging the targets and the processing of intelligence that leads to the targeting process. I am looking at AI installed in systems like drones or an active defence system. When a military convoy is being led through a forest, for instance, one does not want insurgents to ambush you. When an active defence system detects a threat, it would automatically start shooting to prevent this. However, there are still some unsolved problems with these systems: first, does the system really attack the threats only, or might it also attack something that you do not want it to? How accurate is it? Can you really predict what will happen when you use these systems? For example, if you leave a drone on for half an hour, perhaps it works well for twenty-five minutes,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/registrations-open-international-law-summer-programme-by-war-crimes-research-office-and-the-asser/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/registrations-open-international-law-summer-programme-by-war-crimes-research-office-and-the-asser/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute and the War Crimes Research Office of American University&#x2019;s Washington College of Law are pleased to announce that registrations are open for the 18th Annual Summer Law Programme on International Criminal Law and International Legal &amp;amp; Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism. This thought-provoking programme, which will be held at the Asser Institute&#x2019;s premises in The Hague, from 3 June to 28 June 2024, is designed to provide students and early-career professionals with a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in international criminal law and the legal aspects of counter-terrorism. &#x201C;The 18th Annual Summer Law Programme offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field of international criminal law and counter-terrorism,&#x201D; says Christophe Paulussen, acting academic director and chair of the executive board of the Asser Institute, and the Asser Institute&#x2019;s project leader of the programme since 2019.&#xA;Paulussen: &#x201C;This comprehensive and interactive programme, the longest-running educational programme at the Asser Institute, will appeal to a new generation of young professionals dedicated to combating impunity and advancing the rule of law. The programme will provide participants with a deep understanding of the complex legal issues surrounding these topics, as well as the skills necessary to make a real difference in the world.&#x201D;&#xA;The summer law programme will be divided into two parts: Part One: International Criminal Law&#xA0;(3 &#x2013; 14 June, Fee &#x20AC; 995) Explore the past, present, and future of international criminal law (ICL)&#xA;Examine the definitions and evolution of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide&#xA;Gain a thorough understanding of victim participation and reparations&#xA;Analyse state responsibility in international criminal law&#xA;Learn about the roles of the International Criminal Court and other tribunals&#xA;Delve into individual criminal and command responsibility&#xA;Grasp the concept of universal jurisdiction]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-asser-institute-launches-jurisdictions-international-law-podcast/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-asser-institute-launches-jurisdictions-international-law-podcast/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[How is it that a movie about a children&#x2019;s toy can raise tensions over territorial sovereignty? And why is it that certain international disputes draw more global attention than others? The Asser Institute launched JurisDictions, a monthly educational podcast that explores the stories behind international legal concepts and issues. Each episode focuses on a particular concept that experts will break down and explain.In the first episode, hosts Carl Lewis and Miranda Lalla explore the concept of maps in international law. Prompted by the controversy surrounding the map used in the Barbie movie, they speak to international legal experts Dr Yusra Suedi (University of Manchester), Dr Brendan Plant (University of Cambridge), Prof Krista Wiegand (University of Tennessee), and Mr William Worster (The Hague University of Applied Sciences) to find out more about the role of maps in international law.&#xA;The importance of (fictional) maps in international law Listeners, and in particular students, are encouraged to write to jurisdictions@asser.nl if they have any concepts or issues they would like to learn more about.&#xA;Hague Courts Dialogue Series podcastThe Hague Courts Dialogue Series podcast has been renamed to JurisDictions. The existing and future episodes of the Hague Courts Dialogue Series will remain as a sub-series.&#xA;JurisDictions&#xA0;is available on Apple, Spotify and most podcast platforms as well as our website. Subscribe now.&#xA;More free educational content by the Asser InstituteThe Supranational Criminal Law (SCL) Lectures on international criminal law has been organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut since 2003, in cooperation with the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court.&#xA;The Hague Initiative for Law and Armed Conflict (HILAC) Lectures on law and armed conflict are organised in cooperation with the Netherlands Red Cross and the Amsterdam Center for International Law.&#xA;Paper Trailers are]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-video-rule-of-law-cluster-in-the-hague/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 05 Feb 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-video-rule-of-law-cluster-in-the-hague/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new video by the Municipality The Hague, researcher James P. Sexton highlights how the legal research conducted at the Asser Institute interacts with other organisations in The Hague working in the field of international law. James Sexton: &#x201C;Drawing inspiration from the dynamic international justice and rule of law ecosystem in The Hague, we strive toward a better future through our fundamental and policy-relevant research. A future where human rights and the environment are protected and where there is accountability for international crimes.&#x201D;&#xA;The Hague community of legal practitioners, researchers and thought leaders has grown since those early days of international law. Today, the city is home to a vivid ecosystem of twenty thousand professionals working on issues of peace and justice at some five hundred international organisations, NGOs, knowledge institutes, and diplomatic missions.&#xA;&#x201C;Through our independent and critical knowledge and research capabilities, we can assist policy makers and other legal practitioners that are struggling with complex issues. But our interaction with the world of practice offers us, as researchers, a reality check, new research ideas, and an insight on how social impact can be achieved as well,&#x201D; explains Christophe Paulussen, acting academic director at the Asser Institute.&#xA;Watch the full video on the rule of law sector. Read more[Annual Lecture] Rethinking &#x2018;community&#x2019; in international lawFleur Johns, a recognised expert on international law and on the role of automation and digital technology in global legal relations, will deliver the 9th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture on Thursday 25 April 2024 in the Peace Palace in The Hague. She will explore the concept of &#x2018;community&#x2019; in today&#x27;s international law, especially in the context of humanitarianism. As technology has radically changed the ways in which we connect, communicate, share values with each other, exercise power, and engage in conflict, the concept of &#x2018;community&#x2019; in]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-2024-connection-in-a-divided-world-rethinking-community-in-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-2024-connection-in-a-divided-world-rethinking-community-in-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On April 25, 2024, Professor Fleur Johns will deliver the 9th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture at the Peace Palace in The Hague. Her lecture will explore the contested concept of &quot;community&quot; in today&#x27;s international law, particularly in the context of humanitarianism. Since seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, please book your seat now to secure your spot. Professor Fleur Johns, a recognised expert on international law and on the role of automation and digital technology in global legal relations, will deliver the 9th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture on 25 April 2024 in the Peace Palace in The Hague.&#xA0;She will explore the concept of &#x2018;community&#x2019; in today&#x27;s international law, especially in the context of humanitarianism. As technology has radically changed the ways in which we connect, communicate, share values with each other, exercise power, and engage in conflict, the concept of &#x2018;community&#x2019; in international law is once more in contention. &#x27;Ideas of &#x2018;community&#x2019; have long played a role in making insiders and outsiders in international law, and continue to do so. Yet techniques of community-making in international law may nevertheless present egalitarian possibilities&#x2014;or so this lecture will show.&#x27;&#xA;Abstract&#xA;&#x27;Connection in a divided world: Rethinking &#x2018;community&#x2019; in international law&#x27;&#xA;The concept of &#x2018;community&#x2019; (as in the &#x2018;international community&#x2019; or the &#x2018;community of nations&#x2019;) has been a cornerstone of international law, sometimes aiding the articulation and promotion of public interests. For example, recent attempts to forge international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response have been spurred by governments acknowledging &#x2018;the catastrophic failure of the international community&#x2019; to ensure solidarity and equity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. And lately, international legal litigants have invoked &#x2018;community interest&#x2019; in seeking to hold states accountable for alleged violations of international law. Such claims have]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/seminar-the-ljubljana-the-hague-convention-international-cooperation-in-fighting-impunity-for/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/seminar-the-ljubljana-the-hague-convention-international-cooperation-in-fighting-impunity-for/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new international convention, the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention, which was adopted in May 2023 by 68 countries, will be opened for signature on 14 February 2024. Together with the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, the Asser Institute will organise a seminar on the new treaty, which will take place in the Peace Palace in The Hague on 15 February, one day after the official signing ceremony. The Ljubljana-The Hague Convention is a landmark international treaty that aims to strengthen international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other international crimes. The treaty makes cooperation mandatory for all state parties.&#xA;A process led by by Argentina, Belgium, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Senegal, and Slovenia, it is the first international treaty to provide a comprehensive framework for mutual legal assistance and extradition for these crimes. It empowers national justice systems and allows for states to fulfil their international legal obligations in the fight against impunity for international crimes.&#xA;Valuable tool Under the new treaty, countries are better equipped to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of committing genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, even if the crimes were committed outside of their territory and do not directly affect their own citizens or interests. The convention is expected to be a valuable tool for prosecutors and investigators who are working to bring perpetrators of international crimes to justice. The treaty includes provisions on: Joint investigation teams&#xA;Cross-border observations&#xA;The confiscation of assets&#xA;The execution of requests for mutual legal assistance, extradition, or the transfer of persons A signing ceremony for the Ljubljana -The Hague Convention will be held in the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands, on 14 February 2024.&#xA;On Thursday 15 February, the day after the official signing ceremony, the Asser Institute and the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-nadia-perrone-we-are-at-a-pivotal-moment-in-defining-new-responsibilities-for/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-nadia-perrone-we-are-at-a-pivotal-moment-in-defining-new-responsibilities-for/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Nadia Perrone is a visiting research fellow at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. During her stay at the Asser Institute, she is conducting research on the use of business and human rights soft law in domestic litigations. Nadia Perrone: &#x201C;I would like to demonstrate that the main business and human rights initiative, the UNGPs, can no longer be considered to be soft law&#x201D;. An interview.&#xA;What is the main research project you are working on?&quot;My study explores the main business human rights soft law initiatives, such as the OECD guidelines, the ten principles of the United Nation&#x2019;s Global Compact, but especially the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) in order to understand how they have been implemented over time. The enforcement of soft law is not a novelty in international law. By studying past experiences, it will be possible to define the degree of what human rights soft laws have achieved since their adoption.&#x201D;&#xA;Why is this topic important?&#x201C;Because multinational corporations are not considered to be a subject of international law, and they don&#x27;t have any direct obligations under international human rights law. Yet the impact of their activities on human rights, environment and climate change has proven to be very significant. Considering the involvement of corporations in well-known cases of labour exploitation, child labour, complicity in armed conflicts, environmental damage, and high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, this regime of impunity seems more and more inadequate. Since the 1970s, soft law initiatives have shown to provide some solutions to these problems, and now the time seems ripe to move on something harder.&#x201D;&#xA;What are you hoping to achieve with your research?&#x201C;I would like to demonstrate that the main business and human rights initiative, the UNGPs, can no longer be considered to be soft law. Describing soft law is not an easy task. There is still no universal definition of soft law, and the concept is not unanimously accepted by international]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-legal-implications-of-the-eus-geopolitical-awakening/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-legal-implications-of-the-eus-geopolitical-awakening/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x27;s Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) and Leiden University are inviting current PhD scholars and early career researchers to submit abstracts for a two-day PhD workshop on the legal implications of the EU&#x27;s &quot;geopolitical awakening.&quot; The workshop will take place at the Asser Institute in The Hague on May 6-7, 2024.&#xA;The workshop will explore the challenges and opportunities posed by the EU&#x27;s growing role as a geopolitical actor in the wake of the war in Ukraine. Participants will discuss how the EU can balance its commitment to multilateralism and international law with its need for strategic autonomy in a complex and uncertain global environment.&#xA;Abstracts of no more than 500 words must be submitted by February 10, 2024. Selected participants will be invited to submit a draft paper by April 10, 2024. The papers will be presented and discussed at the workshop, and the organisers aim to publish them in the CLEER paper series subject to peer-review.&#xA;A limited number of scholarships will be available to support participation in the workshop. Interested applicants are invited to submit a motivated application of up to 300 words.&#xA;The workshop is part of a series of events organised by the Asser Institute and Leiden University to foster research on the EU&#x27;s role in the world. The next instalment of the PhD Workshop Series is due to take place in November 2024.&#xA;Read the full call.&#xA;You can submit your abstract here.&#xA;Key dates: Abstract submission deadline:&#xA0;February 10, 2024&#xA;Draft paper submission deadline:&#xA0;April 10, 2024&#xA;Workshop dates:&#xA0;May 6-7, 2024]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/universities-across-the-mena-region-join-the-inter-university-programme-on-international-criminal/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jan 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/universities-across-the-mena-region-join-the-inter-university-programme-on-international-criminal/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Hague - Today, we launched the 13th edition of the Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure (IUP), organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in collaboration with La Sagesse University in Lebanon and IUSTICOM. This year, the IUP has expanded across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and is provided, free of charge, to more than 360 students from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria and Iraq. This unique programme offers students the opportunity to learn about international criminal law and procedure and the challenges of pursuing justice and accountability. The course was initially designed for Lebanese undergraduate and graduate students of law, political science and international relations and currently includes students from the following universities in Lebanon: American University of Beirut, Beirut Arab University, Islamic University of Lebanon, Lebanese American University, Lebanese University, Phoenicia University, La Sagesse University, and Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.&#xA;Given the ongoing conflicts and violations of international humanitarian and international criminal law, as well as the lack of accountability across the MENA region, we have expanded&#xA0;the IUP to include students from Birzeit University and An-Najah National University in Palestine, the University of Jordan, Ain Chams University in Cairo, Egypt, Ghardaia University in Algeria, and the University of Baghdad in Iraq.&#xA;The programme covers a wide range of topics, including transitional justice, international humanitarian and criminal law, Sharia law and international criminal proceedings, and teaches students about core international crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and terrorism), modes of liability, the rights of the accused and the role of victims. Prominent academics and practitioners deliver the lectures in English or French with simultaneous interpretation into Arabic.&#xA;Fostering cross-cultural understandingAn IUP]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/is-mandatory-human-rights-and-environmental-due-diligence-a-paper-tiger-lessons-from-the-french/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/is-mandatory-human-rights-and-environmental-due-diligence-a-paper-tiger-lessons-from-the-french/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In 2017, France became the first country to enact a due diligence law, the Law on the Duty of Vigilance, requiring large French companies to identify risks and prevent serious human rights, health and safety, and environmental harms in their supply chain. The French Vigilance Law was groundbreaking. It paved the way for the adoption of mandatory due diligence standards in Europe, culminating in the European Commission&#x2019;s proposal for the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive in 2022. However, six years after the law&#x2019;s enactment, the results of its implementation and enforcement have been disappointing, and victims of business-related abuse continue to face significant challenges in holding companies accountable and obtaining justice. The French experience should serve as a cautionary tale for future mandatory due diligence legislation.&#xA;France&#x2019;s Law on the Duty of VigilanceUnder the Law on the Duty of Vigilance, large French companies are required to draft and effectively implement a due diligence plan, termed the &#x2018;vigilance plan&#x2019;. This plan must include &#x2018;reasonable due diligence&#x2019; measures to identify risks and prevent serious harm to human rights and fundamental freedoms, individual health and safety, and the environment throughout their supply chain. More specifically, the plan must cover risks and harm resulting from the activities of the company, the companies it controls, as well as subcontractors or suppliers with whom it has an established commercial relationship. The law also establishes enforcement mechanisms involving private and judicial oversight. Affected stakeholders and NGOs can give a company formal notice to comply with its due diligence obligations. If the company does not comply within three months, they may petition the court or its interim relief judge to compel compliance (Article L225-102-4(II) French Commercial Code). Finally, the law allows for a company that fails to meet its due diligence obligations to be held civilly liable for]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-shelter-city-research-fellow-omar-pinango-we-are-on-a-path-to-justice/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-shelter-city-research-fellow-omar-pinango-we-are-on-a-path-to-justice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Omar Pi&#xF1;ango is a Venezuelan lawyer and human rights defender who is working with the NGO Defiende Venezuela to document crimes against humanity in the country. In the past three months he was also a Shelter City Research Fellow at the Asser Institute in The Hague, where he conducted research on the International Criminal Court&#x27;s Venezuela I investigation. Omar Pi&#xF1;ango: &#x201C;In Venezuela we have no rule of law.&quot; An interview.&#xA;A decade after Nicolas Maduro became president of Venezuela, serious human rights violations persist. They include the systematic use of arbitrary detention and torture, extrajudicial executions by the security forces, enforced disappearances and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence, committed since 2014. Allegations of these crimes center on the Venezuelan government&#x27;s handling of mass protests in 2014, which arose amidst the economic crisis following the death of former socialist president Hugo Chavez. The protests were met with violent repression by Maduro&#x27;s government, resulting in more than a hundred deaths and thousands of injuries.&#xA;Wave of repression Another wave of public protests and repression followed in 2017, during which allegations of arbitrary detention, torture of opposition supporters, and other crimes against humanity skyrocketed. Venezuela is grappling with the devastating effects of hyperinflation, widespread shortages of essential goods, rampant unemployment, and soaring crime rates. An exodus of over seven million Venezuelans have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.&#xA;According to Marta Vali&#xF1;as, Chair of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (FFMV), the Venezuelan state &#x201C;relies on the intelligence services and its agents to repress dissent in the country. In doing so, grave crimes and human rights violations are being committed, including acts of torture and sexual violence.&#x201D;&#xA;Green light In a significant development,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/landmark-decisions-by-the-court-of-justice-of-the-european-union-will-reshape-transnational-sports/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/landmark-decisions-by-the-court-of-justice-of-the-european-union-will-reshape-transnational-sports/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Three landmark decisions in the International Skating Union (ISU), the European Super League (ESL), and Royal Antwerp cases by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) redefine the relationship between EU law and sports in the most important intervention of the Court in the sport sector since its Bosman ruling in 1995. The Asser Institute had a specific involvement in this important day, as Antoine Duval, head of the Asser Institute&#x2019;s Sport Law Centre, and former colleague Ben Van Rompuy (now at Leiden University) were at the origin of today&#x2019;s decision of the Grand Chamber of the CJEU in the ISU case.&#xA;Duval and Van Rompuy drafted the original complaint&#xA0;submitted&#xA0;to the European Commission&#xA0;(EC)&#xA0;by two&#xA0;Dutch speed-skaters,&#xA0;Mark&#xA0;Tuitert&#xA0;and&#xA0;Niels&#xA0;Kerstholt, against the International Skating&#xA0;Union&#xA0;(ISU), which led to the first decision of the European Commission finding that an international sports governing body had violated EU competition rules. After ISU appealed the decision, the case led to a ruling by the Fourth Chamber of the General Court that confirmed the EC&#x2019;s decision.&#xA;Antoine Duval and Ben Van Rompuy at the Grand Chamber of the&#xA0;Court of Justice of the European Union&#xA;Far-reaching implications for Court of Arbitration for&#xA0;Sport (CAS)In the complaint and during their exchanges with the EC (and afterwards in the cross-appeal), Duval and Van Rompuy challenged the mandatory CAS arbitration clause in particular. The CJEU decision affirmed their argument that the CAS is not a suitable venue to ensure an effective access to remedy for claimants in cases involving EU competition law. As the CAS is the linchpin of the current structure of transnational sports law, the implications of this ruling could have an impact beyond the context of ISU.&#xA;&#x2018;The specific implications are difficult to identify at this point, but it could potentially force the CAS to re-locate to an EU Member State, or lead national courts to disregard CAS arbitration clauses when EU law is]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/goals-for-the-new-year-register-now-for-our-2024-training-programmes/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/goals-for-the-new-year-register-now-for-our-2024-training-programmes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[You can now register for our 2024 training programmes. Take the opportunity to stay ahead in your career! Embark on a journey of professional growth and knowledge enhancement with our comprehensive training programmes covering cutting-edge topics like human rights abuse in sport, artificial intelligence and international law, and the EU&#x27;s corporate sustainability due diligence revolution.&#xA;[Advanced professional training] Responding to human rights abuse in sport: Safe, effective &amp;amp; appropriate investigation (05 - 06 March 2024)&#xA;In recent years, the world of sport has seen a rise in reports of cases of emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. Sport has often struggled to respond in a safe, effective and appropriate way to these cases. This has, at best, led to missed opportunities to improve and strengthen prevention mechanisms. At worst, it has caused traumatisation and additional harm. This professional training uses real life challenges from past investigations to provide insight into how to (not) respond to reports and allegations of sport-related cases of abuse. Sign up&#xA0;for our advanced professional training and learn how to respond in a safe, appropriate, and effective way to cases of human rights abuse in sport. What will you learn? How to (not) respond to reports and allegations of sport-related cases of abuse&#xA;Knowledge and experience in responding to such cases in a way that protects the affected person from further harm and complies with human rights&#xA;The role that investigations play in access to remedy more broadly Fee: &#x20AC;950 (Regular fee), &#x20AC;600 (Student and NGO fee) Register now&#xA;More info [Spring academy] Artificial intelligence and international law (22 - 26 April 2024)&#xA;Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in almost all sectors of our society. From public sector applications in security, healthcare, welfare, or justice, to everyday uses for commercial targeting, transportation or household appliances; AI innovation is]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/a-new-management-team-for-the-asser-institute-in-2024/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/a-new-management-team-for-the-asser-institute-in-2024/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Kasper Vrolijk will be starting as the Asser Institute&#x27;s new managing director and member of the executive board on 1 February 2024. Together with Christophe Paulussen, the recently appointed acting academic director and chair of the executive board, Vrolijk will be responsible for managing the institute. The vacancy for academic director to guide the Institute&#x27;s research focus and academic activities remains open till 3 January 2024. Kasper Vrolijk,&#xA0;who has a PhD in Economics (SOAS, University of London), an MSc in Public Policy (Maastricht University) and a Ba in Business Administration (NHTV University) offers&#xA0;a great balance of management experience and in-depth knowledge of academic research.&#xA;At the German Institute of Development and&#xA0;Sustainability (IDOS) he has managed research on globalisation and climate change, leading various project teams, managing finances and risks, as well as driving funding and project acquisition. His management experience is complemented by research awards from amongst others the&#xA0;Royal Economic Society,&#xA0;Institute of New Economic Thinking, and&#xA0;STEG-CEPR.&#xA;Translating researchVrolijk&#x27;s new role as managing director of the Asser Institute will be to oversee the administrative, financial, and personnel management. As part of the Asser Institute&#x27;s executive board, he will share the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Institute with the academic director.&#xA;Chair of the Asser Institute&#x2019;s supervisory board Liesbeth Lijnzaad is delighted with Vrolijk&#x27;s appointment. Lijnzaad: &#x201C;Kasper brings experience in managing educational programmes and valorisation of research, including translating research to policymakers and the broader public, which fits very closely with the Asser Institute&#x2019;s core activities.&#x201D;&#xA;Excellent workThe appointment of Kasper Vrolijk comes as the current managing director Gert Grift will retire on 1 March 2024. Forming a formidable team with former academic director and chair of the executive board Janne]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-year-in-review-rethinking-international-law-from-memory-laws-to-ai-and-war-crimes/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-year-in-review-rethinking-international-law-from-memory-laws-to-ai-and-war-crimes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As 2023 draws to a close, we compiled this years&#x2019; ten most insightful and thought-provoking interviews with leading experts in the field of international law. The conversations discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the global legal community, offering a glimpse into the future of international law. As public interests are central to the international legal debate and to current global and societal challenges, the Asser Institute&#x2019;s strategic research agenda&#xA0;&#x27;Rethinking public interests&#xA0;in international and European Law&#x27;&#xA0;is organised around questions pertaining to the public interest in international and European public and private law.&#xA0;Shaped by the dynamic interplay of legal principles, technological advancements, and societal transformations, international law is continuously evolving to help address emerging challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. In a globalised world, international cooperation remains significant, as does striving for a balance between sovereignty and accountability.&#xA;From the delicate balance between safeguarding historical accuracy and fostering open discourse in the context of memory laws to the ethical ramifications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military, and the challenges of prosecuting war crimes, 2023&#x2019;s best-read Asser Institute interviews will offer you insights into the challenges and opportunities that confront the global legal community.&#xA;1.[Interview] Shelter city research fellow Omar Pi&#xF1;ango: &#x2018;We are on a path to justice&#x2019; Omar Pi&#xF1;ango is a Venezuelan lawyer and human rights defender who is working with the NGO Defiende Venezuela to document crimes against humanity in the country. As a Shelter City Research Fellow at the Asser Institute he conducted research on the International Criminal Court&#x27;s (ICC) Venezuela I investigation. Omar Pi&#xF1;ango: &#x201C;In Venezuela we have no rule of law. The World Justice Project&#x27;s Rule of Law Index for years has been ranking Venezuela as country number 140, the very]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/un-special-rapporteur-on-right-to-housing-to-visit-the-asser-institute/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/un-special-rapporteur-on-right-to-housing-to-visit-the-asser-institute/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The United Nations&#x2019;&#xA0;special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Mr. Balakrishnan Rajagopal, will conduct a visit to the Netherlands this week. On Thursday 21 December, the special rapporteur will hold a press conference at the Asser Institute. Access is strictly limited to journalists. Mr. Balakrishnan Rajagopal will visit the Netherlands to examine issues relating to housing availability, affordability and accessibility, homelessness, and to learn what measures the Netherlands undertakes to ensure that the right to adequate housing is enjoyed by all population groups in the country.&#xA;The special rapporteur will visit the Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Groningen, as well as reception centres for asylum seekers and persons under international protection. He will hold meetings with national and local officials, civil society representatives and housing providers. In March 2024, the special rapporteur will present his report to the UN Human Rights Council.&#xA;Mr. Balakrishnan Rajagopal will hold a press conference on Thursday 21 December 2023 at the Asser Institute. Access will be limited to journalists. For registration to the press conference and requests for media interviews immediately after the press conference, please contact&#xA0;chiara.menghetti@un.org.&#xA;Read the full press release. About the special rapporteur on the right to adequate housingMr. Balakrishnan Rajagopal (United States),&#xA0;assumed his function as special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing&#xA0;on 1 May 2020. He is professor of law and development at the department of Urban Studies and Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A lawyer by training, he is an expert on many areas of human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, the UN system, and the human rights challenges posed by development activities.&#xA;The UN Independent Experts are part of what is known as the special procedures&#xA0;of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-influence-of-ai-decision-support-systems-on-legal-assessments-in-military/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 14 Dec 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-influence-of-ai-decision-support-systems-on-legal-assessments-in-military/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Taylor Woodcock explores how algorithmic decision-support systems (DSS) in warfare impact legal reasoning in military targeting in a new article for Global Society&#x2019;s special issue on algorithmic warfare. She concludes that these systems currently lack the capacity to make the necessary contextual, qualitative and value- legal judgments required by the proportionality standard under international humanitarian law (IHL). Reliance on decision-support systems&#xA0;Autonomous weapons systems are often the first thing people think of when it comes to military AI. However, software-based applications of AI related to surveillance, and decision-making support also have a major impact on military operations. The release of Open AI&#x2019;s ChatGPT, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has captured the headlines and the imagination of the public and the military. The United States Department of Defense is already experimenting with large language models (LLMs) to use AI in decision-making, sensors, and weapons in military operations. Decision-support systems would not autonomously engage in the use of force, but could influence critical decision-making in warfare, such as target selection. In her article, Taylor points out that software-based applications likely face less scrutiny and far fewer obstacles to deployment than autonomous weapons systems. Nonetheless, target selection is a crucial aspect of warfare that can result in collateral damage to civilians and is regulated by international humanitarian law (IHL). AI and the principle of proportionality&#xA0;IHL requires assessment of the proportionality of attacks, weighing the expected collateral damage to civilians against the anticipated military advantage. Such an assessment is contextual, qualitative, and value-laden, and Taylor highlights that there are serious questions around how data-driven AI could perform this kind of assessment. Generating recommendations on the proportionality of a proposed attack through an algorithm even]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-addressing-the-legal-questions-surrounding-the-eu-s-strategic-autonomy/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-addressing-the-legal-questions-surrounding-the-eu-s-strategic-autonomy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Institute researcher Eva Kassoti and Ramses A. Wessel have brought together a comprehensive legal analysis of the notion of strategic autonomy as editors for a new special issue for the European Foreign Affairs Review. The special issue focuses on general considerations as well as specific policy areas like EU defence-industrial spending, sanctions, and data autonomy. &#x2018;Strategic autonomy&#x2019; has become more prominent in the debate surrounding the European Union&#x27;s (EU) global role. It was first mentioned in a 2013 European Council call for the development of European defence capabilities. As the term found its way into key EU policy documents, including the 2016 EU Global Strategy and the establishment of the European Defence Fund in 2017, its significance became even more pronounced. Despite increased use, it remains unclear what this means in legal terms.&#xA;Comprehensive securityIdentifying the legal dimensions of the fundamental political concept of strategic autonomy is at the core of the special issue. The contributions shed light on the various policy dimensions of the challenges facing the EU in this area. The concept of &#x2018;comprehensive security&#x2019; is integral to this exploration that includes politico-military, economic, environmental and human aspects.&#xA;Legal frameworksAs the legal questions surrounding strategic autonomy become increasingly practical, the editors and authors recognise the need to consider the political context and relevant debates. They emphasise the relationship between legal frameworks and the broader political landscape. By adopting a comprehensive perspective on security, they aim to unravel the complex legal framework of strategic autonomy, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by the EU in its pursuit of an autonomous and secure future.&#xA;Read the issue here.&#xA;Read moreGlobal EuropeThe EU&#x2019;s identity as a global actor is firmly anchored in a distinct normal and political agenda. The Union has consistently portrayed itself as]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/registrations-open-spring-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/registrations-open-spring-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registrations are open for our popular spring academy on Artificial Intelligence and international law, which will take place in the week of 22-26 April. This innovative and thought-provoking one-week training programme, launched in 2019, will provide you with insights into the current and future issues raised by AI technologies from the perspective of international law and related disciplines. Register soon, as seats are limited!&#xA;Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in almost all sectors of our society. From public sector applications in security, healthcare, welfare, or justice, to everyday uses for commercial targeting, transportation or household appliances; AI innovation is advancing at a very fast pace.&#xA;AI brings many promises but also innumerable complex challenges. In particular, AI technologies are challenging to fundamental legal norms and systems of international . How can we ensure that AI is developed and adopted in a way that respects and promotes individual rights? Why should we maintain human agency over AI technologies, and how will achieve this? How should we address the use of AI in warfare? How can we allocate responsibility for harms resulting from the use of AI? Are existing legal norms and foundational concepts able to grasp and address the complexities of AI? How can we develop and implement international frameworks for the governance of AI? These are some of the questions that will be discussed at the 2024 Spring Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law&#xA;Programme description The spring academy offers in-depth knowledge and perspectives on AI and international law. It addresses fundamental issues at the intersection of theory and practice, and provides a platform to engage with the diverging perspectives in the key emerging debates. The programme is structured around five themes: Understanding AI&#xA;AI and human rights&#xA;AI in warfare&#xA;Current challenges&#xA;International governance of AI The programme&#x2019;s]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/christophe-paulussen-appointed-asser-institute-s-acting-academic-director-and-chairperson-of-the/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/christophe-paulussen-appointed-asser-institute-s-acting-academic-director-and-chairperson-of-the/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Christophe Paulussen has been appointed as acting academic director and chairperson of the board of the Asser Institute, starting 1 December 2023. As one of the longest-serving researchers at the Institute, Christophe has been an integral part of its development and success over many years.&#xA;Christophe Paulussen is senior researcher and coordinator of the research strand &#x2018;In the public interest: accountability of the state and the prosecution of crimes&#x2019; at the Asser Institute and associate fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism in The Hague. His expertise in the legal aspects of counter-terrorism and international criminal law is frequently sought. For instance, he has advised the Dutch parliament, the EU,&#xA0;NATO, the Council of Europe and the United Nations on issues such as foreign fighters and accountability for international crimes. Christophe is also coordinator of various projects at the Institute, including the MATRA-Ukraine project,&#xA0;working with Ukrainian stakeholders strengthening Ukraine&#x2019;s capacity to investigate and prosecute international crimes.&#xA;Professor Liesbeth Lijnzaad, chair of the supervisory board of the Asser Institute, is happy with the appointment. Lijnzaad: &#x201C;Christophe has a deep understanding of the vision and mission of the organisation, as well as its local and international position as academic centre of excellence. We are confident he will guide us with his careful consideration, enthusiasm and academic expertise. The supervisory board greatly appreciates Christophe taking on this responsibility for now.&#x201D;&#xA;Connecting practice and theory An interview with Benjamin Ferencz, the last surviving Nuremberg prosecutor, inspired Christophe to pursue international criminal law. It was therefore a privilege that Ferencz, many years later, would come to the Asser Institute several times to inspire a new generation of international lawyers at the&#xA0;Annual Summer Law Programme on International Criminal Law and International Legal &amp;amp;]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/quarterly-update-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 20 Nov 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/quarterly-update-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) Knowledge Hub, an open-access online resource developed by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), has just been updated to incorporate recent developments surrounding states&#x2019; responses to foreign terrorist fighters. In doing so, the FTF Knowledge Hub continues to be an essential resource on FTFs and states&#x2019; responses to them.&#xA;In total, 29 data points, involving 10 states, were updated. Among other important developments, recent trends in the prosecution of U.S. returnees, as well as the movements of Spanish FTFs, are reflected. In addition, the website&#x2019;s standards and guidance section has been updated and recent literature has been added to the resource library, including new publications on prosecuting Dutch FTFs for core international crimes and repatriations of family members from the MENA region. Furthermore, all domestic policies and legal frameworks have undergone review to reflect the newest developments.&#xA;About the FTF Knowledge Hub&#xA;The FTF Knowledge Hub is an open-access database concerning states&#x2019; responses to so-called &#x2018;foreign terrorist fighters&#x2019;, or as defined by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014): &#x2018;individuals who travel to a State other than their States of residence or nationality for the purpose of the perpetration, planning, or preparation of, or participation in, terrorist acts or the providing or receiving of terrorist training, including in connection with armed conflict&#x2019;. The FTF Knowledge Hub contains country-specific information on 30 different states, including FTF-related data, administrative and criminal measures, as well as rehabilitation and prevention policies, and is aimed at policy makers, practitioners, academics, journalists and students. The website provides comprehensive and detailed information specifically about FTFs who have travelled to Syria or Iraq.&#xA;Provide us your feedback and suggestions&#xA;We welcome the contribution of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-asser-institute-welcomes-groups-of-ukrainian-investigators-prosecutors-and-judges/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 20 Nov 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-asser-institute-welcomes-groups-of-ukrainian-investigators-prosecutors-and-judges/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A group of Ukrainian judges will be hosted this week by the Asser Institute for exchange meetings and study visits. Last week, a cohort of Ukrainian investigators and prosecutors made their way to The Hague for a similar experience. During the course of these events, participants have the opportunity to visit several international organisations based in The Hague and to engage in exchange sessions with Dutch and international experts on international criminal law.&#xA;The exchange meetings and study visits are part of the MATRA-Ukraine project, a joint initiative of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Global Rights Compliance (GRC), funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The objective of this project is to enhance the capacity of criminal justice actors and other experts in Ukraine to investigate, prosecute, adjudicate, monitor and report on international crimes, by providing them with technical and strategic expertise.&#xA;Fruitful exchanges at the headquarters of different international organisations&#xA;Various international organisations welcome the participants to facilitate the exchange of expertise relevant to the daily work carried out by Ukrainian investigators, prosecutors and judges. Participants from both groups have visited and will continue to do so different institutions, including but not restricted to Eurojust, the International Criminal Court, Europol, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, the International Commission on Missing Persons or the Netherlands Forensic Institute.&#xA;Numerous Ukrainian investigators and prosecutors have underscored the significance of these study visits. According to the former, these engagements have provided them with a deeper understanding of international initiatives aimed at ensuring accountability for international crimes committed in and against Ukraine. Such interactions consequently facilitate the enhancement of cooperation and the establishment of synergies between national authorities and international organisations actively]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/ukraine-fair-trials-key-to-lasting-justice/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/ukraine-fair-trials-key-to-lasting-justice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[&#x201C;Ukraine&#x2019;s legacy, how this country will be remembered in history, is at stake. And it will be determined by all of you and your commitment to long-lasting justice, not just quick convictions&#x201D;, said senior researcher Christophe Paulussen (Asser Instituut) during the international conference &#x2018;Justice in the domestic adjudication of war crimes cases&#x2019;, organised by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in cooperation with international and Ukrainian partners.&#xA;On behalf of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, which helped facilitate the conference on 19 -22 October in Lviv, Ukraine, Christophe Paulussen gave a presentation on the importance of fair trials in international crimes cases in Ukraine, addressing an audience of Ukrainian criminal justice professionals, MPs, staff members of CSOs and representatives of European and international organisations.&#xA;Paulussen made his comments during a panel that discussed ways to raise public awareness about the importance of the right to counsel and fair trial in international crimes cases. The panel also discussed how to best work with the media to build public trust in the courts and confidence in the judiciary&#x27;s impartiality and transparency when adjudicating international crimes. Fair trial indicatorsDuring the discussion, Paulussen introduced the &#x2018;fair trial indicators&#x2019;, a tool that helps court monitors, such as journalists and civil society organizations, assess the fairness of international crimes cases in Ukraine. The fair trial indicators are a product of the MATRA-Ukraine project, co-implemented by the T. M.C. Asser Instituut and Global Rights Compliance (GRC) and funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project, which started in 2020, helps Ukrainian investigators, prosecutors, judges, and other Ukrainian actors improve their ability to handle international crimes. The project team works with both criminal justice professionals and those who need to monitor the proceedings critically, such as]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/publication-uneven-progress-in-environmental-protection-in-armed-conflicts/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/publication-uneven-progress-in-environmental-protection-in-armed-conflicts/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a recent book chapter in the Netherlands Yearbook of International Law, Stavros-Evdokimos Pantazopoulos explores the increased consideration of the environment and environmental law in armed conflicts. He concludes that, while there has been significant development in the institutional and legal domains, in practice the increased consideration for the environment is less obvious. Destruction of the environment&#xA0;War destroys lives, livelihoods and can reduce cities to rubble. In armed conflict the environment can be a target of scorched earth tactics or used as a weapon, but it can also suffer from deliberate and collateral damage. And the environmental damage can resonate long after the conflict has subsided. Weapons ignite fires and release toxic elements, such as depleted uranium, that continue harming humans and environment for years. In Ypres, Belgium the soil was still contaminated with heavy metals nearly a century after the end of the conflict that released these metals into the soil. In Vietnam efforts to clean up damage done by Agent Orange are still underway. In Hiroshima and Nagasaki there is still an increased incidence of cancer due to radiation exposure seven decades later. And in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine military activity near industry and the nuclear power plants could have catastrophic consequences. Environmental considerations gaining momentum&#xA0;Stavros highlights that the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflicts (PERAC) has been gaining momentum in international affairs in the last two decades. New resolutions, guidelines, and principles were developed such as the Geneva List of Principles on the Protection of Water Infrastructure that was launched in 2019 and the victim assistance principles for those affected by toxic remnants of war. In his book chapter Stavros retraces the history of these developments, demonstrating that States have gradually stopped driving these principles and that other actors beyond-the-state,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-and-vu-amsterdam-launch-research-into-international-task-force-for-crimes-against/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-and-vu-amsterdam-launch-research-into-international-task-force-for-crimes-against/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Asser Institute and the Center for International Criminal Justice at the Faculty of Law of the VU Amsterdam are launching a research study into the establishment of an international investigative task force on abuses against journalists. The project, which is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to assess the feasibility and practicability of such a task force, and if it could effectively fill the current legal gaps in the investigative capacity and political will to pursue accountability.&#xA;Journalists are essential to democracy, but they increasingly face intimidation, harassment, and violence. This prevents them from doing their jobs safely and effectively. Many journalists are jailed, killed, or face impunity for the crimes committed against them. According to UNESCO and other sources, at least 67 journalists have been killed in 2023 so far. The rate of impunity for the killings of journalists was around 86% in 2022, with a meagre 186 out of 1284 cases reportedly resolved between 2006-2022.&#xA;According to the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom (HLP), effective investigation of crimes against journalists is prevented by shortcomings in both investigative capacity and political will to pursue accountability. In this context, the HLP has recommended to set up an international investigative task force on abuses against journalists.&#xA;The new research study by the Asser Institute and the Center for International Criminal Justice at the Faculty of Law of the VU Amsterdam aims to assess the feasibility and practicability of such a task force.&#xA;The study will focus on three fundamental areas: Identifying the international legal gaps in prosecuting crimes against journalists.&#xA;Determining whether an investigative task force could fill these gaps and if it would be effective in cooperative and uncooperative environments.&#xA;Designing and supporting a potential]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/ukrainian-investigators-prosecutors-and-judges-to-visit-the-hague/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/ukrainian-investigators-prosecutors-and-judges-to-visit-the-hague/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In November, the Asser Institute will welcome two groups of Ukrainian investigators, prosecutors and judges for exchange meetings and study visits. The groups will meet with international legal experts and visit relevant organisations in The Hague to gain international legal expertise.&#xA;The exchange meetings are part of the MATRA-Ukraine project, a joint initiative of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Global Rights Compliance (GRC), funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The objective of this project is to enhance the capacity of criminal justice actors and other experts in Ukraine to investigate, prosecute, adjudicate, monitor and report on international crimes, by providing them with technical and strategic expertise.&#xA;In-depth conversations In October, two other exchange meetings with Ukrainian judges, prosecutors and investigators were held at the Asser Institute&#x2019;s premises in The Hague. The meetings provided a forum for in-depth conversations about the main obstacles to accountability for the international crimes committed against Ukraine during the ongoing armed conflict with Russia. The exchange meetings were part of study visits organised by the European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM) and international development agency&#xA0;USAID. The meetings further gave Asser and GRC a chance to talk about and share the most important results of the MATRA-Ukraine project, and to start conversations about how they can best support the participants in the future.&#xA;The first study visit for Ukrainian investigators and prosecutors was organised by EUAM. During this session, Prachiti Venkatraman from GRC discussed the practical relevance of the &#x2018;Basic Investigative Standards for Documenting International Crimes in Ukraine&#x2019; (BIS-Ukraine) - a unique toolkit aimed at supporting the work of civil society organisations, human rights defenders and other practitioners documenting international crimes in Ukraine. The BIS-Ukraine Manual will also be forthcoming as a mobile]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-video-pursuing-accountability-for-the-crime-of-aggression-against-ukraine/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-video-pursuing-accountability-for-the-crime-of-aggression-against-ukraine/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The recording of the SCL Lecture &#x201C;Pursuing accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine&#x201D; is out now. During the lecture, which was held last month, international legal experts discussed the different mechanisms to pursue accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, including the establishment of a special tribunal. What would be the exact model this tribunal could and should take? Watch the video&#xA0;now. On 4 May 2023, when he visited The Hague, Ukrainian President Zelensky&#x443; spoke about the pursuit of accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine. He then remarked: &#x201C;Only one Russian crime led to all of these crimes: this is the crime of aggression, the start of evil, the primary crime. There should be responsibility for this crime.&#x201D;&#xA;Even though Ukraine can prosecute individuals for the planning, preparation or waging of an aggressive war or armed conflict, or conspiring for any such purposes, as well as conducting an aggressive war or aggressive military hostilities (Article 437 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), the framing of this provision, and the issue of immunity ratione personae (immunity for heads of state and other high-ranking officials) would make prosecution in national courts of high-level foreign officials, such as Putin, complicated.&#xA;Moreover, the ICC does not have jurisdiction over the crime of aggression in this situation as both Russia and Ukraine have not ratified the Rome Statute, and the UN Security Council will not refer the situation to the ICC because of Russia&#x2019;s veto.&#xA;As a result of this, discussions on establishing a tribunal for the crime of aggression have been gaining momentum. One of the topics under discussion, among both politicians/policy makers and academics, is the exact model this tribunal could and should take.&#xA;For example, during the same visit to The Hague at the beginning of May, President Zelenskyy clarified he wanted a fully international criminal tribunal and not a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-failures-to-stop-autonomous-weapon-systems-as-a-war-crime/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 17 Oct 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-failures-to-stop-autonomous-weapon-systems-as-a-war-crime/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new article, researcher Marta Bo explores the issue of holding people accountable for the actions of autonomous weapon systems during wartime. Could individuals be held responsible if they fail to prevent autonomous weapon systems from carrying out illegal attacks in a conflict? In the article &#x201C;Criminal responsibility by omission for failures to stop autonomous weapon systems&#x201D; for the Journal of International Criminal Justice, researcher Marta Bo asks whether it is a war crime to not stop an autonomous weapon system (AWS) that is launching an unlawful attack. Autonomous weapon systems are designed to operate autonomously, meaning that they can, based on pre-programmed target profiles and partly triggered by their environment of use, make their own determinations about what, when and where to attack. Now let us imagine that an autonomous weapon system was pre-programmed to target military targets (say a tank) but ends up targeting a bus full of civilians instead. If humans cannot control the AWS, then no one can be held accountable for the attack, which would lead to impunity for war crimes. So, could AWS users, including operators and military commanders, be held criminally responsible for violating the prohibition on indiscriminate attacks because they did not intervene in, and suspend the AWS-driven attack? And if so, under which conditions would a failure to stop an AWS-driven attack amount to a war crime? &#x201C;Commission by omission&#x201D;&#xA0;The author tackles this question by establishing how the doctrine of &#x201C;commission by omission&#x201D;, a legal construction originating from national criminal jurisdictions, can be applied on the basis of the grave breaches regime in the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The doctrine of commission by omission means that you can be held responsible for a crime even if you did not directly commit it, but you had a duty to stop it and failed to do so. For example, if]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-andrii-nekoliak-the-politics-of-memory-laws-can-be-intense/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-andrii-nekoliak-the-politics-of-memory-laws-can-be-intense/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Andrii Nekoliak is a postdoctoral researcher at the Asser Institute, and a member of the MEMOCRACY project. His work centres around legal issues that arise from memory laws, with a particular focus on Ukraine and Russia. &#x201C;Article 354.1 of the Russian Penal Code, which bans the rehabilitation of Nazism, is also being used to prosecute those who condemn Russia&#x2019;s current war on Ukraine. It creates a mood of paranoia and a feeling as if the country were in a besieged fortress.&#x201D; An interview.&#xA;What is the focus of your current research?&#x201C;I am a postdoctoral researcher in the MEMOCRACY project, which focuses on the legal challenges posed by memory laws. It is a consortium with teams from Poland, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. As a member of the Dutch team, I am working on a study report which looks into political dynamics around Ukraine&#x2019;s and Russia&#x27;s memory laws, and issues of compatibility of these laws with European law and international law frameworks and regulations, and, for instance, with the practice by the European Court of Human Rights.&#x201D;&#xA;What exactly is a memory law, and why is this topic important? &#x201C;There are two ways to define a memory law. The broad definition includes official statements by, for instance, a national parliament that contribute to a particular understanding of history. This could include things like resolutions, declarations, and preambles to laws. The narrow definition is more legalistic: memory laws are laws that punish certain types of speech about the past. This includes laws that deal with historical denialism. The ban on Holocaust denial is an example of a punitive memory law. Memory laws pose important questions for liberal democracies. First of all, what is the legitimacy of regulating the historical discourse? And what are the conditions for that? Should some thresholds be mapped before a state engages in legal regulation of historical speech?&#xA0;And secondly, there is the issue of freedom of speech. Can a liberal policy limit]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-article-addressing-online-terrorist-content-through-the-grammar-of-human-rights-law/</link>                <pubDate>Sat, 30 Sept 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-article-addressing-online-terrorist-content-through-the-grammar-of-human-rights-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new article for the European Journal of Human Rights, Tarik Gherbaoui (Asser Institute) and Martin Scheinin (University of Oxford), investigate the dual challenge to human rights law posed by the proliferation of online terrorist content and by recent legislation to crack down on such content. The authors explore whether human rights law can articulate and address this dual challenge by properly using the &#x2018;grammar&#x2019; of human rights law, i.e. its fundamental concepts, principles, and doctrines.&#xA;The European Union (EU) adopted Regulation (EU) 2021/784 in 2021, making hosting service providers responsible for preventing the spread of terrorist content online. If left unaddressed, online terrorist content poses real challenges to human rights law, in particular in the context of states&#x2019; positive obligations to respect the right to life by protecting individuals from terrorist attacks. However, according to Gherbaoui and Scheinin, the new European rules have adverse human rights repercussions across Europe, in particular on the freedom of expression.&#xA;Far-reaching powers Under the new European rules, &#x2018;competent authorities&#x2019; at the national level have been granted far-reaching powers, such as the power to order hosting service providers to remove allegedly terrorist content within one hour. More importantly, they have the power to subject hosting service providers that are declared to be &#x2018;exposed to terrorist content&#x2019; to adopt measures that risk policing online debate in pre-emptive fashion. This new legislation is globally unprecedented because it creates a transnational legal regime as removal orders issued by one EU member state have immediate extraterritorial effect in foreign states.&#xA;&#x2018;Brussels effect&#x2019;The fact that the new European rules apply to all hosting service providers offering services in the vast market of the European Union, also means that the rules are likely to have a global impact. The authors argue that European standards on online terrorist content]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-antoine-duval-human-rights-due-diligence-is-underpinned-by-a-fundamental-double/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 29 Sept 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-antoine-duval-human-rights-due-diligence-is-underpinned-by-a-fundamental-double/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Antoine Duval is a senior researcher at the Asser Institute where he focuses on transnational private regulation and business and human rights. In an article in the Nordic Journal of Human Rights,&#xA0;he examines the background of human rights due diligence, in particular how prof. John Ruggie envisioned the interaction between the public and private. &#x27;Human rights due diligence is underpinned by a fundamental double movement.&#x27; An interview.&#xA;Can you briefly explain what human rights due diligence (HRDD) is?Human rights due diligence is a process devised by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights and transnational corporations, the late prof. John Ruggie&#xA0;and his team. It is aimed at ensuring that businesses respect human rights throughout the web of activities linked to their products and services, what I refer to as their &#x2018;functional territory&#x2019;. HRDD was first introduced in its current structure in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).&#xA;Why do you think it is important to look at the ideas behind HRDD?The main reason to do so is that HRDD, or similar processes such as sustainability due diligence at the EU level, is spreading fast, especially in Europe. It is quickly becoming the gold standard for corporations to tackle the adverse human rights and environmental impacts linked to their activities. Ruggie hoped that the unanimous endorsement of the UNGPs by the U.N. Human Rights Council would anchor them, and by association also HRDD, as the authoritative document shaping the boundaries of the responsibility of business to respect human rights. The growing number of countries implementing mandatory HRDD through legislation is the living proof of his success in this regard.&#xA;What specific issues was HRDD designed to solve? Can you explain Ruggie&#x2019;s strategy in leveraging HRDD to solve these issues?HRDD comes as a crucial response to Ruggie&#x2019;s fundamental diagnosis: that globalisation has freed the economy from]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-brussels-i-bis-regulation-a-key-legal-instrument-for-unified-eu-private-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sept 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-brussels-i-bis-regulation-a-key-legal-instrument-for-unified-eu-private-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Brussels I-bis Regulation is the core instrument unifying private international law at the European Union level. In a new handbook, Vesna Lazi&#x107; and the late professor Peter Mankowski provide a comprehensive overview of the revised Regulation, as well as of the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). They analyse the legal framework of the Regulation and the existing jurisprudence, identify its shortcomings, and suggest methods of improvement. The book, The Brussels I-bis Regulation: Interpretation and Implementation, is the result of the JUDGTRUST project entitled &#x2018;Regulation Brussels Ia: a standard for free circulation of judgments and mutual trust in the European Union&#x2019;. In order to improve the correct and consistent application of the Regulation, the handbook analyses the current legislative framework and the relevant CJEU case law, but also draws on the empirical findings of the National Reports submitted by all EU member states as a part of the research project.&#xA;Crucial EU unification The relevance of legislation on private international law has increased due to the European internal market. Private international law rules vary amongst the EU Member States, therefore the unification at the EU level plays an important role in enhancing access to justice for EU citizens and EU-based businesses. It makes it easier for individuals and commercial parties to foresee the consequences of their actions. It also helps to reduce the risk of different treatments due to differences in national private international law rules.&#xA;The Brussels I-bis aims to overcome the discrepancies between the various legal systems and to improve the legal framework for cross-border commercial activities. It offers a unified set of rules on international jurisdiction and on the recognition and enforcement of judgments in the EU. It seeks a uniform interpretation: the Regulation is to be interpreted autonomously, in principle without a reference to national laws of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-lessons-learned-on-addressing-human-rights-abuses-in-qatar/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 13 Sept 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-lessons-learned-on-addressing-human-rights-abuses-in-qatar/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new article for the Netherlands International Law Review, Daniela Heerdt and Lucas Roorda examine the human rights responsibilities of businesses and sports bodies. Using the participation of the Netherlands in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as a case study, they argue that understanding how to take part in ways that reduce harm and promote respect for human rights should be the focus for future events.&#xA;In their analysis, Heerdt and Roorda identify the range of actors involved in mega-sporting events like the World Cup or the Olympic Games. These actors include private businesses, such as sponsors, contractors, and commercial sports teams, and are essential for events of this magnitude. The authors highlight that such private businesses have human rights responsibilities to prevent or cease adverse human rights impacts in their own operations, provide remedies for victims, and use their leverage over business partners to prevent or mitigate human rights impacts when they are linked with adverse human rights impacts. In the case of the Netherlands, the authors note that, apart from non-binding commitments to the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), there is no mandatory human rights due diligence legislation in force.&#xA;The sports ecosystem&#xA;Source: Centre for Sport and Human Rights The article points out that, partly because of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, awareness of the human rights responsibilities of companies involved in sporting events and sports bodies such as FIFA and national authorities has increased. However, little action has been taken to address relevant human rights risks.&#xA;To boycott or not?The political discussion surrounding the World Cup in Qatar revolved around potential boycotts of the event and whether to send government representatives. However, not taking part in the event would not have absolved the Netherlands of its human rights responsibilities. Instead, Heerdt and Roorda emphasise that the most direct way for]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-anti-isil-coalition-civilian-harm-and-the-obligation-to-investigate/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 11 Sept 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-anti-isil-coalition-civilian-harm-and-the-obligation-to-investigate/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for Articles of War, James Patrick Sexton analyses the civilian harm caused by the military coalition established to defeat the Islamic State (ISIL). He concludes that investigations into potential violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) caused during military coalitions need to be improved to fulfil states&#x2019; international legal obligations.&#xA;Between 2014 and 2019, at least twenty-nine states contributed to the military coalition to defeat ISIL, also known as Operation Inherent Resolve. ISIL, a non-state armed group and terrorist organisation, had captured large areas of territory in Syria and Iraq during 2013-2014 and perpetrated heinous acts, many of which likely amount to international crimes.&#xA;Coordinated from a military base in Qatar, the states involved in Operation Inherent Resolve carried out thousands of airstrikes on ISIL targets and in support of allied ground troops. By March 2019, ISIL&#x2019;s last territorial stronghold in the region had fallen. Allegations of civilian harmAlthough Operation Inherent Resolve played a vital role in reversing ISIL&#x2019;s territorial gains and ending their terrible acts, allegations have been made over recent years that several states involved in the coalition, including the U.S., U.K., and the Netherlands, caused over ten thousand civilian deaths. In 2015, for example, at least eighty-five civilians were killed as the result of a Dutch airstrike on an ISIL military target in the city of Hawija, Iraq.&#xA;The obligation to investigate: More cooperation required&#xA0;States have the obligation to investigate if a violation of IHL has been allegedly caused by their military forces. However, during coalition operations it is often unclear which state is responsible for IHL violations. For example, state A might carry out an airstrike based on intelligence provided by state B, with the initiation provided by state C.&#xA;Despite these sometimes-confusing coalition dynamics, Sexton argues that the obligation to investigate]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/dirty-bombs-and-nuclear-power-plants-how-does-international-law-protect-us-from-nuclear-disaster/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 30 Aug 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/dirty-bombs-and-nuclear-power-plants-how-does-international-law-protect-us-from-nuclear-disaster/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In March 2023, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited Ukraine&#x2019;s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) for the second time to assess nuclear safety and security. He brings with him a new group of IAEA experts to replace those already at the nuclear power plant to help reduce the risk of a nuclear accident. Visits like these are facilitated by international safeguards and verification regimes such as that of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The consequences of damage to a nuclear reactor are devastating. Lethal amounts of radiation are released immediately, and radioactive particles can spread unpredictably over large distances poisoning flora and fauna for hundreds of kilometres. Military activity in and near power plants, as is the case at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, makes it more likely the power plant could be damaged with catastrophic consequences.&#xA;IAEA safeguard agreementsNuclear power plants are afforded protection under international humanitarian law, but the IAEA also continuously fulfils a vital role in nuclear safety and security during conflict and crisis. The Statute of the IAEA and the comprehensive safeguard agreements place requirements on the health and safety measures for nuclear material. This provision provides important support in situations where nuclear facilities and materials may be at risk, such as during armed conflict. It allowed the IAEA to visit Ukraine&#x2019;s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and also enabled the Director General to discuss with the establishment of a Nuclear Safety and Security Protection Zone with Ukraine and Russian Federation.&#xA;Safeguard agreements are integrated into the framework of the NPT, which entered into force in 1970 and remains one of the most important agreements in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament to this day. The IAEA comprehensive safeguard agreements are set up directly between the States and the International Atomic Energy]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-counterterrorism-expert-thomas-renard-everyone-is-struggling-to-identify-how-to-best/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-counterterrorism-expert-thomas-renard-everyone-is-struggling-to-identify-how-to-best/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Thomas Renard is Director of the International Center for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) in The Hague. In his book &#x2018;The Evolution of Counter-Terrorism since 9/11&#x2019;, he traces the evolution of counterterrorism policy in Belgium and Europe, a field that has expanded dramatically since the 9/11 attacks, and one in which the limits between terrorism and extremism have become blurred. &#x2018;These days, a much, much larger pool of individuals is drifting towards extremist ideas and narratives.&#x27; An interview.&#xA;Can you briefly sketch current developments in extremism and terrorism? &#x201C;Here in Europe, right-wing and anti-institutional extremism, and jihadi terrorism are the three dominant forms of extremism and terrorism that we&#x27;re dealing with. We also see a little bit of left-wing extremism, such as the Antifa movement, which is partially a response to the resurging far-right extremism.&#xA;From a European perspective, the threat of religious and specifically jihadi terrorism and extremism has been decreasing in recent years. This is a significant shift from the heydays of the ISIS Caliphate era, between roughly 2013 and 2017, when ISIS was the dominant threat and almost the only one that security services and counterterrorism (CT) researchers were focused on.&#xA;In the Middle East and Africa, the threat of religious terrorism still remains high. But in Europe, the risk of a terrorist attack is lower now, as religious terrorist groups are less powerful, less organised, and less able to inspire a sophisticated attack, although there is always the risk of isolated individuals doing something.However, in the last few years, we are seeing a resurgence of other forms of extremism, often linked to the far- or extreme right and to so-called &#x2018;anti-institutional&#x2019; movements. These days, a much, much larger pool of individuals is drifting towards extremist ideas and narratives. These individuals are not necessarily involved in violent activities, nor supportive of them, but there is a risk that some of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/dutch-government-receives-parliamentary-questions-on-european-arms-exports/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/dutch-government-receives-parliamentary-questions-on-european-arms-exports/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A recently published op-ed written by Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz has prompted parliamentary questions (kamervragen) addressed to the Dutch government about its arms export policies.&#xA;Parliamentary questions are part of a procedure embedded in the Dutch government structure where Representatives or members of the Senate can ask the responsible minister questions related to their portfolio. It is one of the most commonly used methods to check on the government.&#xA;The questions were submitted by representative Jasper van Dijk (Socialist Party) and asked whether the government is doing enough to ensure access to justice for gun victims harmed by European weapons. The op-ed, published in Dutch national daily NRC, highlights that European arms manufacturers are virtually untouchable in court.&#xA;Mr van Dijk observed that: &#x201C;According to the UN, Europe is an important starting point for illegal arms flows. That has to change.&#x201D; The Dutch government has four weeks to respond to the questions submitted on 10 August and addressed to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.&#xA;Accountability lacking The op-ed by Castellanos-Jankiewicz argues that the mechanisms in place to challenge arms export licenses in Europe are lacking. As a result, victims of gun violence face a number of obstacles when attempting to use the courts to hold negligent corporations in the arms industry accountable. Obstacles they face include deficient regulatory frameworks, namely, licensing and export agreements; lack of access to information about arms exports and sales; and limited judicial oversight on weapons exports.&#xA;International human rights due diligenceIn many parts of Latin America, up to 40% of weapons found at crime scenes are made by European companies. Castellanos-Jankiewicz: &#x201C;Arms trade that takes place in violation of human rights and (inter)national law is harmful to peace and security, and leads to deaths and injuries around the world.&#x201D; He concludes]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-niki-siampakou-victims-could-be-important-actors-in-counter-terrorism-efforts/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-niki-siampakou-victims-could-be-important-actors-in-counter-terrorism-efforts/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Niki Siampakou is a joint research fellow at the Asser Institute and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism - The Hague (ICCT). Her work focuses on&#x202F;legal responses against violent extremism and terrorism, with a particular focus on (inter)national criminal justice and human rights considerations. &#x201C;Victims could be important actors in counter-terrorism efforts.&#x201D; An interview. What are the research projects you are working on at the moment?&#xA0;&#x201C;I am currently focusing my research on the topic of victims of terrorism. This includes questions linked to their recognition as victims of terrorist acts, the obstacles that they encounter to access to justice, their needs outside and inside the courtroom, their right to reparation, and their potential role in countering terrorism. At the moment, I am writing an analysis on victims of sexual and gender-based violence committed by terrorist groups. This paper examines if and how a victim-centric approach in prosecuting sexual and gender-based violence committed by terrorists can contribute to counter-terrorism efforts and will be published on ICCT&#x2019;s website.&#x201D; Can you explain the importance of this topic?&#xA0;&#x201C;In my opinion, victims of terrorism are still not getting enough consideration. Generally speaking, I think that more attention is being paid to the perpetrators: their profile, their motivations, and their reintegration into the society. In the aftermath of an attack, the media tends to be interested in victims&#x2019; stories, but then it quickly leaves victims aside. However, victims have to deal with their trauma while overcoming many difficulties in accessing justice and having their voices heard. The situation of victims of sexual and gender-based violence committed by terrorist groups is even more challenging. Firstly, because these crimes raise sensitive questions, including social stigma, perpetuation of gender inequalities, reluctance of victims to report such crimes, secondary victimisation, and distrust in the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/can-chatgpt-solve-legal-dilemmas-related-to-the-military-use-of-artificial-intelligence/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/can-chatgpt-solve-legal-dilemmas-related-to-the-military-use-of-artificial-intelligence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are capable of generating text on an endless range of topics. In a new video, Taylor Woodcock asks ChatGPT to discuss some of the most important legal issues surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military. Can ChatGPT solve these dilemmas? Taylor Woodcock is a researcher in the Designing International Law and Ethics into Military Artificial Intelligence (DILEMA) project, which explores the legal aspects of the use of military applications of AI. While autonomous weapons systems often grab the headlines when it comes to military AI, software-based applications of AI can also have a major impact on the military. These applications can range from AI-powered decision-support systems for intelligence and targeting to coordination and planning tools that are more similar to ChatGPT than autonomous weapons. In the video, Woodcock asks ChatGPT to evaluate conflict scenarios related to the use of autonomous weapons. The scenarios were developed by researcher Magdalena Pacholska for her article &quot;Military Artificial Intelligence and the Principle of Distinction: A State Responsibility Perspective,&quot; published in the Israel Law Review. How well can ChatGPT interpret who would be legally responsible in the scenarios where an autonomous weapon fires at civilians? Responsibility of human commanders under&#xA0;International Humanitarian Law&#xA0;While ChatGPT is able to list many of the principles of international humanitarian law (IHL), it has difficulty with the nuances and interpretation of the law. &quot;ChatGPT is asking whether a system itself can fulfill the principles of distinction and proportionality, and precautions under IHL,&quot; says Woodcock. &quot;But it is not really capturing that this is the responsibility of humans, and that this responsibility might shift to an earlier moment. We have to ask if the use of these systems puts the human commanders in a position to fulfill their obligations.&quot; As a Large Language Model ChatGPT]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-report-finds-major-gaps-in-accountability-for-european-arms-exports/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 28 Jul 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-report-finds-major-gaps-in-accountability-for-european-arms-exports/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Hague - 28 July 2023 - Victims of gun violence perpetrated with European weapons face significant challenges in accessing justice in European courts, finds a new report. The report, drafted by students from the international law clinic &#x27;Access to Justice for Gun Violence&#x27; (University of Amsterdam) also concludes that the EU Common Position on Arms Exports, which requires human rights risk assessments, has a decision-making system that is undermined by a lack of transparency.&#xA;The report, titled &#x201C;Access to Justice for Gun Violence: Seeking Accountability for European Arms Exports&#x201D; assesses the mechanisms in place in eleven European countries to challenge arms export licenses that have been authorised by states, and when the liability of gun manufacturers is invoked. The report includes analysis on the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom.&#xA;The report finds that victims of gun violence face a number of obstacles in accessing justice, including: Deficient regulatory frameworks that provide significant protections for the European arms industry, including secrecy for licensing and export agreements.&#xA;Lack of access to information on arms exports and sales, which makes it difficult for victims to gather evidence and build a case.&#xA;Limited judicial oversight on weapons exports, as governments are given a wide margin of discretion to authorise exports without comprehensive oversight. The report also finds that the EU Common Position on Arms Exports, which requires human rights risk assessments, has a decision-making system that is undermined by a lack of transparency.&#xA;&#x201C;This report shows that there are major gaps in accountability for European arms exports,&#x201D; says Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz, researcher at the Asser Institute for International and European Law, and project leader of the report. &#x201C;Victims of gun violence who have been harmed by European weapons deserve access to justice, and this report provides the first]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/cranes-for-our-future-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-for-a-nuclear-free-future/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/cranes-for-our-future-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-for-a-nuclear-free-future/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[6 August marks the seventy-eighth anniversary of the first atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima. Three days later the United States detonated a second bomb over Nagasaki leading a total&#xA0;of between 129,000 and 266,000 deaths, mostly civilians. Today, the Asser Institute joins the Nuclear Threat Initiative and the Hiroshima Organisation for Global Peace (HOPe) in the #CranesForOurFuture campaign and describes a vision for a nuclear-free future.&#xA;Activists and civil society are&#xA0;a critical part of arms control. Thilo Marauhn, Special Chair of Arms Control Law at the Asser Institute, has highlighted the importance of civil society in driving the peace movement in his interview&#xA0;in 2022. He refers to the importance of&#xA0;Bertha von Suttner&#xA0;in the late 19th&#xA0;century in laying the ground work for an international order based on law rather than war and the role of civil society in banning landmines through the&#xA0;Ottawa Convention of 1997.&#xA0;The Tenth Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT) provided a crucial moment to build a new consensus last year. However, as&#xA0;Russia refused to accept&#xA0;the final version of the consensus document, there has yet to be an agreement on the path forward to disarmament within the framework of the NPT. The Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference is set to convene its first session in Vienna this year from July 31 to August 11, 2023.&#xA;The importance of civil society to nuclear non-proliferation&#xA;&#x201C;[A]rms control law continues to be relevant, not because we as lawyers can solve the problem of arms control, but because we can provide the instruments that politicians can use to solve these problems.&#x201D; - Thilo Marauhn&#xA;Thea Coventry, co-coordinator of the training programme on Disarmament and non-proliferation of WMD 2023 shared her vision on a future without nuclear weapons:&#xA;&#x201C;A future without nuclear weapons requires many small steps by activists, academics, and governments to change our current reality (deterrence)]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-many-hands-in-the-black-box-artificial-intelligence-and-the-responsibility-of/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-many-hands-in-the-black-box-artificial-intelligence-and-the-responsibility-of/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new book chapter, researcher Magda Pacholska (Asser Institute) analyses the possible legal reverberations of the rapidly growing interest in AI-enabled technologies by international organisations within the military and security domains. In the past decade, there has been a growing number of international organisations that have been using artificial intelligence (AI). These initiatives range from monitoring AI trends to buying AI-enabled solutions. However, there has not been much discussion about the legal implications of these initiatives.&#xA;In the new book chapter &#x2018;Many Hands in the Black Box: Artificial Intelligence and the Responsibility of International Organizations&#x2019;, researcher Magda Pacholska examines the legal implications of AI use by international organisations, using the procurement and deployment of AI surveillance technologies by NATO and FRONTEX as case studies.&#xA;The author focuses on AI-enabled technologies that could lead to legal liability for international organisations. The Articles on the Responsibility of International Organizations (ARIO), which were adopted by the International Law Commission in 2011, define when an international organisation can be held responsible for its actions.&#xA;According to ARIO, international organisations (IO) are primarily responsible for the actions of its agents or organs. When AI is involved, however, it can be difficult to know who is responsible if something goes wrong. This so- called &#x2018;black box dilemma&#x2019; happens because AI systems are often complex and opaque, making it difficult to understand how they make decisions and how they could cause harm.&#xA;The &#x2018;problem of many hands&#x2019; Pacholska argues that this problem is even more difficult when it comes to international organisations that use AI-enabled technologies. This problem is known as the &#x2018;problem of many hands&#x2019;. As IOs often consist of many different people, agents and organs, all of whom may have a role in the development and use of AI systems, this makes]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-weaponising-russia-s-memory-law-on-russia-s-anti-war-dissidents/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-weaponising-russia-s-memory-law-on-russia-s-anti-war-dissidents/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for Verfassungsblog, researchers Andrii Nekoliak (Asser Institute) and Elizaveta Klochkova (OVD-Info), describe how the Russian Federation is using a &#x201C;memory law&#x201D; to put pressure on potential critics of the Russian attack on Ukraine. This Russian law is used to create a mood of paranoia and fear among the population, and a feeling as if the country were in a besieged fortress. The authors think that Russian regime may increasingly use Article 354.1 to purge anti-war dissent. On June 26, 2023, the Regional Branch of the Investigative Committee of Russia started a criminal investigation against historian Mikhail Belousov for allegedly rehabilitating Nazism. This investigation came shortly after Mr. Belousov&#x27;s dismissal from his teaching position at Saint Petersburg University for criticising Russia&#x27;s war against Ukraine. The criminal case against Mr. Belousov exemplifies the increasingly restrictive environment for anti-war dissent in Russia, helped by recent legislation, according to authors Nekoliak and Klochkova. In March 2022, Russia&#x27;s parliament introduced amendments to criminal and administrative codes aimed at curbing anti-war protests. These amendments criminalised discrediting the Russian armed forces, spreading false information about the military, calling for sanctions against Russia, and engaging in public actions that tarnish the army&#x27;s reputation. In April 2022, a historical memory law was enacted, prohibiting comparisons between Soviet actions and those of Nazi Germany during World War II. Moreover, another Russian law of 2014 (Article 354.1 of the Criminal Code) already before punished the denial of the Soviet Union&#x27;s role in defeating Nazi Germany and its humanitarian mission during the liberation of European countries. Memory laws to suppress anti-war dissent&#xA0;According to Nekoliak and Klochkova, the activation of Article 354.1, which forbids the rehabilitation of Nazism, shows a trend in which the Russian regime employs historical]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-the-sovereignty-of-sharing-an-interview-with-un-special-rapporteur-michael-fakhri/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-the-sovereignty-of-sharing-an-interview-with-un-special-rapporteur-michael-fakhri/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an interview for OpinioJuris, renowned professor and UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Michael Fakhri sat down with Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz, Carl Emilio Lewis, and Melanie Schneider (intern)&#xA0;to discuss the concept of sovereignty, unequal food systems, and the power of community. The interview sheds light on Fakhri&#x27;s perspective on the movement of food sovereignty, the importance of sharing resources, and his approach as a UN Special Rapporteur.&#xA;In the OpinioJuris interview, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Michael Fakhri frames his mandate as an ongoing engagement with the food sovereignty movement, which emerged in the 1990s as a response to the growing influence of corporate power in food systems. Initially, the movement emphasised state-based concepts, aligning with ideas of permanent sovereignty over natural resources. However, it quickly expanded its scope, incorporating the notions of territory and the responsibilities associated with it. Fakhri highlights that territory goes beyond geographical boundaries and can encompass overlapping jurisdictions and political communities with shared historical, ecological, and geographical connections.&#xA;SharingFakhri emphasises the significance of starting with the concept of sharing itself, which challenges the traditional notion of sovereignty as exclusive state power over territory. He points out that sovereignty and property are often intertwined, but the food sovereignty movement advocates for an alternative understanding of property as land tenure, which prioritises stability and long-standing relationships. This communal approach aims to foster equitable distribution and sharing of resources.&#xA;Fakhri argues that during the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, communities demonstrated a heightened sense of responsibility, leading to increased sharing of resources. He emphasises that people with less tend to be more generous, recognising the necessity of sharing for survival. When asked about his]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-tarik-gherbaoui-with-my-research-i-aim-to-reach-the-decision-makers-in-the-field-of/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-tarik-gherbaoui-with-my-research-i-aim-to-reach-the-decision-makers-in-the-field-of/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Tarik Gherbaoui&#xA0;is a researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, where he contributes to several projects in the context of the Institute&#x2019;s work for the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) including on maritime security and terrorist travel, counterterrorist watchlisting, and countering the terrorist misuse of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). He is also one of the coordinators and speakers for our upcoming Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law, jointly&#xA0;organised with the&#xA0;International Centre for Counter-Terrorism.&#xA0;&#x2018;It is my ambition to increase public understanding of why the rule of law and human rights are an essential part of counterterrorism efforts.&#x2019;&#xA0;An interview.&#xA;What is the research project you are working on? &#x2018;I am working on a book based on my PhD thesis which I wrote at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence and defended back in 2021. The book zooms in on responses to foreign fighters who travelled to the armed conflict in Syria and Iraq. It assesses a wide range of legal responses to the foreign fighter conundrum at the international, European, and domestic level through the lens of the rule of law and human rights. I particularly delved into the interplay between various legal responses at these different levels and the ways how international legal instruments adopted by the UN, the EU, the Council of Europe have affected domestic responses (and occasionally vice versa) by states such as the UK and the Netherlands.&#xA;In addition to my forthcoming book, I am also working on a research project on international efforts to counter terrorist content in the digital realm. Innovative and far-reaching laws and policies such as the 2021 EU Regulation on terrorist content online, the EU Digital Services Act, and the Online Safety Bill in the United Kingdom pose challenges that are unique to the digital environment, perhaps most prominently in the area of freedom of expression. A first step in this research project]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/digital-art-exhibition-exposure-solidarity-resistance-photographing-the-daily-life-of-human/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/digital-art-exhibition-exposure-solidarity-resistance-photographing-the-daily-life-of-human/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Sofia Stolk shared her expertise with first-year photography students at the&#xA0;Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague (KABK)&#xA0;resulting in&#xA0;&#x201C;Exposure, Solidarity, Resistance&#x201D;. This&#xA0;thought-provoking series of images by artists from the KABK reflects on human rights and highlights the strength, vulnerability and diversity of The Hague&#x2019;s inhabitants. The exhibition was launched at the&#xA0;Hague Humanity Hub&#xA0;and is now available online.&#xA;Photography is a powerful tool that can spark resistance and mobilise people in the fight for justice. Lewis W. Hine&#x2019;s photographs of children working in cotton mills were instrumental in bringing about the first child labour laws in the United States. It only took twenty-four hours for Boston to improve inspection and maintenance of fire escapes in the city after&#xA0;Boston Herald&#xA0;photographer Stanley Forman&#x2019;s picture of a child and her godmother falling from a collapsing fire escape in 1975.&#xA;Visual images are instrumental in defining, explaining, promoting, and contesting human rights. In Iran images of unveiled Iranian women&#xA0;have become a signature of the protests&#xA0;against gender oppression in the past months. Photography and human rights share an aspiration to universality and to communicate across differences. At the same time, visualising human rights runs the risk of reproducing stereotypes, biases, and inequalities.&#xA;Human rights in The Hague and the Netherlands&#xA;Learn more about the artworks and the inspiration from the students as they&#xA0;explore the close relationship between photography and human rights. &#x2018;No internationals&#x2019;&#xA0;by Densley Annastatia&#xA;Which student has more chance for housing? With this question I want to raise awareness of difficulties that international students encounter when looking for housing in the Netherlands. I&#x2019;m showing two different students who deserve to have the same rights when it comes to housing, and yet one has more chance of getting a room. This could be seen as a violation of art.1 right to equality. #AMINI&#xA0;by Jade]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/prosecuting-international-crimes-in-africa-strengthening-legal-capacities/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/prosecuting-international-crimes-in-africa-strengthening-legal-capacities/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Monday July 3, a group of 25 judges and public prosecutors from French-speaking African countries will gather at The Hague-based Asser Institute for the 6th edition of the training programme on international criminal law (ICL) and transnational criminal law (TCL). This high-level course, jointly organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, the Antonio Cassese Initiative, and the International Nuremberg Principles Academy, aims to enhance domestic legal capacities in prosecuting international and transnational crimes.&#xA;Building upon the success of previous editions since 2018, this course will equip judges and prosecutors from French-speaking African countries with practical skills, tools, and knowledge necessary to address international and transnational crimes. Known as the &#x27;ICL/TCL&#x27; course, it focuses on core international crimes, including crimes against humanity and war crimes, and transnational crimes such as human trafficking and terrorism, as well as the investigation and prosecution processes related to these crimes.&#xA;Managing complex casesThe course will cover essential aspects of international and transnational crimes, such as elements of these crimes and modes of liability. In addition, the curriculum incorporates subjects such as strategic planning for investigations, effectively handling cases with many victims and witnesses, and ensuring their protection. This comprehensive approach will equip participants with the essential resources, skills, and knowledge needed to proficiently manage complex cases. Discussions will revolve around principles and standards of international criminal law, international humanitarian law, but also aspects of general public international law relevant to the prosecution and adjudication of these crimes, such as the application of customary international law in criminal trials.&#xA;The training programme aims to equip local authorities with the capacity to ensure effective cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC)]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-episode-4-the-peace-palace-and-the-building-of-the-international-community/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-episode-4-the-peace-palace-and-the-building-of-the-international-community/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[What transnational, bureaucratic and monetary considerations (and bickering) were at play in the construction of the Peace Palace in The Hague? And: what role did a curious ritual of gift-giving play in constituting the international community? In a brand new episode of The Hague Courts Dialogue Series podcast,&#xA0;Tanja Aalberts and Sofia Stolk share the findings on their research on the &#x2018;building&#x2019; of the international community and the Peace Palace as its new home. The Peace Palace in The Hague is much more than a mere venue where international law is practiced. Considered an iconic symbol of international law and justice, and initiated after the 1899 Peace Conference, it provided a material home for the emergent international community. According to researchers Tanja Aalberts and Sofia Stolk it &#x27;helped to sing this international community into existence&#x27;.&#xA;Gift-giving to constitute relationshipsIn the podcast episode &#x27;The Peace Palace and the &#x27;building&#x27; of the international community&#x27;, Aalberts and Stolk look at gift-giving as a way to constitute relationships, and they analyse how three sets of gifts were crucial to (the) building (of) the emergent international community. The first was to find a proper site (as a gift from the Dutch government); then to secure Andrew Carnegie&#x2019;s financial gift; and then to collect materials and artworks donated by states as gifts to the Palace. But each of these gift-givings involved a complex web of public and private transnational actors, temporalities, and bickering over nitty gritty details as the conditions of possibility for giving and receiving gifts, and constituting the international community.&#xA;Listen now to episode 4: The Peace Palace and the &#x27;building&#x27; of the international community with Prof. Tanya Aalberts and Dr Sofia Stolk&#xA;About the Hague Courts Dialogue podcast series&#xA0;In the Hague Courts Dialogue series, researcher and podcast host Carl Lewis has short conversations with legal experts on cases that have been brought]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/unleash-your-potential-with-our-transformative-summer-programmes/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/unleash-your-potential-with-our-transformative-summer-programmes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Are you seeking to broaden your horizon, enhance your skills, and make a meaningful impact? Look no further. In the coming months, we offer two&#xA0;captivating training programmes designed exclusively for Master&#x2019;s and PhD students, and young and mid-career professionals.&#xA;Embark on an exciting journey of discovery, knowledge, and personal growth as you explore the fascinating realms of counter-terrorism and the rule of law, and disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Join us for an unforgettable summer of learning, growth, and networking, with our these well-established training programmes:&#xA;1)&#xA0;Advanced programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law: Stand up against extremism and violence (28 August &#x2013; 01 September, The Hague)&#xA;&#x201C;Combatting terror must never be used as an excuse for trampling on people&#x2019;s human rights.&#xA0;We need to firmly ground all counter-terrorism policies and initiatives within human rights.&#xA0;Because when we protect human rights, we are in fact tackling many of the root causes of terrorism.&#x201D;&#xA0;UN Secretary-General Ant&#xF3;nio Guterres,&#xA0;25 January 2023&#xA;The thirteenth Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism, and the rule of law is calling all passionate students and professionals interested in making a difference in the fight against terrorism. Co-organised by the T.M.C. Asser Institute and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism in The Hague, this programme delves deep into the legal aspects of countering terrorism and violent extremism. Engage with leading academics and practitioners, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and gain insights into the evolving landscape of far-right political terrorism. Read more and register. 2)&#xA0;Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction:&#xA0;Take a stand for peace and security&#xA0;(18 - 22 September 2023, The Hague)&#xA;&quot;Along with Syria, the risk of use of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons in Ukraine, is a stark reminder of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-enforcing-sanctions-violations-to-fund-the-reconstruction-of-ukraine/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-enforcing-sanctions-violations-to-fund-the-reconstruction-of-ukraine/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for EJIL:Talk!, James Patrick Sexton (Asser Institute), and his co-author David Kinnecome (UpRights), explore recent efforts to secure funds for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The authors argue that allocating funds gathered through enforcing sanctions violations to assist victims and rebuild Ukraine could be an effective and legally compliant approach.&#xA;In March of this year, the World Bank estimated that Ukraine&#x2019;s reconstruction and recovery would cost at least $411 billion. Considering the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine, including the recent destruction of the Nova Kakhova dam, this figure will continue to increase. In order to record the damage, loss, and injury caused by the war, a new international Register of Damage will be established in The Hague, likely followed by a Compensation Mechanism. However, these institutions will have high running costs and will require funds to compensate victims. As the Russian Federation is currently unlikely to meet these costs, and there are significant legal and policy issues with seizing Russian assets frozen by sanctions, alternative approaches are necessary.&#xA;Enforcing sanctions violations: A viable approach?In their blog post, Sexton and Kinnecome examine developments in the U.S. and the European Union regarding sanctions violations. The authors firstly analyse the prosecution in the U.S. of Mr. Konstantin Malofeyev, a Russian oligarch, for violating sanctions made in response to the Russian Federation&#x2019;s invasion of Ukraine. Afterwards, they assess the current proposal to make the violation of EU sanctions an &#x201C;EU Crime&#x201D;. Using these developments as a basis, Sexton and Kinnecome argue that EU Member States should consider using funds gained from enforcing sanctions violations for assisting Ukraine&#x2019;s reconstruction, as recently done by the U.S.&#xA;Respect for international lawSexton and Kinnecome further argue that sending funds to Ukraine following the enforcement of sanctions violations should only be]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/exchange-meeting-focuses-on-conflict-related-crimes-against-children-in-ukraine/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/exchange-meeting-focuses-on-conflict-related-crimes-against-children-in-ukraine/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Hague &#x2013; On Monday and Tuesday 7 and 8 June,&#xA0;an international exchange meeting took place with Ms Yuliia Usenko, the Head of the Department for the Protection of Children&#x2019;s Rights from the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor-General, in The Hague. The meeting, which focused on conflict-related crimes against children in Ukraine, kicked off with a conference in Oslo, followed by additional meetings in The Hague. The exchange meeting with Ms Yuliia Usenko, Head of the Department for the Protection of Childrens&#x2019; Rights from the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor-General, provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to discuss conflict-related crimes against children in Ukraine. Participants shared insights, experiences, and strategies to enhance the protection and well-being of children affected by armed conflict. The visit took place within the context of the MATRA-Ukraine project &#x27;&#x27;Strengthening Ukraine&#x2019;s Capacity to Investigate and Prosecute International Crimes&quot;, a joint initiative of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Global Rights Compliance (GRC), funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Alongside supporting the Office of the Prosecutor-General in Ukraine, the project delivers vital technical and strategic expertise to other criminal justice entities, such as judges and lawyers, civil society organisations and journalists.&#xA;Protection challengesThe exchange meeting began in Oslo, where Ms Yuliia Usenko participated in an international conference titled &#x27;Protecting children in armed conflict: Our common future&#x27;, which was held to increase awareness and understanding of decision-makers on the protection challenges that children face in war and conflict. In The Hague, Ms. Yuliia Usenko had meetings with representatives from the Asser Institute and GRC, experts in children&#x27;s rights, including from Defence for Children, Dutch prosecutors, and representatives from international and regional organisations, such as the International Development Law Organization]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-international-sports-law-journal-conference/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jun 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-international-sports-law-journal-conference/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The International Sports Law Journal&#xA0;(ISLJ) invites&#xA0;abstract submissions for the&#xA0;next edition of the&#xA0;ISLJ Conference on International Sports Law. The deadline for&#xA0;submitting&#xA0;an abstract is 1 July 2023.&#xA;The&#xA0;ISLJ Conference on International Sports Law will take place on&#xA0;26&#xA0;and&#xA0;27&#xA0;October 2023&#xA0;at the Asser Institute in The Hague. The ISLJ, published by Springer and TMC Asser Press, is the leading academic publication in the field of international sports law&#xA0;and&#xA0;the&#xA0;conference is a unique occasion to discuss the main legal issues affecting international sports and its governance with renowned academic experts. They welcome abstracts from academics and practitioners on all issues related to international sports law and governance. They also welcome panel proposals (including a minimum of three presenters) on specific issues of interest to the Journal and its readers. For this year&#x2019;s edition, they specifically invite submissions on the following themes and sub-themes: How&#xA0;football governance is (re)shaped by&#xA0;EU law EU law and the governance of football EU law and the&#xA0;regulation of the&#xA0;transfer system EU law and players&#x2019;&#xA0;rights EU law and the regulation of agents The CJEU and football Autonomy&#xA0;and neutrality&#xA0;in the transnational governance of sports The&#xA0;ideal of&#xA0;the&#xA0;political&#xA0;neutrality&#xA0;of sport&#xA0;and its translation into the&#xA0;regulation and governance of sport The relationship between&#xA0;political&#xA0;neutrality and&#xA0;sporting&#xA0;autonomy in the governance of&#xA0;SGBs Boycotts,&#xA0;bans&#xA0;and the limits of the&#xA0;political&#xA0;neutrality of sports The transnational regulation of gender&#xA0;by&#xA0;sports&#xA0;governing bodies The transnational regulation of gender by SGBs The transnational regulation of transgender participation by SGBs The CAS and the question of gender The Caster Semenya case&#xA0;at the ECtHR Please send your abstract of 300 words and CV&#xA0;no later than 1 July 2023&#xA0;to&#xA0;Antoine Duval. Download the CfP&#xA0;or find out more about the conference.&#xA;Travel grants for speakersThe Asser Institute will cover one night]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-european-court-of-human-rights-and-its-search-for-common-values/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 25 May 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-european-court-of-human-rights-and-its-search-for-common-values/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new article in the European Convention on Human Rights Law Review, Asser Institute researcher Carl Emilio Lewis questions the European Court of Human Rights&#x2019; search for common values when interpreting the European Convention on Human Rights. A new article by Asser Institute researcher Carl Emilio Lewis delves into the role values play in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR, the court). It begins by highlighting how the court sees common values as relevant factors for interpreting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Yet, despite this, Lewis notes that the court does not provide a clear sign as to what it considers values to be. Nor does the court provide express guidance as to how and when state practice may evidence common values, and why this should then affect the interpretation of the ECtHR. To find guidance, the article considers the noticeable relationship between the concept of common values and the court&#x27;s practice of &#x2018;European consensus analysis&#x2019;; a method involving a comparative analysis of state practice. Specifically, it explores the argument that European consensus analysis is a form of reasoning that can be employed to interpret the convention in line with the shared moral commitments of the member states of the ECHR. However, drawing from Margaret Gilbert&#x27;s theory on shared values, Lewis cautions that a comparative analysis of state practice, alone, may not reveal the values that bind a collective in any meaningful sense. Therefore, Lewis argues that if the&#xA0;court does intend to turn to the strong moral commitments that bind the ECHR member states as a plural subject &#x2013; their common values &#x2013; and interpret the ECHR in light of them, then it ought to expand its method for doing so. Further research is needed to inform precisely how the court may best search for common values, and so enhance the legitimacy of ECtHR decisions that aim to draw them. Read the full article.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/updated-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 24 May 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/updated-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) Knowledge Hub, an open-access database developed by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), has just been updated to incorporate recent developments surrounding states&#x2019; responses to foreign terrorist fighters. In doing so, the FTF Knowledge Hub continues to be an essential resource on FTFs and states&#x2019; responses to them.&#xA;In total, 28 data points, involving eleven states, were updated. Among other important developments, recent prosecutions of four female returnees in the Netherlands, as well as further repatriations of Canadian citizens, are reflected in the update. In addition, recent literature has been added to both the website&#x2019;s resource library and the standards and guidance section. Furthermore, all domestic policies and legal frameworks have undergone review to reflect the newest developments.&#xA;About the FTF Knowledge HubThe FTF Knowledge Hub is an open-access database concerning states&#x2019; responses to so-called &#x2018;foreign terrorist fighters&#x2019;, or as defined by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014):&#xA;&#x2018;individuals who travel to a State other than their States of residence or nationality for the purpose of the perpetration, planning, or preparation of, or participation in, terrorist acts or the providing or receiving of terrorist training, including in connection with armed conflict&#x2019;.&#xA;The FTF Knowledge Hub contains country-specific information on thirty different states, including FTF-related data, administrative and criminal measures, as well as rehabilitation and prevention policies, and is aimed at policy makers, practitioners, academics, journalists and students. The website provides comprehensive and detailed information specifically about FTFs who have travelled to Syria or Iraq.&#xA;Provide us your feedback and suggestionsWe welcome the contribution of country-specific information, relevant research or data regarding the states included in the FTF Knowledge Hub. To]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/launch-first-of-its-kind-basic-investigative-standards-for-documenting-international-crimes-in/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 23 May 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/launch-first-of-its-kind-basic-investigative-standards-for-documenting-international-crimes-in/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On the EU Day against Impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, Global Rights Compliance launches the &#x2018;Basic Investigative Standards for Documenting International Crimes in Ukraine&#x2019; (BIS-Ukraine) - a unique toolkit aimed at supporting the work of civil society organisations, human rights defenders and other practitioners documenting international crimes in Ukraine. The Basic Investigative Standards Manual was developed in the MATRA-Ukraine project, &#x201C;Strengthening Ukraine&#x2019;s Capacity to Investigate and Prosecute International Crimes&#x201D;, which is led by Global Rights Compliance (&#x2018;GRC&#x2019;) and the Asser Institute, and funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The BIS-Ukraine includes: The&#xA0;BIS-Ukraine manual, which draws on standards set out in the Ukrainian Criminal Code (&#x2018;CCU&#x2019;) and Criminal Procedure Code; international human rights, humanitarian, and criminal law; and established international best practices related to the documentation of international crimes. It aims to ensure information and evidence is effectively collected, preserved and available for accountability processes.&#xA;The&#xA0;BIS-Ukraine guides, which contain short, easily accessible handouts on the essential investigative rules, preparing for documentation, handling various types of evidence (physical, documentary, digital, audio-visual and OSINT/SOCINT), conflict-related sexual violence and survivor-centred principles for dealing with victims and witnesses. It serves as a quick refresher of the key standards contained in the BIS-Ukraine Manual.&#xA;The forthcoming&#xA0;BIS-KIT mobile app, a mobile companion for practitioners in Ukraine, containing practical investigative procedures and tips for identifying international crimes. The BIS-Ukraine manual and BIS-Ukraine guides are designed as a &#x2018;one-stop-shop&#x2019; for all documentation queries, including: How to investigate the contextual elements of international crimes?&#xA;What elements are required to prove international crimes, such as the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-including-the-arms-sector-in-the-eu-corporate-due-diligence-directive/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 22 May 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-including-the-arms-sector-in-the-eu-corporate-due-diligence-directive/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for Verfassungsblog, Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz and Melanie Schneider highlight the accountability deficit in the current European arms export regime. The authors show how the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive could help redress this situation while preventing trafficking and diversion. The&#x202F;imminent passage&#x202F;of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) into law could drastically change the regulatory makeup of the arms industry in Europe. As the EU Parliament, Commission and Council prepare to enter the so-called &#x2018;trilogues&#x2019; to adopt a&#x202F;final text, it remains an open question whether they will include the arms sector within the scope of the Directive. If so, the resulting provisions could include corporate due diligence obligations for downstream elements of the value chain, thus reinforcing monitoring and accountability, write Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz and Melanie Schneider, who both work at the Asser Institute. Top arms exporters in the EU&#xA0;Four of the top ten arms exporters worldwide are EU member states. France is the third-largest, accounting for an estimated 11% of global arms sales during the period 2018-2022. It is followed by Germany, Italy, and Spain, which together represented 10.6% of sales during the same time frame. Taken together, these EU countries account for over one-fifth of arms exports worldwide. As weapons sales increase exponentially, the United Nations (UN) considers that civilian firearms holdings are a general risk of diversion by casual loss, theft or illegal transfer. Indeed, only 12% of the approximately 857 million civilian arms held worldwide are registered. Additionally, the UN&#x2019;s Global Study on Arms Trafficking 2020 identified Europe as a &#x201C;major departure point&#x201D; for illicit flows. Alarmingly, European weapons and their components are constantly found in conflict zones and at-risk areas where war crimes, crimes against humanity and serious human rights violations are taking]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-the-icc-s-channels-of-communication-icc-defence-perspectives-on-outreach-missions/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 08 May 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-the-icc-s-channels-of-communication-icc-defence-perspectives-on-outreach-missions/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an article published in V&#xF6;lkerrechtsblog, Asser Institute intern-trainee Catherine Gregoire concludes that the Registry of the International Criminal Court (ICC) should be responsible for actively ensuring Defence participation in outreach missions. In doing so, Catherine asserts that the ICC&#xA0;can strengthen the protection of fair trial rights and manage affected communities&#x2019; expectations more effectively. The article centres on a recent&#xA0;Decision&#xA0;by the ICC Trial Chamber X (the Chamber) rejecting a&#xA0;Request&#xA0;submitted by the Defence in the case of&#xA0;Al Hassan.&#xA0;The proceedings largely concern the use of impartial language in articles published by the Outreach Unit &#x2013; managed by the Registry - recounting their activities and participants&#x2019; comments while on an outreach mission in Timbuktu, Mali. The proceedings highlight the Registry&#x2019;s challenges in fostering an accurate and impartial understanding of the Court&#x2019;s functioning amongst affected communities on outreach missions. As such, Catherine argues that the Chamber&#x2019;s Decision fails to consider the broader substantive and symbolic implications on the inclusion of outreach missions as part of a fair trial when the Defence is not, in comparison to the Prosecution, actively communicated with on&#xA0;missions taking place and the participation opportunities available. Simultaneously, more consistent and established practices in organising outreach missions would help to maintain transparency and trust for the Defence. The proceedings come at a timely&#xA0;moment following the most&#xA0;recent debates&#xA0;on the treatment and working conditions of&#xA0;ICC&#xA0;Defence staff and their implications on fair trials. At the same time, the Office of the Prosecutor has completed its &#x201C;(Draft) Strategic Plan for 2023-2025&#x201D; with a strategic goal to enhance outreach with affected communities. Catherine views these developments and outreach missions as the perfect moment for the Registry to define its position through practice as neutral organ and&#xA0;channel of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-video-the-right-to-food-violence-and-food-systems-by-michael-fakhri/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-video-the-right-to-food-violence-and-food-systems-by-michael-fakhri/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Watch the full video of the 8th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture by Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. In his lecture, Michael Fakhri examined forms of violence in food systems, to allow for a better understanding of how food systems operate and to reframe how the right to food is addressed in international law. Professor Michael Fakhr, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, addressed a hall packed with guests at the 8th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture on April 20 at the Peace Palace in The Hague. Drawing on his work as Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food and his report to the Human Rights Council, Fakhri vividly described how food systems not only produce food but also amplify and produce forms of violence that make people more poor, vulnerable, and marginalised. He also talked about how food systems rely on a global economy of dependency and extractivism, which causes widespread human rights violations. The UN Rapporteur further addressed the war in Ukraine to highlight how international markets amplify rather than abate violence, creating global shocks from a regional war. The 8th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture was introduced by Liesbeth Lijnzaad (Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of the Asser Institute) and Wim Jansen (The Hague Municipality&#x2019;s Director of International Affairs). Moderator of the Q&amp;amp;A session was Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz (researcher Asser Institute) Watch the full lecture. Read morePrior to the Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture, Dutch newspaper NRC published an interview with Michael Fakhri, written by Caroline de Gruyter, in which Fakhri explained how we have increasingly come to see food as an investment. (In Dutch).&#xA;Photo impression of the 8th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture by @ Hilko Visser.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-addressing-human-rights-abuses-at-mega-sporting-events-a-shared-responsibility/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-addressing-human-rights-abuses-at-mega-sporting-events-a-shared-responsibility/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new article published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, Daniela Heerdt explains the shared responsibility approach as a way to address the various adverse human rights impacts of mega-sporting events. Daniela highlights that mega-sporting events (MSEs) have great potential to promote human rights and be a force for good, but that these events are also frequently linked to human rights abuses. Millions displaced for sporting eventsWhile displacements do not always result in human rights violations, in their fact sheet on the human right to adequate housing, the United Nations Office of the Commissioner of Human Rights indicates that they often do in case of organising mega-sporting events. The scale of these displacement is also immense. According to a report by the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, the Olympic Games in Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, Beijing, and London resulted in 2 million people displaced or forcefully evicted due to construction projects.&#xA;Exploitation of migrant workersThe human rights issues related to the migrants building the infrastructure for the Qatar World Cup have received widespread attention in the media. It is a prime example of a case of structural human rights issues present in a certain host country or city and the hosting of the respective event facilitating the abuses taking place. The human rights abuses suffered by the workers were not unique to the World Cup, and other mega-sporting events have been linked to similar labour rights abuses. A role for sport governing bodies and organisersDaniela argues that there is a role for sport governing bodies and organisers in addressing human rights abuses related to the events and that sharing responsibility is a plausible option. Organisers and sports bodies usually have a quite clear understanding of the different tasks and responsibilities related to staging an event, therefore it could be a matter of adding the human rights dimension to those]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/adjudicating-international-crimes-ukrainian-judges-visiting-the-netherlands/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/adjudicating-international-crimes-ukrainian-judges-visiting-the-netherlands/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A group of Ukrainian judges is visiting the Netherlands, as part of an international project that assists Ukrainian practitioners to investigate, prosecute, adjudicate and report on international crimes. The judges, hosted by the Asser Institute and USAID, are in The Hague to exchange views with Dutch and international colleagues.&#xA;The study visit takes place in the context of the MATRA-Ukraine project &#x27;&#x27;Strengthening Ukraine&#x2019;s Capacity to Investigate and Prosecute International Crimes&quot;, a joint initiative of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Global Rights Compliance. The project started in 2020 and is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Alongside supporting the Office of the Prosecutor General, the project delivers vital technical and strategic expertise to other criminal justice entities, such as judges and lawyers, civil society organisations and journalists.&#xA;It is not the first time that Ukrainian judges visit The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice. In November 2022, the MATRA-Ukraine project organised a conference, to hear Ukrainian perspectives on the main challenges in dealing with the ever-increasing international crimes Ukraine is confronted with. The conference brought together high-level (inter)national experts, from Ukraine and elsewhere, to exchange knowledge and experiences.&#xA;Topics of that exchange included: is the legal framework in place sufficient in terms of international crimes? What assistance do the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General and the Ukrainian investigative agencies need to conduct effective investigations and prosecutions? What is the role of civil society organisations in this context? Why is the critical monitoring of trials by academics, lawyers and journalists important? How should the judiciary in Ukraine be structured and resourced in order to hear international crimes cases? What form (if any) should international assistance to Ukrainian national authorities take?&#xA;MATRA-Ukraine project leader,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/public-consultation-principles-and-values-for-military-artificial-intelligence/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/public-consultation-principles-and-values-for-military-artificial-intelligence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The DILEMA project, run by Asser senior researcher Dr Berenice Boutin, is conducting a&#xA0;public consultation on principles and values for military artificial intelligence (AI). The aim is to gain insights on public perception of military AI, and the principles and values that should guide the development and use of military AI. Fill in the survey&#xA0;here.&#xA;One of the persisting hurdles faced by current research on responsible (military) AI is the lack of consensus and shared understanding on which public values ought to be safeguarded, as well as how AI global governance and value-alignment can best be achieved.&#xA;Bridging the gap&#xA;As part of the research carried out in the DILEMA project, we aim to bridge this gap notably by setting up a platform aimed at building an interdisciplinary consensus on which public values should guide the design and use of military AI. With this public and open consultation on principles and values for military AI, we invite input from subject experts as well as society and the general public.&#xA;Please share your opinion in the short and anonymous survey.&#xA;Workshop: Critical reflections on AI ethics principles and societal inputs for the governance of military AI On Wednesday 26 April 2023, the DILEMA Project (Asser Institute), University of Amsterdam and the Battlefield AI Project of the University of New South Wales, Canberra (Australia), will co-organise the hybrid workshop &#x2018;Critical reflections on AI ethics principles and societal inputs for the governance of military AI&#x2019;. The aim of this workshop is to address practical, legal and ethical aspects of developing and utilising societally informed ethics principles for the governance of military AI. Read more.&#xA;Confirmed speakers are: Dr Alexander Blanchard (Alan Turing Institute)&#xA;Dr Christine Boshuijzen-van Burken (University of New South Wales)&#xA;Dr Berenice Boutin&#xA0;(Asser Institute, and project leader of the&#xA0;DILEMA&#xA0;project)&#xA;Professor Rain Liivoja (University of Queensland)&#xA;Dr Lauren Sanders]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/last-call-annual-tmc-asser-lecture-the-right-to-food-violence-and-food-systems/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/last-call-annual-tmc-asser-lecture-the-right-to-food-violence-and-food-systems/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[20 April 2023&#x2022; Starts at: 15:00h&#x2022; Fee: Free&#x2022; Venue: Peace Palace&#x2022; Organiser: Asser Institute&#xA;&#x201C;One of the main causes of hunger and famine&#xA0;is violence and armed conflict. In turn, armed conflict leads to more food&#xA0;insecurity. How then to get out of this vicious&#xA0;cycle?&#x201D; says Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food and an internationally recognised expert on food systems and human rights.&#xA;On April 20, 2023, Professor Fakhri will deliver the 8th&#xA0;Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture in the Peace Palace in the Hague. The title of his lecture is:&#xA0;&#x2018;The right to food, violence, and food systems&#x2019;. To allow for a better understanding of how food systems operate and to reframe how the right to food is addressed in international law, Michael Fakhri will examine forms of violence in food systems in his lecture. Sign up&#xA0;now&#xA0;to secure your spot!About the 8th&#xA0;Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture, Michael Fakhri writes: &#x201C;Drawing on my work as Special Rapporteur on the Right to&#xA0;Food and my upcoming report to the Human Rights Council, I will outline a way out. I will explain how&#xA0;systems not only produce food but&#xA0;also amplify&#xA0;and produce forms of violence that make people more poor,&#xA0;vulnerable, and marginalised. I also describe how food systems rely on a global&#xA0;economy of dependency and extractivism.&#xA0;In sum, food&#xA0;systems are part of&#xA0;a cycle between structural inequality and systemic violence causing wide-spread&#xA0;human rights violations.&#xA0;I&#xA0;will address the war in Ukraine to highlight how international&#xA0;markets amplify rather&#xA0;than abate violence, creating global shocks from a regional war.&#x201D; About Michael FakhriMr. Michael Fakhri, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food since 2020, is a professor at the University of Oregon School of Law where he teaches courses on human rights, food law, development, and commercial law. He is also the director of the Food Resiliency Project. He investigates key environmental and policy issues relating to all stages of the food system, including]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/law-not-war-inspiring-international-criminal-law-champion-benjamin-ferencz-1920-2023-will-be/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/law-not-war-inspiring-international-criminal-law-champion-benjamin-ferencz-1920-2023-will-be/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The last surviving Nuremberg prosecutor and international criminal law champion Benjamin Ferencz has died aged 103. Ferencz dedicated his life to the advance of international justice and stood at the cradle of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The always optimistic Ferencz inspired generations of students at the Asser Institute. In 2018, Benjamin Ferencz paid a surprise visit to the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, to kick off the Annual Summer Law Programme on International Criminal Law and International Legal &amp;amp; Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism. It was Ferencz&#x2019; third visit to the Asser Institute and like the previous times, he inspired and moved a new young generation of international lawyers through his incredible life story and inexorable energy to make the world a more peaceful place.&#xA;During the Covid-pandemic, Ferencz resorted to doing virtual &#x2018;meet and greets&#x2019; with students. Guided by his motto &#x2018;Law not war&#x2019; and his three pieces of advice &#x2018;Never give up, never give up, never give up!&#x2019;, Ferencz always stressed the importance of moving away from nationalistic thinking, to prevent war from occurring and to fully believe in the message that &#x2018;the impossible&#x2019; is in fact possible.&#xA;True highlightsAsser senior researcher Christophe Paulussen, who accompanied Ferencz to his visits to the institute, remembers the long line of participants, especially young students, who all wanted a selfie with their &#x2018;big&#x2019; hero after Ferencz&#x2019; &#x2018;pep talk&#x2019;. Paulussen: &#x201C;These visits were true highlights for the institute. In the same way as he inspired me, more than twenty years ago, to pursue a career in international criminal law, he continued to capture Asser audiences, young and old, with his incredible life story. I am truly blessed to have met him so many times. His passion, energy, wisdom and humour will be sorely missed.&#x201D;&#xA;Ferencz became well-known because of his role in Nuremberg after World War II. He was an investigator of Nazi war crimes and would become]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-returning-foreign-fighters-responses-legal-challenges-and-ways-forward/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 03 Apr 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-returning-foreign-fighters-responses-legal-challenges-and-ways-forward/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The new edited volume Returning foreign fighters: Responses, legal challenges and ways forward (T.M.C. Asser Press), by editors Francesca Capone, Christophe Paulussen and Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi, zooms in on the responses by the international community and individual states to returning foreign fighters (FFs) and their families. The book focuses on returnees from Syria and Iraq to European countries.&#xA;Counter-terrorism laws at the international, European, and national levels are often created hastily and in response to high-profile terrorist attacks, reflecting a sense of panic. Unfortunately, these knee-jerk reactions can become entrenched and perpetuate themselves, resulting in a counter-terrorism legal framework that not only raises human rights concerns but is also ineffective at addressing the actual threat.&#xA;Rapid responsesThe book Returning foreign fighters: Responses, legal challenges and ways forward zooms in on these often rapid responses by the international community and individual states to returning foreign fighters and their families, focusing on returnees from Syria and Iraq to European countries. It also addresses the fate of family members of perpetrators of violence, and the threat posed to European or other nations by conflict-hardened returnees who would need care and rehabilitation, but who might also constitute a genuine security threat to others.&#xA;&#x2018;Learning by doing&#x2019;As states and international organisations are still &#x2018;learning by doing&#x2019;, the role of the academic community is to help steer the process by bridging the divide between international standards and their implementation at the national level and between security concerns and human rights law.&#xA;Furthermore, the academic community can and should assist in identifying ways forward that are both effective, sustainable and international law-compliant. Those are, ultimately, the goals that this book, which is a follow-up publication to the 2016 volume Foreign Fighters under International Law]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asil-2023-pursuing-global-accountability-for-atrocity-crimes-needs-challenges-and-the-path/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asil-2023-pursuing-global-accountability-for-atrocity-crimes-needs-challenges-and-the-path/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Friday March 31, Christophe Paulussen, senior researcher and strand coordinator at the Asser Institute, will convene the closing plenary of the 2023 annual meeting of the American Society of International Law (ASIL) in Washington, United States. This prestigious society aims to foster the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations based on law and justice.&#xA;The closing plenary, sponsored by the Municipality of The Hague, is one of the highlights of ASIL&#x2019;s annual meeting. This year&#x2019;s closing plenary will focus on accountability for atrocity crimes, and is entitled: &#x2018;Pursuing global accountability for atrocity crimes: Needs, challenges and the path forward&#x2019;.&#xA;Background Russian aggression against Ukraine commenced in 2014 and escalated to full-on war in February 2022. This manifest violation of the UN Charter and the casual disdain with which Russia undermined the international legal order led some to wonder whether international law should be pronounced dead. However, a contrary argument has emerged: the rapid mobilisation and use of international law in the context of the war in Ukraine has been hailed, in the words of Dr Gabija Grigaite Daugirde, the vice-minister at the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania, as international law&#x2019;s &#x2018;renaissance&#x2019;. At the same time, some have criticised what they perceive as a disproportionate focus on the situation in Ukraine, selectivity, and the lack of attention to other conflicts. This panel will address these fundamental questions and explore specific situations around the world in which atrocities, crimes and other serious human rights violations have taken place to identify the needs, challenges, and path forward to accountability.&#xA;Opening remarks Mari&#xEB;lle&#xA0;Vavier (The Hague Municipality) Panellists Ivana&#xA0;Hrdli&#x10D;kov&#xE1; (Judicial Academy, Czech Republic, former Special Tribunal for Lebanon)&#xA;Susana&#xA0;S&#xE1;Couto (War Crimes Research Office, American University]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-accountability-in-the-hague-recent-developments-in-dutch-core-international-crimes/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 29 Mar 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-accountability-in-the-hague-recent-developments-in-dutch-core-international-crimes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for international law blog EJIL: Talk!, Asser Institute intern Giel Verhagen discusses recent developments in Dutch core international crime cases from the Syrian civil war. Despite a limited form of universal jurisdiction, the Dutch government has made significant efforts to convict those responsible for core international crimes. An expansive interpretation of the legal framework results in innovative charges. A month ago, the Dutch War Crimes Unit announced big news: for the first time in the Netherlands, an individual will be prosecuted for a crime committed against the Yazidis (see also here). The recent focus of the Dutch Public Prosecutor on possible crimes committed during the Syrian Civil War has already resulted in four convictions and at least four additional suspects have been accused of a core international crime.&#xA;The legal framework in the Netherlands regarding the prosecution of core international crimes, as outlined in the International Crimes Act (Wet Internationale Misdrijven), allows for limited universal jurisdiction. Article 2 of the Act determines that a Dutch court can prosecute solely if a Dutch national has committed a core international crime, if an individual has committed a core international crime against a Dutch national or if an individual has committed a core international crime and is now on Dutch territory. Despite this limited form of universal jurisdiction, the Dutch government has made significant efforts to convict those allegedly responsible for core international crimes.&#xA;Expansive interpretation Remarkably, under Article 1(4) of this Act, core international crimes can also be equated to certain ordinary crimes, if this ordinary crime has been carried out with the intent to commit core international crimes. This expansive interpretation can result in innovative charges, such as participation in a criminal organisation aimed at committing war crimes, which has a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-visiting-researcher-kathleen-claussen-sustainability-trade-and-security-go-hand-in/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 27 Mar 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-visiting-researcher-kathleen-claussen-sustainability-trade-and-security-go-hand-in/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Professor Kathleen Claussen (Georgetown University Law Center), is a visiting researcher at the Asser Institute through June 2023. Claussen is the author of more than forty articles and essays on trade, investment, and international dispute settlement. She has been counsel and arbitrator in international disputes and is co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of International Economic Law.&#xA0;&#x201C;More governments around the world are thinking about how to protect labour rights in trade agreements. What should these labour rights be, and what are the tools to ensure that labour rights are enforced and complied with?&#x201D; An interview. What is the main research project you are working on during your time in The Hague? &#x201C;I am working on two main projects. The first is a project that relates to trade, social sustainability, and security. We do not always think of those three subjects together, but they go together very well. Sustainability and trade, for instance, are increasingly connected to security when we think about resilience. The US policy on inflation reduction, for example, has environmental provisions connecting trade and the environment to US national security. Another example would be the production of semiconductors here in the Netherlands: Having the ability to make semiconductors locally is important for both our security and our trading relations.Sustainability, security and trade, and their intersections, are also clearly front and centre in all the policymaking we are seeing in cross-border commerce. They turn up in conversations about globalisation coming out of the Covid pandemic, and in the thinking about the various conflicts around the world. I think that now is the time to be looking at the institutional design surrounding these issues, and at the opportunities for cooperation with different governments on them.&quot;&#xA;Protecting labour rightsI am actually studying two different pieces of the labour and trade story: One piece is on the new mechanisms that we are]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/shelter-city-call-for-applications-for-asser-institute-visiting-research-fellowship/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/shelter-city-call-for-applications-for-asser-institute-visiting-research-fellowship/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Justice &amp;amp; Peace Netherlands has launched a new call for applications for human rights defenders at risk to participate in Shelter City in the Netherlands in September 2023. The Hague-based Asser Institute is hosting one Shelter City Fellow per year. The deadline for applications is 4 April 2023 at 23:59 CEST. From September 2023 onwards, Shelter Cities in the Netherlands will receive human rights defenders for a period of three months. At the end of their stay in the Netherlands, participants return with new tools and energy to continue their local actions for change. Human rights defenders that could benefit from temporary relocation and tailormade support are encouraged to apply. In collaboration with&#xA0;Justice &amp;amp; Peace Netherlands, the Asser Institute in the Hague hosts one fellow per year within the framework of Shelter City. The selected fellow will carry out a research project during the three-month period and takes part in other human rights relevant (research) activities of the Asser Institute. In line with these activities, closer to the end of the three-month period, the fellow will have to present the relevant research findings in a public or closed event. The fellow may also participate in other (public) events like lectures or (panel) discussions.&#xA;The Asser Institute visiting research fellowship is recommended for human rights defenders that are academics or that are interested in carrying out research.&#xA;Deadline for applications has been extended by one week. Application forms must be submitted with sheltercity@justiceandpeace.nl by 11&#xA0;April 2023 at 23:59 CEST (Central European Summer Time). Read the criteria for eligibility in the full call. For more information, please contact sheltercity@justiceandpeace.nl. An independent commission will select the final participants. Read more[Interview] Shelter City research fellow Ali Erdog&#x306;an: &#x201C;European institutions can be very patriarchal&#x201D;During a three-month stay in The Hague, Shelter City research fellow]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-book-chapter-autonomous-weapons/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-book-chapter-autonomous-weapons/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new book chapter forthcoming with Edward Elgar Publishing, Magdalena Pacholska demystifies autonomous weapons systems (AWS); identifies the main legal issues they might possibly pose and offers possible solutions. The chapter is designed to serve as a cheat sheet for both experts and the general public looking for an overview of this increasingly complicated debate. Magdalena&#x2019;s book chapter offers an overview of terms and concepts key to understanding the field, as well as the current technology available in military equipment. She reflects on the ongoing work of the group of governmental experts on lethal AWS held under the auspices of the United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, and its reception in scholarship. Finally, she zooms in on the pivotal legal question of attribution of responsibility for internationally wrongful conduct resulting from the combat employment of AWS.&#xA;Commander&#x27;s duty to employ weapons in accordance with IHLMagdalena argues that existing international law, if duly applied, remains more than sufficient to attribute responsibility for the existing weapon systems with autonomous functionalities. She also claims that anthropomorphising AWS by examining how the weapons themselves, rather than the conduct of armed forces that deploy them, can comply with international humanitarian law actually risks blurring the existing norms.&#xA;Nonetheless, she highlights that there is immense intrinsic value in civil society and academia engaging in international debates on pressing international humanitarian law issues. However, the conversation around humanitarian concerns related to a specific weapon, means or method of warfare needs to be done without unnecessarily demonising the technology at hand.&#xA;Read the pre-print of her upcoming chapter on SSRN &#x2013; where it reached SSRN&#x27;s Top Ten download list for a number of legal and security areas on the first day.&#xA;Pacholska, M. &#x2018;Autonomous Weapons.&#x2019; Forthcoming in: Bro&#x17C;ek, B., Kanevskaia, O.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-ecocide-the-environment-as-victim-at-the-international-criminal-court/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-ecocide-the-environment-as-victim-at-the-international-criminal-court/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The existing legal framework of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) allows for the recognition of nonhumans as victims of ecocide, argues Giovanna Frisso (University of Lincoln) in the new ICD Brief &#x2018;Ecocide: the environment as victim at the International Criminal Court&#x2019;. &#x201C;Ecocide&#x201D; has been defined as unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts. This definition of ecocide, as proposed by the Independent Expert Panel convened by the Stop Ecocide Foundation in 2021, aims to protect the environment as an end in itself. The definition was presented as a starting point for the consideration of an amendment to the founding treaty of the ICC, and with the aim of adding ecocide as the fifth international core crime (besides genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and crimes of aggression).&#xA;Nonhumans as environmental victimsIn the new ICD Brief &#x2018;Ecocide: the environment as victim at the International Court, author Giovanna Frisso (University of Lincoln) focuses on the potential recognition of nonhumans as environmental victims by the ICC. One of the most innovative provisions of the Rome Statute concerns victims&#x2019; rights to participate in the proceedings and to have the harm suffered repaired.&#xA;In the brief, Frisso describes the different meanings associated with the term &#x2018;victim&#x2019; in the ICC, including the different interpretations of the criteria provided for by the definition of the term under Rule 85(a) of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence. Within the ICC, the recognition of the status of victims opens up opportunities for the concerns of nature to be asserted by a legal representative and for reparations to be sought on behalf of ecosystems. The author concludes that the existing legal framework allows for the recognition of nonhumans as victims of ecocide. Read the full ICD brief.&#xA;About]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-overlooking-continuity-national-minorities-and-timeless-human-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-overlooking-continuity-national-minorities-and-timeless-human-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In the book chapter &#x2018;Overlooking Continuity: National Minorities and &#x2018;Timeless&#x2019; Human Rights&#x2019;, Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz critiques the dominant approach to national minorities in human rights discourse. The author argues that this approach fails to account for the ways in which historical and social contexts shape the experiences of national minorities and their struggles for rights.&#xA;&quot;Overlooking Continuity: National Minorities and &#x2018;Timeless&#x2019; Human Rights&quot; provides a powerful critique of the dominant approach to national minority rights in human rights discourse. The piece challenges readers to consider the ways in which historical and social contexts shape the experiences of national minorities, and to move towards a more nuanced and context-sensitive approach to human rights that takes these factors into account.&#xA;The article begins by tracing the historical development of human rights discourse, from its origins in Enlightenment thought to its unacknowledged importance in international law and politics. Castellanos-Jankiewicz notes that while human rights discourse has expanded over time to include a wider range of rights and actors, it has also tended to prioritise individual rights over collective rights and to downplay the role of groups in shaping rights claims.&#xA;Neglecting substantive issuesThe author then turns to the case of national minorities, arguing that the dominant approach to their rights is based on a &quot;timeless&quot; conception of human rights that ignores the historical and social context of their struggles. Castellanos-Jankiewicz notes that this approach often focuses on formal equality and non-discrimination, while neglecting substantive issues related to the recognition of minority identities and the redistribution of resources and power.&#xA;The article goes on to explore some of the limitations of the dominant approach to national minority rights. The author argues that this approach can obscure the ways in which national]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-eu-as-a-regional-international-organisation/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 13 Mar 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-eu-as-a-regional-international-organisation/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute and the Amsterdam Centre for European Studies (ACES) are pleased to announce a call for papers on the topic of The EU as a Regional International Organisation (RIO). The deadline for submitting an abstract is 1 May 2023.&#xA;Regional international organisations (RIOs) are exponentially growing and play an active role in a wide range of global governance fields, from economic governance to security to the shaping of cultural identities.&#xA;These organisations are heterogeneous in terms of their powers, degree of institutionalisation, aims, and how they structure their relations with the outside world. As entities that lie at the intermediate level between States and international organisations (IOs), RIOs pose a wide array of questions for international (institutional) law.&#xA;The European Union (EU) is a RIO of particular significance, yet the &#x2018;regional&#x2019; perspective is often absent in debates about the EU&#x2019;s identity and external presence. Therefore, we invite papers that reflect on how the &#x2018;RIO&#x2019; lens may influence and contextualise our understanding of the EU as a global actor.&#xA;We welcome papers that explore the following (non-exhaustive) topics: How the concept of &#x2018;RIO&#x2019; may add to the framework for assessing the legal identity, democratic legitimacy and/or accountability of the EU and/or of other RIOs.&#xA;How the EU compares to other RIOs, such as ASEAN, Mercosur or others, notably with respect to the role of the individual within the regional legal order, the EU&#x2019;s claim to &#x2018;uniqueness&#x2019; and similar claims made by other RIOs, and the different normative visions on how to shape the international legal order.&#xA;How the EU (and its courts) interact with other RIOs (and their courts).&#xA;How regional identity narratives shape EU values internally and how these values are projected externally.&#xA;How the EU and other RIOs contribute to the development of international law, including international institutional law and substantive fields of international law, and whether]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-three-lessons-on-the-regulation-of-autonomous-weapons-systems-to-ensure-accountability/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 02 Mar 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-three-lessons-on-the-regulation-of-autonomous-weapons-systems-to-ensure-accountability/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for ICRC, researchers Marta Bo (Asser Institute, SIPRI) and Vincent Boulanin (SIPRI) offer three lessons on the regulation of autonomous weapons systems to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law (IHL).&#xA;Ahead of a high-level UN meeting on autonomous weapons of the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (GGE) on March 6-10 March in Geneva, the authors urge to explore how accountability for IHL violations involving AWS would be ensured. They call this a &#x2018;useful and much-needed exercise for the policy process&#x2019;, as it provides a lens to explore what is, or should be, demanded, permitted, and prohibited in the development and use of AWS. Legal clarificationBo and Boulanin call for legal clarification by the GGE and to elaborate on standards of intent, knowledge and behaviour that are demanded of the user(s) of autonomous weapons. For the legal framework governing accountability to be effectively triggered, the world needs to know what international humanitarian law permits, requires, and prohibits, they write. Since 2013, the risks posed by autonomous weapon systems have been the focus of intergovernmental discussions at the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (UN CCW). States still disagree on whether and how the development and use of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) should be (further) regulated. But states have recognised, among other principles, that human responsibility for decisions on the use of weapon systems must be retained, since accountability cannot be transferred to machines. Gap in the policy debateAs the authors write: &#x201C;The question of what this principle entails is critical for the continuation of the policy process on AWS. To date, the expert debate has mainly elaborated on how human responsibility should be exercised &#x2013; preventively &#x2013; to ensure compliance with IHL. Less attention has been cast on how accountability would be ensured, in practice, in case of IHL]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/law-clinic-access-to-justice-for-gun-violence/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/law-clinic-access-to-justice-for-gun-violence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Last week, the international law clinic project on &#x2018;Access to Justice for Gun Violence&#x2019; was launched by the Amsterdam International Law Clinic of the University of Amsterdam in cooperation with the Asser Institute and the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The pro bono clinic will address gun violence from the standpoint of European legislation and human rights law. The law clinic will harness the work of students who will receive academic credit to develop a memorandum on legal remedies available to gun victims across European jurisdictions. The project aims to promote student engagement on the issue of gun violence prevention, and contribute with expertise to relevant debates on arms production, distribution and export. &#xAD; Accountability deficit&#x201C;Accountability for gun violence is alarmingly deficient in European countries&#x201D;, says Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz, who serves as the Law Clinic supervisor for this project. &#x201C;And although gun violence is not endemic in the region, European gun exports lack comprehensive due diligence procedures despite being transferred to at-risk states and conflict areas. The law clinic will identify this accountability deficit to assist policymakers in developing a better regulatory regime.&#x201D; Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz, @Asser&#xA;The Amsterdam Law Clinics enable students to work on matters of public interest and broad social relevance on behalf of clients. &#x201C;We are delighted that the students can obtain hands-on experience on this important topic&#x201D;, said Marcelle Reneman, Director of the Amsterdam Law Clinics. &#x201C;This clinic complements existing projects in our programme such as those of the Fair Trials Clinic and the Business and Human Rights Clinic. These are all part of the experiential education programme of the Amsterdam Law Practice.&#x201D;&#xA;Addressing negligent conductThe clinic is partnering with the Office of the Legal Advisor of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has been actively seeking to improve]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-phd-researcher-taylor-woodcock-does-reliance-on-ai-in-the-military-alter-how/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-phd-researcher-taylor-woodcock-does-reliance-on-ai-in-the-military-alter-how/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[PhD researcher Taylor Woodcock conducts research in the context of the&#xA0;DILEMA project on designing international law and ethics into military artificial intelligence (AI). She focuses on the legal frameworks (international humanitarian law and international human rights law) that govern conflicts. During the Asser Institute&#x2019;s Spring academy on Artificial Intelligence and international law, Taylor will lecture on AI and International humanitarian law (IHL). &#x2018;Accepting that IHL presupposes the exercise of human agency, key questions are whether reliance on AI-systems alters human decision-making and whether this places military personnel in a position to fulfil obligations.&#x2019; An interview.What is the focus of your research? &#x201C;In my research project, I begin with the understanding of international law as a practice, rather than only being understood as a body of rules. Using practice theory to conceptualise international law reveals how it involves interpretation, argumentation and legal decision-making, which also occurs outside of the courtroom. International law is not just something that legal advocates do, but also something that happens in the everyday use of international law. From this understanding of the law, I also focus on the role of people and how they exercise agency in the practice of law. It is from there that I begin to assess what sort of impact emerging technologies in the military sphere can have on international law as a practice and the effects that this has on how humans exercise agency. In addition to considering the nature of international law, I also look at how the content of specific duties in the laws of war require deliberative decision-making processes. My overarching objective is to try and gain an understanding of whether we can design technologies in a way that accounts for international law and how people exercise agency in legal decision-making in the military sphere.&#x201D;What are some of the most commonly used AI-dependent technologies]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-road-to-justice-lessons-for-ukraine-from-the-ussr-invasion-of-afghanistan/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-road-to-justice-lessons-for-ukraine-from-the-ussr-invasion-of-afghanistan/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The USSR invasion of Afghanistan in the late 1970s and the process towards justice and peace which followed the withdrawal of Soviet troops could provide important lessons for the implementation of transitional justice and respect for the international rule of law following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, conclude Asser Institute Associate Fellows Nader Nadery and Victoria Kerr in a new article in the Security and Human Rights Monitor. The Russian invasion of Ukraine should be seen as a pivotal moment for the international community to demonstrate a renewed commitment to sustainable peace and security, and that includes ensuring justice for the victims.&#xA;The USSR left Afghanistan in February 1989 ending a ten-year invasion. While victims&#x2019; demand for justice was overwhelming across the country, the focus on peace meant that justice for the victims of the atrocities was never prioritised by authorities and the international community. Thirty-three years later, on 24 February 2022, Russian Federation President Putin announced the commencement of a &#x2018;special military operation&#x2019; in Ukraine. Even as the invasion continues, questions remain as to how Ukraine will approach and implement transitional justice. @&#xA0;A. Solomonov (Wikimedia) -&#xA0;Withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan -&#xA0;15 February 1989 Lessons for transitional justice in UkraineNearly a year after the commencement of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, authors Nadery and Kerr link their respective expertise in the justice processes in Afghanistan and Ukraine. They highlight that while the invasions can be distinguished in a number of respects, there are nonetheless a number of lessons to be drawn from the past that can be relevant for transitional justice in Ukraine. The Russian rhetoric around the invasion draws on Soviet and imperialistic &#x201C;greatness&#x201D;. Firstly, Nadery and Kerr argue that this historical framing of the invasion of Ukraine and the role of the Soviet legacy will be critical to the transitional]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-tmc-asser-lecture-the-right-to-food-violence-and-food-systems-by-michael-fakhri/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-tmc-asser-lecture-the-right-to-food-violence-and-food-systems-by-michael-fakhri/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[20 April 2023&#x2022; Starts at: 15:00h&#x2022; Fee: Free&#x2022; Venue: Peace Palace&#x2022; Organiser: Asser Institute&#xA;&#x201C;One of the main causes of hunger and famine&#xA0;is violence and armed conflict. In turn, armed conflict leads to more food&#xA0;insecurity. How then to get out of this vicious&#xA0;cycle?&#x201D; says Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food and an internationally recognised expert on food systems and human rights.On April 20, 2023, Professor Fakhri will deliver the 8th&#xA0;Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture in the Peace Palace in the Hague. The title of his lecture is:&#xA0;&#x2018;The right to food, violence, and food systems&#x2019;. To allow for a better understanding of how food systems operate and to reframe how the right to food is addressed in international law, Michael Fakhri will examine forms of violence in food systems in his lecture. Sign up&#xA0;now&#xA0;to secure your spot!About the 8th&#xA0;Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture, Michael Fakhri writes: &#x201C;Drawing on my work as Special Rapporteur on the Right to&#xA0;Food and my upcoming report to the Human Rights Council, I will outline a way out. I will explain how&#xA0;systems not only produce food but&#xA0;also amplify&#xA0;and produce forms of violence that make people more poor,&#xA0;vulnerable, and marginalised. I also describe how food systems rely on a global&#xA0;economy of dependency and extractivism.&#xA0;In sum, food&#xA0;systems are part of&#xA0;a cycle between structural inequality and systemic violence causing wide-spread&#xA0;human rights violations.&#xA0;I&#xA0;will address the war in Ukraine to highlight how international&#xA0;markets amplify rather&#xA0;than abate violence, creating global shocks from a regional war.&#x201D; About Michael FakhriMr. Michael Fakhri, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food since 2020, is a professor at the University of Oregon School of Law where he teaches courses on human rights, food law, development, and commercial law. He is also the director of the Food Resiliency Project. He investigates key environmental and policy issues relating to all stages of the food system, including]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-principle-of-solidarity-international-and-eu-law-perspectives/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-principle-of-solidarity-international-and-eu-law-perspectives/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[&#x2018;The Principle of Solidarity International and EU Law Perspectives&#x2019;, a new edited volume in the Global Europe Series (T.M.C. Asser Press) explores the principle of solidarity in international and EU law. Although the concept of solidarity is regularly invoked in international and EU legal and policy debates alike, its meaning, nature and functions, as well as normative contours still remain nebulous.&#xA;As the chapters of &#x2018;The Principle of Solidarity International and EU Law Perspectives&#x2019; show, the debate on solidarity is premised on conflicting visions regarding the values underpinning the international legal order as well as the self-interest or community-oriented driving forces behind States&#x2019; action at the international level.&#xA;A new lensThe regional (EU law) perspective offers a new lens through which to revisit classic questions pertaining to the nature of modern international law and to assess its continuing relevance in a world of regional organizations presenting different visions (and levels) of co-operation.&#xA;The contributions in this volume reflect on the legal trajectory of solidarity in international and EU law and offer unique insights into the evolution and status of the principle in different fields of international and EU law. By doing so, the book also serves as a springboard for answering broader questions pertaining to what the stage of development of this principle may imply for the two legal orders and their interaction.&#xA;This book, the second volume to appear in the Global Europe Series, will appeal to international and EU law researchers and policy-makers alike with an interest in the nature and function of the principle of solidarity in international and EU law. Specific to this book&#xA;&#x25AA; Facilitates the understanding of the nature, function and normative effect of solidarity in international and EU law&#xA;&#x25AA; Provides unique insights from different sub-fields of international and EU law, enhancing our understanding&#xA;&#x25AA; Examining the principle&#x2019;s evolution,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/public-panel-how-to-design-and-regulate-for-effective-human-machine-interaction-in-military-ai/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/public-panel-how-to-design-and-regulate-for-effective-human-machine-interaction-in-military-ai/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[How to design and regulate for effective human-machine interaction in the context of military decision-support systems? That is the topic of a public panel, organised by the Asser Institute&#x2019;s trailblazing DILEMA research project on responsible military AI, during the REAIM summit in The World Forum in The Hague. This first international summit on responsible AI in the military domain on 15 &#x2013; 16 February is organised by the Netherlands. On Wednesday 15 February, the DILEMA panel discussion, moderated by senior researcher Berenice Boutin, will focus on Decision-Support Systems (DSS) and Human-Machine Interaction (HMI). The topics builds on the DILEMA&#x2019;s team ongoing research and interim findings. Register now for the summit and attend the session. BackgroundInternational policy discussions around military applications of AI have heavily focused on autonomous weapon systems (AWS), while other existing and potential uses of AI in the military domain have received less attention. In particular, the increasing deployment of decision-support systems (DSS) raises a number of critical legal, ethical, and technical challenges.&#xA;DSS are AI-based tools aimed at supporting and facilitating military decision-making based on the collection and analysis of large amounts of data. Due to their characteristics and functions, as well as the circumstances and context in which they are deployed in military operations, DSS raise important questions regarding human-machine interaction (HMI).&#xA;As highlighted in the GGE LAWS Guiding Principles: &#x201C;Human-machine interaction, which may take various forms and be implemented at various stages [...] should ensure that the potential use of [...] systems based on emerging technologies [...] is in compliance with applicable international law, in particular IHL&#x201D;. Key questionThe DILEMA public panel during the REAIM summit on Wednesday 15 February seeks to develop insights on how to implement human-machine interaction in the context of decision-support]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/database-now-live-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/database-now-live-the-foreign-terrorist-fighters-knowledge-hub/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The newly launched FTF Knowledge Hub is an independent database with comprehensive information on Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs), or, as defined by the UNSC (Res. 2178 (2014), &#x2018;individuals who travel to a State other than their States of residence or nationality for the purpose of the perpetration, planning, or preparation of, or participation in, terrorist acts or the providing or receiving of terrorist training, including in connection with armed conflict&#x2019;. The Hub, aimed at policy makers, practitioners, academics, journalists and students, contains quantitative and qualitative data on those FTFs who have joined terrorist or violent extremist groups in Syria and Iraq, in particular ISIL/Da&#x27;esh. The FTF Knowledge Hub contains individual country pages where visitors can find country-specific FTF-related data and information on countries&#x2019; responses to their citizens and residents joining terrorist or violent extremist groups. The Hub also showcases the legal framework governing these responses, relevant international standards and guidance concerning FTFs. A separate library provides relevant academic research and policy briefs. Through the policy matrix, visitors can access information on preventive, administrative, criminal and surveillance measures, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration measures implemented by countries. In the future, additional data from already included countries as well as information from other countries, and pertaining to other conflict zones, may be added.&#xA;About the FTF Knowledge Hub The FTF Knowledge Hub has been created by researchers at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism &#x2013; The Hague (ICCT), with contributions from the United States and Jordan as co-chairs of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) FTF Working Group. It builds on the previous FTF Knowledge Hub hosted by and developed under the auspices of the GCTF and is inspired by GCTF Framework Documents. However, in its new form,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-rule-of-law-and-constitutionalisation-of-memory-politics-in-hungary-and-russia/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-rule-of-law-and-constitutionalisation-of-memory-politics-in-hungary-and-russia/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In his chapter for the new book Rule of Law in Crisis- Constitutionalism in a State of Flux (edited by Martin Belov, Routledge 2023), senior Asser Institute researcher Ulad Belavusau focuses on the rise of memory laws in Hungary and Russia throughout the 2010s. According to Dr. Belavusau, Russia not only stirred up major memory wars in the region, but also uses these memory laws as a fake justification for the war against Ukraine. AbstractThe mushrooming of memory laws in Central and Eastern Europe throughout the 2010s went hand-in-hand with democratic backsliding in the region. Hungary, in particular, has recently been at the epicentre of the EU&#x27;s critique for violation of rule of law standards.&#xA;Beyond the EU, Russia has been identified not only as a rapidly degrading democracy but also as the main provocateur for mnemonic propaganda, whilst stirring up major &#x2018;memory wars&#x2019; in the region, in particular, as a fake justification for the war of aggression against Ukraine. Such laws transcend criminal legislation and have acquired a constitutional significance, which this chapter analyses under the heading of &#x27;mnemonic constiutionalism&#x27; (the advance of the legal governance of historical memory to the constitutional level).&#xA;Taking the country studies of Hungary and Russia, the chapter concludes that the ruling elites therein perceive &#x2018;mnemonic constitutionalism&#x2019; not only as an ideological basis for an entire governance of historical memory but also as a foundation to justify &#x2018;illiberal democracies&#x2019;. Read the chapter.&#xA;Read moreAs part of the MEMOCRACY research consortium, Asser senior researcher Dr Uladzislau Belavusau studies the proliferation of the nation-centric governance of memory through laws and policies in Germany and selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The study unpacks the relationship of this memory governance with rising populism and the erosion of fundamental democratic rights in the region. Using the concept of &#x2018;memocracy&#x2019;, meaning]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-constitutions-of-value-law-governance-and-political-ecology/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-constitutions-of-value-law-governance-and-political-ecology/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Global value production and transnational value practices that rely on exploitation and extraction have left us with toxic commons and a damaged planet. The new book &#x2018;Constitutions of Value - Law, Governance, and Political Ecology&#x2019; (Routledge, 2023), edited by Isabel Feichtner (University of W&#xFC;rzburg) and Geoff Gordon (Asser Institute) examines law&#x2019;s fundamental role in institutions of value production and valuation. The book asks: What has value, what does not and could value perhaps be re-valued? Ineffective climate packages raise the question whether we must helplessly stand by whilst economic value production leads to the destruction of what we value as society. But it can be difficult to pinpoint what we are talking about when we talk about value(s). In the sometimes-fierce debate on the EU&#x2019;s &#x2018;fundamental values&#x2019;, the word value often figures as a placeholder for other concepts such as rule of law, democracy or individual rights, while the far right organises itself and justifies its politics with &#x2018;a defence of values&#x2019;. In the discipline of economics, it is usually price that counts, whereas a value discourse is also prominent in debates on new modes of governance, surveillance and economic surplus extraction enabled by technological change. But authors Van den Meerssche and Gordon note that the EU&#x2019;s White Paper on Artificial Intelligence, which has promised to regulate the &#x2018;development and deployment of AI&#x2019; in a manner that reflects &#x201C;European values&#x201D; &#x2026; largely comes down to procedural data protection standards and ethical guidelines.&#x201D;&#xA;Law is complicit Written by an interdisciplinary team of cutting-edge scholars, the book &#x2018;Constitutions of Value - Law, Governance, and Political Ecology&#x2019; addresses legal constitutions of value. As law is complicit in sustaining and disguising unequal power relations through privileging, facilitating, and reproducing certain values and certain forms of value production, the book asks: What has value, what does not and could]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-reparations-are-problematic-to-negotiated-international-criminal-justice/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-reparations-are-problematic-to-negotiated-international-criminal-justice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for EJIL:Talk!, Asser Institute intern-trainee Catherine Gregoire concludes that Rule 94(2)(c) of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) Rules of Procedure and Evidence (RPE) - a rule which allows for written plea agreements on reparations - has the power to strengthen or undermine victims&#x2019; right to reparations. Gregoire calls for ensuring the victim&#x2019;s active participation in negotiations on reparations.&#xA;The KSC is an international/hybrid tribunal adjudicating on cases concerning crimes against humanity, war crimes and other crimes related to the Kosovo War of 1998-1999. On 16 December 2022, the KSC Trial Panel I pronounced its first ever conviction for war crimes in the case of Specialist Prosecutor v. Salih Mustafa (Mustafa case). This means that a reparations order will soon be followed for the eligible victims. Cooperation challenges In her blog post, Gregoire identifies the relevant provisions from the KSC&#x2019;s governing laws to find that a plea negotiation on reparations would secure the availability of assets and voluntary commitment from the accused to fund reparations. However, given the &#x2018;persisting and pervasive&#x2019; disparaging attitudes of the KSC and victims in Kosovo and from accused and/or convicted persons before the tribunal, cooperation on such matters in future cases is highly unlikely. Upholding reparations standardsPlea negotiations on reparations would still need to correspond to the harm suffered, which will differ for each individual victim or collective group of victims. As noted by Gregoire, this standard was advocated by the victims&#x2019; counsel in the closing statements of the Mustafa case. In addition, reparations need to be prompt and adequate in line with international human rights norms. Thus, Gregoire maintains that plea negotiations with still need to ensure that these standards for reparations are met. This would require an assessment of the forms of reparations that can be secured from the accused and the appropriateness of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-james-patrick-sexton-there-is-a-contrast-between-the-dedication-to-prosecute-war/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[Asser Institute researcher James Patrick Sexton examines the state obligation to investigate war crimes committed in multilateral settings during armed conflict in a recent&#xA0;journal article. He also works on several projects under the auspices of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). &#x2018;Informal and temporary military coalitions hinder accountability for war crimes.&#x2019; An interview.&#xA;Why did you choose to study international law? &#x201C;I originally studied Scots law at the University of Glasgow and never really had the intention to study international law. However, when I got the opportunity to spend a year studying at the University of Copenhagen on an Erasmus exchange, I was able to join very new and exciting courses, such as international migration law, which opened my eyes to the field of international law.Then, when I returned to Glasgow to finish my undergraduate degree, I attended a lecture given by a former University of Glasgow law student: Professor Helen Duffy (Leiden University). She talked about her life and work, especially her time legally representing Abu Zubaydah, who was one of the first prisoners in the United States&#x2019; extraordinary rendition programme. (The U.S.&#x2019;s practice of extraordinary rendition during its &#x201C;war on terrorism&#x201D; involved transferring individuals abroad for detention and interrogation without criminal charge(s) - ed). It was really inspiring to see this Scottish person, who had done the same law degree as me in Glasgow, living abroad and working on these crucial topics. I started applying for Master&#x2019;s degrees in international law shortly afterwards.&#x201D;What is the main research topic you are working on at the Asser Institute? &#x201C;In the past few months, I have been working on a few different topics, mostly relating to armed conflict, international criminal law, and sanctions, all within the Asser Institute research strand: In the Public Interest: Accountability of the State and the Prosecution of Crimes. A long-term research project of mine,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/catch-up-on-those-international-law-podcasts/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/catch-up-on-those-international-law-podcasts/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Listening to podcasts on international law can be a great way to stay engaged and continue learning. Whether you&#x27;re an academic, international law student or professional, or just interested in the topic, we have selected 10 international law-related podcasts that will cater to your interests. Enjoy! 1.&#xA0;The ICJ: More than a dispute settlement body? A conversation with Prof. Ingo Venzke.Does it make sense to speak of universal values and their evocation in international law? Was the reaction of the Court in its &#x2018;Order of 16 March 2022&#x2019; expected? What is the value of provisional measures set up by the Court? In The Hague Courts Dialogue Series, the Asser Institute&#x27;s Dr Carl Lewis discusses the case of Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), currently pending at the International Court of Justice, with Prof. Ingo Venzke of the University of Amsterdam.&#xA;2.&#xA0;Questioning nationality at the ICJ: the Nottebohm caseIn this episode of the Hague Courts Dialogue Series, Dr Carl Lewis (Asser Institute) discusses the&#xA0;International Court of Justice&#x2019;s 1955&#xA0;Nottebohm&#xA0;(Liechtenstein v. Guatemala)&#xA0;judgment&#xA0;with Dr&#xA0;P&#xE9;ter D. Szigeti&#xA0;of the University of Alberta.&#xA0;What is special about this case? What questions has it left open? And ought the ICJ reconsider the role international law perhaps should play in respect to certain questions concerning the nationality of individuals? 3.&#xA0;Can we promote human rights whilst holding major sporting events? With the 2022 FIFA World Cup being held in Qatar, the topic of human rights has become a central conversation of interest. Dr Daniela Heerdt (researcher in the field of sport and human rights at the Asser Institute) joins The House of Wisdom podcast series to discuss how holding a major sporting event can help promote human rights within the region and the fact that major sports organisations such as the IOC and FIFA consider human rights criteria in]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/goals-for-the-new-year-register-now-for-our-2023-training-programmes/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 18 Dec 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/goals-for-the-new-year-register-now-for-our-2023-training-programmes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registration is now open for our 2023 training programmes. Sign up now to stay ahead in your career! [Masterclass] Responding to human rights abuse in sport: Safe, effective and appropriate investigation&#xA0;(18 - 19 January 2023)&#xA;In recent years, the world of sport has seen a rise in reports of cases of emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. Sport has often struggled to respond in a safe, effective and appropriate way to these cases. This has, at best, led to missed opportunities to improve and strengthen prevention mechanisms. At worst, it has caused retraumatisation and additional harm to those affected.&#xA0;Sign up&#xA0;for our Masterclass and learn how to respond in a safe, appropriate, and effective way to cases of human rights abuse in sport.&#xA0;Read more.&#xA;[Spring academy] Artificial intelligence and international law&#xA0;(27-31 March 2023)&#xA;Artificial intelligence (AI) comes with many promises. It has the potential of providing for cognitive abilities going beyond human capacities, which could lead to significant scientific and societal progress. At the same time, the use of technologies that display increasing degrees of autonomy brings in significant ethical, legal, and policy challenges. AI is disruptive to fundamental legal norms and concepts, as well as to systems of international governance.&#xA0;This spring academy&#xA0;is an interdisciplinary programme that offers in-depth perspectives on AI and international law. It provides foundational knowledge on key issues at the intersection of theory and practice, and offers a platform for critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. The programme covers technical aspects of AI, philosophy and ethics of AI, AI and human rights, AI and international humanitarian law, AI and international responsibility, and international governance of AI.&#xA0;Sign up now, or check out more information.&#xA;Indicative list of topics: Understanding AI technology&#xA;Responsible AI and ethical design&#xA;Human-machine relationships&#xA;Ensuring respect]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/addressing-human-rights-abuse-in-sport/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/addressing-human-rights-abuse-in-sport/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The sports industry has recently been faced with increasing reports of abuse and is struggling to respond to these cases of human rights abuse. This has led to re-traumatisation and further harm to affected athletes. What are the main challenges faced by sports to address human rights abuse safely and effectively?&#xA;Recent years have demonstrated an increasing need to effectively deal with abuse. The #MeToo movement has sparked a broader conversation about coercive and abuse behaviour that has spread from industry to industry. The sport industry has been no exception, with the International Olympic Committee stating that prevalence of abuse (and sexual harassment) is even higher at the elite level of sport.&#xA;Cases of abuse in sport crosscut all level and disciplines, and abuse reports have increased in recent years across the globe. In March 2022, the Guardian published a list of sexual abuse cases and allegations made in football in the past few years. Confined to the space of a few years and only to the sport of football, as the journalists point out, this is only the tip of the iceberg.&#xA;Other examples are abuse allegations in Dutch gymnastics&#xA0;and&#xA0;US gymnastics, abuse of female&#xA0;basketball players in Mali, systematic abuse of&#xA0;child athletes in Japan, abuse of young boys within English football, or sexual abuse of the&#xA0;Afghanistan National Women&#x2019;s Football Team. Abuse goes unreported While there has been a notable increase in reports of abuse, a sweeping 93% of individuals who experienced sexual harassment or unwanted sexual contact did not formally report it, according to a 2021 report by the US Centre for safe sport. Another study conducted jointly by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Olympic Committee reinforces that abuse in sport is still underreported, despite the shift in awareness and an increase of reporting mechanisms.&#xA;When we look at the main challenges faced by the sports industry to address human rights abuse, four key]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-responsible-international-aid-for-populations-ruled-by-illegitimate-regimes-an/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-responsible-international-aid-for-populations-ruled-by-illegitimate-regimes-an/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new research paper by the Institute For Integrated Transitions (IFIT) and published on Reliefweb (OCHA), Asser Institute senior research fellow Nader Nadery provides recommendations for international donors to overcome the practical and moral dilemmas of effective aid delivery under Taliban rule. He calls for a greater focus on the technical requirements linked to aid implementation to illegitimate regimes, rather than on political questions.After more than a year under Taliban rule, Afghanistan is mired in dysfunction. Basic services such as health and education continue to decline, the public sector is paralysed and the private sector lacks basic preconditions for the kind of economic activity that could alleviate dire poverty. The country can be expected to remain in a major humanitarian crisis and state of aid dependency for years.&#xA;Illegitimate regimeSince September 2021, the international community has been struggling with the dilemma of how to support the population and reduce hardship if the country continues to be led by an unelected, illegitimate regime, which includes officials who have been designated as terrorists and placed under international sanctions.The situation of Afghanistan is not entirely unique. In Syria, Venezuela, Myanmar, Sudan and many other countries, the international community is similarly balancing the goal of supporting the population against the risk of legitimising an unrecognised or predatory regime.Nader Nadery&#x2019;s discussion paper looks at lessons learnt from these contexts and proposes creative ideas for an alternative aid delivery framework, drawing primarily on the views of local leaders and experts. Ultimately, the shifting boundaries among humanitarian aid, &#x2018;humanitarian plus&#x2019; aid, early recovery assistance and development may need to be revisited, so that donors can find a better balance among competing policy considerations in countries ruled by illegitimate regimes.Read the full article.&#xA;About Nader NaderyAsser]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-military-artificial-intelligence-and-the-principle-of-distinction-a-state/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-military-artificial-intelligence-and-the-principle-of-distinction-a-state/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new article for the Israel Law Review (Cambridge University Press), researcher Magda Pacholska argues that the existing military AI technologies do not raise unique issues under the law of state responsibility. She argues that should the fully autonomous weapons - that is machine learning-based lethal systems capable of changing their own rules of operation - ever be fielded, they ought to be conceptualised as state agents, and treated akin to state organs.&#xA;Military artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technology might still be in the relatively fledgling stages. But the debate on how to regulate its use is already in full swing. Much of the discussion revolves around autonomous weapons systems (AWS) and the &#x2018;responsibility gap&#x2019; they would ostensibly produce.&#xA;Pacholska&#x2019;s article argues that while some military AI technologies may indeed cause a range of conceptual hurdles in the realm of individual responsibility, they do not raise any unique issues under the law of state responsibility.&#xA;Her analysis considers the latter regime and maps out crucial junctions in applying it to potential violations of the cornerstone of international humanitarian law (IHL) - the principle of distinction - resulting from the use of AI-enabled military technologies.&#xA;Systemic shortcomingsThe article reveals that any challenges in ascribing responsibility in cases involving AWS would not be caused by the incorporation of AI, but stem from pre-existing systemic shortcomings of IHL and the unclear reverberations of mistakes thereunder.&#xA;Pacholska reiterates that state responsibility for the effects of AWS deployment is always retained through the commander&#x27;s ultimate responsibility to authorise weapon deployment in accordance with IHL.&#xA;It is proposed, however, that should the so-called fully autonomous weapon systems - that is, machine learning-based lethal systems that are capable of changing their own rules of operation beyond a predetermined framework - ever be fielded, it might be]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-virginie-rouas-european-companies-are-polluting-the-global-south-without-facing-full/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-virginie-rouas-european-companies-are-polluting-the-global-south-without-facing-full/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Institute researcher Virginie Rouas focuses on the interplay between business and human rights on the one hand, and access to justice, artificial intelligence, and the human rights and environmental impacts of the green transition on the other. She is currently researching the potential of big data technology in the context of human rights and environmental due diligence. &#x2018;European companies are polluting the Global South without facing full legal consequences.&#x2019; An interview.&#xA;What motivated you to get into this field of research? &#x201C;In 2008, a group of Nigerian farmers filed a complaint in the Netherlands against Shell for oil pollution in Nigeria&#x2019;s Niger Delta. It was an unprecedented case in which a multinational enterprise based in the Global North was held accountable for violating its duty of care towards local communities in the Global South. From the moment I heard of this case, I knew I wanted to explore how to use legal proceedings to hold powerful corporate actors accountable, the international companies that are behind so much of the environmental pollution around the world.&quot; What is the focus of the main research project you are working on? &#x201C;I am currently working on a research project for the Deutsche Gesellschaft f&#xFC;r internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH with my colleagues Antoine Duval and Max Ebdon to investigate the potential of big data technologies in the context of the human rights and environmental due diligence process. These days, human rights due diligence has become a major feature of the field of business and human rights. In 2011, the UN Human Rights Council adopted the UN Guiding Principles on business and human rights (UNGPs), which are a set of guidelines that clarify the role of states and business actors and the actions expected of them in relation to human rights. The UNGPs make it clear that business enterprises should respect human rights by avoiding infringing them and by addressing any adverse human rights impacts in]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sports-law-new-publication-remedy-and-redress-for-sport-related-human-rights-abuses/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sports-law-new-publication-remedy-and-redress-for-sport-related-human-rights-abuses/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a special issue of the International Sports Law Journal, researcher Daniela Heerdt (Asser Institute and Centre for Sport and Human Rights) and co-author William Rook (Centre for Sport and Human Rights) bring together different perspectives on one of the most challenging issues in sport: remedy and redress for sport-related human rights abuses.&#xA;Participation in sport has many benefits, including the potential to advance human rights. Sport, however, can also cause, or be linked to harm and abuse. In their article &#x2018;Remedy and redress for sport-related human rights abuses&#x2019;, authors Heerdt and Rook focus on human rights issues linked to sports and their potential remedies. The article is published while a broad sport and human rights agenda is gathering momentum, with intense scrutiny of the human rights impacts of mega-sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.&#xA;While these and other mega-sporting events have drawn the spotlight to infringements of labour rights for workers on the construction sites for sport infrastructure and in other sectors, the range of human rights issues linked to sport go much deeper and wider into the day-to-day fabric of sport. They involve, among others, cases of discrimination and racism, exploitation, displacement, violence and abuse. They affect athletes including child athletes, as well as communities, workers, families and fans living in and around countries that host sport events.&#xA;Significant obstaclesAccess to remedy is a human right in itself. Every affected person has the right to effective remedy and redress, in the form of the actual process and the result. This is enshrined in a number of regional and international human rights treaties. However, in the sporting context, for many abuses there is either a lack of effective remedy mechanisms, or significant obstacles exist in accessing available mechanisms. As a result, affected persons are often left without any]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/podcast-ukrainian-war-crimes-trials-with-ukrainian-judges/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/podcast-ukrainian-war-crimes-trials-with-ukrainian-judges/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Leaving the court every time the alarm goes off and working around power cuts that have halved working days to four hours. These are some of the working conditions of judges in Ukraine. The potential war crimes cases being investigated now amount to 36.000. How are Ukrainian judges managing these pressures?&#xA;During the recent&#xA0;MATRA- Ukraine Conference&#xA0;organised by the&#xA0;T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#xA0;with&#xA0;Global Rights Compliance, international justice podcast makers Asymmetrical Haircuts talked to Ukrainian judges Hanna Maina and Svitlana Yakovleva about their realities and how the Ukrainian judiciary is adapting.&#xA;Organisational solutions Svitlana Yakovleva is a judge at the Supreme Court of Ukraine and she explains which organisational solutions have been found to tackle war crimes in a law system that did not have to deal with them before. Hanna Maina is a judge at the Novomoskovskyi Court of Dnipropetrovsk region so she has the on-the-ground experience of a first-instance court. Together with Hanna and Svitlana, the podcast also addresses some of the current debates: can Ukrainian defence judges be fair? And how can the international system support Ukraine&#x2019;s national courts? For a broader perspective on these national trials, Asymmetrical Haircuts caught up with&#xA0;Gaiane Nuridzhanian&#xA0;from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine and the UiT-Arctic University of Norway. She gives her view on war crime cases; on whether these rather quick trials can also be fair, and on what holistic justice like reparations may mean for Ukrainians.&#xA;Listen to the full podcast by Assymetrical Haircuts podcast makers Janet Anderson and Stephanie van den Berg.&#xA;About the Matra Ukraine project The MATRA project &#x27;Strengthening Ukraine&#x2019;s Capacity to Investigate and Prosecute International Crimes&#x2019; is a joint initiative of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Global Rights Compliance. The project is designed to assist the newly created War Crimes Unit in Ukraine to investigate, prosecute]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/research-publication-retaining-human-responsibility-in-the-development-and-use-of-autonomous/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/research-publication-retaining-human-responsibility-in-the-development-and-use-of-autonomous/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a report for the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute&#xA0;(SIPRI), Marta Bo with Laura Bruun and Vincent Boulanin tackle how humans can be held responsible for violations of international humanitarian law involving autonomous weapons systems. As the risk of autonomous weapons systems become increasingly pervasive, ensuring that humans retain responsibility for the development and use of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) becomes more urgent. Despite this urgency, the debate on human responsibility for international humanitarian law (IHL) violations involving AWS is lacking in the overall policy debate on autonomous weapons systems.&#xA;Holding states and individuals accountable International law offers two main frameworks for attributing responsibility for autonomous weapons systems: state responsibility and individual criminal responsibility. The report explores both frameworks to help policymakers&#xA0;understand when to hold states and individuals accountable for IHL violations involving autonomous weapon systems.&#xA;It further highlights the specific issues that make it difficult to attribute responsibility when autonomous weapons systems are involved. Providing a comprehensive analysis of these issues helps inform policy measures to uphold respect for IHL and address some of the challenges connected to holding actors legally responsible. Key issues for autonomous weapons systems in IHLThe authors identify a few key issues where the policy debate in this area will need to provide answers: IHL rules on conditions where AWS would give rise to state responsibility for internationally wrongful acts and individual criminal responsibility for war crimes&#xA;Schemes of responsibility among multiple human agents in the chain of development and use of AWS&#xA;Standards of intent, knowledge, behaviour, and care required from AWS users&#xA;Ability to trace back IHL violations to potential wrongdoers As the report points out: &#x2018;fundamental questions about how humans and machines]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/research-publication-how-qatar-s-migrant-workers-became-fifa-s-problem-a-transnational-struggle/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/research-publication-how-qatar-s-migrant-workers-became-fifa-s-problem-a-transnational-struggle/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Senior researcher and head of the Asser Institute&#x2019;s International Sports Law Centre Antoine Duval highlights the global struggle to force the football organisation FIFA to take responsibility for labour rights abuses suffered by migrant workers in Qatar. In an article for the journal Transnational Legal Theory, Duval further shows how FIFA used the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) as a blueprint to frame its (limited) responsibility towards those workers, and the (limited) impact of this acknowledgment of responsibility by FIFA.&#xA;In recent years, The F&#xE9;d&#xE9;ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has mainly dominated the headlines over its corruption problems and the systematic abuse of power by its executives. Since 2012, however, FIFA is also being criticised for having granted to Qatar the organisation of the 2022 World Cup in spite of widespread labour rights abuses suffered by the migrant workers who were building the necessary infrastructure in Qatar.&#xA;FIFA was long unwilling to endorse responsibility for workers&#x2019; rights in Qatar or elsewhere. The football organisation is a non-profit Swiss association, which until 2019 had no employees or subsidiaries in Qatar and was not directly involved in building the infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup. Formally speaking, FIFA has no direct contractual ties with migrant workers in Qatar and is not controlling the corporations that do. Global struggleIn his article &#x2018;How Qatar&#x2019;s migrant workers became FIFA&#x2019;s problem: a transnational struggle for responsibility&#x2019;, Duval studies the global struggle to force FIFA to take responsibility for these abuses and remedy them. Duval traces three different (legal and non-legal) strategies that were used by a range of actors to ensure that FIFA bears (some) responsibility for the plight of migrant workers in Qatar: Firstly, litigation before a Swiss court; secondly, a complaint at the Swiss National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/conference-strengthening-ukraine-s-national-efforts-to-investigate-prosecute-adjudicate-and/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/conference-strengthening-ukraine-s-national-efforts-to-investigate-prosecute-adjudicate-and/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Monday 14 November, the Asser Institute and Global Rights Compliance (GRC) co-organised the conference &#x2018;Strengthening Ukraine&#x2019;s national efforts to investigate, prosecute, adjudicate and report on international crimes&#x2019;. The conference - which was fully booked - brought together high-level (inter)national experts, from Ukraine and elsewhere, to assist Ukrainian national authorities in dealing with the&#xA0;ever-increasing international crimes they are confronted with. The conference was part of the MATRA-Ukraine project, funded by the Netherlands&#x2019; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which began in 2020. The project aims to strengthen Ukrainian efforts to investigate, prosecute, adjudicate and report on international crimes.&#xA;Effective investigationsDuring the conference, (inter) national experts listened to Ukrainian perspectives, identified main challenges and shared ideas and insights on how the Ukrainian national authorities could proceed in dealing with international crimes. Relevant questions included: is the legal framework in place sufficient in terms of international crimes? What assistance do the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General and the Ukrainian investigative agencies need to conduct effective investigations and prosecutions? What is the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in this context? Why is the critical monitoring of trials by academics, lawyers and journalists important? How should the judiciary in Ukraine be structured and resourced in order to hear international crimes cases? What form (if any) should international assistance to Ukrainian national authorities take?&#xA;Podcast upcomingInternational justice podcast makers Asymmetrical Haircuts spoke to the delegation of Ukrainian judges about&#xA0;out how they are coping with the&#xA0;immense scale of war crimes that need to be processed. If you&#xA0;don&#x27;t want to miss the podcast, sign up for our newsletter to receive an update when it is released.&#xA;Programme &amp;amp; speakers&#xA;Opening remarks&#xA;10:45 Welcome by]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-the-potential-of-big-data-technologies-for-the-due-diligence-process/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-the-potential-of-big-data-technologies-for-the-due-diligence-process/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Last month, the Asser Institute began a new project to investigate the potential of big data technologies in the context of the due diligence process for the Deutsche Gesellschaft f&#xFC;r internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.&#xA;Human rights and environmental due diligenceBusiness relationships and value chains today have no boundaries. Participation and integration in global supply chains creates enormous opportunities for businesses and countries. However, human rights, social, and environmental standards are regularly undermined in these complex supply networks. One response to this situation is a greater emphasis on sustainability and the implementation of human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) in supply chains. A growing number of countries, as well as the EU, have enacted or are considering enacting HREDD legislation. In this context, HREDD will become an important process for an increasing number of businesses.&#xA;Huge amounts of dataHowever, the complexity of supply chains is likely to necessitate the treatment of huge amounts of data by companies, which will, by their nature, present several challenges, including the fact that they can be non-standardised, inconsistent, incomplete, unreliable, and scattered across databases and stakeholders. As the demand for and availability of environmental and human rights data from global supply chains will grow, as new compliance and reporting requirements take shape, the role of big data technologies (eg artificial intelligence) in the context of HREDD is likely to emerge.&#xA;ProjectThe Asser Institute will deliver a comprehensive study on the subject during 2023.&#xA0;The guiding questions for the study are: What is the potential (use) of big data technologies to assess prevent, mitigate and remedy environmental and human rights risks in global supply chains?&#xA;Where does the technology fit into the HRDD process?&#xA;How can it be used as a tool to further HRDD obligations? The project is led by Dr Antoine Duval (senior]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-shelter-city-research-fellow-ali-erdog-an-european-institutions-can-be-very/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-shelter-city-research-fellow-ali-erdog-an-european-institutions-can-be-very/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[During a three-month stay in The Hague, visiting research fellow Ali Erdog&#x306;an focuses on human rights and same-sex marriages in EU law. &#x201C;I would like to make some changes in this world with regard to LGBTIQ&#x2B; rights. And I believe that I can achieve this through international public law.&#x201D; An interview.&#xA;Shelter City is a worldwide initiative that provides safe spaces to at-risk human rights defenders and supports them in reclaiming their civic space. Ali Erdog&#x306;an is a Shelter City visiting researcher at the Asser Institute, and a PhD candidate at Istanbul K&#xFC;lt&#xFC;r University. We asked Ali what he hopes to achieve during his three-month stay in The Hague. What is your main research focus during your visiting research fellowship at the Asser Institute? &#x201C;My main area of research is human rights. And the topic that I am currently working on is same-sex marriages in European human rights law. I have noticed that when it comes to the decisions by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on same-sex marriages and other partnership types, the court always refers to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This article says: &#x2018;Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.&#x2019;I am curious to find out why the Court uses Article 8 instead of Article 12, the article that covers the right to marry. Article 12 of the Convention literally says: &#x2018;Men and women of marriageable age have the right to marry and to found a family, according to the national laws governing the exercise of this right&#x2019;.&#xA;Major social changes I believe that the law, as time passes, is not capable of sufficiently remaining up-to-date, so laws like the ECHR are still a bit stuck in the past. As the Convention was adopted in the 1950s, and the institution of marriage and other partnership types have undergone major social changes since then, I think we need to keep updating and upgrading articles to adapt the law to these new situations. Hence,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-spring-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-spring-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registration will soon open for the 5th edition of our&#xA0;annual Spring Academy on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and international law. Pre-register now&#xA0;to be notified when registration opens and to stay up to date on the latest news regarding the event. This training programme reflects every year on the current and future issues raised by AI from the perspective of international law and related disciplines. This Spring Academy will take place in-person in the week of 27-31 March 2023.&#xA0;Have a look at last year&#x27;s programme, speakers and reviews. BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly present in almost all sectors of our society, ranging from security, healthcare, and criminal justice to everyday uses for transportation and smart cities. AI innovation is significantly augmenting human capabilities in innumerable ways. However, with the increasing use of AI in many aspects of our lives comes an increasing number of emerging ethical, legal, and policy challenges. There is a need for a better understanding of how these emerging technologies can be disruptive to fundamental legal norms and systems of international governance.&#xA;Programme descriptionThe Spring Academy is an interdisciplinary programme offering in-depth perspectives on AI and international law. It addresses fundamental issues at the intersection of theory and practice while creating a platform to engage with the diverging perspectives in the key emerging debates. The programme will cover the technical aspects of AI, the philosophy and ethics of AI, human rights in relation to AI, AI in international humanitarian law, AI and international responsibility and international governance.&#xA;Target audience Researchers and advanced students (master or PhD) in the fields of international law, political science, philosophy, or computer science&#xA;Policy analysts and legal advisers working on innovation and technology in public or private institutions&#xA;Industry professionals interested in the law and governance]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-humanitarian-law-taylor-woodcock-we-should-focus-on-the-effects-of/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-humanitarian-law-taylor-woodcock-we-should-focus-on-the-effects-of/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new podcast episode by On Air, Asser Institute researcher Taylor Woodcock discusses today&#x2019;s &#x2018;overshadowing focus on autonomous weapon systems (aws) in warfare&#x2019;, and the consequential lack of attention to other military applications of artificial intelligence, such as the use of data-driven algorithms to assist with target recognition, decision-making aids, for military tasking and to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. According to Woodcock, we need to fully understand the effects of these technologies on human decision-making processes prior to the deployment of these applications. In the podcast, Woodcock pushes forward today&#x2019;s debates by discussing the overly narrow focus on the implications of the use of AI in military applications. As the barriers to the integration of other applications of AI into the military may be lower than for autonomous weapons systems (AWS), it is an extremely pressing question to ask how these other applications may impact compliance with international law. Woodcock&#x2019;s research thus considers how the current state of the art in data-driven models, such as machine learning, may be potentially used in the military domain.&#xA;Additionally, Woodcock discusses the lack of focus on how using AI technology in warfare, can alter the human agency of those interacting with it and can hinder the ability to ascribe responsibility in international law. She demonstrates that these two key elements of international legal frameworks - agency and responsibility - need further development in research.&#xA;Meaningful human control (MHC)In the podcast, Woodcock further explains the notion of meaningful human control (MHC) as capturing an intuitive recognition that a human element should be maintained when utilising AI technology in warfare. She further highlights that this concept should be refined and operationalised to advance debates about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by the military.&#xA;Looking to the futureConcluding the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sports-law-zooming-in-on-the-international-olympic-committee-s-strategic-framework-on-human-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sports-law-zooming-in-on-the-international-olympic-committee-s-strategic-framework-on-human-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post on Verfassungsblog, Asser researchers Antoine Duval and Daniela Heerdt have a closer look at the long-awaited&#xA0;&#x201C;Strategic Framework on Human Rights&#x201D;&#xA0;(Framework) that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) published early September. The new Framework presents both an overarching approach and concrete action plans for the IOC to address their human rights risks and impacts. It does so along three spheres of responsibility: the IOC as an organisation, the IOC as owner of the Olympic Games, and the IOC as leader of the Olympic Movement. In their blog post, authors Duval and Heerdt present the Framework&#x2019;s contents and assess if it could have a &#x2018;transformative impact&#x2019; on the way in which the Olympic Movement addresses human rights. They highlight both the potential of the Framework to change the way the IOC operates and how the Olympics are organised, and the many unknowns remaining regarding its actual transformative impact and concrete implementation in practice.&#xA;As Duval and Heerdt write: &#x201C;While on paper (the Framework) contains many commitments which could affect the governance processes of the organisation, much will depend in practice on how these commitments will be implemented. Will the IOC dedicate the necessary resources and rewards for human rights to be taken seriously inside its organisation?&#x201D;&#xA;Roadmap for human rightsAccording to the authors, the &#x201C;Framework is neither a detailed outline of a human rights policy, nor a statutory commitment to human rights, and does not bind the IOC, legally speaking, to human rights standards. Nevertheless, some of its commitments can probably be invoked, for example before the CAS, to support human-rights compatible interpretations of the Olympic Charter or the application of human rights standards in disputes involving the IOC. The Framework constitutes a roadmap for what the IOC plans to do to embed human rights into its policies and processes. Moreover, by formulating clear actions and targets it]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-research-paper-magnitsky-sanctions-fail-to-serve-human-rights-or-security/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-research-paper-magnitsky-sanctions-fail-to-serve-human-rights-or-security/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[[New research paper] &#x27;Magnitsky sanctions fail to serve human rights or security&#x27; In a new paper, Asser Institute researchers Victoria Kerr and James Patrick Sexton conclude that so-called &#x2018;Magnitsky sanctions regimes&#x2019; - in which governments target people suspected of human rights violations and abuses - are failing to achieve their aims. The authors call the Magnitsky sanctions regimes &#x2018;illusory&#x2019; and conclude that they do not &#x2018;adequately or transparently serve human rights and security&#x2019;. According to the authors, human rights law is also seriously infringed in the process.&#xA;Magnitsky sanctions regimes, originally created by the United States and later the European Union, United Kingdom and other independent states, target individuals presumed responsible for human rights violations and abuses with asset freezes and travel bans. A prime example is the United States&#x2019; sanctioning of several individuals allegedly responsible for the killing of the Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Potentially self-defeatingIn their paper, Kerr and Sexton map and analyse the Magnitsky sanctions that the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union have created thus far, identifying several trends in the process. Using this analysis as a basis, Kerr and Sexton contend that neither human rights nor security interests are transparently or effectively served by targeting individuals with Magnitsky sanctions. Instead, they argue that human rights law is seriously infringed in the process and (inter)national security is potentially undermined. For example, many Magnitsky sanctions have led other countries to respond with sanctions of their own, threatening international security.&#xA;Kerr and Sexton furthermore suggest that the increasing use of Magnitsky-style sanctions regimes reflects a wider trend towards unilateral - as opposed to United Nations-wide security measures within international affairs, and a growing dissatisfaction among some states with the possibilities]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/forum-of-legal-actors-supporting-and-defending-the-right-to-freedom-of-expression-and-the-safety/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 29 Sept 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/forum-of-legal-actors-supporting-and-defending-the-right-to-freedom-of-expression-and-the-safety/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Next week, the Asser Institute will host the Forum of Legal Actors for Freedom of Expression, which will discuss the state of freedom of expression and the protection of journalists in Africa and Latin America. The global network aims to support and defend the right to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.&#xA;Journalism, a public good, is vital for maintaining a free flow of independent and reliable information. But journalists face increasing risk for doing their jobs. Harassment (both in real life and online), violence, imprisonment or death; journalism has become a dangerous profession.&#xA;Although&#xA0;the universal human right to freedom of expression and the relevance of the rule of law are formal&#xA0;UN Sustainable Development Goals, the past decade saw a steep growth in attacks on freedom of expression in general, and on the safety of journalists in particular.&#xA;From 2016 to the end of 2021, for instance, UNESCO recorded the killings of 455 journalists, who either died for their work or while on the job. At the same time, imprisonment of journalists has reached record highs. Nine times out of ten, the murder of a journalist remains unresolved.&#xA;Crucial right The Forum of Legal Actors, which falls within the framework of the&#xA0;UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists&#x2019; and the Issue of Impunity, aims to strengthen the defence of the crucial right of freedom of expression by engaging legal experts from across the world.Jointly launched in 2020 by the Asser Institute, UNESCO, Free Press Unlimited, and sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Forum of Legal Actors is a global platform to exchange views on best practices and the interpretation of legal provisions. The Forum, which consists of high-level judges, public prosecutors, lawyers, academics and legal representatives of civil society, will disseminate international norms and standards in comparative law.&#xA;Impunity By exchanging knowledge, the Forum of Legal Actors aims to set]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/research-paper-in-or-out-of-control-criminal-responsibility-of-programmers-of-autonomous/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 23 Sept 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/research-paper-in-or-out-of-control-criminal-responsibility-of-programmers-of-autonomous/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new paper, Asser Institute researcher&#xA0;Marta Bo&#xA0;examines&#xA0;when programmers may be held criminally responsible for harms caused by self-driving cars and autonomous weapons.&#xA;Partially automated driver-assist systems were involved in hundreds of crashes in the past year according to U.S. safety&#xA0;regulators. On top of that, a&#xA0;UN report&#xA0;on the Libyan civil war suggests that autonomous weapons are already in use. In this report, a panel of experts found that the&#xA0;STM Kargu&#xA0;drone system may have been involved in an attack where 32 students were killed.&#xA;As incidents with autonomous systems become more frequent, it becomes increasingly urgent to examine who may be held criminally responsible for such incidents.&#xA;The problem of many hands is a challenge for attributing criminal responsibility&#xA;Developing autonomous technology is a complex process, which requires many individuals with specialised skills. For instance, when Google was working on autonomous driving technology, approximately 170 people worked as a team with expertise ranging from exterior design to manufacturing. It complicates attributing criminal responsibility since incidents can be caused by many different issues and failures along the chain of development. These are often interlinked and can include technological malfunctions, communication errors, or even end-user mistakes. In fact, some manufacturers tend to shift the onus of responsibility to the end-user who is ultimately operating the system.&#xA;However, is the end-user really the one solely in control? End-users may not be able to actually fully understand, foresee, and anticipate the risks and possible failures involved in the use of autonomous vehicles and autonomous weapons. They do not necessarily have&#xA0;meaningful human control&#xA0;(MCH).&#xA;As Marta Bo points out in her paper, the notion of &#x2018;meaningful human control&#x2019; could be useful in these complex incidents to determine when individual criminal responsibility may be attributed to the programmers.&#xA;Are]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-state-responsibility-in-relation-to-military-applications-of-artificial/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 13 Sept 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-state-responsibility-in-relation-to-military-applications-of-artificial/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new paper, Asser Institute senior researcher B&#xE9;r&#xE9;nice Boutin explores the conditions and modalities under which a state can incur responsibility in relation to violations of international law involving military applications of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.&#xA;While the question of how to attribute and allocate responsibility for wrongful conduct is one of the central contemporary challenges of AI, the perspective of state responsibility under international law remains relatively underexplored.&#xA;Moreover, most scholarly and policy debates have focused on questions raised by autonomous weapons systems (AWS), without paying significant attention to issues raised by other potential applications of AI in the military domain.&#xA;Boutin&#x2019;s article provides a comprehensive analysis of state responsibility in relation to military AI. It discusses state responsibility for the wrongful use of AI-enabled military technologies and the question of attribution of conduct, as well as state responsibility prior to deployment, for failure to ensure compliance of AI systems with international law at the stages of development or acquisition. Further, it analyses derived state responsibility, which may arise in relation to the conduct of other states or private actors.&#xA;Read the full paper.&#xA;State responsibility in relation to military applications of artificial intelligence by B&#xE9;r&#xE9;nice Boutin, forthcoming in the Leiden Journal of International Law.&#xA;About B&#xE9;r&#xE9;nice Boutin Dr B&#xE9;r&#xE9;nice Boutin is senior researcher in International Law at the&#xA0;Asser Institute. She coordinates the research strand on&#xA0;Disruptive technologies in peace and security, and is project leader of the NWO-funded project Designing International Law and Ethics into Military Artificial Intelligence (DILEMA). This project explores interdisciplinary perspectives on military AI, with a focus on legal, ethical, and technical perspectives on safeguarding human agency over military AI. It analyses in particular subtle]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-human-rights-law-urgent-legal-reforms-needed-as-victims-of-gun-violence-face/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 09 Sept 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-human-rights-law-urgent-legal-reforms-needed-as-victims-of-gun-violence-face/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post on Just Security, Asser Institute international law researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz and international law intern Kaya van der Horst build the case for repealing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) in the United States. The authors demonstrate how the U.S. federal law hinders the right of gun violence victims to access U.S. courts. The statute&#x2019;s expansive interpretation, they argue, jeopardizes the right to a remedy that survivors of gun violence and their family members are entitled to under international human rights law. In their blog post &#x2018;Ensuring Access to Courts for Gun Victims: The Case for Repealing PLCAA,&#x2019; Castellanos-Jankiewicz and van der Horst demonstrate how PLCAA presents &#x2018;inordinate legal hurdles&#x2019; barring victims&#x2019; right to access to justice. They do this by identifying the ways PLCAA grants the U.S. gun industry a broad shield of immunity from civil liability, and delineating the right to remedy under international law. The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, signed by George W. Bush in 2005, effectively preempts gun manufacturers and sellers from most civil liability claims, thereby insulating the gun industry from legal responsibility for reckless sales practices and failure to improve the safety of their products.&#xA;The authors point out that, &#x2018;the uneven application of PLCAA by U.S. courts underscores the high level of legal uncertainty victims of gun violence face when seeking redress&#x2019;. International standards recognise access to justice as a basic human right, and as a means to protect other universally recognised human rights. The need for victims to have access to an effective remedy is also emphasised in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). According to the UNGPs, state-based judicial mechanisms are one of three remedies for business-related human rights mechanisms. PLCAA, however, inhibits victims from accessing state-based judicial mechanisms.&#xA;Surging gun violence]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/research-handbook-on-international-law-and-cities-awarded-2022-esil-collaborative-book-prize/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 07 Sept 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/research-handbook-on-international-law-and-cities-awarded-2022-esil-collaborative-book-prize/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Associate fellow and former academic director of the Asser Institute Janne E. Nijman (University of Amsterdam) and Helmut Philipp Aust (Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin) were awarded the&#xA0;2022 ESIL Collaborative Book Prize for their book Research Handbook on International Law and Cities (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2021).&#xA;The jury called the book &#x2018;fascinating&#x2019; and &#x2018;thought-provoking&#x2019; and wrote: &#x201C;It does push the reader to think about international law differently than before since the underlying phenomena and questions of the book are so interesting and the role of cities is convincingly and holistically set out.&#x201D;&#xA;Growing global role of cities&#xA;In their ground-breaking Research Handbook on International Law and Cities, editors Helmut Aust and Janne E. Nijman shed light on the growing global role of cities, and build the case for a renewed understanding of international law, in light of this &#x2018;urban turn&#x2019;.&#xA;The volume, with contributions from an interdisciplinary group of scholars, maps the practice of cities in various fields of international law, ranging from climate change to human rights, migration, health governance, transportation and security governance. The book also offers reflections on how the foundations of international law are affected by this &#x2018;urban turn&#x2019;.&#xA;The Hague mayor Jan van Zanen was presented the first copy of the Research Handbook during a panel discussion with city network experts and international law scholars in November 2021.&#xA;From the 2022 ESIL Collaborative Book Prize jury report: &#x201C;Research Handbooks tend to be just that &#x2013; a book for reading selected contents one is interested in. Not this Handbook &#x2013; it is fascinating from the beginning to end. &#x201E;Research Handbook of International Law and Cities&#x201D;, edited by Helmut Philipp Aust and Janne E. Nijman, is an innovative collaborative work because it draws light at the growing importance of cities in international legal frameworks. Traditionally, cities have had relatively little to do with international law as]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/nuclear-disarmament-thea-coventry-codifying-legal-norms-might-not-prevent-nuclear-war-but-it/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <description><![CDATA[While war is threatening the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, representatives of nearly two hundred states are meeting at the United Nations in New York to review the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We asked Thea Coventry, researcher in International Arms Control Law, why this particular 10th NPT Review Conference is so important for the future of nuclear disarmament. Coventry: &#x201C;If there is no consensus document by the end of this conference, then we have no shared path to disarmament. Given the current geopolitical landscape, that&#x27;s not a good path to be on.&#x201D; An interview.&#xA;Earlier this month, at the opening of the 10th NPT Review Conference in New York, &#x2018;U.N. nuclear chief&#x2019; Rafael Grossi warned that the situation surrounding Europe&#x2019;s largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine was &#x201C;completely out of control&#x201D;. He urged Russia and Ukraine to quickly allow experts to visit the plant and stabilise the situation to avoid a nuclear accident.&#xA;Grossi also called for states to &#x2018;come together in this moment of global uncertainty, anxiety, fear and distress&#x2019; and to recommit to the &#x2018;noble principles&#x2019; enshrined in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).&#xA;The objective of this landmark international treaty, also known as the &#x2018;Non-Proliferation Treaty&#x2019; or simply the &#x2018;NPT&#x2019;, is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology and to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Ultimately the treaty aims to further the goal of achieving complete nuclear disarmament.&#xA;Near universal membership&#xA0;The NPT is an important treaty that came into force in 1970. Its unique status is based on its near universal membership with legally-binding obligations on disarmament. The treaty also establishes the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the agency responsible for the verification safeguards system. More countries have ratified the NPT than any other arms limitation treaty or disarmament]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/watch-now-the-fight-for-human-rights-lessons-from-afghanistan-with-asser-institute-fellow-nader/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 19 Aug 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/watch-now-the-fight-for-human-rights-lessons-from-afghanistan-with-asser-institute-fellow-nader/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a really insightful episode of the interview series Battlegrounds (Hoover Institution), Asser Institute Fellow Nader Nadery looks back on the dire situation in Afghanistan, a year after Kabul fell to the Taliban. In the interview Nadery discusses human rights law and explains what might be done to foster peace and protect innocent citizens.&#xA;As one of Afghanistan&#x2019;s former top negotiators in peace talks with the Taliban, Nader Nadery is interviewed by former US Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster (Hoover Institution) to share his ideas about the past and future of Afghanistan.&#xA;A human rights and democracy activist and former high-level government employee from Afghanistan, Nader Nadery has spent his career building up Afghan institutions and training the professionals to run them, to help save the country from the cycle of coups and military takeovers that have long kept Afghanistan from prospering.&#xA;Draconian ruleEducated in Kabul, Nadery lived through the chaos of civil war while in high school in the early 1990s. He was a law student at Kabul University when the Taliban first imposed their draconian rule in the late 1990s. Because of his activism, Nadery was detained and tortured for three months. In the Battlegrounds episode, Nadery explains how Afghanistan&#x2019;s history of military changes has undermined the ability of the state to build itself, and how this extends the suffering of the Afghan people.&#xA;Watch now: The fight for human rights: Lessons from Afghanistan&#xA;About Nader NaderyNader Nadery is a senior research fellow at the Asser Institute and a former member of the peace negotiation team for the Afghanistan Doha Peace Process. He also served as chair of the independent Civil Service Commission of Afghanistan and as senior advisor to the Afghan president on public and strategic affairs as well as on human rights issues. Prior to joining the government, Nadery served as director of the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit and for seven years he served as]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-stavros-evdokimos-pantazopoulos-ecocide-carries-a-symbolic-value/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-stavros-evdokimos-pantazopoulos-ecocide-carries-a-symbolic-value/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The screening of environmental hazards in Ukraine confirms that war is toxic to the environment. The Russian military, for instance, attacked a tank of nitric acid that released a fume of toxic smoke. Russia&#x2019;s invasion also threatens the nuclear and chemical waste in Chernobyl and Donbas. In this interview, we discuss the application of environmental law in armed conflict with Asser researcher Stavros Evdokimos Pantazopoulos.&#xA0;Pantazopoulos: &#x2018;Current international legal frameworks have the potential to enhance environmental protection in times of conflict, either from the international humanitarian law (IHL) side or from the environment law side. Nevertheless, we still see that the political will is missing.&#x2019;&#xA;What is the focus of your research? &#x2018;My primary focus is the environmental impacts of war. This can be dated back to my doctoral research at the European University Institute in Florence, where I focused on the environmental protection during and after conflict. Prior to joining the Asser Institute, I was hired as a legal and policy analyst for a UK-based NGO, the Conflict and Environment Observatory. There, I had the chance to see how policy and the legal framework in relation to environmental protection in conflict is developing. Following that, I&#x27;m conducting postdoctoral research with the Toxic Crimes project at the University of Helsinki, where we explore how lawyers mobilise and shape the discourse around environmental protection in conflict. When I joined Asser earlier this year, I continued my research on the legal dimension of environmental protection in armed conflict. Here, I will be the Managing Editor of the Yearbook of IHL and a co-editor of a book on Ecocide together with colleagues from the University of Amsterdam and the Asser Institute.&#x2019;&#xA;What is your role in the Environmental Peacebuilding Association?&#x2018;I&#x27;m a founding member of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association, an organisation that promotes interdisciplinary efforts in environmental]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-the-european-union-s-sanctioning-of-russian-military-officers-an-urge-for-caution/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-the-european-union-s-sanctioning-of-russian-military-officers-an-urge-for-caution/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[James Patrick Sexton, junior researcher at the Asser Institute, recently published a blog post, &#x2018;The European Union&#x2019;s Sanctioning of Russian Military Officers: An Urge for Caution&#x2019;, where he examines the European Union&#x2019;s (EU) two most recent rounds of sanctions taken against the Russian Federation. In his analysis for the blog of the European Journal of International Law (EJIL:Talk!)&#xA0;Sexton addresses the international legal implications of the EU&#x2019;s sanctioning of certain Russian military officers &#x2013; many of whom are sanctioned on the basis of (alleged) responsibility for international crimes in Ukraine.&#xA;Sanctions in accordance with international lawHe argues that while sanctions remain an essential part of the EU&#x2019;s response to the Russian Federation&#x2019;s war of aggression against Ukraine, they must remain in accordance with international law. Furthermore, he urges consideration of the long-term impact that asserting the criminal responsibility of many of those sanctioned has on the EU&#x2019;s support for accountability in Ukraine, the right to a fair trial and due process, and the integrity of international criminal law.&#xA;The post builds upon a paper that Sexton co-authored with Victoria Kerr, Associate Fellow at the Asser Institute, entitled &#x2018;Human Rights and Security: Unpacking the Elusive Nature of Magnitsky Sanctions&#x2019; (publication forthcoming) which they presented at the European Society of International Law&#x2019;s Research Forum on &#x2018;International Law and Global Security: Regulating an Illusion?&#x2019; at the University of Glasgow in March of this year. Read Sexton&#x2019;s detailed analysis&#xA0;here.&#xA;About James Patrick SextonJames Patrick Sexton&#xA0;is a junior researcher in the Asser research strand &#x2018;In the public interest: accountability of the state and prosecution of crimes&#x2019;. This research strand examines i) the accountability of states &#x2013; individually and collectively (for instance at the level of the United Nations or the European Union) &#x2013; in light of public interest standards in the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-report-2021-rethinking-public-interests-reflecting-on-the-role-of-law-in-contemporary/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute Annual Report 2021 is available online. The report reflects on the activities of the past year and highlights the impact and diversity of the research, training, publications and education.&#xA;In our Annual Report 2021 we look back at a year packed with innovative research, new collaborations, events, and publications. The pressing challenges we are facing - such as climate change, ecocide, transnational terrorism, unsustainable capitalism, a growing social inequality, the digital divide, global migration - came into sharper focus during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite numerous lockdowns and restrictions that ultimately resulted in the postponement of&#xA0;our hallmark Asser Institute Annual Lecture by Brigid Laffan to early 2022, our research community continued to produce impactful research and deliver innovative education.&#xA;Sharing knowledge to help solve global challengesThe global challenges we are facing require complex and holistic solutions where&#xA0;law can be a critical component. We have organised more than fifty well-visited online conferences, webinars and training programmes in 2021 in order to share our knowledge and research to this end. A silver lining of the many lockdowns and the shift to online interaction last year was that we were able to accommodate attendees from all over the globe at our events, such as the workshop series on Method, Methodology and Critique in International Law led by Associate fellow Dimitri Van Den Meerssche that attracted hundreds of international participants.&#xA;Growing research impactBeyond more than 53 academic publications, Asser Institute researchers engaged with the ongoing discussion further publishing some 31 op-eds, policy briefs and blog posts. In The Huffington Post, for instance, Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi criticised the identification techniques used by the French army for a lethal drone airstrike in Mali, on the basis of the law of armed conflict. In the British newspaper The Guardian, Berenice Boutin]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-transgender-women-athlete-exclusion-in-disguise-assessing-fina-s-gender-inclusion/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[In a new article for Verfassungsblog, Asser researcher Dr Daniela Heerdt assesses a new policy by the International Swimming Federation (FINA). This policy prevents transgender women from participating in female competitions. A heated debate about the participation of transgender and non-binary people in female competitions is on-going worldwide. Just last month, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) adopted a&#xA0;new policy&#xA0;which prevents transgender women from participating in its female top-competitions. Other international sport federations such as the&#xA0;International Rugby League&#xA0;and the&#xA0;Union Cycliste Internationale&#xA0;have similar policies in place: both recently adjusted their eligibility rules to the effect that they drastically limited the ability of &#x201C;male-to-female&#x201D; transgender athletes to participate in their competitions. Reactions to this decision are twofold: there are athletes that praise it for protecting women&#x2019;s sport (see&#xA0;here&#xA0;and&#xA0;here), and there are other athletes and&#xA0;human rights activists that criticise it&#xA0;for disrespecting human rights and the rights of transgender athletes in particular. This blog attempts to shed light on the latter in particular and argues that without any possibility for the affected group of transgender women athletes to participate in FINA&#x2019;s top-competitions, the policy is disproportionate and discriminatory, and has the potential to violate other human and children&#x2019;s rights.&#xA;Read the full article here&#xA;About Daniela HeerdtDr Daniela Heerdt is a researcher in the field of sport and human rights. She has a background in public international law and human rights law and defended her PhD project entitled &#x201C;Blurred Lines of Responsibility and Accountability &#x2013; Human Rights Abuses at Mega-Sporting Events&#x201D; in April 2021 at Tilburg University. The focus of the project was the question of how to establish legal responsibility for human rights harms that occur in the context of these events, including violations of rights of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-rumyana-van-ark-how-the-legacy-of-the-war-on-terror-continues-to/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-rumyana-van-ark-how-the-legacy-of-the-war-on-terror-continues-to/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Following the events of 11 September 2001, the prevention and pre-emption of acts of terrorism became a priority for governments around the globe, both at domestic and international levels. This led to a transnational counter-terrorism campaign known as the &#x2018;War on Terror&#x2019;. 21 years on, Asser Institute counter-terrorism expert,&#xA0;Rumyana van Ark, investigates the legacy of this political and legal paradigm, and its implications on human rights, humanitarian law, counter-terrorism, and armed conflict in an upcoming book chapter as part of the &#x2018;International Conflict and Security Law&#x2019; edited collection. Rumyana is also one of the coordinators and speakers for our upcoming advanced summer programme &#x2018;terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law&#x2019;, organised together with the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism. An interview. On 11 September 2001, the world watched in horror as live on TV, a plane curved into the World Trade Centre in New York. It was the second suicide attack by plane, a short while after the first plane made the first Twin Tower collapse. What came to be known as &#x2018;9/11&#x2019; were a series of airline hijackings and suicide attacks committed by the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda against targets in the United States. It was the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil in U.S. history.&#xA;A few days later, in a joint session of Congress, U.S. President George W. Bush declared: &#x201C;Our War on Terror begins with al-Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped, and defeated&#x201D;. This speech turned out to be a catalyst in solidifying and altering international and domestic counter-terrorism and state security policies.&#xA;As a starting point, how would you define the War on Terror? &#x2018;Domestically, states such as the United States and United Kingdom, engaged in, what we sometimes call &#x2018;legislative fever&#x2019;, in which existing criminal and counter-terrorism legislation was frantically updated and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-law-summer-schools-learn-something-new-this-summer/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-law-summer-schools-learn-something-new-this-summer/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registration is now open for three unique summer programmes on international law. Register now to advance your career.&#xA;[Advanced summer programme] Terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law (29 August - 02 September 2022)&#xA;Across the world, extremist and terrorist activities have continuously triggered an increase in security-related laws and measures. To prevent terrorism and violent extremism as early as possible, states have grappled with defining terrorism and proscribing terrorist and extreme organisations, introduced early prevention mechanisms and have expanded domestic and international security toolkits to better counter the ever-developing nature of threat. How proportionate and legitimate are these measures? Are they effective? The T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#xA0;and&#xA0;International Centre for Counter-Terrorism&#xA0;will host the twelfth&#xA0;Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law.&#xA0;In this&#xA0;thought-provoking summer training&#xA0;you will focus on the international and domestic legal aspects of counter-terrorism and counter-extremism, in inspiring and interactive classes by leading speakers in the field.&#xA0;This&#xA0;programme will bring you inspiring and thought-provoking lectures by leading experts in the field, interactive sessions, in-person study visits, group discussions (Chatham House Rules), panel presentations and a great, global network in the field. Sign up now.&#xA;Fee: PhD fee: &#x20AC;1045, Early bird fee: &#x20AC;1395, Regular fee: &#x20AC;1695&#xA;[Summer programme] The governance of sport and human rights (05 - 09 September 2022)&#xA;This programme is jointly organised by the Asser Institute and the&#xA0;Centre for Sport and Human Rights. The programme is a first of its kind focusing on the link between the governance of sport and human rights, and zooming in on a number of challenges underlying this link, such as the human rights impacts of mega-sporting events, the rights of child athletes, remedies for sport-related human rights harms, and more. The programme]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-tarik-gherbaoui-with-my-research-i-aim-to-reach-the-decision-makers/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-tarik-gherbaoui-with-my-research-i-aim-to-reach-the-decision-makers/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Tarik Gherbaoui is a researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, where he works on various projects in the context of the Institute&#x2019;s work for the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). He is also one of the coordinators and speakers for our upcoming advanced summer programme &#x2018;terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law&#x2019;, organised together with the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism. &#x2018;It is my ambition to increase public understanding of why the rule of law and human rights are an essential part of counterterrorism efforts.&#x2019; An interview.&#xA;What is the research project you are working on?&#x2018;I defended my PhD thesis back in December 2021. My doctoral work concerned the flow of foreign fighters to the armed conflict in Syria and Iraq. Essentially, I assessed legal responses to foreign fighters at the international, European, and domestic level from the perspective of the rule of law and human rights. I analysed at responses by the United Nations and the European Union and I also did country studies on both the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.&#xA;In addition to my research on foreign fighters, which I aim to turn into a book this year, I have started a new research project on countering terrorism in the digital realm, and the increasingly pertinent issue of &#x2018;online terrorist content&#x2019;. Because terrorists increasingly operate online, counter-terrorism efforts also have increasingly moved into the digital realm. Online efforts raise similar issues as offline counterterrorism operations, but also issues that are unique to the online environment, most prominently in the area of freedom of expression.&#x2019;&#xA;What is the goal of your research?&#x2018;It is my ambition to increase public understanding of why the rule of law and human rights are such an essential part of counter-terrorism efforts. Outside the academic world, there are many politicians, legal practitioners, and policymakers who work in the field of counter-terrorism but find it hard to access academic expertise in]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-book-legal-constraints-on-eu-member-states-in-drafting-accession-agreements-the-case-of/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-book-legal-constraints-on-eu-member-states-in-drafting-accession-agreements-the-case-of/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Do Member States of the EU have a free hand in drafting accession treaties, or are there legal constraints on their primary law-making powers in this regard? In her recently published book &#x2018;Legal constraints on EU member states in drafting accession agreements: The case of Turkey&#x2019;, T.M.C. Asser researcher Narin Idriz argues that there are constraints and she seeks to identify them. Her findings also shed light on the possible limits to differentiated integration and could have important implications for future treaty amendments.&#xA;EU law-based constraints identifiedThe aim of this book is to identify whether there are EU law-based constraints on Member States as primary law makers. To do this, three sources of EU law are examined: EEC-Turkey association law, EU enlargement law and the constitutional foundations of the union. This book uses the proposed permanent safeguard clause (PSC) on the free movement of persons in the Negotiating Framework for Turkey as the point of departure. Narin offers a closer analysis of the accession process by examining the evolution of Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU), past practice and the role of Union institutions.&#xA;The book identifies procedural and substantive constraints on member states when they act within the context of the enlargement process. These constraints can be attributed to the wording of Article 49 TEU, which provides the main contours of the process, established practice and the principles of negotiation that were consistently applied in every subsequent accession wave. Overall, the findings of this book can be applied to the accession process of any candidate state.&#xA;Learn more and get the book on the publisher&#x2019;s website. About Narin IdrizDr. Narin Idriz/ Tezcan is a researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Institute within the strand &#x201C;Transnational public interests: constituting public interest beyond and below the state&#x201D;.&#xA0;Narin has Master degrees in International Human Rights Law (Essex University) and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-daniela-heerdt-the-more-attention-we-give-to-human-rights-abuses-in-mega-sporting/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-daniela-heerdt-the-more-attention-we-give-to-human-rights-abuses-in-mega-sporting/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Daniela Heerdt is a researcher in the field of sports and human rights. Early September, she will kick off the brand-new summer programme &#x2018;The governance of sports and human rights&#x2019;. Heerdt: &#x2018;Sports law is increasingly connected to human rights. But this doesn&#x27;t mean that existing institutions are well equipped to address human rights issues related to sports&#x2019;. In the past twenty years, major sports tournaments have increasingly been associated with human rights violations. Forced evictions, violent suppression of protests and the exploitation of workers, are just a few examples. In her PhD thesis (2021), Daniela Heerdt zoomed in on the abuses surrounding construction projects in Qatar and the relocations of residents of Vila Aut&#xF3;dromo in Rio de Janeiro in the run-up to the 2016 Summer Games. Heerdt: &quot;These two examples are illustrative. Forced labour and forced displacement are the most serious violations around sporting events and occur far too often.&quot;&#xA;But more goes wrong, she stresses. Privacy violations, for example. During the 2014 Sochi Winter Games, massive street surveillance was carried out using state-of-the-art technology, which the Russian authorities said was necessary to guarantee a safe tournament. Child labour is a risk in an event&#x2019;s supply chain but also during games and sexual exploitation often increases when there are very many visitors at the same time. &quot;All major sporting events have negative effects on human rights, although the extent depends on the country hosting it.&quot;&#xA;How did you choose sports and human rights as your research focus? &#x2018;After the FIFA World Cup was awarded to Qatar in 2010, it took only a few years before international media picked up on the terrible treatment of migrant workers that are working on the World Cup&#x2019;s infrastructure. Many of the workers were being exploited, they had to live and work under terrible conditions, and many of them suffered injuries or even died.&#xA;When these reports became public, I was working as a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/farewell-janne-e-nijman-i-will-dearly-miss-the-institute-and-all-with-whom-i-collaborated-so/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/farewell-janne-e-nijman-i-will-dearly-miss-the-institute-and-all-with-whom-i-collaborated-so/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This Thursday, Janne E. Nijman will step down as chairperson of the executive board and academic director of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. Under her leadership, the Asser Institute was successfully repositioned as an internationally recognised research institute for international and European law. After a research leave to be spent in part in Cambridge (UK), Nijman will resume her academic research as professor of History and Theory of International Law at the University of Amsterdam, and move to a halftime position&#xA0;as Professor of International Law at the Graduate Institute in Geneva (IHEID). When she joined the board in 2015, Janne Nijman&#x2019;s central objective for the Asser Institute was to become an academic research institute that would contribute to the development of international and European law by conducting outstanding fundamental research. Other objectives were to secure more funding for fundamental and applied research, to enhance the Institute&#x2019;s national and international visibility and to secure the Institute&#x2019;s future.&#xA;&#x2018;Firmly positioned for the future&#x2019; In 2021, an independent committee of experts assessed the Asser Institute&#x27;s work during the period 2016-2020, which resulted in a highly positive evaluation. In its report, the committee, chaired by Prof. Barbara Oomen (Utrecht University), wrote: &#x2018;[T]he Asser Institute has been more than successful at its ambitions in the combined fields of research and societal outreach, and is firmly positioned for a successful future. This is clearly the result of clear vision and a great deal of hard work of all involved.&#x2019;&#xA;According to the committee, Nijman&#x2019;s strategic vision of combining academic excellence with societal relevance has clearly been achieved. &#x2018;The period under assessment (2016-2020) has showed a steady increase in top-tier academic publications, and the researchers of the Asser Institute have produced a significant number of excellent publications.&#x2019; &#x2018;High societal relevance&#x2019; The committee further rated]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/football-feminism-addressing-discrimination-through-fifa-s-structures-rules-and-governance/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/football-feminism-addressing-discrimination-through-fifa-s-structures-rules-and-governance/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Private authorities play an important role in shaping the rights and obligations of people, sometimes even more so than national laws or international conventions. As a non-state actor, F&#xE9;d&#xE9;ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is unmistakably exercising transnational authority with considerable consequences for women. Asser Institute researchers Daniela Heerdt and Antoine Duval have each contributed an article to International Journal of Constitutional Law examining the rights and obligations of women under FIFA&#x2019;s structures and rules. The articles stem from their participation in the &#x2018;Global Governance Perspectives Symposium&#x2019; held at New York University School of Law in February 2020, which explored the operation of discrimination in and through the structures, rules, and practices of football governance.&#xA;Taking feminism beyond the state: FIFA as a transnational battleground for feminist legal critique&#xA;In this paper, Asser researcher Antoine Duval offers a feminist critique of the activities and structures of the FIFA highlighting three main points: the allocation of economic resources by FIFA, the number of executive positions held by women, and a public-private divide which places most female players outside the scope of their rules and regulations (and related protections).&#xA;Abstract The F&#xE9;d&#xE9;ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) plays a fundamental role in defining and asserting the boundary between men and women in football. Its decisions condition the way the game is played, the way players and clubs contract, and the way the FIFA World Cup is organised and experienced by people around the world. FIFA&#x2019;s private transnational governance regime is, at least hypothetically, as prone to gender bias and discrimination as states or international organizations. Nevertheless, feminist legal scholars have rarely directed their sights on transnational private regulators such as FIFA. This article suggests to take the feminist legal]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/vesna-lazic-elected-to-scientific-council-of-the-european-association-of-private-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/vesna-lazic-elected-to-scientific-council-of-the-european-association-of-private-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Vesna Lazi&#x107;, senior researcher in the strand &#x2018;Public interest(s) inside/within international and European institutions and their practices&#x2019;, has been elected to the prestigious Scientific Council of the European Association of Private International Law (EAPIL) at their general assembly 3 June 2022.&#xA;&#x2018;It is an honour to be elected by my colleagues to the Scientific Council. I am excited to participate in a number of interesting and important EAPIL projects which will have a real impact on the scholarship in the field of private international law. In particular, the focus is on the European Union enactments of private international law aimed at making it easier for EU citizens and business to transact across border with increased legal certainty,&#x2019; elaborated Vesna on her election.&#xA;EAPIL is a key organisation in the driving and coordinating the process of harmonisation of private international law. This type of harmonisation is critical to streamline transnational activities in an increasingly connected Europe and works set up clear procedures on jurisdiction, choice of law, the recognition and enforcement of judgments and international judicial assistance. The matters covered include contracts, torts, intellectual property, insolvency, divorce, the protection of children, family maintenance, succession upon death and the property regimes of international couples.&#xA;Legal harmonisation crucial for single European market&#xA;Harmonisation is important to increase legal certainty and helps to reduce difference in treatment that are a consequence of national laws. The relevance of legislation on private international law has increased due to the European internal market, which has amplified and will further improve cross-border commercial activities.&#xA;Following a&#xA0;conference&#xA0;held in Berlin&#xA0;in 2018 entitled&#xA0;How European is European Private International Law? a group of private international law scholars from all over Europe decided to found a&#xA0;European Association of Private]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-city-report-on-buenos-aires-as-an-international-actor/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-city-report-on-buenos-aires-as-an-international-actor/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From climate change, to human rights and from migration to security issues: cities are playing an increasing role in international law. In a brand-new city report for the International Law Association (ILA) Study Group on the Role of Cities in International law, Fernando Arlettaz (Centro Universitario de la Defensa de Zaragoza) analyses the role of Buenos Aires as an international actor.&#xA;In recent years, the relation between international law and cities has been receiving more and more attention. No longer just sites of &#x2018;the local&#x2019;, cities have become spaces where global influences play out, and in the international legal order they have become actors that meaningfully contribute to shaping what we imagine &#x2018;the global&#x2019; to be. Scholars write about the different ways in which local governments invoke the norms of international law. They write about the city networks that organise themselves around international legal norms embedded in, for instance, UN conventions on gender equality, or the Paris Climate Agreement. Academics further discuss the close ties between local governments and international organisations, and the influence of international norms on local policies and legislation. Hence, the relation between cities and international law is multifaceted and can take many forms. In 2021, in their ground-breaking Research Handbook on International Law and Cities editors Helmut Aust and Janne E. Nijman shed light on this growing global role of cities, and built the case for a renewed understanding of international law, in light of this &#x2018;urban turn&#x2019;.&#xA;City reporting project To get a better overview of cities&#x2019; engagement with international law, the&#xA0;ILA study group on the role of cities in international law&#xA0;launched a city reporting project in 2018, with an ongoing call&#xA0;for contributions, in order to collect empirical insights on the role of cities in international law. The city reports describe and/or critically assess city practices, in particular of local]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-sadjad-soltanzadeh-it-is-important-for-us-to-study-human-activities/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-sadjad-soltanzadeh-it-is-important-for-us-to-study-human-activities/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Dr Sadjad Soltanzadeh is a postdoctoral researcher in the ethics and philosophy of technology. He recently published a book, entitled &#x2018;Problem-solving technologies: A user-friendly philosophy&#x2019;. On 8 June, the Asser Institute and the&#xA0;DILEMA Project&#xA0;are hosting a book launch symposium around this book.&#xA0;Soltanzadeh: &#x2018;What I tried to do in this book is to develop metaphysics of technology, a theory of technology, which is also useful for looking at practical and everyday chases of how humans interact with technology at the subjective level&#x2019;. In this interview, we explore his research at Asser Instituut as well as how his theory of technology helps frame the questions related to the use of AI in warfare.&#xA;What did you do before joining the Asser Instituut? &#x2018;I have a background in a few different fields. I grew up in Iran, where I did my mechanical engineering degree. I started as a mechanical engineer and was mostly involved in some robotic projects. After a couple of years, I became more interested in philosophy, and I did a Master&#x27;s degree in Philosophy of Science and Technology at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. I really enjoyed the subject, so I did a PhD in philosophy in Australia with CAPPE (Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics). I also did a degree in education and I practised a bit of high school teaching for a while. But then I decided to re-join academia. So, I did a postdoc degree here in Australia a few years ago. And now I&#x27;m in my second postdoc position with Asser.&#x2019;&#xA;What is your main research project at the institute? &#x2018;I am part of the DILEMA group, which is focused on designing international law and ethics into military technologies. One of the central concepts for us is about human and technological agency and how they interact with each other. This includes the autonomous systems, how they function, what are the things that they could or could not do based on legal or ethical reasons. Apart from this, we dig a bit deeper from the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/out-now-video-on-mexico-v-smith-wesson-discussion-of-transnational-civil-litigation-and/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[On 2 May, the Mexican Embassy in The Hague &#x2013; in collaboration with the Asser Institute and the University of Amsterdam - organised an in-depth discussion on the groundbreaking case of&#xA0;Mexico&#xA0;v.&#xA0;Smith &amp;amp; Wesson&#xA0;filed&#xA0;last August in the District Court of Massachussets.&#xA0;The&#xA0;Mexico v. Smith &amp;amp; Wesson&#xA0;litigation is a revolutionary&#xA0;way of addressing human rights issues through transnational civil claims that have also featured in climate litigation, and aims to address record numbers of gun violence in Mexico that has resulted in 34,000 lives lost in 2019 alone.&#xA;Mexico has gone directly to the US courts claiming&#xA0;$10 billion in damages&#xA0;from the arms manufacturers&#x2019; due to their negligent failure &#x201C;to exercise reasonable care&#x201D; in manufacturing, marketing, and selling their guns in ways that reduce the likeliness of their being trafficked into and causing harm in Mexico.&#xA;Their Principal Legal Advisor, Alejandro Celorio Alc&#xE1;ntara, is leading what the Mexican press have referred to an &#x2018;epic battle&#x2019;&#xA0;against one of the most powerful industries in the U.S. Mr Celorio Alc&#xE1;ntara&#x2019;s recently returned from the&#xA0;first hearing on the case at the District Court of Massachusetts&#xA0;and was able to provide updated information on the progress of the case during the event.&#xA;The Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Ebrard, has&#xA0;asserted the importance of this event stating:&#xA0;&#x2018;We continue with our claims for damages arising from the negligence of arms manufacturers. We need to dramatically reduce the availability of these weapons.&#x2019;&#xA;Asser Institute researcher&#xA0;Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz&#xA0;has followed the&#xA0;Mexico v. Smith &amp;amp; Wesson&#xA0;case from the start and analysed the ground-breaking use of transnational litigation in a number of media, most recently in the Spanish-speaking&#xA0;Hablemos Derecho Internacional&#xA0;podcast. Castellanos-Jankiewicz was joined by Thilo Marauhn, the Special Chair for Arms Control Law based at the Asser Institute, as well as a panel of leading legal scholars from]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/announcement-academic-director-janne-e-nijman-this-is-a-good-time-to-step-down-the-asser/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/announcement-academic-director-janne-e-nijman-this-is-a-good-time-to-step-down-the-asser/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[At the end of this academic year, Janne E. Nijman will step down as chairperson of the executive board and academic director of the T.M.C. Asser Institute. Under her leadership, Nijman successfully repositioned the Asser Institute as an internationally recognised research institute for international and European law, where excellent fundamental research goes hand in hand with the ambition to impact practice- and policy-oriented discussions. The Institute also intensified collaboration with the Amsterdam Law School, leading to the conclusion of a new cooperation agreement with the University of Amsterdam that sets the course for 2020-2030. Nijman leaves the Institute well-positioned for a successful future. Nijman looks back on her years at the Asser Institute with great pleasure: &#x201C;The Asser Institute is a truly unique place as a research institute for international and European law right at the heart of the City of Peace and Justice. I am very grateful for having been trusted with the leadership of the Institute at a crucial moment and for having been able to work with excellent and committed colleagues, as well as with many national and international partners. Together we have worked hard to transform the Institute into the inspiring and dynamic research institute it is today: a proud member of the UvA family. It has been an exciting seven and a half years. When I started in 2015, I was resolved to stay seven to eight years, in line with standards of good governance. That said, I will dearly miss the Institute and all with whom I collaborated so well throughout the years. At the same time I look forward to being able to invest more time directly into research and teaching upon my return to the Amsterdam Law School.&#x201D;&#xA;Liesbeth Lijnzaad, chairperson of the supervisory board of the Asser Institute, has praised Janne&#x2019;s leadership throughout her term of office: &#x201C;On behalf of the supervisory board of the Asser Institute, we&#x2019;d like to thank Janne for her hard work, that]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/out-now-video-and-interview-with-prof-brigid-laffan-on-europe-and-the-hardening-of-geopolitics/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/out-now-video-and-interview-with-prof-brigid-laffan-on-europe-and-the-hardening-of-geopolitics/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On May 10, in a packed Peace Palace in The Hague, Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture speaker and political scientist Prof. Brigid Laffan addressed the European dependencies and vulnerabilities in relation to the war in Ukraine, and in the context of a hardening of geopolitics. According to Laffan, current conceptions of the EU as a normative power and market power have become insufficient.&#xA;Laffan explained how the concept of &#x2018;Collective Power Europe&#x2019; (CPE) can open up a conceptualisation of the EU as a global actor that is &#x2018;not a scaled-up version of the nation state but one that focuses on action and outcomes and on the capacity generated by the collective and the member states&#x2019;.&#xA;&#x2018;Hasten the energy transition&#x2019;Prof. Laffan called for the EU to hasten its energy transition, as energy dependence is a dangerous vulnerability. Laffan thinks that it is worth for European member states to borrow collectively to manage the transition and to ensure that the energy transition is a just one.&#xA;According to Prof. Laffan, European defence and security cannot be left to NATO and the US, so the EU should focus on building up member state and collective capability in this field. &#x201C;Faced with aggression in the east, the EU cannot forget the south and its need to stabilise this part of its neighbourhood. There is an urgency to the EU&#x2019;s activities in security and defence especially developing capabilities in new and emerging technologies. Without urgent policy developments in both energy and defence, the EU&#x2019;s search for strategic autonomy will remain largely rhetorical and fall well short of CPE and the imperatives of contemporary geopolitics.&#x201D;&#xA;Watch the full lecture Interview: Brigid Laffan on &#x2018;Europe in the world: The emergence of Collective Power Europe&#x2019;&#xA;Prior to the Lecture, Asser researchers Eva Kassoti and Narin Idriz, project leaders of the Global Europe project, interviewed Prof. Laffan for international law blog OpinioJuris. On Europe&#x2019;s ambition to project its founding values abroad,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-research-papers-artificial-intelligence-and-warfare/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-research-papers-artificial-intelligence-and-warfare/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As part of the Asser Institute research paper series, Asser researchers Berenice Boutin, Taylor Woodcock and Tomasz Zurek from the research strand &#x2018;Regulation in the public interest: Disruptive technologies in peace and security&#x2019; and part of the Designing International Law and Ethics into Military Artificial Intelligence (DILEMA) project recently published two brand new research papers on artificial intelligence and warfare. Aspects of realizing (meaningful) human control: A legal perspective&#xA;In this paper, Asser researchers Berenice Boutin and Taylor Woodcock explain and problematise reliance on the concept of meaningful human control (MHC) in debates on autonomous weapon systems and military AI more broadly. The authors propose a legal compliance-by-design approach to refine and operationalise the concept of MHC so that it may support the international legal framework in addressing the complex realities of technologically-mediated warfare. AbstractThe concept of &#x2018;meaningful human control&#x2019; (MHC) has progressively emerged as a key frame of reference to conceptualise the difficulties posed by military applications of artificial intelligence (AI), and to identify solutions to mitigate these challenges. At the same time, this notion remains relatively indeterminate and difficult to operationalise. If MHC is to support the existing framework of international law applicable to military AI, it needs to be clarified in order to deal with the challenges of AI broadly construed, not limited to &#x2018;autonomous weapons systems&#x2019; (AWS). This chapter seeks to refine the notion of MHC by exploring its nature and purpose, and reflecting on how MHC relates to core concepts of human agency and responsibility. Building on this analysis, we propose ways to operationalie MHC, in particular by putting greater emphasis on pre-deployment stages. A legal &#x2018;compliance by design&#x2019; approach is advanced by the authors as a means to address the complex realities when military decision-making]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-limiting-the-veto-in-the-face-of-jus-cogens-violations-russia-s-latest-ab-use-of/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-limiting-the-veto-in-the-face-of-jus-cogens-violations-russia-s-latest-ab-use-of/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for international law blog OpinioJuris, Asser Institute intern Florent Beurret discusses Russia&#x2019;s latest (ab)use of the veto in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, while arguing that existing veto limits in the face of jus cogens violations need to be formalised to have a real effect.&#xA;No international lawyer was surprised when on 25 February 2022, the day after Russia started its invasion of Ukraine, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution which would have ordered Russia to cease its act of aggression, a jus cogens violation, against Ukraine. As a jus cogens norm, the prohibition of the act of aggression enjoys hierarchical superiority to all other norms and principles of international law, making it non-derogable for all states. It is therefore highly problematic, and paradoxical to a certain level, that while Russia has violated one of the highest hierarchical norms in international law, it can use its veto power as a Permanent Member of the Security Council to block any appropriate response that could end Russia&#x2019;s aggression. Formalising existing veto limitsIn his blog post &#x2018;Limiting the Veto in the Face of Jus Cogens Violations: Russia&#x2019;s Latest (Ab)use of the Veto&#x2019; Beurret writes that veto limits in the face of jus cogens violations do currently exist in international law. For example, under Article 41(1) of the International Law Commission&#x2019;s Articles on State Responsibility for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA), states have a duty to &#x201C;cooperate to bring to an end through lawful means any serious breach&#x201D; of a jus cogens norm. Thus, a Permanent Member of the Security Council has a duty to cooperate and to refrain from using the veto power in order to end a situation of a &#x201C;serious breach&#x201D; of a jus cogens norm. However, Russia&#x2019;s disregard for jus cogens and existing veto limitation has demonstrated that there is a need for a formal implementation of veto limits. Beurret: if a large enough majority of States collectively and openly]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/book-review-james-patrick-sexton-reviews-law-making-and-legitimacy-in-international-humanitarian/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/book-review-james-patrick-sexton-reviews-law-making-and-legitimacy-in-international-humanitarian/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[James Patrick Sexton, junior researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Institute, recently published a book review of Heike Krieger and Jonas P&#xFC;schmann&#x2019;s edited volume, Law-Making and Legitimacy in International Humanitarian Law (Elgar 2021), in the Journal of International Humanitarian Legal Studies.&#xA;The book under review, Law-Making and Legitimacy in International Humanitarian Law, examines recent trends in the development of international humanitarian law (IHL), the law which regulates situations of armed conflict. In Sexton&#x2019;s opinion, the book is an excellent contribution to scholarship in the area, providing multiple new perspectives from a wide variety of authors on the law&#x2019;s past, present, and future. Impact of the Russian invasion of UkraineAlthough the book under review was published in the latter half of 2021, Sexton analyses its conclusions from the viewpoint of a drastically changed world - one in which the Russian Federation has launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. With these terrible developments, international humanitarian law - the focus of the book &#x2013; has and will continue to undergo an existential challenge, as allegation of violations and shortcomings mount. For Sexton, however, Law-Making and Legitimacy in International Humanitarian Law, &#x2018;despite being published immediately prior to the Russian invasion, [&#x2026;] remains an apt assessment of IHL&#x2019;s present condition and unclear future; perhaps even more so than before&#x2019;. Read the book review here.&#xA;James Patrick Sexton is a junior researcher in the Asser research strand &#x2018;In the public interest: accountability of the state and prosecution of crimes&#x2019;. This research strand examines i) the accountability of states &#x2013; individually and collectively (for instance at the level of the United Nations or the European Union) &#x2013; in light of public interest standards in the context of counter-terrorism; and ii) the prosecution of individuals for international and transnational crimes in the public interest.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-mexico-is-serious-about-making-the-us-gun-industry/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 22 Apr 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-mexico-is-serious-about-making-the-us-gun-industry/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Institute researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz&#xA0;is actively following the Mexico v. Smith &amp;amp; Wesson litigation, initiated by Mexico against six U.S. gun manufacturers, a potentially game-changing case for gun control. The ins and outs of the case will be discussed during the online event &#x2018;Transnational civil litigation and corporate liability&#x2019; on May 2. Ahead of the event, we spoke with Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz. &#x2018;The outcome of this case could not only benefit Mexico but all countries in Central America that are suffering from gun violence.&#x2019; An interview.&#xA;You have been publishing on the Mexico v. Smith &amp;amp; Wesson litigation. Can you tell us why you are following this case? &#x2018;The Mexico v. Smith &amp;amp; Wesson case is a potential game-changer for gun control, both in Mexico and in the United States. This is mainly because Mexico is demonstrating a really innovative way of addressing human rights issues without using human rights law. Last August, Mexico filed a complaint against Smith and Wesson and other gun manufacturers in the District Court of Massachusetts. Mexico filed this complaint due to the extensive amount of gun violence in Mexico that is ending lives daily. In 2019 alone, 34,000 lives were taken because of gun violence and these record numbers have continued since. Mexico determined that nearly fifty percent of crime guns found in Mexico come from the manufacturers that are named as defendants in this case.&#xA;The country now claims that these gun companies are negligent in not only the manufacturing process but also in their marketing and distribution practices. This is because they do not exercise due diligence to ensure that the guns are kept from crossing the border illegally. It&#x27;s really easy to smuggle these weapons across the border into Mexico, also because southern states in the United States are usually more sympathetic towards gun ownership, which leads to inadequate legislation and the lack of meaningful enforcement of gun laws]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-europe-in-the-world-the-emergence-of-collective-power-europe-by-prof-brigid/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-europe-in-the-world-the-emergence-of-collective-power-europe-by-prof-brigid/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Emerita professor Brigid Laffan, an internationally recognised expert on the European Union, will deliver the 20&#x200C;22 Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture. The title of her lecture is:&#xA0;&#x2018;Europe in the world: The emergence of Collective Power Europe?&#x2019;&#xA0;During the lecture, Brigid Laffan will analyse the challenges facing Europe in &#x2018;a world of geopolitical shift and shock&#x2019;.&#xA0;Watch the lecture.&#xA;Abstract:&#xA0;&#x27;Europe in the world: The emergence of Collective Power Europe?&#x2019;&#xA;&quot;On the 24th&#xA0;of February 2022, the post-war international order ended, as did the 1989 peace dividend. A major nuclear power Russia, invaded its neighbour Ukraine, targeting civilians, reducing urban centres to a rubble and triggering a major displacement of people in Europe. For the European Union (EU) and the wider community of democracies, this is a critical juncture with implications for the security and political economy architecture of Europe and the wider world for decades to come.&#xA;The Russian invasion takes place against the return of hard geopolitics, Great Power competition and the weakening of multilateral institutions. Over the last decade, the EU, a polity but not a state, has been grappling with its response to new dynamics in global politics. Europe&#x2019;s search for a role has focused on ill-defined concepts such as strategic autonomy and European sovereignty. The collective EU wants to be a player, not a plaything but is challenged by the imbalance between its economic power, diverging preferences of the member states and an inchoate approach to security which relies on NATO and the Transatlantic Alliance.&#xA;The focus of this lecture is threefold. First, it explores the response of the EU and the community of democracies to Putin&#x2019;s war. Second, it analyses the impact on global politics and Great Power competition and three, assesses the consequences of the war for the dynamic of European integration and the nature of the EU.&quot;&#xA;Brigid Laffan&#xA;About Brigid Laffan Until this summer, Brigid Laffan was director and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/shelter-city-2022-call-for-applications-for-asser-institute-visiting-research-fellowship/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/shelter-city-2022-call-for-applications-for-asser-institute-visiting-research-fellowship/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Justice &amp;amp; Peace Netherlands has a new call for applications for at risk human rights defenders to participate in its Shelter City programme. The Hague-based Asser Institute is hosting one Shelter City Fellow per year. The deadline for applications is 3 May 2022 at 23:59 CET (Central European Time).&#xA;Many human rights defenders, people who peacefully promote freedom, justice and peace, are threatened. Worldwide, human rights defenders increasingly face harassment, slander or even physical violence.&#xA;In a growing global movement of cities, citizens and organisations, the Shelter City programme by Justice &amp;amp; Peace Netherlands offers safe and inspiring spaces to human rights defenders at-risk where they can re-energise, receive tailormade support and engage with allies in order to reinforce their local actions for change. Justice &amp;amp; Peace Netherlands has a new call for applications for at risk human rights defenders to participate in its Shelter City Programme.&#xA;One fellow per yearTo strengthen and support the capacity of local human rights defenders worldwide, Justice &amp;amp; Peace and the Asser Institute have joined forces, whereby the Asser Institute hosts one Shelter City fellow a year within the Asser Institute&#x2019;s Visiting researchers programme. The selected fellow will carry out a research project during the three-month period and participate in other human rights-related (research) activities of the Asser Institute.&#xA;&quot;We are grateful for this collaboration with Justice &amp;amp; Peace Netherlands, as we greatly value the knowledge and insights brought by the Shelter City researchers and human rights defenders to our institute.&quot;, says Janne E. Nijman, chairperson of the executive board and academic director of the Asser Institute. &#x201C;By opening our institute and providing our knowledge and expertise, we hope to make a concrete and structural contribution to the circumstances of the individual human rights defenders, and add to the development of expertise on]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/in-the-media-op-ed-victoria-kerr-international-law-might-appear-powerless-in-the-russian-war-in/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/in-the-media-op-ed-victoria-kerr-international-law-might-appear-powerless-in-the-russian-war-in/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an op-ed for Dutch newspaper Trouw on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Asser Institute researcher Victoria Kerr calls for a shift in narrative from writing obituaries of international law, towards harnessing international law to respond to the conflict.&#xA;The international community&#x2019;s fragmented response on the illegality of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and its lack of impact in preventing further escalation of the conflict, have led some international lawyers to proclaim the death of the international legal order and international law itself.&#xA;Recently, Maksym Vishchyk, a young Ukrainian international lawyer, described how some Ukrainian students make bitter jokes on social media and publicly turn away from the international legal profession, despairing of the impotence of international law. One of them mentioned that all rules and treaties &quot;are not worth the paper they are printed on&quot;.&#xA;However, writes Kerr, declaring international law dead will not end the Russian invasion of Ukraine, nor will it provide support to the victims of this devastating war. Instead, we would do better to focus on the question of how international law can in fact be deployed in situations such as that in Ukraine,&#xA0;because that is already happening in abundance, and with unprecedented speed. Kerr: &#x201C;If we hold those who wage war legally accountable and bring them to justice, then international law will, in the future, surely act as a deterrent.&#x201D;&#xA;Read the full op-ed (in Dutch). Victoria Kerr&#xA0;is a junior researcher in the Asser research strand&#xA0;&#x27;In the public interest: accountability of the state and prosecution of crimes. She works on the MATRA project &#x27;&#x27;Strengthening Ukraine&#x2019;s Capacity to Investigate and Prosecute International Crimes&quot;, a joint initiative of the Asser Instituut and Global Rights Compliance (GRC). Her work focuses on supporting the Office of the Prosecutor General in Ukraine and several criminal justice actors in investigating, prosecuting and seeking remedies for]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/report-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-international-legal-implications/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/report-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-international-legal-implications/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Tuesday 8 March 2022, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut organised a live panel discussion on the international legal implications of Russia&#x2019;s invasion of Ukraine. The first group of speakers focused on the lead-up to the invasion, the intensifying military concerns and the role of international humanitarian law (IHL) in the conflict. The second group of speakers addressed the accountability of individuals accused of committing international crimes in Ukraine as well as the impact of the conflict on civilians. See the full list of speakers below. Rising animosity through the weaponisation of memoryDr. Ulad Belavusau began the first group discussion by establishing the context of the rising animosity shown by Russia towards Ukraine in previous years, including an assessment of Russian President Putin&#x2019;s justifications for fully invading Ukraine in February 2022. Dr. Belavusau is an expert on memory laws: those laws that solidify certain narratives of historical events into legal &#x2018;truths&#x2019;, and currently focuses his research on Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) states. Dr. Belavusau clarified the difference between self-inculpatory memory laws, such as utilised by states in continental Europe to voluntarily accept guilt for their part in the Holocaust, and self-exculpatory memory laws, more common in CEE. A famous example of the latter is the 2018 Polish memory lawwhich defines all Polish people as victims of Nazi Germany and exculpates the guilt of any Polish people involved in the killing of Jewish people during WWII. He explained that states in CEE have increasingly been involved in &#x2018;memory wars&#x2019;, meaning that states, by enacting memory laws prescribing guilt and responsibility to neighbouring states in the context of contestation of historical paradigms, are instrumentalising memory laws and policies to install a form of ontological security. He argued that Russia and Ukraine have been involved in such a memory war for some time. Russia, for example, attempted to pass a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asil-2022-closing-plenary-on-arms-control-and-the-peace-movement/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asil-2022-closing-plenary-on-arms-control-and-the-peace-movement/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On April 9 2022, Janne Nijman, chair of the executive board and academic director of the Asser Institute will convene the closing plenary of the annual meeting American Society of International Law (ASIL) in Washington DC. This prestigious society aims to foster the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations based on law and justice. The closing plenary is one of the highlights of ASIL&#x2019;s annual meeting.&#xA;This year&#x2019;s closing plenary&#x2019;s event will focus on the theme &#x2018;International law needs people: Humanitarian arms control and the peace movement&#x2019;. The roundtable will be chaired by Arms Control Law professor Thilo Marauhn (Asser Institute/University of Amsterdam). The speakers will examine whether international law and humanitarian arms control efforts could be enhanced through non-legal actors now that there seems to be momentum for a new peace movement.&#xA;BackgroundNuclear war, whether big or small, would have disastrous consequences for humankind. Nuclear arms control is crucial &#x2013; not least in light of the humanitarian consequences. Given the failure of nuclear weapon states to implement Article VI of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), NGOs and governments of non-nuclear weapon states pushed for the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).Civil society has played a decisive role in bringing this treaty about &#x2013; even though both nuclear weapon states and the majority of related states abstained from the negotiations. While the relationship between the NPT and the TPNW includes complex challenges, the movement is building on efforts by civil society, epistemic communities, and the general public to work towards humanitarian arms control. There is momentum for a new peace movement that challenges government and expert ownership of international law and can build on earlier experiences with Bertha von Suttner and the Hague Peace Conferences at the end of the 19th century, and the American]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-victoria-kerr-de-bunking-the-role-of-international-law-in-the-ukrainian-conflict/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-victoria-kerr-de-bunking-the-role-of-international-law-in-the-ukrainian-conflict/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post for international law blog OpinioJuris on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Asser Institute researcher Victoria Kerr calls for a shift in narrative from obituaries of international law, towards how international law can be harnessed to respond to the conflict.&#xA;The fragmented responses by the international community on the basis of the illegality of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and their lack of impact in preventing further escalation of the conflict, have led some to argue that the international legal order, and international law itself, are dead. The UN Security Council, expectedly, has been paralysed as a result of the Russian veto. And Kenya&#x2019;s ambassador to the UN, Martin Kimani stated: &#x2018;multilateralism lies on its deathbed [...]. It has been assaulted today as it has been by other powerful states in the recent past.&#x2019; A shift in narrativeIn her blog post &#x27;De-bunking the role of international law in the Ukrainian conflict&#x2019; Kerr writes that criticising of international law will not help address the continued impunity for violations of international law. According to Kerr, it is high time for a shift in narrative towards how international law can be harnessed and enforced in situations like the Russian-Ukraine war. Kerr: &#x201C;International law may not itself deter Putin from continuing the war in Ukraine, however the international community (with the support of the Ukrainian government), is harnessing international law to respond to the Russian invasion in Ukraine with unprecedented speed and scale.&#x201D; Kerr describes some of the available options for a legal response under the sub-fields of international law of international human rights law and international criminal law. Kerr: &#x201C;This should be the turning point - if the consequences to all those who seek to perpetuate war become more concrete, if perpetrators of international crimes are brought to justice and held accountable, and if international law is enforceable, then the power of international]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/expert-opinion-in-ep-hearing-on-international-human-rights-law-in-occupied-territories/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/expert-opinion-in-ep-hearing-on-international-human-rights-law-in-occupied-territories/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Wednesday March 16, Asser Institute researcher Eva Kassoti will provide expert opinion in the European Parliament&#x27;s hearing on &#x27;The human rights and trade nexus in the context of non self-governing and occupied territories.&#x27;&#xA;The debate will assess the implementation of international human rights law in non-self-governing and occupied territories, including how trade policy can support the promotion of human rights considering the specific situation of these territories.&#xA;You can watch the livestream here (09.00 &#x2013; 10.15 hrs CET).&#xA;Eva Kasotti has written extensively on the EU&#x2019;s practice in relation to trade agreements in non-self-governing and occupied territories. Some key publications are: The Legality under International Law of the EU&#x2019;s Trade Agreements covering Occupied Territories: A Comparative Study of Palestine and Western Sahara, CLEER Papers 2017/3, pp. 1-56&#xA;Between Sollen and Sein: The CJEU&#x2019;s Reliance on International Law in the Interpretation of Economic Agreements covering Occupied Territories, 33 Leiden Journal of International Law 2020, pp. 371-389. The ECJ and the Art of Treaty Interpretation: Case C-266/16 Western Sahara Campaign UK, 56 Common Market Law Review 2019, pp. 209-236.&#xA;Trading with Settlements: The International Obligations of the European Union with Regard to Economic Dealings with Occupied Territories, Policy Brief T.M.C. Asser Instituut (2017-02)&#xA;Duval, E. Kassoti (eds.), Economic Activities in Occupied Territories: International, EU Law and Business and Human Rights Perspectives (London: Routledge, 2020) About Eva KassotiDr Eva Kassoti is a senior researcher in International and EU Law as well as the academic co-ordinator for the Centre of the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut.&#xA;She is part of the Institute&#x2019;s research strand &#x2018;Transnational public interests: constituting public interest beyond and below the state&#x2019; which examines how public interests shape, and are shaped, below and beyond the state.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/upcoming-publication-janne-e-nijman-bertha-von-suttner-locating-international-law-in-novel/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/upcoming-publication-janne-e-nijman-bertha-von-suttner-locating-international-law-in-novel/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Bertha von Suttner, the best-selling author of the anti-war novel Die Waffen Nieder! stood at the foundations of The Hague&#x2019;s international legal institutions and was the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. For this year&#x2019;s International Women&#x2019;s day, we highlight Janne E. Nijman&#x2019;s exploration of diaries, articles and a novel to portray this unorthodox international thinker in her upcoming article &#x2018;Bertha von Suttner: Locating international law in novel and salon&#x2019;.&#xA;Her face featured on banknotes, and on stamps in Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia. You will still find her name on many city streets across Europe and her quotes on peace on social media. And when you enter the Peace Palace in The Hague, you will come across the copper face and chest of the &#x2018;the spiritual mother of the Peace Palace&#x2019;, who witnessed the work on the Peace Palace foundations as one of the guests of honour.&#xA;The Austrian feminist and peace activist Baroness Bertha von Suttner (1843-1914) was an unorthodox and colourful person and a woman far ahead of her time. A contemporary of Tobias Asser (1838-1913), the legal scholar after whom the Asser Institute is named, Von Suttner and Asser - each in their own way - worked tirelessly to establish the Hague Conferences in 1899 and 1907. They would both receive the Nobel Peace Prize for their help in developing an international order aimed at peace rather than based on war. &#x2018;A woman who imagined, argued, and contributed to the development of international law and institutions.&#x2019;&#xA;Largely ignoredHowever, as with many other women in the history of international (legal) thought, Von Suttner and her thinking on international law have been largely ignored in international legal history, writes Nijman, &#x2018;as not fitting traditional understandings &#x2018;of what counts as international thought and [&#x2026;] of who counts as an international thinker.&#x2019; To include Suttner and her work in international legal history, Nijman moved beyond the &#x2018;gendered frame of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/event-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-international-legal-implications/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/event-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-international-legal-implications/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Tuesday 8 March (10.00 hrs - 12.00 hrs CET), T.M.C. Asser Instituut and The Hague Humanity Hub will organise a live discussion on the international legal implications of Russia&#x2019;s invasion of Ukraine. Top experts in international law will answer your questions and explain the legal options that the international community has for responding to this grave situation. Register here.&#xA;The Russian invasion of Ukraine is holding the world in its grip. Beyond the operational and security-related questions, international law plays an important role in this context as well. Many of the world&#x2019;s nation states have united to condemn the invasion for undermining the very foundation of the international legal order, and core provisions of the UN Charter.&#xA;Role of international lawBut there is much more to be said about the role of international law in this conflict. For example, how has language on historical memory been used in the lead-up to the invasion and what does international law say about this? What is the role of cyber warfare in this conflict and how does it relate to the laws of war? Which international laws are currently being violated? What are the United Nations&#x2019; legal options? Can the Hague-based tribunals pass judgement on Russia, and what happens if they do? Can individuals be held accountable for actions in Ukraine? Can Putin himself be tried? If so, for what crimes and through what mechanisms? Finally, are there legal instruments available to stop the threat of nuclear war?&#xA;EventThese and many more questions will be discussed during this event, organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the Hague Humanity Hub in the centre of the international city of peace and justice, The Hague. The event will be a conversation without formal presentations. Instead, experts will introduce subtopics of international law that are relevant to the conflict, followed by a discussion with all participants.&#xA;Questions?Of course, we would also like to hear from you, the people]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-arms-control-law-chair-thilo-marauhn-we-need-to-adapt-current-arms-control-law-to/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 28 Feb 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-arms-control-law-chair-thilo-marauhn-we-need-to-adapt-current-arms-control-law-to/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Thilo Marauhn, a widely recognised expert in international law, is professor by special appointment of International Arms Control Law at Amsterdam Law School (University of Amsterdam). The Chair was established in 2021 on behalf of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. Marauhn, who is seconded to the Hague-based Institute, focuses on innovative research in international arms control law. Marauhn: &#x2018;Arms control law continues to be relevant, not because we as lawyers can solve the problem of arms control, but because we can provide the instruments that politicians can use to solve these problems.&#x2019; An interview. What is the aim of your research at the Asser Institute?&#x2018;The focus of my research is international arms control law. My position as the Special Chair of Arms Control Law&#xA0;was established on behalf of the Asser Institute, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. Generally speaking, it is my view that international arms control law has lost too much of public support in the past decade, so it is one of my goals to make people aware of the relevance of the arms control field. In collaboration with political activists and government experts, I want to contribute to this field&#x27;s potential to enhance international peace and security.&#xA;After the Cold War, many decision-makers - naively - believed in peace without caring too much about security threats, which - among others - led them to give up on a number of arms control agreements.&#xA;After the Cold War, many decision-makers - naively - believed in peace without caring too much about security threats, which - among others - led them to give up on a number of arms control agreements. The current debate about how to respond to the Russian Federation&#x2019;s armed attack against Ukraine and governments&#x2019; failure to adapt arms control agreements illustrate two aspects of a single security problem. An example to this end is the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, also called the CFE treaty. It was]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-attack-on-ukraine-violates-the-most-fundamental-rules-of-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 27 Feb 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-attack-on-ukraine-violates-the-most-fundamental-rules-of-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute denounces the war of aggression waged by the Russian government against the nation of Ukraine. We respond to our colleagues in Kyiv by affirming that the attack on Ukraine violates the most fundamental rules of international law.&#xA;The obscenity of war destroys lives and futures around the world. We also denounce the unlawful violence in Yemen, Syria, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Tigray, Mali, Palestine, Myanmar and elsewhere. As international lawyers, we recognise that international law is implicated in the systems of power that perpetuate this madness.&#xA;We&#xA0;continue to work to end the use of force to subjugate and oppress. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and victims of political violence worldwide. Stop the war.&#xA;On behalf of the Asser Institute,&#xA;Janne Nijman&#xA;Academic director and chairperson of the executive board of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut Read the full statement of the National University of&#xA0;Department of International and European Law at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Download the full statement.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/icl-tcl-training-strengthening-domestic-capacity-to-prosecute-international-and-transnational/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 21 Feb 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/icl-tcl-training-strengthening-domestic-capacity-to-prosecute-international-and-transnational/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today begins the third round of a training course on international and transnational criminal law, also known as the &#x2018;ICL-TCL training&#x2019;. The course aims to empower judges and prosecutors from French-speaking African countries to deal with international and transnational crimes.&#xA;Since 2018, and together with the Antonio Cassese Initiative&#xA0;and&#xA0;International Nuremberg Principles Academy, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut has been organising this training course on international criminal law (ICL) and transnational criminal law (TCL). The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of national jurisdictions in French-speaking African countries in prosecuting international and transnational crimes. Participants are national prosecutors and judges from Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroun, CAR, Chad, C&#xF4;te d&#x2019;Ivoire, Congo, DRC, Mali, Niger, and Togo. This year, twelve NUFFIC scholarship recipients will also participate in the training.&#xA;The ICL-TCL training course aims to: Equip judges and prosecutors with practical skills, tools, and knowledge on how to address international and transnational crimes, as these fields are increasingly intertwined;&#xA;Endow local authorities with the capacity to ensure effective cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC);&#xA;Increase standards of fairness in national proceedings; and&#xA;Provide a solid regional and international network and increase cooperation among national and international judiciaries. Prosecuting international crimesIn the past forty years, the international criminal justice system has witnessed significant progress with the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and several ad hoc international criminal tribunals, which prosecute those responsible for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other atrocities and serious humanitarian violations that threaten the international community.&#xA;Despite these developments, however, the primary responsibility assigned by international law for the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-symposium-freedom-of-expression-in-the-olympic-movement/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <description><![CDATA[Asser researchers&#xA0;Antoine Duval&#xA0;and Daniela Heerdt curated the online symposium&#xA0;on &#x2018;Freedom of Expression in the Olympic Movement&#x2019; featured last week on Verfassungsblog. This six-part series includes contributions of experts in human rights and sports law discussing the limits and challenges of the private regulation of freedom of expression in the Olympic Movement. A timely debate - Beijing Olympics&#xA;Athlete activism gained increased visibility with athletes vocally speaking out against police violence on social media after the death of George Floyd. This activism also shone a spotlight on the restrictions imposed by Sport Governing Bodies (SGBs), and in particular the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on freedom of expression during international competitions.&#xA;In July 2021 the Institute already hosted a Zoom-In Webinar on the IOC&#x2019;s Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter discussing the issue. Now, with the Beijing Olympics under way and issues linked to human rights in China high on the public agenda, it is more important than ever to continue this debate in this Verfassungsblog symposium. In particular, the current regulation of freedom of expression by SGBs raises multiple concerns regarding its legitimacy, necessity, and proportionality. Webinar on Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter and the right to free speech of athletes.&#xA;Finding the right balanceAs Duval and Heerdt point out in their introduction to the Symposium, finding the right balance between freedom of expression and other legitimate objectives might be a difficult exercise for SGBs. In particular, because in some situations, such as in the context of hate speech, SGBs are expected to intervene and sanction those involved. The symposium is, therefore, also a space of constructive engagement for the contributors to offer suggestions and proposals for a more balanced regulation of speech in the Olympic Movement.&#xA;Read the full symposium on Verfassungsblog.&#xA;The Institute is conducting cutting-edge research]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/inter-university-programme-kicking-off-the-tenth-season-of-the-lebanon-lecture-series/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/inter-university-programme-kicking-off-the-tenth-season-of-the-lebanon-lecture-series/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The 10th season of the Inter-University Programme (IUP) in Lebanon, also called the Lebanon Lecture Series, begins today. The programme offers Lebanese students the opportunity to learn about international criminal law and procedure.&#xA;About the Lebanon Lecture SeriesThe Lebanon Lecture Series is co-organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, the International &amp;amp; Transitional Justice Resource Center (ITJRC), the International Center for Human Sciences CISH &#x2013; UNESCO, La Sagesse University and IUSTICOM, and supported by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Rule of Law Programme Middle East &amp;amp; North Africa. The programme, set up in 2011 by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, is designed for Lebanese students to follow lectures on different aspects of international criminal law and procedure. The lectures are delivered by prominent academics and practitioners. Eleven Lebanese universities are participating in this programme, leading to new contacts and cooperation in the fragmented Lebanese community. Asser Instituut academic director Janne Nijman&#xA0;about the programme: &#x201C;This programme is close to our hearts. As a research institute we do not only want to excel in conducting research, but also excel in serving societies with our knowledge and that of our experts. This programme that brings together law-students from eleven universities, we modestly hope, will help Lebanon in shaping its future through values such as collaboration, justice and fairness and Rule of Law principles.&#x201D; &#x2018;Beyond my expectations&#x2019;Throughout its history, the programme has been met with great interest among students. Since the start of the programme, over 1000 students have enrolled. Reeda Halawi, a student who took the course in 2016-2017, said about the course: &#x201C;It was beyond my expectations, as I gained a deep understanding of fundamental topics in criminal law, as well as procedure-related topics such as the functioning and operation of many international criminal]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/research-funding-for-elsa-lab-defence-project-on-military-artificial-intelligence/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/research-funding-for-elsa-lab-defence-project-on-military-artificial-intelligence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Dutch Research Strategy (NWA) has awarded funding to the ELSA Lab Defence project, in which a coalition of Dutch research organisations and the Asser Institute will develop a future-proof, independent and consultative ecosystem for responsible use of AI in defence. The NWA call &#x2018;Human-centered AI for an inclusive society &#x2013; towards an ecosystem of trust&#x2019; awarded projects totalling over 10.9 million euros.&#xA;ELSA Lab DefenceThe ELSA (&#x2018;ethical, legal, societal aspects&#x2019;) Lab Defence project, led by research organisation TNO The Hague, will develop a future-proof, independent, and consultative ecosystem for responsible use of artificial intelligence in defence. The Dutch Ministry of Defence sees Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a crucial tool for maintaining peace and security, as it can, for example, enable rapid processing of big data and can result in the development of intelligent, unmanned robots.&#xA;The use of AI technology in defence also raises many ethical, legal and social questions, such as how to ensure AI systems remain under meaningful human control, and how to maintain the human touch when giving autonomy to machines. The ELSA Lab Defence will address these questions by developing a future-proof, independent, and consultative ecosystem for responsible use of AI in defence.&#xA;The Asser Institute will be responsible for refining and applying the ELSA methodology to specific cases and to test the implementation of the methodological framework through exercises, simulations and trainings aimed at stakeholders from defence and policy. It will further develop a platform that will provide stakeholders with project-based advice on military ELSA.&#xA;Asser senior researcher Berenice Boutin will be leading Asser&#x2019;s contribution to the research project. &#x201C;The unique nature of the work in the defence domain make the stakes of AI use in this context extremely high. This project will make use cases-based exercises, simulations, and trainings to inform armed forces and policy]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/janne-nijman-new-chair-supervisory-board-of-the-world-press-photo-foundation/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/janne-nijman-new-chair-supervisory-board-of-the-world-press-photo-foundation/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, the Asser Institute&#x2019;s chairperson of the executive board and academic director Janne E. Nijman has been appointed as the new chair of the supervisory board of the World Press Photo Foundation. In a press release, executive director of World Press Photo Foundation, Joumana El Zein Khoury, states: &#x2018;(&#x2026;) We were deeply impressed by Janne&#x2019;s broad expertise in human rights law and the public sector, in addition to her work in gender and race representation. With Janne having previously chaired similar other boards, we were convinced and assured of her excellent governance abilities.&#x2019; World Press Photo Foundation is a global platform connecting photojournalists, documentary photographers and worldwide audiences through trustworthy storytelling.&#xA0;The independent non-profit organisation was founded in 1955 when a group of Dutch photographers organised a contest (&#x2018;World Press Photo&#x2019;) to expose their work to an international audience. World Press Photo contests have grown into one of the world&#x2019;s most prestigious competitions, rewarding the best in photo journalism and documentary photography from around the world.&#xA;Visual reporting In reaction to her appointment, Janne Nijman says: &#x2018;I am honoured to be joining the organisation as chair of the supervisory board. This position aligns with my expertise in international and human rights law, freedom of speech, and the protection of gender equality in professional environments. I greatly value World Press Photo&#x2019;s contribution to trustworthy visual reporting and storytelling in today&#x2019;s world, and look forward to supporting the foundation&#x2019;s mission.&#x2019;&#xA;The World Press Photo Foundation has a two-tier board structure, with the supervisory board supervising the strategy and policy of the executive board and the general course of affairs of the organisation and its stakeholders. An international advisory committee advises the foundation on how to stay globally relevant. Jamila Aanzi will also join the supervisory board of the World]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-symposium-decolonisation-and-human-rights-the-dutch-case/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-symposium-decolonisation-and-human-rights-the-dutch-case/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This week, constitutional law blog Verfassungsblog is hosting an online symposium on &#x2018;Decolonisation and human rights in the Kingdom of the Netherlands&#x2019; edited by Asser researcher Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz together with PhD researcher Wiebe Hommes (University of Amsterdam). The eleven-part series features contributions of experts in international law, history and political science, which they presented during a recent workshop jointly organised by the Asser Institute, the Amsterdam Centre for European Law and Governance (ACELG) and the Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research (NNHRR).&#xA;The online symposium revisits the decolonisation process in the Kingdom of the Netherlands in relation to the rise of human rights in Dutch law and policy, as outlined in the editor&#x27;s introduction. It does so from three different angles: citizenship, migration and the constitutional arrangements with former Dutch colonies. It comes as important questions about Dutch colonial legacies and their contemporary implications are being raised in universities, the arts and within several branches of the Dutch government.&#xA;Ambivalent public attitudesPublic attitudes towards the late colonial experience of the Netherlands, according to the symposium editors, have long been ambivalent: &#x2018;King Willem-Alexander&#x2019;s recent apology on behalf of the Dutch government for violence visited on Indonesians during their struggle for independence, came as a very late acknowledgement&#x2019;, says Castellanos-Jankiewicz, who thinks that this belated recognition is partly due to Dutch voices having dominated the public debate on these issues. &#x2018;That is exactly why our symposium incorporates a variety of actors, geographies and perspectives, - to deliberately step away from the singular focus on the continental Netherlands&#x2019;, adds UvA researcher Wiebe Hommes.&#xA;Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz: &#x2018;We show that inequalities resulting from Dutch colonisation continue to persist today&#x2019;&#xA;&#x2018;Veil of silence&#x2019;The authors think that]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-shifting-the-narrative-not-weapons-but-technologies-of-warfare/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-post-shifting-the-narrative-not-weapons-but-technologies-of-warfare/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[New technologies &#x2013; especially those with embedded artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, even if non-weaponised &#x2013; are significantly transforming contemporary warfare. In a post for ICRC&#x2019;s Humanitarian Law &amp;amp; Policy Blog, Asser researcher Klaudia Klonowska describes how contemporary warfare is being changed by AI algorithms, and calls for a dramatic shift in what we consider to be an important tool of warfare. &#x2018;Debates concerning the regulation of choices made by states in conducting hostilities are often limited to the use of weapons, but our understanding of weapons is outdated. New technologies &#x2013; especially those with embedded artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, even if non-weaponised &#x2013; are significantly transforming contemporary warfare. The indirect influence of these technologies on warfare decisions is consistently underestimated.&#x2019; In her post for the ICRC Humanitarian Law &amp;amp; Policy Blog, Klaudia Klonowska, a researcher with the Asser Institute&#x2019;s DILEMA project, unpacks a question that is often &#x2018;glossed over and assumed by international legal scholars and state experts: what specifically are the &#x2018;weapons, means or methods of warfare&#x2019; about which these regular debates are held?&#x2019; Klonowska calls for a shift in the narrative, which is expanded from a weapons-focused approach to additionally include other significant non-weaponised technologies of warfare. She argues that it is time to acknowledge that the choice of technologies may influence offensive capabilities just as much as the choice of weapons. Read the full blog here. Klaudia Klonowska is a PhD candidate in International Law at the Asser Institute. She studies the interactions of humans and AI-enabled decision-support systems in the military decision-making process and the consequences thereof to the exercise of (human) judgment under international humanitarian and human rights law. She is a member of the research project Designing International Law and Ethics into Military Artificial]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/a-new-year-and-a-new-research-agenda-rethinking-public-interests-in-international-and-european/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <description><![CDATA[By Janne E. Nijman&#xA;On Friday January 14, Australian minister for immigration, citizenship, migrant services and multicultural affairs, Alex Hawke, stated that he exercised his power &#x2018;to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.&#x2019; (Italics mine.)&#xA;A few days earlier, public interest considerations were on the - virtual - table at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. On that day, the General Council met to discuss a comprehensive WTO response to the pandemic, including the proposal to waive certain provisions of the Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) for COVID-19-related vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.&#xA;Director general Okonjo-Iweala argued &#x2018;We at the WTO now have to step up urgently to do our part to reach a multilateral outcome on intellectual property and other issues so as to fully contribute to the global efforts in the fight against COVID-19&#x2019;.&#xA0;Private patents and public interests, such as (global) health, have to be discussed and weighed by the General Council and the TRIPS Council. The relationship between intellectual property and the public interest is debated by WTO members and by the international community more widely.&#xA;Throughout the pandemic, we are struck by how a very few big-tech companies such as Facebook and Twitter control large parts of our globe&#x2019;s digital infrastructure and as such may control public debate, but at the same time serve their private - and profit-making - interests. In &#x2018;The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power&#x2019;, Shoshana&#xA0;Zuboff shows how the data economy cannot take care of our common goods and public interests. Public interest technologists try to find ways to respond to this dire conclusion.&#xA;These are just three examples of how the notion of the public interest often is central in current debates and in political and legal arguments]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-global-europe-book-series-the-informalisation-of-the-eus-external-action-in-the/</link>                <pubDate>Sat, 15 Jan 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-global-europe-book-series-the-informalisation-of-the-eus-external-action-in-the/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In the very first volume to appear in the new Global Europe book series by T.M.C. Asser Press, editors and Asser researchers Eva Kassoti and Narin Idriz examine the trend whereby the European Union resorts ever more often to informal arrangements and deals with third countries. It does so in an effort to curb and manage migration flows towards the EU and facilitate the return of irregular migrants to their countries of origin or transit. The perceived success of the EU-Turkey deal provided a strong impetus for the continuation of this trend.&#xA;The contributions collected and presented in this book aim to shed light on the implications of this trend for the EU constitutional order, the human rights of those affected by these deals, the third countries with which the EU cooperates, and the global refugee protection regime. They demonstrate how these deals raise more issues than they solve; by, for instance, sidestepping established treaty rules and procedures, violating the human rights of those affected, and overburdening the nascent migration and asylum systems of third country partners.&#xA;This book, the first volume to appear in the Global Europe Series, will be of great interest to researchers and policy makers working in the field of migration and asylum. Eva Kassoti and Narin Idriz work in the research department of the T.M.C. Asser Institute in The Hague. They are part of the research strand Transnational public interests: constituting public interest beyond and below the state, which examines how public interests shape, and are shaped, below and beyond the state. Researchers investigate what role non-state actors, such as corporations, NGOs, cities and the European Union play in the constitution and operation of public interests in a transnational context. Eva Kassoti and Narin Idriz are project leaders of the Asser Institute&#x2019;s Global Europe project, that seeks to explore the internal and external factors that may challenge the EU&#x2019;s capacity to exercise]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-tomasz-zurek-soon-autonomous-military-devices-will-appear-in-almost-every-conflict/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <description><![CDATA[Dr Tomasz Zurek is a researcher at the Asser Instituut, where he works in the DILEMA project to research different technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) in order to create a system that can observe international humanitarian law. Zurek: &#x2018;Soon, autonomous military devices will appear in almost every conflict in the world, and it&#x27;s crucial to construct them in such a way that they follow the rules of international humanitarian law.&#x201D; An interview.&#xA;What is the main research project you are working on at the Asser Institute? &#x201C;I&#x27;m in the DILEMA project: Designing the &#x2018;International law and ethics in military Artificial Intelligence (AI)&#x2019;, where I follow two parallel research directions. The first one is the formal modelling of the international humanitarian law rules (for example, the proportionality rule). The second one, in collaboration with some colleagues from the Institute of Informatics of the University of Amsterdam, is the construction of a structure for a military decision-making system that can follow international humanitarian law requirements. Both tasks require drafting a list of requirements that international humanitarian law imposes on autonomous decision-making systems.&#x201D;&#xA;What do you see as the biggest impact of artificial intelligence on international law? &#x201C;In general, artificial intelligence has had a huge and still growing impact on our lives. AI can have an enormous impact not only on our individual lives, but also on the international community. AI can impact human rights in a positive and negative way, and it depends on us whether we can influence that impact. In the military aspect, fully autonomous military devices are, in fact, just around the corner. Soon, autonomous military devices will appear in almost every conflict in the world, and it&#x27;s crucial to construct them in the way they follow the rules of international humanitarian law (IHL). Uncontrolled development of military AI devices can make them dangerous not for the combatants]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-senior-visiting-fellow-in-parliamentary-roundtable-on-afghanistan/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-senior-visiting-fellow-in-parliamentary-roundtable-on-afghanistan/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, Thursday 13 January, Asser Institute senior visiting fellow Ahmad Nader Nadery will participate in an online roundtable discussion, organised by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Dutch House of Representatives.&#xA;The theme of the public discussion is the future involvement in - and aid of The Netherlands to Afghanistan. Nader Nadery will speak on human rights.&#xA;A human rights and democracy activist and former high-level government employee, Nader Nadery, has spent his career building up Afghan institutions and training the professionals to run them, to help save the country from the cycle of coups and military takeovers that have long kept Afghanistan from prospering.&#xA;As one of Afghanistan&#x2019;s former top negotiators in peace talks with the Taliban, Nader Nadery was recently interviewed by the New York Times. Read the full story.&#xA;Mr Nader&#x2019;s parliamentary session is scheduled to take place between 13:30-14:30 CET. Watch the livestream.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/goals-for-the-new-year-register-now-for-our-2022-training-programmes/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 27 Dec 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/goals-for-the-new-year-register-now-for-our-2022-training-programmes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registration is now open for our two interdisciplinary training programmes: the winter and spring academies. Sign up now to stay ahead in your careers! [Online winter academy] Artificial intelligence and international law (21-25 February 2022)&#xA;Time: 09.00 (CET)Venue: OnlineFee: Regular: &#x20AC;895/ Student fee (Including PhD): &#x20AC;495&#xA;Artificial intelligence (AI) comes with many promises. It has the potential of providing for cognitive abilities going beyond human capacities, which could lead to significant scientific and societal progress. At the same time, the use of technologies that display increasing degrees of autonomy brings in significant ethical, legal, and policy challenges. AI is disruptive to fundamental legal norms and concepts, as well as to systems of international governance.&#xA;The Winter Academy is an interdisciplinary programme that offers in-depth perspectives on AI and international law. It provides foundational knowledge on key issues at the intersection of theory and practice, and offers a platform for critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. The programme covers technical aspects of AI, philosophy and ethics of AI, AI and human rights, AI and international humanitarian law, AI and international responsibility, and international governance of AI.&#xA;Indicative list of topics: Understanding AI technology&#xA;Responsible AI and ethical design&#xA;Human-machine relationships&#xA;Ensuring respect for human rights in the context of AI&#xA;Military applications of AI and the international law of military operations&#xA;Individual and collective responsibility in relation to AI&#xA;International governance of AI Target audience Researchers and advanced students (master or PhD) in the fields of international law, political science, philosophy, or computer science&#xA;Policy analysts and legal advisers working on innovation and technology in public or private institutions&#xA;Industry professionals interested in the law and governance of AI More informationRegister&#xA;[Spring academy]]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-christophe-paulussen-nationality-deprivation-in-the-interest-of-national-security-on/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-christophe-paulussen-nationality-deprivation-in-the-interest-of-national-security-on/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an opinion piece for Dutch quality paper de Volkskrant, Asser senior researcher Christophe Paulussen reflects on a legislative proposal by the Dutch State Secretary for Justice and Security Ankie Broekers-Knol, to make permanent the temporary powers of the Minister of Justice and Security to withdraw Dutch citizenship in the interest of national security.&#xA;&#x201C;The whole legislative process surrounding this power is typical of the symbolism and irrationality that prevail in the terrorism context in general&#x201D;, writes Paulussen. &#x201C;Although it is often said that policy should be &#x27;evidence-based&#x27;, the reality is different: figures and analyses of researchers and experts who have been working on this issue for years are ignored, and evaluating the effectiveness of the measure is reduced to a non-substantive &#x27;tick the box exercise&#x27;.&#x201D;&#xA;On Wednesday 15 December, the Dutch Parliament will have a debate about the proposal. Paulussen, an expert on citizenship stripping in counterterrorism, calls for the withdrawal of the proposal. Members of Parliament should &#x201C;stand for human rights, justice for the victims and security for us all.&#x201D; Read the full article (in Dutch)&#xA;On 6 October 2021, a legislative proposal was submitted by State Secretary for Justice and Security Broekers-Knol to ensure that the temporary powers of the Minister of Justice and Security to revoke Dutch citizenship in the interest of national security is made permanent. The proposal to introduce the temporary law was already heavily criticised by various experts and institutions at the time, so it was not surprising that the proposal to make the law permanent was met with similar resistance. The Advisory Division of the Council of State noted in its advice of 11 August that the Minister does not provide sufficient compelling arguments for a permanent regulation, partly because there are questions about the functioning and (side) effects of the measure. Various civil society organisations and experts in the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/max-van-der-stoel-human-rights-award-2021-for-phd-thesis-by-yousra-benfquih-a-book-that/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/max-van-der-stoel-human-rights-award-2021-for-phd-thesis-by-yousra-benfquih-a-book-that/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, Yousra Benfquih (University of Antwerp) received the Max van der Stoel Human Rights Award 2021 for her PhD thesis in the field of international human rights. Katie Pentney (Leiden University) was awarded the prize for her Master thesis.&#xA;The Max van der Stoel Human Rights Award 2021, co-organised by Tilburg Law School and the Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research (NNHRR), powered by the Asser Institute, is delivered every two years on Human Rights Day to recognise outstanding academic works in the field of international human rights.&#xA;The award is given to the best PhD (Category 1) and the best Master thesis or article (Category 2), and is named after Max van der Stoel, who served as OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorites, former UN Rapporteur on human rights in Iraq, and was professor of International and European Law at Tilburg University.&#xA;&#x2018;Astute, transparent and courageous&#x2019; Yousra Benfquih (University of Antwerp) was awarded the prize for best PhD for her dissertation entitled &#x2018;Reasonable Accommodation in Education: An Integrated Human Rights Approach on the basis of the Right to Equality, Inclusive Education and Freedom of Religion&#x2019;. The Jury&#x27;s decision was unanimous and Ms Benfquih will receive &#x20AC;3,000 euros in prize money.&#xA;According to the jury, the work of Dr Benfquih is&#xA0;a very convincing testimony of scientific competence in terms of methodology and analysis. &#x201C;Moreover, it is a book that challenges readers to react, to agree or not to agree, which therefore engages with its audience. According to the jury, Dr Benfquih is aware of the importance of stories and the question from which perspective and how they are told, and how much this also plays a role in science and her own position in it. The added modes of critical analysis are not invoked as afterthought but instead develop on an integrated human rights approach. The approach taken in the book is astute, transparent and courageous.&#x201D;&#xA;&#x2018;A practical study on a pressing issue&#x2019; Katie]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-research-paper-family-courts-as-part-of-states-counter-terrorism-toolkit-a-welcome/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-research-paper-family-courts-as-part-of-states-counter-terrorism-toolkit-a-welcome/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new paper, Asser researcher and counterterrorism expert Rumyana van Ark argues that family courts may be better suited to address the cases of children of alleged foreign fighters or of children who have allegedly become foreign fighters (FTFs) &#x2013; especially if the alternative is non-repatriation.&#xA;&#x2018;They made a huge and terrible mistake &#x2026; if they return home there are no terrorism issues&#x2019;. These comments were made in March 2015 about the British Kadiza Sultana (16), Amira Abase (15) and Shamima Begum (15) who left the UK to join IS. Kadiza Sultana has since been reported to have died in an airstrike on Raqqa, the whereabouts of Amira Abase are still unknown and as of 19 February 2019 Shamima Begum is no longer a British citizen.&#xA;Life choices According to Asser researcher Rumyana van Ark, the furore surrounding the life choices of these girls tends to obscure a particularly important issue &#x2013; in 2015, all three girls were children in the eyes of international and domestic law. As such, had one or all three of them sought a managed return to the United Kingdom before the age of 18, it would have been for a family court to decide on what measure(s) need to be applied in their particular circumstances.&#xA;In her paper &#x2018;Family courts as part of states&#x2019; counter-terrorism toolkit: A welcome development for the children of FTFs?&#x2019; Van Ark argues that in the particular circumstances of children of alleged foreign fighters or children who have allegedly become foreign fighters, the family courts may be better suited in addressing the issues of these children of FTFs &#x2013; especially if the alternative is non-repatriation.&#xA;Instead of viewing these children through a national security lens only, the author argues that the position of these children as vulnerable individuals who are more likely to suffer various harms has to be at the forefront. This is where the domestic family courts rather than the security apparatuses could be a more constructive option. Using the UK as a case]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-brigid-laffan-on-the-geo-political-threats-facing-europe-the-rest-of-the-world-is/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[&#x2018;We Europeans have long thought that the rest of the world would become like us, if only we put enough carrots and sticks in front of the others. That more or less worked for years, because that&#x27;s how we became one of the world&#x27;s greatest economic powers. But now the rest of the world is tired of our preaching.&#x2019;, says Prof. Brigid Laffan, speaker of the 7th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture on May 10, 2022, in an interview for Dutch quality newspaper NRC. &#x2018;They want their standards to become dominant, instead of the Western ones. A different game is now being played. That of rock-hard, raw power play.&#xA;In an interview by journalist and EU watcher Caroline de Gruyter for Dutch quality paper NRC, Irish professor Brigid Laffan, one of the leading thinkers on European politics, analyses the current geo-political threats facing Europe. According to Laffan, &#x2018;bold displays of power&#x2019; have, in world politics, replaced the policies that have made Europe influential: its open channels and multilateral relations. Examples are Belarus, pushing migrants into the EU. Or the UK, violating agreements on Northern Ireland and on a collision course with France over migrants and fishing licenses. And Russia, stoking fires in the EU, the Balkans and Ukraine. Violent conflictsAsked why Europe now finds itself surrounded by angry neighbours, Irish professor Laffan says: &#x2018;What is happening here, reminds me of what the American political scientist George Modelski wrote in 1989: that there are long waves of about a hundred years, and at the end of these, global superpowers are trying to knock each other off the throne. The latter usually transforms the entire world. This period is often accompanied by violent conflicts. We seem to be in the middle of such a transformation. Each country is covering itself, adapting, trying to take advantage of it. Many of our neighbours are becoming more assertive and aggressive, using sharp power to weaken us. The big question is what does this do to Europe? Europe]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-thilo-marauhn-re-elected-to-the-international-humanitarian-fact-finding-commission/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-thilo-marauhn-re-elected-to-the-international-humanitarian-fact-finding-commission/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[For the third time in a row, Asser researcher and Special Chair Arms Control Law, Prof. Dr Thilo Marauhn has been elected to serve a five-year term in the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission (IHFCC), which investigates alleged war crimes. Marauhn was nominated by the Federal Republic of Germany. IHFFC members act in a personal capacity and respect the principle of impartiality.&#xA;The IHFCC is a permanent body of fifteen independent experts, which in 1991, was established by Article 90 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The main purpose of the commission is to ensure respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in armed conflicts. At the request of a party to an armed conflict, its members investigate alleged war crimes or other serious violations of IHL. The IHFCC reports its findings to the states involved and gives recommendations. In addition, the Commission can offer its good offices in order to facilitate the restoration of an attitude of respect for international humanitarian law. In 2017, the IHFCC performed its first operative mission upon request by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).&#xA;The fifteen members of the Commission are to be of high moral standing and acknowledged impartiality. They are elected to five-year terms by those states parties which have accepted the competence of the Commission. The members serve in their personal capacities, an obligation which is reinforced by the solemn declaration that they all make that they will exercise their functions as members impartially, conscientiously and in accordance with the provisions of the Protocol and the rules including those concerning secrecy. Among the current members are medical doctors, judges, high ranking military experts, diplomats and scholars of international law.&#xA;&#x2018;Achieving sustainable peace&#x2019;Marauhn is pleased with his re-election: &#x201C;While the Commission has managed to boost its visibility among members of the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-media-security-risks-can-be-better-managed-if-the-people-detained-in-syrian-camps/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <description><![CDATA[In a news item on the repatriation of French and other European women and children detained in camps in North East Syria, Asser researcher Christophe Paulussen stresses that the inaction of EU politicians in bringing back former Islamic State fighters and their families leads to greater security risks. In the article by EURACTIVE, a French delegation that recently met with Kurdish authorities on a mission to North East Syria, calls for an emergency repatriation of children, as winter nears and the living conditions in the camps are &#x2018;catastrophic, due to diseases and a lack of drinking water, very hot summers, very cold winters&#x2019;.&#xA;Apart from the living conditions, which lead to children dying on a daily basis, experts fear that within the Rojava camps, the Islamic State is reconstituting itself, and the children are in &#x201C;radicalisation hot spots, at the mercy of Daesh.&#x201D;&#xA;Long-term security ramifications&#x201C;Many security experts agree that any security risks can be better managed if the people in the camps are repatriated in a controlled manner,&#x201D; Paulussen, international law expert at the Asser Institute and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism in The Hague, told EURACTIV. &#x201C;Nonetheless, there is currently not enough talk about the long-term security ramifications of European governments&#x2019; inaction.&#x201D;&#xA;Although in March 2021, the European Parliament called for the reintegration and repatriation of children from Syrian camps, little has been done as governments remain reluctant to repatriate. At the EU level, there is no common policy for dealing with the former fighters, each EU country has its own strategy, mostly on a case-by-case basis. Paulussen points out that this &#x201C;(&#x2026;) all boils down to a lack of political will and the inability of politicians to convey to one&#x2019;s voters what is the only correct thing to do from an international legal, long-term security, humanitarian and moral perspective&#x201D;. According to EURACTIV there are an estimated 645 European children and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/research-handbook-launch-cities-and-their-global-networks/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <description><![CDATA[On Wednesday the 17th of November, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut celebrated the publication of the Research Handbook on International Law and Cities, edited by Helmut Aust (Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin) and Janne Nijman (Asser Institute). During the event, the mayor of the Hague, Jan van Zanen, received the first hard copy of the book.&#xA;The mayor spoke of the increasing importance of cities and transnational city networks in international governance, and in the tackling of global challenges such as climate change and adaptation, terrorism and security. Following the mayor&#x2019;s speech, a panel of city network experts and international law scholars further discussed the seminal findings of the Research Handbook on cities and international law. The speakers were: Boris Tonhauser, Executive Adviser at PLATFORMA, a network of European local and regional governments and their associations engaged in development cooperation.&#xA;Prof. Dr Andr&#xE9; Nollkaemper, Professor of International Law, University of Amsterdam, and the Dean of the Amsterdam Law School.&#xA;Prof. Dr Barbara Oomen&#xA0;holds a chair in the Sociology of Human Rights at Utrecht University. She leads the NWO Vici project Cities of Refuge.&#xA;Dr Neila Akrimi Kemperman, PhD in European Development law. Member of the VNG International board of directors. &#x201C;I believe that if you want to be an effective local leader, you have to be regional, you have to be a European, and you have to be an international. For world peace, for care, for leaving nowhere no one behind, you need to know about each other. You cannot be a real local if you are not international. And if you are only &#x27;international&#x27;, where do you walk, - other than in some piece of land that is always local?&#x201D; - The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen&#xA;&quot;It was great to listen to the Hague mayor, Jan van Zanen. He is heavily involved in global and regional city networks, such as United Cities and Local Governments, and is living the growing role of cities and their networks in international law]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-research-handbook-on-international-law-and-cities/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-research-handbook-on-international-law-and-cities/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From climate change, to human rights and from migration to security issues: cities are on the frontline of global challenges. In the new Research Handbook on international law and cities, Helmut Aust (Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin) and Janne E. Nijman (Asser Institute) show the growing importance of the city in international law and governance and the growing importance of international norms for cities. &#x2018;No longer just sites of &#x2018;the local&#x2019;, cities have become spaces where global influences play out, and they have become actors that meaningfully contribute to shaping what we imagine &#x2018;the global&#x2019; to be.&#x2019;&#xA;At the UN&#x2019;s COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, an &#x2018;unprecedented coalition of cities&#x2019; is participating&#xA0;in the talks where governments must strengthen their contributions to the Paris Agreement implementing climate action. Earlier this year, five UN Rapporteurs criticised the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, for the controversial demolition and renovation of hundreds of affordable homes. The UN rapporteurs expressed serious concerns about the Rotterdam housing policy and &#x2018;allegations of multiple violations of human rights, contrary to international human rights law&#x2019;.&#xA;These are just two examples of how cities are becoming actors in international law, and how in turn, cites are shaped by international normative influences. For a long time, scholars in public international law did not give a lot of attention to sub-national actors. But according to international law scholars Helmut Aust (Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin) and Janne E. Nijman (Asser Institute), global governance &#x2018;has moved on far beyond the traditional categories of public international law&#x2019; and old categories no longer work&#x2019;.&#xA;Growing global roleIn their ground-breaking Research Handbook on International Law and Cities editors Helmut Aust and Janne E. Nijman shed light on the growing global role of cities, and build the case for a renewed understanding of international law, in light of this &#x2018;urban turn&#x2019;. The]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/research-paper-evidentiary-and-charging-matters-in-the-context-of-prosecuting-returning-foreign/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/research-paper-evidentiary-and-charging-matters-in-the-context-of-prosecuting-returning-foreign/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The refusal to repatriate and prosecute foreign fighters and families can only be explained by a lack of political will, and not because of a lack of prosecutorial options. That is the main conclusion of a new research&#xA0;paper&#xA0;by Asser senior researcher&#xA0;Christophe Paulussen&#xA0;and Tanya Mehra (ICCT The Hague).&#xA;States have been reluctant to repatriate their foreign fighters and families for a variety of reasons. One of these is of a legal nature, namely that prosecution at home would be too difficult because of a lack of evidence.&#xA;While acknowledging that securing evidence is and will remain difficult, this paper points to a number of evidentiary and charging opportunities that show potential in somewhat overcoming this challenge. These could assist prosecutors in focusing on what should have their priority, namely the actual acts committed, such as war crimes and other international crimes.&#xA;The paper also demonstrates that, in addition to membership of a terrorist organisation, there are other charges out there that do not require establishing what the returning foreign fighter has actually done while being abroad. The aim of presenting these in this paper should not be seen as an endorsement &#x2013; their critical examination will make this quite clear &#x2013; but as a demonstration of the fact that the refusal to repatriate and prosecute can only be explained by a lack of political will, and not because of a lack of prosecutorial options.&#xA;Read the&#xA0;full paper. Evidentiary and charging matters in the context of prosecuting returning foreign fighters before national courts, by Paulussen, Christophe and Mehra, Tanya, (September 21, 2021). T.M.C. Asser Institute for International &amp;amp; European Law,&#xA0;Asser Research Paper 2021-06, forthcoming in: Capone, F., Paulussen, C. and Mignot-Mahdavi, R. (eds.), Returning Foreign Fighters: Responses, Challenges and Ways Forward, The Hague: T.M.C. Asser Press, (2022). Read moreTowards a Right to Sustainable Security of Person in Times of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-brief-third-revised-draft-treaty-on-business-and-human-rights-comments-and/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-brief-third-revised-draft-treaty-on-business-and-human-rights-comments-and/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The business and human rights treaty needs to be much better aligned with lessons learnt from other relevant fields. That is including the broader business and human rights fields, private international law, and criminology, states a new policy brief&#xA0;by the T.M.C. Asser Institute. The 3rd revised draft of the legally binding instrument to regulate, in international human rights law, the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises, was published in August 2021. This text is based on a series of consultations and inter-State negotiations that have taken place since 2014.&#xA0;Early October, the Asser Institute hosted an expert meeting to discuss the revised draft, based on which an inter-university group of academics prepared a policy brief.&#xA;In &#x2018;Third Revised Draft Treaty on Business and Human Rights: Comments and Recommendations&#x2019;, the authors consider a selection of three policy areas that relate to questions at the heart of the treaty. That is prevention and due diligence; liability and regulation; and access to remedy. It focuses on a number of issues. For instance, the divergences between the current treaty and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the mismatching of the right to remedy and the obligations on access to remedy and liability. The treaty is also likely to collide with the principles of private international law. Furthermore, lessons taken from the legal and administrative prevention and control measures adopted by States are taken into account.&#xA;The current brief is not an exhaustive response to the various revisions made in the third draft. While numerous political controversies surround the treaty, the focus is on analysing its utility, where it was adopted, in responding to corporate human rights abuses. The main parameters of the treaty are relatively settled, so the feedback focuses on suggestions consistent with the current paradigm. The first section of the brief focuses on the areas of incoherence]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-law-and-ethics-of-ai-in-the-public-sector/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-law-and-ethics-of-ai-in-the-public-sector/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute invites abstracts on the topic of &#x2018;Law and ethics of artificial intelligence in the public sector: From principles to practice and policy&#x2019;, for an interdisciplinary conference that will take place on 10&#x2013;11 March 2022 at the Asser Institute in The Hague (subject to change).&#xA;BackgroundThe conference seeks to address the multiple challenges raised by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector. As AI is progressively deployed in various domains such as healthcare, energy, welfare, border security, criminal justice, law enforcement, or defence, it is essential to ensure that the development and use of AI technologies are guided by core values, in particular the rule of law and human rights.&#xA;In recent years, the sharp progresses of AI capabilities have been accompanied by a growing recognition of the need to proactively reflect on its societal implications, so as to shape the development and applications of technology in line with ethical and legal principles. Public and private institutions alike have called for a fundamental questioning on the potential impacts of AI, in order to steer AI research and policy towards beneficial outcomes, and to ultimately maintain agency over the technologies we decide to adopt.&#xA;Unfettered deployment of AI has already led to unintended consequences notably in terms of discrimination, privacy, due process, transparency, and accountability. Current debates on autonomous weapons systems, the use of facial recognition in public spaces, risk-assessment algorithms in the judicial system, or automated detection of welfare fraud, demonstrate that the implementation of data-driven policy-making and algorithmic decision-making in the public sector is a highly topical and important issue. The potentially promising and seemingly less controversial applications of AI for instance to improve healthcare or energy management should as well be the subject of close reflection and scrutiny, as they are not]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/apply-now-nuffic-okp-scholarships-for-law-courses-for-young-professionals-2021/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/apply-now-nuffic-okp-scholarships-for-law-courses-for-young-professionals-2021/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut invites professionals to apply to the&#xA0;Nuffic Orange Knowledge Programme Scholarship (OKP)&#xA0;to attend our 2022 summer law programme on&#xA0;International criminal law and international legal &amp;amp; comparative approaches to counter-terrorism&#xA0;(31 May &#x2013; 24 June 2022, provisional date). Women and/or professionals working at NGOs, in particular, are encouraged to apply.&#xA;With the NUFFIC scholarship, you could attend this 4-week law course, organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and partners. For more information on this course, click&#xA0;here, and you will see information on a previous edition (2021) similar in scope and nature.&#xA;Only young professionals, who are working in the area of&#xA0;security and rule of law&#xA0;and are nationals of - and living and working in - Benin, Burkina Faso, Colombia, DRC, Egypt, Guatemala, Guinea, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Tunisia, Uganda and Yemen can apply. For more information on the OKP scholarship, see&#xA0;here.&#xA;Deadline:&#xA0;2 November 2021 at 16.00 CET.&#xA;Before you start&#xA0;with your Nuffic application, please read the following important information: Eligibility:&#xA0;Review the eligibility criteria carefully for the&#xA0;OKP.&#xA;Motivation:&#xA0;You are requested to answer three motivation questions in your application form, which should clearly indicate the link between your organisation and position, and the topic &#x2018;security and rule of law&#x2019;. You will have to motivate your choice of course (e.g. the need for new knowledge and skills) in relation to problems or issues faced by your organisation; and you will have to describe how you are planning to put the newly acquired knowledge and skills to use.&#xA;Please be specific and base your answers on facts. We can provide advice, if necessary.&#xA;Employer statement:&#xA0;Make sure to check whether your employer is willing to nominate you for the scholarship.&#xA0;All applications must be supported by an employer statement, and only the prescribed Nuffic format (see]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-research-project-the-challenge-of-populist-memory-politics-for-europe-towards-effective/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-research-project-the-challenge-of-populist-memory-politics-for-europe-towards-effective/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Earlier this month, work has started on the new MEMOCRACY research project, co-organised with University of Cologne, University of Copenhagen, and Polish Academy of Sciences. As part of the MEMOCRACY research consortium, Asser senior researcher Dr&#xA0;Uladzislau Belavusau will study the proliferation of the nation-centric governance of memory through laws and policies in Germany and selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).&#xA;Hanna Arendt warned that the fragile truth of historical facts was vulnerable not only to being forgotten but also to manipulation (Arendt, Human Condition, Chicago University Press 1958, p. 232). However, she hardly meant in mind back then so-called memory laws, which represent an attempt by governments to legally preserve the memory of the past. Memory laws&#xA0;are legal acts and policies endorsing certain narratives about the past, often aimed at strengthening the collective identity of a nation or community. They encompass a wide array of laws from acts penalizing genocide denial, through bans on insulting the state, or bans on the use of symbols of totalitarianism, to parliamentary declarations about the legal qualification of a given historical event. Memory laws have an impact not only on the legal situation of individuals and groups, but they also shape the historical narrative of a given place and community. These narratives are increasingly codified in criminal law provisions. The proliferation of memory laws and policies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has instigated a contemporary culture war in Europe, a clash concerning the meaning of the past for present European identities.&#xA;Populist memory politics Earlier this year, Dr Uladzislau Belavusau, senior researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, together with Prof. Angelika Nu&#xDF;berger (University of Cologne), Dr&#xA0;Maria M&#xE4;lksoo (University of Copenhagen), and Dr&#xA0;Aleksandra Gliszczy&#x144;ska-Grabias (Polish Academy of Sciences), was awarded a grant by the Volkswagen Foundation to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-europe-s-role-in-the-world-player-or-plaything-by-prof-brigid-laffan/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 13 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-europe-s-role-in-the-world-player-or-plaything-by-prof-brigid-laffan/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registrations are open for the seventh Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture 2021, which will be held by Emerita Professor&#xA0;Brigid Laffan, an internationally recognised expert on the European Union. The title of her lecture is:&#xA0;&#x2018;Europe in the world: The emergence of Collective Power Europe?&#x2019;. During the 7th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture, Brigid Laffan will analyse the challenges facing Europe in a world of geopolitical shift and shock:&#xA;&#x201C;On the 24th&#xA0;of February 2022, the post-war international order ended, as did the 1989 peace dividend. A major nuclear power Russia, invaded its neighbour Ukraine, targeting civilians, reducing urban centres to a rubble and triggering a major displacement of people in Europe. For the European Union (EU) and the wider community of democracies, this is a critical juncture with implications for the security and political economy architecture of Europe and the wider world for decades to come. The Russian invasion takes place against the return of hard geopolitics, Great Power competition and the weakening of multilateral institutions. Over the last decade, the EU, a polity but not a state, has been grappling with its response to new dynamics in global politics. Europe&#x2019;s search for a role has focused on ill-defined concepts such as strategic autonomy and European sovereignty. The collective EU wants to be a player, not a plaything but is challenged by the imbalance between its economic power, diverging preferences of the member states and an inchoate approach to security which relies on NATO and the Transatlantic Alliance. The focus of this lecture is threefold. First, it explores the response of the EU and the community of democracies to Putin&#x2019;s war. Second, it analyses the impact on global politics and Great Power competition and three, assesses the consequences of the war for the dynamic of European integration and the nature of the EU. &#x201D; - Brigid Laffan&#xA;About Brigid LaffanUntil earlier this month, Brigid Laffan was director and professor at the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-symposium-delocalized-justice-the-delocalization-of-corporate-accountability-for-human/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-symposium-delocalized-justice-the-delocalization-of-corporate-accountability-for-human/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In March 2021, the Asser Institute held a digital conference around the theme of Delocalised Justice, with the support of the AfronomicsLaw blog. We discussed&#xA0;situations&#xA0;in which wrongs were suffered at the hands of corporations on the African continent and Global North institutions were asked to deliver justice. A well-known example is the Kiobel case against Shell in the Netherlands. Now, a bilingual (French and English) blog symposium features a sample of the papers presented at the conference by scholars from all over the globe.&#xA;The conference was held to nurture the conversation around delocalized justice in corporate accountability cases originating on the African continent. Most of these instances of delocalized justice are driven primarily by the victims&#x2019; legitimate pursuit for justice when it is unavailable to them at home. The conference encouraged the participants to engage with three main themes around the idea of justice processes being delocalized from the Global South to the Global North. Three guiding questions were identified: Is delocalized justice a desirable and effective way to hold Global North corporations accountable for human rights violations linked to their activities that affect African rightsholders?&#xA;How should such delocalized justice be operationalized to account for its delocalized nature?&#xA;Under which conditions could such processes remain localized within African institutions? This symposium aims to encourage a more systematic and critical scholarly engagement with the delocalization of justice in BHR cases involving harms suffered in African states, and the Global South more broadly.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-christophe-paulussen-it-was-an-interview-with-benjamin-ferencz-the/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 11 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-christophe-paulussen-it-was-an-interview-with-benjamin-ferencz-the/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[[Interview] Asser researcher Christophe Paulussen: &#x201C;It was an interview with Benjamin Ferencz, the last surviving Nuremberg prosecutor, which pushed me to the field of international criminal law&#x201D;&#xA;Dr Christophe Paulussen is a senior researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and coordinator of the research strand &#x2018;Human dignity and human security in international and European law&#x2019;. He specialises in the fields of international legal aspects of counter-terrorism, international criminal law and international humanitarian law; areas that are often in the news, for instance in the context of the (returning) foreign fighters phenomenon. An interview.&#xA;What is the main research project you are working on? &#x201C;Lately, I have been working a lot on the issue of (non-)repatriation of foreign fighters and their families currently detained in camps in North-East Syria, as well as citizenship stripping as a counter-terrorism measure. Depriving foreign fighters of their nationality is problematic from a variety of perspectives, not only from a long-term security point of view, but also from the perspective of international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The measure should not be resorted to: it ensures people disappear off the radar and clearly undermines the fight against impunity.&#x201D; Why is this topic important? &#x201C;These topics are important as governments around the world continue to struggle on how to best respond to alleged terrorists and the complex (legal and security) situation caused by the phenomenon of (returning) foreign fighters. As a researcher in international law, it is my responsibility to engage in this discussion, and to explain and stress, among other things, the importance of the international legal framework applicable to the situation.&#x201D;&#xA;What are you hoping to achieve with your research? &#x201C;My hope is that my research is not only interesting and innovative from an academic point of view but also useful from a societal]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-essay-monopolisation-concentrated-power-and-economic-embeddings-in-machine-learning/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-essay-monopolisation-concentrated-power-and-economic-embeddings-in-machine-learning/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[US and EU regulators are focusing on the market power and monopolistic behaviour of big tech firms. However, they tend to focus mostly on the conduct and market position of online platforms, while ignoring the underlying technologies by which they operate. But what if techniques like machine learning (ML) are themselves factors in the continuous expansion of already oversized tech giants? In a new essay on the A New AI Lexicon project (AI Now Institute and Data &amp;amp; Society Research Institute), Asser senior researcher Geoff Gordon and co-authors Bernhard Rieder (UvA), Giovanni Sileno (UvA) point to material aspects of technologies for machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as often-overlooked factors in the continuous expansion of &#x2018;already oversized tech giants&#x2019;.&#xA;In the essay, the authors stress that the technologies behind these platforms &#x2018;may further exacerbate the trend towards monopolisation in the tech sector and the problems that come with it&#x2019;. The authors argue that the critical debate about potential social harms of AI needs to be mindful of broader societal stakes: &#x201C;Traditionally, monopolies are seen as problematic because they may lead to rising prices for consumers, diminished product quality, or negative repercussions on labour conditions. While these things may not necessarily hold true for tech companies offering many &#x2018;free&#x2019; products, critics have argued that the new &#x2018;data-opolies can actually be more dangerous than traditional monopolies,&#x2019; because they &#x2018;affect not only our wallets but our privacy, autonomy, democracy, and well-being&#x2019;&#x201D;. Dominating research outputLarge tech firms like Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft in the US and Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent in China, have moved to &#x2018;corner the market&#x2019; for expertise in ML and AI. According to the authors, these companies now dominate research output in computer science, particularly around deep learning. This leads to a process of &#x2018;de-democratization&#x2019; in knowledge production, and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-essay-urban-legacies-of-911-an-international-law-perspective/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-essay-urban-legacies-of-911-an-international-law-perspective/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new essay on constitutional law blog Verfassungsblog, researchers Helmut Philipp Aust (Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin) and Janne E. Nijman (Asser Institute) point to the missing urban dimension in the international law debates on the attacks of 9/11: &#x201C;International law needs an update, desperately, to get a sense of how international cooperation is unfolding today&#x201D;.&#xA;When reflecting upon the legacy of the attacks of 9/11 as an international lawyer, you might think of topics such as the right to self-defense against non-state actors, or of the legacy of the C.I.A. extraordinary renditions programme. Most probably, you will not have thought of the urban dimension of the attacks, as in traditional international law cities are absent as actors. For a long time, scholars in public international law did not give a lot of attention to sub-national actors.&#xA;In their Verfassungsblog essay Urban Legacies of 9/11: An International Law Perspective, however, Aust and Nijman delineate how cities have &#x2018;asserted themselves as internationally relevant actors in manifold ways&#x2019;. Aust and Nijman: &#x201C;This rise of cities towards being important international actors, has much to do with, on the one hand, a certain geopolitical constellation and, on the other hand, developments in the field of climate change governance, which has led to spill-over effects into other fields, such as security.&#x201D;&#xA;Deficits of inter-state cooperationThe authors explain how a &#x2018;common disenchantment&#x2019; with the global climate change regime around the United Nations Framework Convention has opened up a policy space, in which cities and their transnational networks increasingly claimed a role to play. Aust and Nijman: &#x201C;Pointing to the alleged deficits of inter-state cooperation, cities claimed that they would be more agile and willing to cooperate. This rhetorical move has also been replicated in other policy fields, including security, where a panoply of transnational networks exist among cities today (&#x2026;) and where such]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-war-crimes-units-legislative-organisational-and-technical-lessons/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 05 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-war-crimes-units-legislative-organisational-and-technical-lessons/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[&#x27;War Crimes Units: Legislative, Organisational and Technical Lessons&#x27;, a new report written by Karolina Aksamitowska for the T.M.C. Asser Instituut/Global Rights Compliance MATRA-Ukraine project,&#xA0;provides an overview of best practices drawn from domestic war crimes units for the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. In recent years, European states such as Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands have been at the forefront of the domestic investigation and prosecution of international crimes, such as those committed in Syria. Owing to the unique nature of these crimes, several states have created specialised &#x2018;war crimes units&#x2019; - for example, within prosecution and immigration services as well as judiciaries - to ensure suspects are identified and prosecutions are carried out effectively and fairly.&#xA;Drawing on extensive desk research and the insights of practitioners, academics, and the civil society working on these issues, the report&#xA0;War Crimes Units: Legislative, Organisational and Technical Lessons identifies multiple best practices and lessons learned from various domestic war crimes units operating in Europe. In addition to highlighting best practices relating to the creation and structure of war crimes units, the report also addresses issues relevant to all stages of a war crimes case, from investigation to prosecution. Examples include the need to ensure domestic legislation allows for the use of digital open-source evidence within trials, the benefits of having strong procedural protections for victims and witnesses, and the advantages of cooperating with other countries and institutions during domestic&#xA0;investigations.&#xA;The overarching aim of the report, as part of the Matra project&#xA0;&#x2018;Strengthening Ukraine&#x2019;s Capacity to Investigate and Prosecute International Crimes&#x2019;, is to act as a best practice resource for Ukrainian authorities who have recently established their own War Crimes Unit within the Office of the Prosecutor General. Nevertheless,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-researcher-sofia-stolk-we-should-never-stop-asking-questions-and-art-can-be-a-way-to/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-researcher-sofia-stolk-we-should-never-stop-asking-questions-and-art-can-be-a-way-to/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Art and international law, it does seem an uneasy combination &#x2013; international law being strict, rigid, and all about the application of the rules, and art which tends to bend and question those very same rules. But researcher Sofia Stolk thrives in this no man&#x2019;s land: &#x201C;We should look beyond the narrow focus on judgments or the law itself. I think there is an added value in taking seriously different views on justice.&#x201D;&#xA;Where did your fascination with art and international law come from? Both of my parents are artists so I grew up in an environment in which art, theatre and literature was part of our daily life. For me, art in its many different forms is intertwined with how we see and understand the world. I started my university career doing linguistics, before I focused on international law and human rights. Since 2011, I have worked on the intersection of film and human rights at the Movies that Matter Foundation. These aspects of language and culture continue to appear in my work. So my research at the Asser Instituut is a natural continuation of my interest in language, theatre, art and law.&#xA;At the moment, I am working on a research project called Visualising International Law. In this project I investigate how visuals matter in international law and international institutions. How do institutions use visuals? And the other way around - how are these institutions portrayed by others, such as for example artists? This encounter between the institutions and their intended publics interests me. I like how art is a mediator in this interaction, and how it can be a tool to both criticize international law or to strengthen it.&#xA;What kind of societal and academic impact are you aiming for?&#xA;For me what is important is the interdisciplinary component in international law. What I like to do is to follow my curiosity and let the world surprise me. And international law has surprised me from the moment that I started engaging with it. I am quite critical of international]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-cambridge-companion-to-hugo-grotius/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 28 Sept 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-cambridge-companion-to-hugo-grotius/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Cambridge Companion to Hugo Grotius, a brand new publication by Randall Lesaffer and Janne E. Nijman, offers a comprehensive overview of the work of Dutch humanist, diplomat, lawyer, theologian and jurist Hugo Grotius (1583&#x2013;1645).&#xA;Grotius lived through a time of great upheaval in Europe as well as in his country of birth, the Dutch Republic. The religious, political and constitutional convulsions that struck the Republic destroyed Grotius&#x27; career but also, in combination with fundamental changes in the intellectual outlook of early seventeenth-century Europe formed his views of God, nature, society, politics and law.&#xA;The Cambridge Companion to Hugo Grotius (Cambridge University Press (2021), available in hard copy and open access) is aimed at students, teachers and general readers, while its chapters also draw upon and contribute to recent specialised discussions of Grotius&#x2019; oeuvre and its later reception. Contributors to the volume cover the width and breadth of Grotius&#x2019; work and thought, ranging from his literary work, including his historical, theological and political writing, to his seminal legal interventions.&#xA;While giving these various fields a separate treatment, the book also delves into the underlying conceptions and outlooks that formed Grotius&#x2019; intellectual map of the world as he understood it, and as he wanted it to become, giving a new political and religious context to his forays into international and domestic law.&#xA;About the authors&#xA;Randall Lesaffer is Professor of Legal History at KU Leuven in Belgium and at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. His research focuses on the history of the early-modern law of nations in Europe, as well as the history of modern international law. He is the general editor of The Cambridge History of International Law, Oxford Historical Treaties and an editor of the Journal of the History of International Law. He is president of the Grotiana Foundation. Janne E. Nijman is chairperson of the executive board and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/updated-programme-the-art-and-international-law-laboratory-experiences-of-justice/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 27 Sept 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/updated-programme-the-art-and-international-law-laboratory-experiences-of-justice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[How can legal professionals use art to identify and overcome legal, ethical, and social challenges? Four artists from various disciplines will offer a fresh and inspiring perspective on safeguarding the dignity, safety and well-being of participants in legal processes.&#xA;In this unique masterclass, we will discuss how insights from the arts can help channel empathy and the expression of emotion, thus empowering people from diverse backgrounds and privileges. The aim is to discover how to use artistic tools to improve the experiences of justice.&#xA0;In three consequent workshops, you will experiment collaboratively with artistic tools, under the guidance of professional artists from various disciplines. This Masterclass will feature researcher Sofia Stolk, curator&#xA0;Lua Vollaard, filmmaker Eliane Esther Bots, writer Meenakshi Thirukode and artist&#xA0;Jules Sievert Rochielle.&#xA;The two-day programme will challenge you to view your work from the perspective of the people involved in (international) trials and procedures. You will experience the view of interpreters, the view of people from various cultural and political backgrounds and the view of victims of human rights violations. Your experience will help discover new ways of empowering these people, and will add a new layer to your work as a legal professional.&#xA;More information and programme: https://www.asser.nl/education-events/events/?id=4178 Date: 21 &#x2013; 22 October 2021&#xA;Fee: &#x20AC; 995,- &#x20AC; 495,-(Students and NGO-workers)&#xA;Venue: T.M.C. Asser Instituut, The Hague]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/global-city-project-phd-defence-day-for-miha-marcenko-on-the-role-of-the-city-in-international/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 17 Sept 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/global-city-project-phd-defence-day-for-miha-marcenko-on-the-role-of-the-city-in-international/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Wednesday September 22, Asser PhD researcher Miha Mar&#x10D;enko will defend his doctoral thesis on &#x27;The Role of the City as a Discursive Practice in International Law and Governance&#x27;, in the Agnietenkapel (16.00 hrs CET) of the University of Amsterdam. Supervisors are Prof. Dr. J.E. Nijman and Prof. Dr. E.M.H. Hirsch Ballin. Co-supervisor is Dr G.M. Gordon.&#xA;Watch the livestream.&#xA;Mar&#x10D;enko&#x2019;s research is part of the project &#x2018;The Global City: Challenges, Trust and the Role of Law&#x2019;, led by Asser chairperson and PhD-supervisor Janne E. Nijman. Questions this project explores, among others, are about the role and position claimed by the global city on the international stage and the implications for its relationship with international law.&#xA;The city as a stabilising and disrupting elementMiha Mar&#x10D;enkos&#x2019; thesis argues&#xA0;&#x2018;that the discursive frame of&#xA0;the&#xA0;city, shaped by different&#xA0;trajectories of international ordering that contentiously coexist within networked governance, is both a stabilising and a disrupting element in international law and governance&#x2019;.&#xA;Project leader Janne E. Nijman: &#x201C;Miha&#x2019;s thesis brings critical thinking to the emerging field of international law and cities. As a public international lawyer, Miha relates to the increasing manifestations of the city in the international legal order in a very interesting manner; showing the complexities, tensions, and politics coming with the mobilisation of the city in international law. I am delighted Miha contributes such an original take to the debate and look forward to his defence.&#x201D; About the Global City projectThe Global City Project, which consisted of a team of four PhD researchers, has an innovative and multidisciplinary outlook, bringing history, geography and socio-legal studies to its examinations. It covered research on a number of related themes: diversity, migration and trade (including the slave trade); political participation and citizenship; the role of law, fundamental rights and duties as a possible]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-ernst-hirsch-ballin-the-ability-to-see-us-in-them-is-decisive-for-the-whole-issue/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Sept 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-ernst-hirsch-ballin-the-ability-to-see-us-in-them-is-decisive-for-the-whole-issue/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[He has been a state councillor, a politician, the longest serving minister of Justice in the Netherlands since the early 19th century, president of the T.M.C. Asser Institute, but above all, he is a legal scholar and a jurist. Later this month, Ernst Hirsch Ballin will say farewell as a professor of Human Rights Law at the UvA. His farewell seminar at the Asser Institute on Thursday September 16, will focus on Global Migration, a topic close to his heart. We interviewed him prior to the seminar. Ernst Hirsch Ballin: &#x201C;Sadly, there is the widespread misconception that you can take wind out of the sails of populist parties by not speaking out clearly against their ideas&#x201D;. When we speak with him, over a Zoom call, Ernst Hirsch Ballin looks relaxed. At the wall behind him, we see a 1930&#x2019;s litho by French Belle Epoque caricaturist Adrien Barr&#xE8;re, called &#x2018;Passing the Bar&#x2019;. Underneath it, a full bookcase with neatly arranged stashes of colourful books and a small bottle with fragrance sticks. He has not slept well, he says. Later in the conversation, he will hint at having sleepless nights over the crisis in Afghanistan, an &#x2018;inconceivable tragedy&#x2019;.Ernst Hirsch Ballin has extensively published and engaged in academic and public debates in the field of migration. He has written on migration law and policy, on the human rights of asylum seekers and migrants, and on issues of civic integration and citizenship. In short: he has explored issues covering the whole chain of migration, culminating in novel ideas on migrants&#x2019; obtaining of citizenship.But his engagement was much more than an academic endeavour. As a Minister of Justice, Ernst Hirsch Ballin has contributed to the shaping and implementing of both Dutch and EU policies on asylum and migration. The topic has never left him. After his term of office, he continued writing and speaking about it &#x2013; always with human rights law as an anchor point.&#xA;You have worked on the theme of asylum and migration, both as an academic and as]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/thilo-marauhn-appointed-extraordinary-professor-of-international-arms-control-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 13 Sept 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/thilo-marauhn-appointed-extraordinary-professor-of-international-arms-control-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Prof. Dr. Thilo Marauhn (58) has been appointed Extraordinary Professor of International Arms Control Law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Marauhn will conduct research on international arms control agreements and their compliance. The new Chair was established on behalf of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut for International and European Law and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Netherlands. As an Extraordinary Professor at the UvA, and working at the Asser Institute in The Hague, Marauhn will focus on innovative research in arms control law. This is a highly specialised and relevant area of law, which is not a structural subject of research or education at any other Dutch university or research institute. With the new Chair, academic knowledge of this field, vital for national and international security, will be preserved in the Netherlands.&#xA;In his research, Marauhn, a widely recognised expert in International Law, will address international arms control law in the area of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. He will conduct research on chemical biological radiological and nuclear (CBRN) security. Marauhn will further monitor compliance with existing arms control treaties and the practical implementation of arms control law obligations in the national legal sphere. Most important, he will critically review the appropriateness of existing approaches and investigate prospects to enhance and further develop the law of arms control, among others, in respect of new and emerging technologies.&#xA;Chairperson of the Executive Board and Academic Director of the Asser Institute, Prof. Dr Janne Nijman, is delighted with the appointment. According to Nijman, the support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is part of &quot;a steady line of commitment by the Netherlands to the development of arms control law and the knowledge that is needed for that purpose.&quot; She looks forward to working with Prof. Marauhn and foresees synergies with]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/apply-now-nuffic-mena-scholarships-for-law-courses-for-young-professionals/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 07 Sept 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/apply-now-nuffic-mena-scholarships-for-law-courses-for-young-professionals/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut invites professionals to apply to the Nuffic MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) and Orange Knowlegde Programme (OKP)&#xA0;to attend our 2022 summer law programme on International criminal law and international legal &amp;amp; comparative approaches to counter-terrorism (31 May &#x2013; 24 June 2022, provisional date). Women and/or professionals working at NGOs, in particular, are encouraged to apply.&#xA;With the NUFFIC scholarship, you could attend this 4-week law course, organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and partners. For more information on this course, click&#xA0;here, and you will see information on a previous edition (2021) similar in scope and nature.&#xA;Only young professionals, who are working in the area of&#xA0;security and rule of law&#xA0;and are nationals of - and living and working in - Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya or Morocco, can apply. For more information on the MSP scholarship, see&#xA0;here.&#xA;Deadline:&#xA0;12 October 2021 at 16.00 CET.&#xA;Before you start&#xA0;with your Nuffic application, please read the following important information: Eligibility:&#xA0;Review the eligibility criteria carefully for the&#xA0;MSP. And here for OKP.&#xA;Motivation:&#xA0;You are requested to answer three motivation questions in your application form, which should clearly indicate the link between your organisation and position, and the topic &#x2018;security and rule of law&#x2019;. You will have to motivate your choice of course (e.g. the need for new knowledge and skills) in relation to problems or issues faced by your organisation; and you will have to describe how you are planning to put the newly acquired knowledge and skills to use.&#xA;Please be specific and base your answers on facts. We can provide advice, if necessary.&#xA;Employer statement:&#xA0;Make sure to check whether your employer is willing to nominate you for the scholarship.&#xA0;All applications must be supported by an employer statement, and only the prescribed Nuffic format (see&#xA0;here) will be accepted as a valid document (a French employer]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/opening-academic-year-sharing-ideas-to-help-shape-a-post-covid-world/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/opening-academic-year-sharing-ideas-to-help-shape-a-post-covid-world/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On these last days of August, I would like to extend my best wishes for the new academic year. I sincerely hope you had some time to slow down and managed to turn away from the &#x2018;life of Zoom&#x2019; that characterised our last academic year. In this new academic year, we are looking forward to gradually open-up for hybrid and in-person events and educational programs. In the past months, we have newly equipped our building and conference facilities for a safe return. We cannot wait to meet you, our colleagues, fellow-researchers, students, practitioners and policymakers in The Hague again.&#xA;When we reconnected our screens after the holidays, the monumental problems of our world were right in our face again. In the past weeks, we have witnessed the heart-breaking crisis in Afghanistan, where the overthrowing of the government by the Taliban challenges the international community to find responses that serve peace and justice for the Afghan people.&#xA;And amidst a summer of extremes, with floods, heat and fires, the IPPC published its existentially alarming report, which shows that climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying. Unless we immediately manage a serious and large-scale reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, limiting global warming to 1.5&#xB0;C or even 2&#xB0;C, will be beyond reach. A recent proposal to include ecocide as an international crime in the Rome Statute - alongside crimes against humanity, war crimes, acts of aggression and genocide - has thankfully focused the debate; we would be delighted to receive your input in our open call for papers on ecocide and domestic and international law.&#xA;Making the world more justAs a knowledge institute based in The Hague - a place where international and European law is developed, applied and contested on a daily basis - we consider it our mission to help develop law and policy solutions that make the world we live in more just for everyone. In the coming academic year, we will continue to work hard to contribute to the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-researcher-rebecca-mignot-mahdavi-states-have-used-the-law-as-a-tool-to-legitimise/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-researcher-rebecca-mignot-mahdavi-states-have-used-the-law-as-a-tool-to-legitimise/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi&#xA0;is a counter-terrorism researcher, whose work focuses on our evolving legal and policy capacity to deal with security threats. In a number of recent publications, Mignot-Mahdavi questioned the legality of France&#x2019;s air strikes in the Sahel: &quot;These strikes consisted of firing on people whose identities were not known, and who had not been witnessed as participating in acts of combat.&quot; An interview. What is the main focus of your research? &quot;The goal of my research is to understand the legal/security architecture in the context of counter-terrorism. I am driven by the question of how three factors &#x2013; the law, technology and security practices &#x2013; interact with- and reshape one another. My overarching research question is whether and to what extent the international legal order, and traditional distinctions such as criminal/enemy, inside/outside the domestic borders, battlefield/non-battlefield, peace/war, human/non-human are being blurred by data-driven security practices which foster paradigmatic legal changes.&quot;&#xA;I reach out to multiple audiences, and in different forms. This has been both challenging and extremely rewarding&#xA;Why is this topic important? What are you hoping to achieve with your research?&quot;Since 9/11, many states have participated in creating global security frameworks. They have used the law as a tool to legitimise intrusive security practices, which put individual liberties at risk. They are also using new technologies, such as drones and algorithmic systems as tools to anticipate threats. Making sense of how these frameworks came into being and how they continue to evolve, and understanding the functions performed by the law in this equation, is essential when you want to form an opinion about our contemporary societies and for deciding how to act upon it.&quot;&#xA;What is the best thing about working at the Asser Institute?&#xA;The Asser Institute is a place where researchers conduct societally meaningful research and are in constant]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-ecocide-as-an-international-crime-perspectives-from-domestic-and-international/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-ecocide-as-an-international-crime-perspectives-from-domestic-and-international/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The International Crimes Database, powered by the Asser Institute, invites submissions of short articles for publication in the online paper series &#x2018;ICD Briefs&#x2019; on the theme: &#x2018;Ecocide as an International Crime? Perspectives from Domestic and International Law&#x2019;.&#xA;Ecocide as an international crime?The recent proposal by the Stop Ecocide Foundation to include ecocide as an international crime in the Rome Statute - alongside crimes against humanity, war crimes, acts of aggression and genocide - has sparked a lively debate amongst legal scholars, practitioners and civil society.&#xA;While the idea to conceive ecocide as an international crime is not a recent phenomenon, the proposal has given the discussion surrounding ecocide a renewed energy by providing a solid groundwork for how the crime can be formulated, which includes questions such as:&#xA;How can ecocide be differentiated from ordinary environmental offences? Should the crime be subject to direct intent, or would negligence suffice? Instead of amending the Rome Statute to include a fifth international crime, is the better option to develop ecocide within the ambit of crimes against humanity? And to what extent can legal and political developments concerning ecocide in domestic jurisdictions be extrapolated onto the international setting?&#xA;Considering these indeterminacies, we welcome submissions that deal with the conception of the crime of ecocide from a diverse range of domestic and international legal perspectives. Find the full call here. About the International Crimes Database The ICD is an online database hosted and maintained by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague. The database provides access to a range of information on international crimes for lawyers and judges, and for students, academics, practitioners, policymakers, families and communities affected by crimes.&#xA;The ICD offers a comprehensive database of international crimes adjudicated by national as well as international and internationalised courts.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-report-2020-the-year-of-zoom/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jul 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-report-2020-the-year-of-zoom/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute Annual Report 2020 is now online. The report will give you an insight into the depth, diversity and impact of our research, training, publications and other educational activities. With another year behind us, the Asser Institute wants to highlight our achievements of the last year in academic research, collaborations, events and publications through our 2020 Annual Report. Though our place of work changed to an online format, we were able to pursue our academic, educational, and research activities, as we continued to strive towards excellence and lasting impact. For instance, the hallmark Asser Annual Lecture, in which Andrew Murry spoke on the increasingly relevant digital-age topic &#x2018;Almost Human: Law and Human Agency in the Time of Artificial Intelligence&#x2019;, was a great success with over 600 active participants from all over the world, even through an online format.&#xA;Participants from all over the globeSimilarly, the Asser Institute Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International law was a place for ardent discussion on the emerging questions of this field for policy makers, industry professionals, researchers and advanced students. Here, we experienced the benefits of online working, as legal experts, policymakers and participants were now able to join our events from all over the globe, without travel. And so they did &#x2013; the number of participants to our online education and public events quadrupled. We are proud to have connected speakers and students from five continents in our summer programmes and winter academies.&#xA;Research&#xA0;and debateFurthermore, our researchers were once again at the forefront of legal discussions, leading with innovative thinking. They were interviewed by the media about a wide variety of international law developments at the courts and tribunals of The Hague, on topics of counter-terrorism, sports law, artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons, and international criminal law. They intervened in various]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-scholarships-available-join-our-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-scholarships-available-join-our-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Do you live in a low or lower-middle income country like Bolivia, Tunesia or Bangladesh? And is your work related to weapons of mass destruction? You may be eligible for a scholarship&#xA0;to attend our renowned Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction training in September/October with the tuition fee fully covered.&#xA;The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs has generously agreed to fund up to 16 scholarships. Candidates should be working in the field of (or related to) WMD. They also should be nationals of and be working in one of the countries mentioned in the list of Low/Lower-Middle Income Economies of the World Bank. Applications must be received by 5 September. More information on eligibility requirements&#xA;Apply for the MFA scholarship OPCW scholarshipAre you currently employed at a non-governmental organisation, think-tank or a research or academic institute? You may also be eligible for a scholarship for our training. Especially female candidates are encouraged to apply. These scholarships are offered by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, with funding support from the European Union. Applications must be received by 22 August. More information on eligibility requirements&#xA;Apply for the OPCW scholarship Our training programme on Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction will will take place 27 September &#x2013; 1 October 2021. It offers participants in-depth knowledge on the topic of disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and an opportunity to build their network.&#xA;Find the full programme here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-lethal-autonomous-weapons-10-things-we-want-to-know/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-podcast-lethal-autonomous-weapons-10-things-we-want-to-know/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new podcast series &#x27;Lethal Autonomous Weapons: 10 things we want to know&#x27; was launched with Asser researcher Marta Bo. The podcast series is a part of the&#xA0;LAWS &amp;amp; War Crimes research project at the Graduate Institute (Geneva). Over a series of ten episodes, members of the research team will interview various experts around disciplines such as science, law, ethics, who have studied or written extensively about lethal autonomous weapon systems.&#xA;LAWS &amp;amp; War Crimes Project The LAWS &amp;amp; War Crimes project looks at the challenges of ascribing criminal responsibility for war crimes raised by the advent of increasingly autonomous weapon systems and human-machine shared decision-making in the targeting process. As Marta reveals in the podcast, &#x201C;This was a topic that at the time when we prepared the project proposal was not tackled at all. We now see that increasingly it is receiving attention&#x201D;.&#xA;Challenges in LAWSThe podcast series will look at the responsibility of the human in the usage of lethal autonomous weapons when conducting war crimes. As Paola Gaeta, who leads the LAWS &amp;amp; War Crimes project, defines it in the podcast &#x201C;what has become most sophisticated, and this will be the subject of one the first topics, is the relationship between the human and the weapon. A way an intermediary is a control system, is a software. Which can be as much as sophisticated as to ingrain some form of artificial intelligence&#x201D;. Upcoming speakersThe podcast hopes to broadcast detailed, challenging and engaging discussion with upcoming guests, mainly experts, academics and researchers. Each episode will aim to centre on one theme or challenge associated with lethal autonomous weapons, by interviewing an expert who has written extensively on that topic. Certain experts in the field that listeners can look forward include international humanitarian law expert Professor Marco Sassoli, who will discuss how lethal autonomous weapons can or cannot comply with international]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/one-year-of-matra-strengthening-ukraines-capacity-to-investigate-and-prosecute-international/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/one-year-of-matra-strengthening-ukraines-capacity-to-investigate-and-prosecute-international/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x2019;s and Global Rights Compliance&#x2019;s (GRC) capacity building project MATRA-Ukraine is celebrating its first birthday. Through the project, specialised knowledge is shared to strengthen the capacity of the Office of the Prosecutor General&#x2019;s War Crimes Unit, the Ukrainian judiciary, and a range of other criminal justice actors. The project also aims to empower civil society in Ukraine to investigate, prosecute, adjudicate and monitor international crimes. &#x201C;Thank you for the practical and useful presentations that will be used in our professional work&#x201D; &#x2013; Ukrainian prosecutor and participant in our February Exchange Meeting.&#xA;BackgroundSince the events surrounding the 2014 &#x201C;Revolution of Dignity&#x201D; &#x2013; where over 100 protesters and security personnel were killed &#x2013; Ukraine has been profoundly affected by armed conflict. In late February 2014, the region of Crimea was occupied by unidentified armed men (later acknowledged to have been Russian military) who gained control over the area. Shortly after, armed groups in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Eastern Ukraine declared the separation of areas under their control from Ukraine. Protracted armed conflict ensued and continues to the present day along largely static frontlines. This current situation exists despite several attempts to end the conflict by the international&#xA0;community.&#xA;The situation in Eastern Ukraine has given rise to reliable allegations of the perpetration of international crimes, particularly war crimes and crimes against humanity. Specific allegations include&#xA0;killings, enforced disappearances, torture and sexual abuse. In response, the Government of Ukraine has started to take steps to ensure accountability for those responsible. Measures taken include the establishment of the specialised War Crimes Unit to investigate and prosecute such crimes and the adoption of a draft bill that aims to incorporate the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court into domestic Ukrainian law.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-method-methodology-and-critique-in-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-method-methodology-and-critique-in-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute issues a call for papers on the topic of method, methodology and critique in international law. The deadline to submit abstracts is 31 July.&#xA;Upcoming workshopPapers will be presented during an upcoming workshop on &#x2018;method, methodology and critique in international law&#x2019;. This four day intensive workshop is the culmination of a year-long series of events exploring multiple modes of seeing, thinking and writing. The aim of the culminating workshop is to develop collaboratively our engagements with different ways of &#x2018;doing&#x2019; international legal scholarship. In the spirit of the series of events held throughout the year, we will focus on the opportunities, pitfalls and politics of varying methodological approaches, their embedded epistemological, sociological and philosophical commitments, in addition to the particular technical crafts they demand.&#xA;ProgrammeThrough intense engagements in small writing and discussion groups, participants will learn together which paths can be taken in an increasingly complex methodological landscape (and what is politically at stake in making these choices). By workshopping texts, participants will explore the opportunities and limitations of diverse research methods for the study of law and legal practice, while reflecting critically on our engagement as researchers with different methodological possibilities. We will conduct the workshop in small groups of 6-8 participating researchers. Each researcher will individually present a paper, which will have been circulated in advance, for sustained engagement by a respondent and the rest of the small group. The workshop sessions will be complemented by additional lectures and an opening keynote by Gerry Simpson. The workshop will take place on 15-18 December 2021 and will be a hybrid event: those who are able to join us in The Hague will meet in person; those unable to travel will meet and workshop online, via zoom. The closing keynote will be conducted in person and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-in-parliamentary-roundtable-on-the-threat-of-repatriation-of-former-is-fighters/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-in-parliamentary-roundtable-on-the-threat-of-repatriation-of-former-is-fighters/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Wednesday 16 June, Asser senior researcher and counter-terrorism expert Christophe Paulussen will participate in an online roundtable discussion, organised by the Justice and Security Committee of the Dutch House of Representatives. The theme of the public discussion is the scope of threat of the repatriation of former IS fighters from Syria.&#xA;The Netherlands, like many other European countries, has been struggling to find an answer to the fighters and their families currently being held in the overcrowded prison camps of northeast Syria, where riots and breakouts are increasingly commonplace. Calling them a threat to national security, the Dutch government has been unwilling to repatriate the former IS fighters and their families.&#xA;Preventing a new security problemAlthough repatriation and subsequent prosecution have their own challenges, Christophe Paulussen has called for the active repatriation of former IS fighters and their families. In today&#x2019;s parliamentary roundtable discussion, Paulussen will address international legal and moral obligations, as well as the threat of long-term security problems by continuing the current situation. Paulussen: &#x201C;Repatriating former IS fighters and their families from Syria is the right thing to do from an international legal, long term security and moral perspective. It&#x2019;s important that they are tried to avoid impunity for international crimes, as well as to ensure that they do not disappear off the radar.&#x201D;&#xA;Christophe&#x27;s position paper in the parliamentary roundtable discussion can be found&#xA0;here. The livestream is accessible here.&#xA;Read more The repatriation of foreign fighters and their families: options, obligations, morality and long-term thinking&#xA;The long-term risk of non-repatriation of Dutch children in Syrian camps&#xA;Repatriate and prosecute foreign terrorist fighters&#xA;Prosecute ISIS members for war crimes not just terrorism charges, say European prosecutors&#xA;The prosecution of foreign fighters under international humanitarian]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/programme-and-registration-fourth-annual-nnhrr-conference-human-rights-and-vulnerability/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jun 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/programme-and-registration-fourth-annual-nnhrr-conference-human-rights-and-vulnerability/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Co-hosted online by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam together with the Asser Institute on 22-24 June, the fourth annual NNHRR conference will address the topic of &#x2018;human rights and vulnerability&#x2019;. The theme will be discussed across multiple panels, round tables and PhD workshops to investigate its implications and usefulness across the law and practice of rights protection. Register here.&#xA;The keynote will be delivered by Prof. Gerard Quinn, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities on 23 June and the Network&#x2019;s working groups will also host panels and roundtables to discuss vulnerability in their specific fields of migration, business and human rights and the digital space. Vulnerability has become increasingly relevant throughout these areas to qualify the applicability of human rights according to particular needs.&#xA;View the full programme here.&#xA;Keynote in-person livestreamStudents from all faculties are invited to attend Prof. Quinn&#x2019;s keynote livestream on the VU Campus, Initium (Law Faculty building) on 23 June from 15:30 to 16:30 in room IN 0B-60 (directions can be found here). Attending the livestream is free but registration is required. If you want to attend the livestream, please register here.&#xA;The &#x2018;Toogdag&#x2019; is the flagship annual event of the Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research, an academic platform coordinated by the Asser Institute since 2017. In the past, the conference has been hosted by Tilburg Law School (2018) Maastricht University (2019) and the University of Amsterdam (2020). This marks the first occasion that this event is co-hosted by two member institutions of the network.&#xA;The conference is open to members and non-members of the NNHRR. Registration is free and participants will receive a Zoom link to access the multiple sessions upon registering.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/global-city-project-defence-day-for-two-asser-phd-researchers/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/global-city-project-defence-day-for-two-asser-phd-researchers/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As the academic year draws to a close, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut celebrates two PhD candidates, Yehonatan Elazar-DeMota and Lisa Roodenburg, defending their dissertations. Tomorrow, Tuesday 8 June (12:00&#xA0;hours CET), Yehonatan Elazar-DeMota will defend his thesis on &#x2018;Na&#xE7;&#xE3;o legal consciousness and its contribution to the seventeenth-century Dutch republic debate on slavery and the slave trade&#x2019;. A day later, on Wednesday 9 June (14.00 hours CET) Lisa Roodenburg will defend her thesis on &#x2018;Anticipating friction &#x2013; The role of human rights in urban debates on migration and diversity: The case of Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Buenos Aires&#x2019;. Both Yehonatan&#x2019;s and Lisa&#x2019;s research is part of the project &#x2018;The Global City: Challenges, Trust and the Role of Law&#x2019;, led by Asser chairperson and PhD-supervisor Janne E. Nijman. The Global City project is dedicated to a better understanding of the ever-evolving relation between the city and international law, and how they have shaped each other in the past, and are shaping each other today. The project, which consists of a team of four PhD researchers, has an innovative and multidisciplinary outlook, bringing history, geography and socio-legal studies to its examinations. Yehonatan and Lisa are the two first PhD researchers to defend their doctoral thesis, PhD researchers&#xA0;Julia van der Krieke and Miha Marcenko&#xA0;will follow later. Very new research field&#x201C;I am delighted to see the first two PhD theses of the Global City project emerging. Both studies are really engaging and original contributions to the scholarly discussions&#x201D;, says project leader Janne E. Nijman. &#x201C;I am truly proud of Lisa and Yehonatan, who both made the transition to independent scholars so successfully and convincingly. I am looking forward to their defences and their future scholarly work. I am also grateful for the vision of the Gieskes Strijbis Foundation for its support of the Global City project, which has allowed us to contribute to a very new research field on cities]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/in-the-media-final-ruling-for-mladic-on-genocide-conviction/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/in-the-media-final-ruling-for-mladic-on-genocide-conviction/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, the international criminal tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague will give its final ruling on the Ratko Mladi&#xE7; case. Asser researcher Sofia Stolk gave her comments on the case in an interview with news agency Associated Press. In 2017, the tribunal sentenced Mladic to life imprisonment, after he was convicted of masterminding crimes throughout the 1992-95 Bosnian War. That was including genocide in the eastern enclave of Srebrenica in 1995, where his forces murdered more than eight thousand Muslim Bosnian men and boys.Stolk called today&#x2019;s final ruling by the ICTY is important, as &#x2018;it will close the tribunal&#x2019;s last key case and because it concerns genocide, the deliberate killing of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of its destruction&#x2019;.Read the full story.&#xA;Upcoming event: Visualising the Mladic trialOn Wednesday 23 June, the Asser Institute will organise the event &#x2018;Visualising the Mladic trial&#x2019;. In this SCL lecture, we will offer a perspective on the trial and the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) through two artistic interventions: the documentary The Trial of Ratko Mladic (Rob Miller and Henry Singer, 2018) and the exhibition Resolution 808 &#x2013; Inside the Yugoslavia Tribunal (Jorie Horsthuis and Martino Lombezzi).The speakers, journalist and political scientist Jorie Horsthuis, documentary photographer and historian Martino Lombezzi, and documentary filmmaker Rob Miller, will shed light on the process and impact of their artistic rendering of the trial and the importance of such visualisations for the legacy and reach of the ICTY more generally.&#xA;Moderator: Sofia StolkRead more.Register*.&#xA;*When registering for the event, you will also get access to the film The Trial of Ratko Mladic for a 24-hour streaming period.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-researcher-chukwuma-okoli-with-increasing-investments-in-africa-knowledge-of-private/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-researcher-chukwuma-okoli-with-increasing-investments-in-africa-knowledge-of-private/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[With the fast-growing international trade with Africa comes an inevitable rise in trade disputes. For trade to run smoothly, questions such as &#x2018;what courts have jurisdiction; what law(s) should apply; will a foreign judgment be recognised and enforced by the courts of African states&#x2019; will need to be resolved. Meet Chukwuma Okoli, Asser researcher in private international law in Africa: &#x201C;Young academics should remain true to themselves.&#x201D;&#xA;Why did you choose to study private international law?&#x201C;I have always been interested in the international dimension of law, - that was what attracted me to the subject of private international law in the first place. Then I was actually encouraged to focus on this particular field by my mentor, Professor Paul Beaumont. While I studied in the United Kingdom for my LL.M, he observed that I did very well. He told me: &#x201C;Look, you&#x2019;re doing pretty great in private international law, why don&#x2019;t you join me?&#x201D; That really encouraged me to commit to the field. So I see myself as a product of mentorship and that is why, whenever I can, I do my best to give back to society, by mentoring students and interns as well.&quot; What kind of societal and academic impact are you aiming for with your work?&#x201C;&#x27;Private international law in Nigeria&#x27;, the book that I co-authored with Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong, was the very first on the subject. Before, judges and lawyers struggled to handle claims on private international law in Africa. Our book was praised for filling this gap.With increasing populations in Africa and increasing investments, knowledge of private international law will be key. So I intend to work on the second edition of Private International law in Commonwealth Africa, which will help to fill another gap. In that publication, we will be looking at themes on the brand new African Continental Free Trade Agreement as well.&quot; Next month you are coordinating a Masterclass on &#x27;Investing in English-speaking Africa: A private international law]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/preliminary-programme-out-sign-up-for-the-international-public-interest-advocacy-workshop/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/preliminary-programme-out-sign-up-for-the-international-public-interest-advocacy-workshop/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The preliminary programme for the 4th edition of the international public interest advocacy workshop is now out. The workshop brings together top legal practitioners and academics in the area of public interest advocacy. During three days, professionals such as Louise Fournier &amp;amp; Charlie Holt from Greenpeace International, Jelle Klaas from the Public Interest Litigation Project (PILP), Joseph Wilde and Marian Ingrams from SOMO &amp;amp; OECD Watch, Helen Duffy from Human Rights in Practice, and Gear&#xF3;id &#xD3;&#x27;Cuinn, Ioannis Kalpouzos &amp;amp; Valentina Azarova from the Global Legal Action Network will join us. The workshop covers topics such as environmental litigation, human rights litigation, corporate accountability and more. This workshop is not only an educational event, but also an exceptional opportunity to expand your network.&#xA;Background Advocating for public interests involves many challenges in the field of international law. You will have to develop strategic litigation, choose and identify funding opportunities, and take on a cause. Taking on this work also means taking on risk, and calls for critical reflection. Working as a lawyer on behalf of public interest in the international arena is a developing field. As such, sustaining that work requires skills, knowledge, and a good network.&#xA;What to expect&#x200B;&#xA;When attending the online course you will get exclusive insight into the experiences of various legal practitioners within the field. They will discuss diverse topics related to developments within international public interest advocacy. Some of the key topics that will be covered are: strategic litigation, creative lawyering, identifying issues in the public interest, finding resources for public interest work, new technologies and public interest innovation, and the challenges to public interest work internationally. There will also be plenty of opportunities for networking and critical thinking about the topics.&#xA;When&#xA;The course will take place between 5-7 July,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-scl-lecture-visualising-the-mladic-trial/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-scl-lecture-visualising-the-mladic-trial/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A newly scheduled lecture on the Mladic trial will offer a perspective on the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) through two artistic interventions: the documentary The Trial of Ratko Mladic (Rob Miller and Henry Singer, 2018) and the exhibition Resolution 808 &#x2013; Inside the Yugoslavia Tribunal (Jorie Horsthuis and Martino Lombezzi). The lecture will be held on 23 June, a few weeks after the expected final verdict in the Mladic case.&#xA;The Mladic trial has a long history and is the subject of many discussions amongst international lawyers as well as local, regional and global communities. The impact of the trial reaches far beyond what can be explained in the language of the law. To understand the different meanings the ICTY has for different people, we invite you to look at its work through an alternative lens.&#xA;Resolution 808 &#x2013; Jorie Horsthuis and Martino LombezziWith the final verdict in the trial against Ratko Mladic, the era of the ICTY will come to an end. With exclusive interviews, images of closed areas and artifacts from the Tribunal archives, the exhibition Resolution 808 enters behind the scenes of this institution. The project stimulates a reflection about the first international tribunal after Nuremberg, and gives the viewers a glimpse into the place where war criminals like Milosevic, Karadzic and Mladic were prosecuted &#x2013; and where history was made. Additionally, the project takes the audience to the Balkans, where the search for justice and reconciliation is still ongoing and convicted war criminals have already started returning to society. During this event, Jorie Horsthuis, Dutch journalist and political scientist, and Martino Lombezzi, Italian documentary photographer and historian will build a live dialogue between images and text, presenting the most telling stories they collected.&#xA;The Trial of Ratko Mladic &#x2013; Rob Miller|Filmed over five years with unprecedented access to the Prosecution, the Defense, and the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/knaw-award-for-asser-associate-fellow-dimitri-van-den-meerssche/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 26 May 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/knaw-award-for-asser-associate-fellow-dimitri-van-den-meerssche/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Associate Fellow Dimitri Van Den Meerssche&#xA0;has received an Early Career Partnership Award from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). He will receive &#x20AC; 10,000 to organise an interdisciplinary meeting on Legal Method, Methodology and Critique in a Digital Era, which will be the closing workshop of the lecture and workshop series on &#x2018;&#x2019;Method, methodology and critique in international law&#x201D;, organised at the Asser Institute. This is the second time an Asser researcher receives the KNAW award; in 2020 senior researcher Berenice Boutin received the grant to organise a conference on the Law and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector: from Principles to Practice and Policy. See the news item here.&#xA;Innovative and original research ideas The award is intended to support and encourage talented early career researchers who demonstrate the ability to develop innovative and original research ideas. The KNAW selected ten researchers in total for this award. The KNAW selection committee described the selected proposals as &#x201C;of outstanding scientific quality [that] focus on important social issues and emphasise interdisciplinarity&#x201D;. They are based on &#x201C;robust international partnerships among top experts&#x201D; representing &#x201C;the best way to understand and solve complex issues&#x201D;. The awardees will organise the meeting in collaboration with a member of the Academy.&#xA;Dimitri Van Den Meerssche is an Associate Fellow at the T.M.C. Asser Institute (previously he was a researcher in the Dispute Settlement and Adjudication strand). He is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at Edinburgh Law School. His current research focuses on how algorithmic decision-making tools are reshaping the law and practice of global governance &#x2013; particularly in the domain of border control. As an international legal scholar, his work is also inspired by critical security studies, actor-network theory and science &amp;amp; technology studies. At the Asser Institute, he is leading a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/10th-annual-phd-day-a-safe-space-for-phd-researchers-to-test-ideas/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/10th-annual-phd-day-a-safe-space-for-phd-researchers-to-test-ideas/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On May 26, the International Humanitarian and Criminal Law (IHCL) Platform, an inter-university platform on international humanitarian law (IHL) and international criminal law (ICL) coordinated by the Asser Institute, celebrates its 10th annual PhD Day. PhD researchers working on IHL and ICL will present their work and receive by feedback from other PhD researchers and (senior) researchers. This year&#x2019;s presenting researchers and topics are: Klaudia Klonowska, T.M.C. Asser Instituut, &#x27;Interplay of human judgement and AI technologies in military-decision making. An empirical-legal study&#x27;.&#xA;Kilian Roithmaier, University of Groningen, &#x27;Understanding &#x27;proxy warfare&#x27; - definition, policy, and impact&#x27;.&#xA;Vessela Terzieva, University of Amsterdam, &#x27;We want truth only: advancing accountability and liability for international crimes through the victims right to the truth&#x27;.&#xA;Marc Tiernan, University of Amsterdam, &#x27;Questions of fairness when applying domestic modes of liability to international crimes in cases based on universal jurisdiction: The Eyad Al-Gharib case in the Higher Regional Court of Koblenz&#x27;. The IHCL Platform coordinator, Asser senior researcher Christophe Paulussen, has been&#xA0;the main driver of the annual PhD Days, the flagship event of the IHCL Platform, since they started in 2012. Paulussen: &#x2018;The idea behind the PhD Day is to have a safe and informal space with plenty of expertise on international humanitarian law and international criminal law, where PhD researchers can present their research proposal, a draft chapter, an article in progress or simply an idea the researcher would like to test and receive feedback on.&#x2019; &#x27;Invaluable feedback&#x27;Hanne Cuyckens, assistant professor (Leiden University College) and a PhD Day alumna, credited the annual PhD Day in the foreword of her PhD thesis. Cuyckens:&#xA0;&#x2018;Having had the opportunity to present my ideas at the PhD Day was very beneficial for my PhD process. The feedback provided by the IHL and ICL experts of the Platform]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/updated-programme-asser-masterclass-on-investing-in-africa/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/updated-programme-asser-masterclass-on-investing-in-africa/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The preliminary programme for the Asser Masterclass on investing in English speaking Africa is now out.&#xA;During a two-day masterclass Chukwuma Okoli from the Asser Institute will be joined by experts in the field of private international law such a Dr. Pontian Okoli,&#xA0;lecturer in Private International Law and Commercial Law at the University of Stirling, Scotland, Professor Elsabe Schoeman, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria, Richard Frimpong Oppong, Associate Professor a the University of Bradford School of Law, and Anthony Kennedy, Associate Member of Serle Court Chambers in London.&#xA;These professionals will offer you theoretical and practical insights into commercial law, private international law and transnational litigation. Among other topics, they will discuss the questions of jurisdiction, choice of court agreements, foreign currency obligations, and recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Knowledge of these topics in English-speaking Africa is essential for effective investment, as the number of international commercial transactions on the continent grows.&#xA;For more information please visit the event page.&#xA;Relevance for investmentAfrica&#x2019;s population is approximately one billion people, and its growing population is expected to reach nearly 2.2 trillion dollars in consumer spending by 2030. The recent African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) Agreement seeks to create free movement of persons, goods and services within the African Union. This has accentuated the role of private international law in resolving potential cross-border disputes involving international commercial actors. Lawyers, judges, arbitrators and other stakeholders will have to gain advanced knowledge of the specific operation of private international law in the African context.&#xA;PO pointsDutch lawyers can obtain 10 PO points for their attendance.&#xA;About the masterclass seriesLifelong learning is essential for those engaged in today&#x27;s legal and business world.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-artificial-intelligence-the-new-frontier-of-business-and-human-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-artificial-intelligence-the-new-frontier-of-business-and-human-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Business and Human Rights Working Group of the Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research and the Asser Institute call for a submission of abstracts for an international Workshop on Artificial Intelligence: The New Frontier of Business and Human Rights. Deadline for submissions is 14 June, 2021. The workshop will be taking place 7 September, 2021 either in person or in hybrid format, depending on the situation regarding Covid-19. The growing presence of AI-guided behaviour raises fundamental ethical and legal questions with regard to its effects on those who are subjected to it. These questions are increasingly expressed in human rights terms, with growing acceptance of using human rights law frameworks to tackle the negative effects of AI.This event goes one step further by focusing on the human rights responsibility of private corporations that produce, sell and use AI technologies, as well as the responsibility of States in regulating private actors in order to safeguard human rights. Currently, AI businesses are keen to adopt codes of ethics and self-regulatory tools to show their willingness to act ethically. Yet, one may wonder whether these are effective in holding the companies accountable for the negative effects of their AI technologies. It is, therefore, essential that the human rights responsibility of businesses engaging in the production of AI is investigated sooner rather than later.&#xA;ThemesThe conveners of the Workshop particularly invite the submission of abstracts on the following four themes: Human rights as a legal check on AI&#xA;The translation of business and human rights discourse into practice&#xA;Embedding human rights compliance into AI products&#xA;Using AI tools in the framework of human rights due diligence processes For a further elaboration, read the full call here.&#xA;Deadlines and requirementsWe invite abstract submissions from both established and early-career researchers, including PhD students. Submitted abstracts should be no more than]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/stakeholder-report-more-attention-needed-to-local-stakeholders-and-affected-communities/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/stakeholder-report-more-attention-needed-to-local-stakeholders-and-affected-communities/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Amnesty International release their report &#x2018;The Rome Statute at 40&#x2019;. Based on an expert meeting organised end of 2020, the report contains key findings and recommendations by expert stakeholders on the future of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the &#x2018;system&#x2019; of international justice created by the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the Court.&#xA0;To improve the effectiveness of the ICC, the court and all its stakeholders should consider how more &#x2018;local stakeholders&#x2019; and &#x2018;affected communities&#x2019; can better engage with the court.&#xA;It is therefore critical to consider who has access to spaces of engagement with the ICC and to consider who sets the agenda of those interactions. Further reflection on whose voices are included (and if included, heard) and whose voices are excluded from the interactions is also needed. Another concern identified is that the &#x2018;post-Rome generation&#x2019; - the current group of stakeholders - is not representative in terms of gender, national and cultural diversity and intersectionality. Participants in discussions, panels, and workshops around the ICC should hence also be considered based on the &#x2018;connection&#x2019; that they may have to affected communities in situation countries and first-hand lived experiences that they have of engaging with the ICC. At the same time, it was concluded that expectations on the ICC will nearly always be higher than what the court can achieve in practice and thus that these expectations need to be carefully managed, and not only by the court.&#xA;&#x2018;Rome Statute at 40&#x2019; In November 2020, Amnesty International and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut co-organised an expert meeting with thirty-seven experts and moderators to discuss the functioning and future of the ICC, and the Rome Statute system more generally. The experts were asked to consider the question: what might the ICC and the Rome Statute system look like at the 40th anniversary of the Rome Statute, in 2038? The ICC is an]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-autonomous-weapons-and-the-responsibility-gap-in-the-icc-statute/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 04 May 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-autonomous-weapons-and-the-responsibility-gap-in-the-icc-statute/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new publication in the Journal of International Criminal Justice (Oxford Academic) by Asser and IHEID researcher Marta Bo tackles the difficulties of establishing responsibility for war crimes after the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the military. Military AI, alone or in its interaction with human decision makers, brings about risks of harming civilians because of possible errors in the identification of targets. Bo&#x2019;s article deals with the specific issue of the mens rea (the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing that constitutes part of a crime) required to establish responsibility for the war crime of indiscriminate attacks, in the context of attacks performed with semi-autonomous weapons or with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) in targeting decision-making. Instead of &#x2018;piercing the fog of war&#x2019;, military AI could thicken it further.&#xA;With the deployment of fully lethal autonomous weapons, fatal errors might translate into attacks against civilians, which can amount to war crimes. These attacks against civilians are &#x27;unintentional&#x27;, as they were not the target of the operation. In these scenarios, the human employing AI in the targeting process is&#xA0;taking a risk&#xA0;that civilians could be hit - however, war crimes committed during the conduct of hostilities are crimes of intent. This means that currently under international law, such actions might be difficult to prosecute, thus creating a responsibility gap. This responsibility gap underlying the interaction between humans machines is a key focal point of this article.&#xA;Responsibility gapBo suggests and justifies the inclusion of some forms of risk-taking behaviour in the intent requirement (mens rea) of conduct of hostilities war crimes as a way to expand the possibilities to prosecute war crimes committed via the use of military AI. For instance, an interpretation that would allow for risk-taking mental elements such as dolus eventualis (the awareness of the likely outcome of an action)]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-opening-statement-of-the-prosecution-in-international-criminal-trials/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-opening-statement-of-the-prosecution-in-international-criminal-trials/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Out now: &#x2018;The Opening Statement of the Prosecution in International Criminal Trials, A solemn tale of horror&#x2019;&#xA0;(Routledge), by Asser researcher Dr Sofia Stolk. This new book addresses the discursive importance of the prosecution&#x2019;s opening statement before an international criminal tribunal.&#xA;Opening statements are considered to be largely irrelevant to the official legal proceedings but are simultaneously deployed to frame important historical events. They are widely cited in international media as well as academic texts; yet have been ignored by legal scholars as objects of study in their own right. This new publication aims to remedy this neglect, by analysing the narrative that is articulated in the opening statements of different prosecutors at different tribunals in different times.&#xA;Tensions and contradictionsThe book takes an interdisciplinary approach and looks at the meaning of the opening narrative beyond its function in the legal process in a strict sense, discussing the ways in which the trial is situated in time and space and how it portrays the main characters. It shows how perpetrators and victims, places and histories, are juridified in a narrative that, whilst purporting to legitimise the trial, the tribunal and international criminal law itself, is beset with tensions and contradictions.&#xA;Providing an original perspective on the operation of international criminal law, this book will be of considerable interest to those working in this area, as well as those with relevant interests in international/transnational law more generally, critical legal studies, law and literature, socio-legal studies, law and geography and international relations. Read more and order as hard copy or e-book&#xA0;here.&#xA;The Opening Statement of the Prosecution in International Criminal TrialsA Solemn Tale of HorrorBy Sofia StolkCopyright Year 2021ISBN 9780367279349Published April 20, 2021 by Routledge168 Pages 9 B/W Illustrations&#xA;Dr Sofia Stolk is a researcher in the Asser research]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/masterclass-asser-masterclass-on-investing-in-africa-will-give-you-a-private-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 21 Apr 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/masterclass-asser-masterclass-on-investing-in-africa-will-give-you-a-private-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Africa has a strong up-and-coming consumer market. With increased international commercial transactions in Africa, the significance of private international law is more prevalent than ever. This unique Asser Masterclass will give your company a head start when investing in Africa by equipping you with a sophisticated understanding of the operation of private international law in Africa.Growth market Africa&#x2019;s population is approximately one billion people, and its growing population is expected to reach nearly 2.2 trillion dollars in consumer spending by 2030. The recent African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) Agreement seeks to create free movement of persons, goods and services within the African Union. This has accentuated the role of private international law in resolving potential cross-border disputes involving international commercial actors. Lawyers, judges, arbitrators and other stakeholders will have to gain advanced knowledge of the specific operation of private international law in the African context.Essential knowhow This Masterclass will provide you with the essential legal know-how to invest in English-speaking Africa by equipping you with a sophisticated understanding of the specific operation of private international law in the African context. The four key issues that will be discussed in-depth in this Masterclass are: questions of jurisdiction, choice of court agreements, foreign currency obligations, and recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.&#xA;PO pointsDutch lawyers can obtain 10 PO points for their attendance.&#xA;This masterclass is coordinated by Asser researcher Chukwuma Okoli. His principal research interests include all aspects of private international law/conflict of laws, with a special focus on the European Union, Nigeria, and English speaking or Commonwealth Africa. For more information please visit the event page. Sign up&#xA0;for this masterclass About the masterclass seriesLifelong learning is essential for those engaged in]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-online-workshop-international-public-interest-advocacy/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-online-workshop-international-public-interest-advocacy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From 5-7 July 2021, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut is organising and hosting its second online edition of a 3-day online workshop on &#x201C;International public interest advocacy&#x201D;. This workshop is available for students, interns, young professionals, and public interest lawyers interested in the latest practices and innovations within areas of international public advocacy law.&#xA;About the programme&#xA0;Advocating for public interests involves many challenges in the field of international law. You will have to develop strategic litigation, choose&#xA0;and identify funding opportunities, and take on a cause. Taking on this work also means taking on risk, and calls for critical reflection. Working as a lawyer on behalf of public interest in the international arena is a developing field. Sustaining that work requires skills, knowledge, and a good network.&#xA;For more information on this online workshop and to apply please visit the&#xA0;event page.&#xA;Learn the latest practices from leading practitioners and experts. Get exposed to new actions and ways of advocating for public interests internationally, including strategic litigation. Be introduced to the latest innovations in law and technology for public interests around the world. Learn about successful initiatives &#x2013; and about unsuccessful ones. Develop your network in a three-day workshop that will challenge you to think differently about the issues of the day and what we can do about them. With leading figures in the world of international public interest advocacy - from the Public Interest Litigation Project, Greenpeace, SOMO, Human Rights in Practice, the Global Legal Action Network, and more &#x2013; explore the possibilities with pioneers in the field.&#xA;What to expect&#x200B;When attending the online course you will get exclusive insight into the experiences of various legal practitioners within the field. They will discuss diverse topics related to developments within international public interest advocacy. Some of the key topics that will be covered]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/preliminary-programme-out-now-top-speakers-for-our-advanced-summer-programme-on-terrorism/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/preliminary-programme-out-now-top-speakers-for-our-advanced-summer-programme-on-terrorism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The preliminary programme for our 11th&#xA0;Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law&#xA0;is out now. This in-depth summer training programme co-organised with&#xA0;ICCT&#xA0;The Hague, will bring together thought-provoking lectures by leading scholars and experts in the field as well as virtual study visits, interactive sessions, and group discussions. Reserve your place now. With experts such as&#xA0;Professor Richard English OBE,&#xA0;Professor Helen Duffy,&#xA0;Professor Devyani Prabhat, and&#xA0;Dr Rumyana van Ark&#xA0;specialising on topics such as national security, immigration, gender and conflict and countering the financing of terrorism, this is a unique and multidisciplinary approach to covering research associated with all aspects of counter-terrorism. Furthermore, UN Special Rapporteur&#xA0;Prof. Fionnuala N&#xED; Aol&#xE1;in whose work focuses on gathering, requesting, receiving and exchanging information on alleged violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, will provide a unique insight into her work and research during this conference. The theme of &#x27;20 Years Since 9/11&#x27; will be a key undercurrent running throughout the programme proceedings. Background&#xA0;Across the world, extremist and terrorist activities have continuously triggered an increase in security-related laws and measures. States have responded with increased security and surveillance, curbing of financial supports, limitations on the right to freedom of speech and resorted to revoking nationalities and citizenship statuses. Our 11th Annual summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law asks how effective are these measures? How proportionate and legitimate is their approach?&#xA;What will you gain?During an intensive week, this course will provide you with&#xA0;experience of the practical element of international law, as well as the chance to engage with top-level speakers and participants from diverse professional backgrounds. Furthermore, through virtual study]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-imagining-solidarity-in-international-and-regional-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-imagining-solidarity-in-international-and-regional-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute issues a call for papers on the topic of &#x2018;Imagining solidarity in&#xA0;international and regional law&#x2019;. The deadline to submit abstracts is 15 May.BackgroundSolidarity is a core normative ideal underpinning both the development of modern international law as well as the European project. Solidarity has been perceived as the guiding principle in altering the outdated structure of international relations from an order promoting self-interest of States to one that pursues community interests and attempts to find solutions to problems that affect all humankind.&#xA;In the context of public international law, solidarity has been used as a legal principle in terms of international peace and security. In the European Union (EU) context, it has been invoked primarily during the eurozone and refugee crises. In the African Union (AU), solidarity has been part of the principles since the creation of the Organisation for African Unity in 1963. Solidarity has emerged as an objective in the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS). More recently, solidarity has been invoked as a core principle during international discussions around the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine. This exemplifies the diversity of ways in which the principle of solidarity has been utilised as a core value in shaping international and regional legal regimes.&#xA;The Asser Institute invites papers detailing the multiplicity of ways the principle of solidarity can be used both in international and regional law. These contributions may revolve around how solidarity can/should be deployed to achieve a variety of aims, including in relation to the environment, human rights, development, peace and security, migration, and other fields, in a variety of contexts across the globe, whether regional integration projects (EU, AU, and others) or as part of public international law.&#xA;Deadlines and requirementsPlease send an abstract (max. 800 words) and CV (max. 5 pages) as a single PDF to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/inter-university-programme-the-most-important-investment-the-stl-could-have-made-in-promoting/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/inter-university-programme-the-most-important-investment-the-stl-could-have-made-in-promoting/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The inter-university programme, co-organised by the Asser Institute and the International &amp;amp; Transitional Justice Resource Center (ITJRC), offers Lebanese students from eleven universities the opportunity to learn about international criminal law and procedure from renowned experts. The IUP&#x2019;s creator, Olga Kavran, calls it &#x2018;the most important investment the Special Tribunal for Lebanon could have made in promoting justice, accountability and the rule of law in Lebanon&#x2019;. Watch our new video to learn more about the programme.&#xA;BackgroundThe first lecture in the inter-university programme took place in November 2011. The project was set up by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the Outreach and Legacy Section of the&#xA0;Special Tribunal for Lebanon&#xA0;(STL). There was no specialisation in international criminal law offered at any Lebanese university prior to that time. The programme was the first of its kind, and unprecedented in the Middle East and North Africa region. For nearly ten years the STL supported this unique programme. In December 2020 the programme was handed over to the Asser Institute and the&#xA0;ITJRC, which was established by a group of professors and lecturers involved in the inter-university programme.&#xA;ImpactSince the start of the programme, more than 1200 students have graduated. In 2019 alone, over 450 students enrolled and attended the course. Alumni have gone on to pursue careers in international criminal law, including as teachers and university professors. Moreover, this unprecedented cooperation has resulted in a number of bilateral and multilateral projects.&#xA;Learn more about the inter-university programme&#xA0;here.&#xA;More information For more information on the inter-university programme, please contact Dr Christophe Paulussen, senior researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, research fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism - The Hague, and academic programme coordinator IHL/ICL.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/preliminary-programme-out-sign-up-now-for-our-online-summer-law-programme-on-international/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/preliminary-programme-out-sign-up-now-for-our-online-summer-law-programme-on-international/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Are you a young professional or law student interested in international criminal law and (legal aspects of) counter-terrorism? Are you looking to expand your knowledge and build a network in the field? Then check out the preliminary programme for the 15th edition of our (online) Summer law programme on international criminal law and international legal and comparative approaches to counter-terrorism, co-organised with the War Crimes Research Office of American University&#x2019;s Washington College of Law (1 June &#x2013; 25 June 2021).&#xA;BackgroundRegistrations for the annual summer law programme on international criminal law and international legal &amp;amp; comparative approaches to counter-terrorism are now open, and the&#xA0;preliminary programme&#xA0;has just been released. The law programme will feature top speakers such as Prof. Kimberley Trapp, Eleni Chaitidou, and Dr Bart Schuurman who will be discussing the role of states in terrorism and counterterrorism, the role of intelligence in counter-terrorism, and crimes against humanity. These are but a few of the topics in this programme. Please read the full programme here.&#xA;What will you gain?Through this unique course, you will gain a thorough insight into the latest developments in (and the interplay between) international criminal law and legal aspects of counter-terrorism. You will further have the opportunity to engage in discussions and network with leading academics and legal professionals in the field, and a unique experience of studying and exchanging views with top students from the US.&#xA;Course structureThe programme will be divided into two parts; in the first two weeks (1 June - 11 June), you will explore the past, present and future of international criminal law. You will thoroughly analyse topics such as international crimes, criminal responsibility, immunities and amnesties. As well as attending lectures, you will experience the law in practice, by virtually visiting international and national courts and international]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/excellent-midterm-review-for-the-tmc-asser-instituut/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 30 Mar 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/excellent-midterm-review-for-the-tmc-asser-instituut/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[An independent committee of experts has given a highly positive evaluation of the research quality, the societal outreach and relevance, and the viability of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. In its report, the committee writes: &#x2018;[T]he Asser Institute has been more than successful at its ambitions in the combined fields of research and societal outreach, and is firmly positioned for a successful future. This is clearly the result of clear vision and a great deal of hard work of all involved.&#x2019;&#xA;The period under assessment, 2016-2019, has been a period of transition for the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. The central objective, set by a new board in 2015, was to become an academic research institute, which critically contributes to the development of international and European law by conducting more fundamental research as well as by increasing its number of high-quality academic publications in leading journals. Other objectives were to increase external funding for research, and to enhance its national and international visibility.&#xA;The committee, chaired by Prof. Barbara Oomen (Utrecht University), finds that this transition has been managed &#x2018;very successfully&#x2019;. It writes that &#x2018;[t]he Asser Institute is now an academic research institute on international and European law, that has the standing to compete with the best and largest departments on international and European law at law faculties in the Netherlands.&#x2019;. &#x2018;Excellent publications&#x2019;In the period under assessment, the aim to publish in leading and peer reviewed international and European law journals has been met successfully, according to the committee, which further notes the dynamic research culture of the Institute and its enhanced international reputation through the output of high-level scholarship and strategic international alliances. The great many memberships in editorial boards further underscore the standing of Asser researchers. The committee writes: &#x2018;In the period under assessment, the researchers of the Asser]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-workshop-movies-that-matter-and-the-asser-institute-the-power-of-film-in-international/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 29 Mar 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-workshop-movies-that-matter-and-the-asser-institute-the-power-of-film-in-international/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Movies that Matter Festival takes place online this year, because &#x2018;it is precisely in times of crisis that we remain in conversation and share stories that need to be heard.&#x2019; The Asser Institute and Movies that Matter share an interest in positively impacting social realities through the dissemination of knowledge and stories. Together, they organise the Global Justice Cinema workshop to show and discuss the power of film in the field of international law and politics.&#xA0;Two recent films will be discussed: &#x27;Columbia in my arms&#x27; and &#x27;President&#x27;.&#xA;Film can document human rights violations, uncover abuses of power or communicate a strong message of solidarity. It can magnify a struggle and translate into a call for action.&#xA;The workshop takes place 22-23 April and will give you the unique opportunity to discuss the power of film within a mixed group of international lawyers, film professionals and academics. You will get the chance to meet filmmakers and activists.&#xA;We will address how justice and international politics are conceptualised and visualised in documentary film and how impact is created through processes of editing and storytelling, but also through the promotional campaigns surrounding a film production. In the workshop, we will watch and discuss two remarkable films from the Camera Justitia selection.&#xA;Colombia in My Arms (Jenni Kivisto, Jussi Rastas) is a visually strong documentary about Colombia after the peace agreement between the government and the FARC guerrillas. Will the fragile peace deal survive the distrust and rancour built up by decades of war? Colombia in My Arms tells the story from different perspectives: guerrillas in the woods, preparing to hand in their weapons and trying to accept that their fight will be a political one from now on, the &#x2018;old money&#x2019; elites, who shudder at the thought of FARC gaining power, the political establishment, cynically exploiting tensions in society for their own political gain. And finally, the workers on the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-a-vaguely-defined-licence-to-kill-jus-ad-bellum-and-the-war-on-terror/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 28 Mar 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-a-vaguely-defined-licence-to-kill-jus-ad-bellum-and-the-war-on-terror/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In his May 2010 report to the General Assembly, then-Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Philip Alston raised concerns about the &#x2018;displacement of clear legal standards with a vaguely defined licence to kill, and the creation of a major accountability vacuum&#x2019;. In a forthcoming book chapter available on the Asser SSRN network, Asser researcher Dr Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi and Prof. Nehal Bhuta (University of Edinburgh) reflect on the evolutions of the right of self-defence in the counter-terrorism context. The revisionist frameworkThe revisionist framework, popularised after the attacks of September 11 2001, is &#x2018;an effort to remake the conceptual content of self-defence, at least as it applies to the use of force against non-state armed groups&#x2019;. It entails &#x2018;the preventive [and] extraterritorial, use of lethal force against individuals and non-state groups, with a geographically and temporally expansive scope&#x2019;. Under&#xA0;this framework, requirements for lawful use of force (jus ad bellum) such as&#xA0;necessity and proportionality still exist but the threshold is significantly lower.&#xA;While this revisionist framework is not the law as it stands, it is fair to say that at least in some aspects, it is supported in some scholarly work, and has gained precedence not just in the US but also in the UK, Australia and France.&#xA;Recollective stories Talking about &#x2018;recollective stories&#x2019; of the right of self-defence, the authors reframe the discussion on the evolutions of the interpretation of the right of self-defence as a historically-embedded process. As such, the paper helps better understand how certain historical circumstances lead to the crystallisation of a certain interpretation of a norm at a certain point in time.&#xA;A &#x2018;forever war&#x2019;? As we approach the twenty-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the paper importantly shows that the development of the revisionist framework over the past decades provides a sophisticated legal rationale for]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-training-programme-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass-destruction-2021/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 28 Mar 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-training-programme-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass-destruction-2021/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registration is now open for our training programme on Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which will take place 27 September &#x2013; 1 October 2021. The Asser Institure organises this renowned training programme for the twelfth time, together with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). It offers participants in-depth knowledge on the topic of disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and an opportunity to build their network.&#xA;The challenges posed to international security by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons are as urgent today as they were during the Cold War. There is an increasing demand for professionals in the field of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to tackle the challenges of today&#x2019;s non-proliferation and disarmament agenda with a more integrated understanding of these issues.&#xA;Discussions and debates During this intensive online training programme, participants should expect to receive a comprehensive overview of non-proliferation and disarmament efforts regarding WMD. They will learn from renowned experts and practitioners and engage in active discussions about relevant topics and debates.&#xA;Target groups The training programme is designed for early- to mid-career professionals working for governments, for example, national export control bodies, national authorities for the implementation of WMD-related treaties and agreements and national nuclear agencies. Individuals working for non-governmental organisations, think tanks addressing WMD issues and research centres in related disciplines are also invited to apply. Newly arrived diplomats in The Hague are especially encouraged to sign up for the training programme.&#xA;More info and registration: https://www.asser.nl/education-events/events/?id=4198]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asil-2021-roundtable-on-international-law-s-role-in-the-governance-of-ai/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asil-2021-roundtable-on-international-law-s-role-in-the-governance-of-ai/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Friday March 26, Janne E. Nijman, chair of the board and academic director of the Asser Institute, will convene the online closing plenary of the 2021 virtual annual meeting of the American Society of International Law (ASIL). This prestigious society aims to foster the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations based on law and justice.&#xA;The closing plenary, sponsored by the Municipality of The Hague, the Embassy of the Netherlands to the United States and convened by the T.M.C. Asser Institute, is one of the highlights of ASIL&#x2019;s annual meeting. This year&#x2019;s closing plenary&#x2019;s event will focus on the governance of artificial intelligence (AI), and is entitled: &#x2018;Reconceptualizing International Law&#x2019;s Role in the Governance of AI: Autonomous weapons as a case study&#x2019;.&#xA;The roundtable will examine the ways in which international law needs to reorganise its engagement with AI, using the issue of autonomous weapons as a case study. Speakers will discuss how AI is challenging existing practices within the law of armed conflict; the underlying conceptual challenges that AI poses to the current international law framework, and ways in which a reconceived international law could contribute to the governance of AI.&#xA;The roundtable is convened by Janne E Nijman, chair of the board and academic director of the Asser Institute, and moderated by Sadjad Soltanzadeh, postdoctoral researcher in ethics and philosophy of technology at the Asser Institute. Speakers: - Jonathan Horowitz, Senior Legal Advisor, International Committee of the Red Cross&#xA;- Professor Mary Ellen O&#x2019;Connell, University of Notre Dame Law School&#xA;- Amb. Marjolijn van Deelen, EU Special Envoy for Non-proliferation and Disarmament&#xA;- Professor Karen Yeung, University of Birmingham Law School Registration for ASIL 2021 ends Monday, March 22.&#xA;Further readingThe DILEMA project explores interdisciplinary perspectives on military applications of artificial intelligence]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/last-call-deadline-extended-for-nuffic-mena-scholarship-apply-now-for-summer-programme-on/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/last-call-deadline-extended-for-nuffic-mena-scholarship-apply-now-for-summer-programme-on/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[We are pleased to announce that the deadline for the Nuffic MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) is extended to 30 March 2021. The T.M.C. Asser Instituut invites professionals to apply for a scholarship to attend our 2021 summer programme on countering terrorism and the rule of law. Women and/or professionals working at NGOs, in particular, are encouraged to apply.&#xA;With this scholarship, you can attend the Asser Institute (online)&#xA0;Advanced summer programme on terrorism, countering terrorism and the rule of law&#xA0;(31 August &#x2013; 3 September 2021) and a follow-up Masterclass on&#xA0;The modern foreign fighters phenomenon&#xA0;(15-16 November 2021).&#xA0;In the 11th edition of our unique and innovative training programme, you will get the latest insights from world-renowned experts in counter-terrorism. Topics in the course include: understanding extremism and radicalisation, countering the financing of terrorism, and prosecuting terrorism cases in practice.&#xA;As this scholarship opportunity concerns two different Nuffic scholarship programmes, we advise you to read the following information carefully:&#xA;Only young professionals, who are working in the area of&#xA0;security and rule of law&#xA0;and are nationals of - and living and working in - Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya or Morocco, can apply. For more information on the MSP scholarship, see&#xA0;here.&#xA;New deadline:&#xA0;30 March 2021 at 16.00 CET&#xA;Before you start&#xA0;with your Nuffic application, please read the following important information: Eligibility:&#xA0;Review the eligibility criteria carefully for the&#xA0;MSP.&#xA;Motivation:&#xA0;You are requested to answer three motivation questions in your application form, which should clearly indicate the link between your organisation and position, and the topic &#x2018;security and rule of law&#x2019;. You will have to motivate your choice of course (e.g. the need for new knowledge and skills) in relation to problems or issues faced by your organisation; and you will have to describe how you are planning to put the newly acquired knowledge and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/webinar-using-battlefield-evidence-in-the-fight-against-terrorism-international-law-dimensions/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/webinar-using-battlefield-evidence-in-the-fight-against-terrorism-international-law-dimensions/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Wednesday March 17, (15:00h CET), UN Special Rapporteur Prof. Fionnuala D. N&#xED; Aol&#xE1;in, will join us for a free webinar on battlefield evidence as a means to bring terrorism suspects to justice, as well its international law dimensions. Other speakers are Dr David Scharia (United Nations Council - Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate), Prof. Noam Lubell (University of Essex School of Law), Ms Maya Foa (Reprieve), and moderator Christophe Paulussen (Asser Institute). Sign up&#xA0;now&#xA0;to join us for this unique event.&#xA;BackgroundIn the last two years, a number of initiatives regarding the use of &#x2018;battlefield&#x2019; evidence have been drafted, or are in the process of being developed by various international, regional, and national entities. These initiatives point to the increasing focus on the collection, storage, use and transfer of evidence in conflict or violent contexts. Examples are: The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED)&#xA0;Guidelines&#xA0;to facilitate the use and admissibility as evidence in national criminal courts of information collected, handled, preserved and shared by the military to prosecute terrorist offences developed within the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force Working Group on Criminal-Justice.&#xA;The Legal Responses and Countering the Financing of Terrorism;&#xA0;Non-Binding Guiding Principles&#xA0;on Use of Battlefield Evidence in Civilian Criminal Proceedings co-produced by the United State Departments of State, Justice and Defence;&#xA;NATO Policy&#xA0;on Battlefield Evidence;&#xA;The Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF)&#xA0;Abuja Recommendations&#xA0;on the Collection, Use and Sharing of Evidence for Purposes of Criminal Prosecution of Terrorist Suspects;&#xA;The EUROJUST 2020&#xA0;Memorandum on Battlefield Evidence; and&#xA;The Council of Europe Committee on Counter-Terrorism [Draft Recommendation] CM/Rec (202XX)XX of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on the use of information collected in conflict zones as evidence in criminal proceedings]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/professional-education-introducing-the-asser-academy-masterclass-series-innovative-short-courses/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/professional-education-introducing-the-asser-academy-masterclass-series-innovative-short-courses/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Lifelong learning is essential for those engaged in today&#x27;s legal and business world. To meet the high demand for short professional courses, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut is launching a new and innovative professional education series in international legal practice: The Asser Academy Masterclass series. Short courses tailored to professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge and stay current and competitive by mastering skills the global market needs. The Asser Academy Masterclass series will combine the cutting-edge knowledge of academia with the hands-on experience of practitioners.&#xA;Intensive two-day coursesThe Asser Academy Masterclass series offers intensive two-day courses that will provide you with knowledge and skills essential to your daily practice. Topics in the series are highly diverse and range from the operation of the FIFA transfer system to the regulation of the phenomenon of foreign fighters. There are Masterclasses on private international law and on the practical application of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The Masterclass Art &amp;amp; International Law caters to lawyers who want to expand their toolbox with insights from the arts and visual studies. (See the full training offer below.)&#xA;Cutting-edge researchThe Asser Academy Masterclass series draws on the core expertise of Asser researchers and their extensive links to the academic community and professional networks. Cutting-edge research informs our teaching, so participants can expect to benefit from the most up-to-date information on each topic. In each Masterclass, guest speakers and practitioners will discuss practical examples and engage with hands-on professionals.&#xA;Small groupsEach Masterclass will consist of a small group of participants (20-25 people max), offering plenty of room for interaction and exchanges. Our approach to the issues will be multidisciplinary, and you will be exposed to various perspectives: academic, peer-to-peer and practitioners.&#xA;Tailored to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-uk-australia-and-the-netherlands-should-not-evade-responsibility-through-citizenship/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-uk-australia-and-the-netherlands-should-not-evade-responsibility-through-citizenship/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Foreign fighters and their families have been in the news a lot lately. New Zealand&#x2019;s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern blasted Australia for shirking responsibility by stripping a dual national terror suspect&#x27;s citizenship. Recently, the UK Supreme Court decided that Shamina Begum, who joined Islamic State in 2015, cannot return to the UK to challenge her citizenship removal. In Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant, Asser senior researcher Christophe Paulussen and ISI Co-Director Laura van Waas voice their opinion on citizenship stripping as a counter-terrorism measure. &#x201C;The expulsion of a citizen from society may have great symbolic power, but that does not make him or her disappear from the globe.&#x201D;&#xA;The authors stress the importance of bringing foreign fighters to justice, rather than expelling them from society in the hope that others may deal with the issue. &#x201C;A government that wants to stand up against impunity should (&#x2026;) not be tempted to take this measure. And a country that recognises the importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism must realise that relinquishing all responsibility to the country of second nationality is not the way to go. [&#x2026;] Australia, the UK and the Netherlands have plenty of options to repatriate people like Begum and bring them to justice. From an international legal, moral and security perspective, this is the only correct solution.&#x201D;&#xA;Read the full op-ed&#xA0;(in Dutch).&#xA;Christophe Paulussen&#xA0;is a senior researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. He is coordinator of the research strand &#x27;Human Dignity and Human Security in International and European Law&#x27;, coordinator of the inter-faculty research platform &#x2018;International Humanitarian and Criminal Law Platform&#x2019; and research fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism &#x2013; The Hague.&#xA;Laura van Waas is co-director of the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion and assistant professor (Tilburg Law School).&#xA;Further reading&#xA;Blog post: &#x2018;The counter-productiveness of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-eu-s-future-due-diligence-legislation-will-speed-up-justice-for-shell-claimants/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[The EU is working on a draft legislation that includes a proposal on private international law implications for corporate due diligence. This is very welcome, argues Asser researcher Chukwuma Okoli on the NOVA BHRE blog. It took 11 years for Nigerian farmers to get justice in the Shell case. &#x201C;The [Shell] case which was commenced in the year 2009 was completed at the Court of Appeal in January 29, 2021 &#x2013; which took a period of about 11 years to complete. If this matter goes to the Dutch Supreme Court, it means it would take longer to complete.&#x201D;&#xA;Justice without delay&#x201C;It is important that clear private international law rules should be developed that gives claimants access to justice without delay in whatever forum that has minimum connection to the case, and where these victims can get the best remedy they are looking for in cases of business-human rights litigation.The&#xA0;European Unions&#x2019; draft legislation&#xA0;on corporate due diligence aims to do this[&#x2026;.]there would be an obvious legal basis to sue Shell&#x2019;s parent company and its subsidiary for alleged human rights&#x2019; violations carried out in Nigeria. This will also save time and costs for the parties from the perspective of access to justice.&#x201D; Read the blog: Okoli, &#x201C;Corporate Due Diligence and Private International Law: A Note on the Hague Court of Appeal&#x2019;s decision in Shell&#x201C;, NOVA BHRE Blog (17 February 2021) About Chukwuma Okoli Dr Chukwuma Okoli LL.M.&#xA0;is a Postdoctoral Researcher in private international law at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and part of the research strand&#xA0;&#x2018;Dispute settlement and adjudication in international and European law&#x2019;.&#xA0;Chukwuma is a qualified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria since 2008. Chukwuma&#x2019;s principal research interest is in all aspects of private international law/conflict of laws, with a special focus on the European Union, Nigeria, and English speaking or Commonwealth Africa.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/icl-tcl-training-strengthening-domestic-capacity-to-prosecute-and-adjudicate-international-and/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[The week of 8 March 2021 marks the start of a new training on International Criminal Law (ICL) and Transnational Criminal Law (TCL), co-organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, the&#xA0;Antonio Cassese Initiative&#xA0;and the&#xA0;International Nuremberg Principles Academy. The high-level training course for national judges and prosecutors aims to strengthen domestic legal capacities in French-speaking African countries that face challenges in the administration of justice. In the past forty years, the international criminal justice system has witnessed significant progress with the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and several&#xA0;ad hoc&#xA0;international criminal tribunals, which prosecute those responsible for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other atrocities and serious humanitarian violations that threaten the international community.&#xA;Despite these developments, however, the primary responsibility assigned by international law for the prosecution and prevention of international crimes remains with states. Therefore, to combat impunity and provide access to justice for victims, to prevent crimes and promote the rule of law, the role of national prosecutors and judges is fundamental.&#xA;A complex endeavour&#xA;Applying international criminal law at the national level, however, is often a complex endeavour. International criminal law is a relatively young discipline in the global legal field.&#xA;National investigators often face difficulties when working on cases involving crimes of international nature. These crimes take place in remote areas, entail large-scale atrocities with a nexus of different perpetrators and they often involve a very complicated evidence-collection process.&#xA;Moreover, crimes may involve persons who are still occupying high-level governmental or military functions, which increases the difficulty for judges to guarantee the independence of their institution in such a context. As Jer&#xF4;me de Hemptinne, professor at the Geneva Academy of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-covid-19-exposes-structural-inequality-in-global-supply-chain-contracts/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-covid-19-exposes-structural-inequality-in-global-supply-chain-contracts/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Covid-19 pandemic exposes the structural inequality in global supply chain contracts, argues Asser intern Mercedes Hering on the Doing Business Right-blog. In the garment industry, there is a power imbalance tilted in favour of apparel brands and retailers. Lead firms&#xA0;cancelled&#xA0;or even&#xA0;breached&#xA0;their contracts with suppliers. How can we remedy this inequality?&#xA;Favoured by design &#x201C;Benefits and burden of the contracts are not distributed in a fair manner. In other words, global supply chain contracts are by design favouring European or North American brands. Thanks to them they can externalize unexpected costs, such as the fall in sales caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to their contractual partners in the Global South. Half of Bangladeshi garment suppliers had the majority of their contracts cancelled; around 1,136 factories and 2.26 million workers are said to be affected.&#x201D;&#xA;Strategies of rebalancing In a follow-up post, Mercedes Hering assesses four potential ways to better protect the rights of the poorest garment workers in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. &#x201C;The first option is a well-travelled one, brands could voluntarily decide not to use their unilateral contractual powers. Human rights due diligence regulation could also provide an avenue to prevent parties from unilaterally exercising contractual rights.&#xA0;(Foreign) state initiatives, through the releasing of specific development funding, might help to improve the workers&#x2019; welfare. Finally, courts could move towards a &#x2018;relational&#x2019; interpretation of contractual obligations and&#xA0;force majeure.&#x201D;&#xA;Read the blogs: The unequal impact of COVID-19 in the global apparel industry - Part I: The contractual roots&#xA;The unequal impact of COVID-19 in the global apparel industry - Part. II: Strategies of rebalancing Follow the Doing Business Right Blog&#xA0;to read all blogposts.&#xA;About Mercedes HeringMercedes Hering is a recent graduate of the LL.B. dual-degree programme English and German Law, which is taught jointly by]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-online-summer-programme-on-terrorism-countering-terrorism-the-rule-of-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-online-summer-programme-on-terrorism-countering-terrorism-the-rule-of-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registration will open soon for our renowned Advanced summer programme on terrorism, countering terrorism and the rule of law. In the 11th edition of this unique and innovative online training, you will get the latest insights into current and future issues on terrorism, countering terrorism and the rule of law.&#xA0;Date: August 30 &#x2013; September 3, 2021.&#xA;OverviewDespite a temporary respite in violent activities, terrorism remains a significant and serious threat in many countries across the globe. As states&#x2019; resources have been stretched by the global COVID-19 pandemic, terrorist organisations have sought to exploit the reduced public attention on their activities to strengthen their base and fuel divisions. In North America, Western Europe and Oceania, the threat of far-right political terrorism has been steadily rising, with an increase in far-right incidents of 250 percent between 2014-2019 (Global Terrorism Index 2020).&#xA;Although ISIL has been less active, 27 countries in the Middle East and North Africa recorded an attack by ISIL or by its affiliate groups, with Sub-Saharan Africa having been hit the hardest. Within the EU, ten people died and 27 were injured following terrorist attacks, and more than a thousand individuals were arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offences. A further 119 &#x2018;foiled, failed and completed&#x2019; terrorist attacks were reported by 13 EU member states (Europol).&#xA;Across the world, extremist and terrorist activities have continuously triggered an increase in security-related laws and measures. To prevent terrorism as early as possible, states have introduced limitations on freedom of speech, curbs on financial and other support and have resorted to revoking nationalities.&#xA;How proportionate and legitimate are these measures? Are they effective?&#xA;The 11th version of our renowned summer programme will bring you inspiring and thought-provoking lectures by leading experts in the field, interactive sessions, virtual study visits, group discussions]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-website-launch-of-the-ila-study-group-s-website-on-cities-and-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-website-launch-of-the-ila-study-group-s-website-on-cities-and-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Cities are on the rise and play an important role in the international legal order. This interaction is the focus of the International Law Association (ILA) Study Group. The Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut have published the first selection of city reports on international law. These six reports can be accessed on the newly launched &#x2018;global cities&#x2019; website. The first city reports on Arusha (Tanzania), Graz (Austria), Lagos (Nigeria), Toru&#x144; (Poland), Vienna (Austria) and Prague (Czech Republic) offer insightful reflections on the dynamics between cities and international law. The reports on Lagos and Arusha depict cities&#x2019; crucial role as spaces for the institutions and processes of international law, historically and today. The case of Toru&#x144; shows that medium-sized cities also uphold unique relations with international organisations such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization. UN-cities such as Vienna have strong connections to international law and engage with it through a wide variety of topics. Contrastingly, the reports on Prague and Graz focus on one particular city practice. The contribution on Prague assesses the local government&#x2019;s involvement in the progressive &#x2018;Pact of free cities&#x2019; and the report on Graz examines the local government&#x2019;s commitment to the &#x2018;human rights city&#x2019; label.&#xA;Cities and international lawThe relation between international law and cities has been receiving more and more attention in recent years. Scholars write about the different ways in which local governments invoke the norms of international law and how they connect with other urban actors in doing so. They write about city networks that organise around international legal norms embedded in, for instance, UN conventions on gender equality or the Paris Climate Agreement, and discuss the relation between local governments and international organisations. Hence, the relation between cities and international law is multifaceted and can take many forms.&#xA;Ongoing]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-lecture-on-germany-s-presidency-of-the-council-of-the-european-union-in-challenging/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-lecture-on-germany-s-presidency-of-the-council-of-the-european-union-in-challenging/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 24 February at 16.00-17.30 hours CET, the German ambassador to the Netherlands,&#xA0;H.E. Mr Dirk Brengelmann, will speak on Germany&#x27;s experience during its presidency in a new edition of the Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) presidency lecture series. To attend this free lecture, please register&#xA0;here.&#xA;Germany held the presidency of the Council of the European Union between July 2020 and December 2020. The rotating presidency of the Council of the EU offers coordinating and representation opportunities for the member state holding it, as well as the opportunity to emphasise political issues of relevance to the EU.&#xA;In preparation for its presidency, Germany set several priorities and goals to be achieved by January 2021 under the slogan &#x2018;Together for Europe&#x27;s Recovery.&#x2019; Its guiding principles were: Overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic permanently, as well as the economic recovery&#xA;Promoting a stronger and more innovative Europe in the wake of COVID-19&#xA;Advancing fairness, social cohesion and solidarity in Europe&#xA;Supporting sustainability within the EU&#xA;Strengthening EU values and security&#xA;Supporting the EU&#x27;s role in the world AchievementsOne of the highlights during the German Council Presidency was the enabling of the compromise on the Multiannual Financial Framework and the Recovery Fund, despite concerns relating to the rule of law raised by a few member states.&#xA0;Other achievements include the compromise on a further reduction of CO2-emissions by the EU by 2030, the political agreement on a EU-CHN Investment Treaty, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with Great Britain.&#xA;The German Presidency further focused on the regulation of mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic. This effort included the unanimous adoption of Council conclusions on benchmarks for a pandemic and crisis contingency plan for the freight transport sector. Another Council conclusion dealt with compliance with hygiene and infection control measures to ensure cross-border collective]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-many-challenges-of-prosecuting-sexual-terrorism-the-case-of-isis/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-many-challenges-of-prosecuting-sexual-terrorism-the-case-of-isis/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Sexual violence in conflict has historically been overlooked with perpetrators often escaping punishment. In his latest ICCT-Perspective, Christophe Paulussen discusses the legislative and prosecutorial challenges of sexual terrorism and why the number of prosecutions is still so shockingly low.&#xA;Sexual terrorism labelRape and other forms of sexual violence in conflict have been taking place around the world for ages. But despite the high occurrence of sexual violence in conflict, these crimes historically were not explicitly criminalised and its perpetrators have largely escaped prosecution. In the ICCT-Perspective ISIS and Sexual Terrorism: Scope, Challenges and the (Mis)Use of the Label Asser researcher Christophe Paulussen explains the concept of sexual terrorism and ISIS&#x2019; use of this tactic. Also, he discusses legislative and prosecutorial challenges at the national level, including the (dis)advantages of using the sexual terrorism label.&#xA;The underlying problem &#x201C;It took until the 1990s for the international criminal tribunals&#x2019; statutes to label and/or prosecute conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) as international crimes, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. (&#x2026;) Although international and national prosecutions of CRSV have increased since, the number of prosecutions is still shockingly low and does not account for those cases in which CRSV and trafficking in human beings are used to commit terrorism.&#x201D; Explicit criminalisation of sexual terrorism could therefore help in that respect. But there are also disadvantages to the sexual terrorism label, namely an extension of the counter-terrorism framework, and, with that, human rights violations. Therefore, &#x201C;(&#x2026;) it is very important to keep a critical attitude to any (new) counter-terrorism measures, and to focus on trying to solve exactly what is in fact the underlying problem &#x2013; namely that states, in their counter-terrorism measures, often do not comply with international law.&#x201D;&#xA;Read: ISIS]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-artificial-intelligence-is-the-answer-more-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-artificial-intelligence-is-the-answer-more-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Artificial intelligence (AI) intersects with everyday life in myriad ways and is increasingly integrated into human decision making processes in various domains. Whether it be in hospitals, factories or courtrooms; on our roads, smartphones or social media; or being used by governments, companies or academia, reliance on AI-enabled technologies is undeniably becoming a pervasive global phenomenon. Yet, the AI revolution with which we are faced poses a number of social, political and legal challenges. So is the answer to this more law?&#xA;In his Sixth Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture on &#x2018;Almost Human: Law and Human Agency in the Time of Artificial Intelligence&#x2019; and a prior interview, Prof. Andrew Murray called for the development of a legal framework to regulate AI. An international institution tasked with setting new standards on the development and use of AI was proposed as urgently needed to tackle the disruptive changes that we face in light of emergent technologies. The assumption here is that existing legal frameworks are insufficient to deal with these challenges; that is to say, yes, we do indeed need more law.&#xA;The challenges of AI to human agency According to Prof. Murray, one of the key problems raised by reliance on AI is its impact on human agency. AI impedes the agency of the user by dictating what information is (and isn&#x2019;t) presented to them, constituting an interference in their ability to freely make decisions. It also strips agency from individuals who are the object of an algorithm&#x2019;s calculations, the process of datafication reducing them to mere datapoints. As such, Prof. Murray argues that at the very least, a conversation needs to be had about what we are willing to give up or over to algorithms.&#xA;The trouble is, the inherently opaque and complex character of machine learning (ML) algorithms make it exceedingly difficult for humans to understand how and why these reach particular outcomes. The fact that these algorithms are trained on vast bodies of big]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-website-launch-of-the-asser-nexus-on-conflict-and-crime/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-website-launch-of-the-asser-nexus-on-conflict-and-crime/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Nexus on Conflict and Crime was launched recently. This website brings together information about the work of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in the field of conflict and crime. The interconnected fields of&#xA0;International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Criminal Law (ICL), Transnational Criminal Law (TCL) and Legal Aspects of Countering Terrorism (LACT) are represented on the website. Legal professionals, researchers and students are thus able to get an overview of all available information in these fields of law.&#xA;Interacting subfields The site collects and presents all the Asser Instituut&#x2019;s knowledge products, including publications, lectures, trainings and databases. The products are organised among one of the four subfields. The overlapping and interacting nature of these subfields is central to the creation and layout of the site, which highlights their interconnectedness.&#xA;Ayyash case as an example The focus is on examining each subfield in relation to one another. It was therefore apt to launch the site on the 2nd of December, during a supranational criminal law lecture discussing the Ayyash judgement of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. This case is a good illustration of the linkage between ICL and LACT.&#xA;Wide range of audiences The site targets a number of audiences. This includes, among others, professionals in the criminal justice sector looking for a training; students in search of a useful case summary; researchers who want to be informed about the latest developments and trends; as well as the general public and journalists in search of general background information.&#xA;More information: Asser Nexus on Conflict and Crime&#xA;Page on International Humanitarian Law&#xA;Page on International Criminal Law&#xA;Page on Transnational Criminal Law&#xA;Page on Legal Aspects of Countering Terrorism Feedback The website will be further developed and improved on a continuing basis, so its visitors are very much invited to get in touch with the Nexus team for any feedback]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/dutch-senate-discusses-criminalisation-of-stay-in-an-area-controlled-by-a-terrorist-organisation/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 12 Jan 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/dutch-senate-discusses-criminalisation-of-stay-in-an-area-controlled-by-a-terrorist-organisation/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Dutch Senate discussed a bill January 12 that regulates the criminalisation of persons who intentionally stay in an area under the control of a terrorist organisation. In a new ICCT perspective, Asser researcher and ICCT fellow Christophe Paulussen and co-author Emanuela-Chiara Gillard argue why this bill is problematic: &#x2018;This is a dangerous move into the pre-crime space, far removed from actual criminal conduct.&#x2019;&#xA;The ICCT perspective was published today, prior to a debate on the bill in the Dutch Senate Committee for Justice and Security (J&amp;amp;V). The bill regulates the criminalisation of persons who intentionally stay in an area under the control of a terrorist organisation without the permission of the Minister of Justice and Security.&#xA;Problematic bill In the perspective, Paulussen and Gillard are expressing their doubts. Is it the most appropriate and proportionate solution for the problem? While this new tool could facilitate prosecutors&#x2019; work, and may also play a role in preventing or dissuading people from travelling to places in the world that may have a negative impact on their (and possibly our) lives, the authors think it is problematic nonetheless.&#xA;The authors write: &#x201C;This is not least because it is yet another example of the shift of counter-terrorism measures into the pre-crime space, and the apparent wish to create a risk-free society. In an effort to achieve this impossible goal, other important objectives, including the provision of humanitarian assistance in accordance with humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence, and the capacity of journalists and human rights groups to do their vital work independently and without any interference from politics, are increasingly undermined.&#x201D;&#xA;Other models &#x201C;However, if criminalisation were to be pursued nonetheless, then we argue that the Australian or UK model are to be followed, through which humanitarians, journalists and human rights groups are exempted from the law. The]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-year-s-resolutions-our-winter-academies-will-help-you-stay-ahead-in-2021/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2021 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-year-s-resolutions-our-winter-academies-will-help-you-stay-ahead-in-2021/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registration is open for two unique 2021 winter academies. Sign up now to advance your career!&#xA;[Online winter academy] Due diligence as master key to responsible business conduct (25 - 29 January 2021)&#xA;What does it mean to do business right? How can businesses be held accountable for their negative social and environmental impacts throughout their transnational supply chains? And: what are the legal mechanisms that can help steer them towards responsible business conduct?&#xA;Bringing together professionals, students and academics from around the world, our 2021 online Doing Business Right winter academy will provide you with a deep dive into the due diligence process as a strategy to achieve responsible business conduct. We will retrace the genealogy of the concept, investigate its theoretical underpinnings, and provide you with a hands-on understanding of its practical operation through specific case studies conducted by experienced practitioners. Through a blending of theory and practice, the 2021 DBR winter academy aims to equip participants with the necessary know-how to engage with the growing practice of due diligence in their daily work in civil society organisations, corporations, administrations or academia. Sign up now, or check out the programme here.&#xA;Five scholarships are available for this winter academy for applicants based in low or lower-middle income countries. Click here to learn more about selection criteria and how to apply.&#xA;Fee: students and NGOs: &#x20AC;495, professionals: &#x20AC;895&#xA;[Winter academy] Artificial intelligence &amp;amp; international law (10 - 19 February 2021)&#xA;Artificial intelligence (AI) comes with many promises. It has the potential to lead to significant scientific and societal progress, but the use of technologies that display increasing degrees of autonomy brings in significant ethical, legal, and policy challenges as well. AI is disruptive to fundamental legal norms and concepts, as well as to systems of international governance. So, do not]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-meaningful-human-control-over-autonomous-weapons-and-international-criminal-law/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-meaningful-human-control-over-autonomous-weapons-and-international-criminal-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a contribution to international law blog OpinioJuris, Asser researcher Marta Bo writes that international criminal law could provide guidance for operationalising the concept of meaningful human control over lethal autonomous weapons (LAWS). Bo suggests that a treaty obligation on meaningful human control must therefore be adopted and articulated in terms of legal duties to act on individuals. It must ensure that human operators are capable to exercise the duty to take precautions: &#x2018;Under these conditions, criminal responsibility for failing to stop unlawful attacks launched by autonomous weapons is fairly attributed.&#x2019;&#xA;BackgroundLast year, UN Chief Antonio Guterres tweeted that &#x2018;machines with the power and discretion to take lives without human involvement are politically unacceptable, morally repugnant and should be prohibited by international law&#x2019; Should we leave the decision to kill a human being to a machine?&#xA;Lethal autonomous weapons (LAWS) have long raised moral and legal concerns. While civil society and academia were quick to raise concerns surrounding responsibility (and in particular the so-called responsibility gap), international regulatory discussions have only recently&#xA0;opened up to the issue of accountability.&#xA;In international discussions and writings, the problem of meaningful human control has been addressed from different angles: from philosophical, ethical and legal (here and here), to operational, cognitive and technical (here and here). In her OpinioJuris blog post Marta Bo suggests that meaningful human control must be shaped so that individual criminal responsibility for unlawful attacks amounting to war crimes can be attributed.&#xA;Criminal responsibility by omissionShe further argues that the failure to stop human-supervised autonomous weapons will be one of the most common situations arising when these weapons are deployed causing the violation of the principle of distinction or proportionality. Criminal responsibility by omission - where]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/scholarships-available-for-our-2021-winter-academies/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/scholarships-available-for-our-2021-winter-academies/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Ten scholarships are available to candidates based in low or lower-middle income countries to attend the Asser Institute&#x2019;s online winter academies in January and February 2021.&#xA;In 2021, the Asser Institute will be hosting two winter academies. The first dedicated to the field of business and human rights and the second to the intersection between AI and international law. In this context, we invite interested candidates resident of low or lower-middle income countries (based on the World Bank&#x2019;s classification) to apply for scholarships covering the tuition fees of the winter academies. Winter academy on &#x2018;Due diligence as master key to responsible business conduct&#x2019; from 25 to 29 January 2021In 2021, we will host the fourth edition of our Doing Business Right&#xA0;winter academy. This year&#x2019;s focus will be on due diligence as a key process aimed at achieving responsible business conduct. The winter academy will discuss the theoretical underpinnings of the turn to due diligence in the business and human rights field and provide our participants with a comprehensive understanding of its practical operation through specific case studies conducted by experienced practitioners. For more information on the scholarship conditions and how to apply, click here. Deadline: 5 January 2021 23.59h CET. Winter academy on &#x2018;Artificial intelligence and international law&#x2019; from 10 to 19 February 2021The third edition of the winter academy on artificial intelligence and international law will be organised in February 2021. This training programme provides participants with insights into the current and future issues raised by AI from the perspective of international law and related disciplines, and offers a platform for critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. It will take place over six days, split across two weeks: 10-12 February and 17-19 February. The interdisciplinary programme is structured along six themes: Understanding AI, AI ethics, AI and human rights, AI and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-dilema-lecture-remote-autonomous-weapons-and-human-agency/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-dilema-lecture-remote-autonomous-weapons-and-human-agency/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[What does it mean to have autonomy in the age of AI? How are remote, autonomous weapons regulated under international law? On Monday 22 February 2021 (16.00 CET / 15.00 GMT), Professor Bill Boothby will deliver a DILEMA Lecture on the topic of &#x2018;Remote, autonomous weapons and human agency&#x2019;. Click here for more information and registration.&#xA;Abstract&#xA;Artificial intelligence is starting to permeate many aspects of our lives. Autonomous weapon technologies are the subject of increasing academic attention, not least in the recently published Oslo Manual. During this lecture, Professor Bill Boothby will consider what we mean by autonomy. He will describe the international law rules that seem most relevant when considering the acceptability of such technologies, and will reflect on some ideas of agency in the autonomous age.&#xA;About the speaker Air Commodore Bill Boothby&#xA0;(Retd) served for 30 years in the Royal Air Force Legal Branch, retiring as Deputy Director of Legal Services in July 2011.&#xA0;In 2009 he took a Doctorate at the Europa Universit&#xE4;t Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder) in Germany and published &#x2018;Weapons and the Law of Armed Conflict&#x2019; through OUP (now in its 2nd Edition) in the same year. His second book, &#x2018;The Law of Targeting&#x2019;, appeared with the same publisher in 2012. He has been a member of Groups of Experts that addressed Direct Participation in Hostilities and that produced the HPCR Manual of the Law of Air and Missile Warfare, the 2013 Tallinn Manual on the Law of Cyber Warfare and the Leuven Manual on Peace Operations Law. His third book, addressing conflict law, was published in 2014. In March 2018, with Professor Wolff Heintschel von Heinegg, he published with CUP a Detailed Commentary on the US Department of Defense Law of War Manual, and his edited volume on New Technologies and the Law in War and Peace was published by CUP in December 2018. He is Honorary Professor at the Australian National University and also teaches at the University of Southern Denmark and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/book-by-asser-researcher-chukwuma-okoli-subject-of-symposium/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/book-by-asser-researcher-chukwuma-okoli-subject-of-symposium/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The book &#x2018;Private International Law in Nigeria&#x2019; by Asser researcher Chukwuma Okoli is the subject of a symposium, which is being held this week on the website AfronomicsLaw.&#xA;Asser researcher Chukwuma Okoli co-authored &#x2018;Private International Law in Nigeria&#x2019;, which was published in June 2020. This book examines the rules, principles, and doctrines in Nigerian law for resolving cases involving cross-border issues. It is the first book-length treatise devoted to the full spectrum of private international law issues in Nigeria. The editors of Afronomicslaw.org have invited Okoli and Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong to organise a symposium on the subject. Online&#xA0;symposium on private international law in NigeriaThis symposium brings together the reflections of four scholars on the book and explores some of the issues arising therefrom. The introduction to the symposium has now been published on AfronomicsLaw.org. Other posts on the symposium will be posted daily this week.The purpose of the symposium is to discuss important issues on the subject of private international law in Nigeria. Four papers have now been selected for the symposium. Persons presenting are Dr. Abubakri Yekini (Lecturer in Law at Lagos State University, Nigeria), Orji Uka (Senior Associate at African Law Practice, Nigeria), Anthony Kennedy (Associate Member of Serle Court), and Richard Mlambe (Lecturer in Law at University of Malawi &#x2013; Polytechnic).&#xA;Private International Law in Nigeria&#xA0;received excellent reviews:&#xA;&quot;The book is an excellent piece. For the first time, students and practitioners can have access to an avalanche of Nigerian PIL cases and they can measure the mood of Nigerian courts on important subject matters such as jurisdiction agreements.&quot; Dr. Abubakri Yekini, Lecturer at Lagos State University Nigeria&#xA;&quot;This book is without doubt, one of the most impactful legal textbooks in Nigeria in at least twenty five years. It is a refreshing addition to the legal libraries across Nigeria and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/joint-initiative-launch-of-a-forum-of-legal-actors-on-freedom-of-expression/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/joint-initiative-launch-of-a-forum-of-legal-actors-on-freedom-of-expression/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today at WPFC 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, UNESCO, Free Press Unlimited and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut jointly launched the Forum of Legal Actors.&#xA0;The initiative should help to create a network of legal actors to support and defend the right to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.&#xA;In the coming years, the Forum will bring together judges, public prosecutors, lawyers and representatives from judicial institutes from all over the globe to strengthen the role of legal actors in the defence of the universal right of freedom of expression. The Forum will be a platform to exchange views on best practices and the interpretation of legal provisions, and it will disseminate international norms and standards in comparative law.&#xA;BackgroundAlthough&#xA0;the universal human right to freedom of expression and the relevance of the Rule of Law are formal&#xA0;UN Sustainable Development Goals, the past decade saw a steep growth in attacks on freedom of expression in general, and on the safety of journalists in particular.&#xA;The Forum of Legal Actors, which falls within the framework of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists&#x2019; and the Issue of Impunity, aims to strengthen the defence of the crucial right of freedom of expression by engaging legal experts from across the world. By exchanging views it will set forth how legal actors, such as judges, prosecutors, lawyers and legal institutes, can help in defending freedom of expression and in prosecuting perpetrators of crimes against journalists. For when there is impunity for attacks on journalists, both the Rule of Law and respect for fundamental rights are threatened.&#xA;Increasing knowledgeIn&#xA0;today&#x2019;s world, it is both a necessity and a challenge to interpret laws in the dynamic and increasingly pervasive digital dimensions of the right to freedom of expression. In the coming WPFC editions, the Forum will therefore focus on capacity building, with expert exchange meetings in 2021 and 2022.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-news-handover-ceremony-of-unique-inter-university-programme-in-lebanon/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-news-handover-ceremony-of-unique-inter-university-programme-in-lebanon/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[For nearly ten years the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) has supported a unique inter-university programme on international criminal law in Lebanon. Eleven Lebanese universities and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut cooperated within the project. The programme has been called &#x2018;the best attempt towards reconciliation in Lebanon&#x2019;. More than a thousand students have graduated in the last decade. The programme is now continued by the Asser Institute and the International &amp;amp; Transitional Justice Resources Center (ITJRC).&#xA;Handover ceremonyMonday 7 December the project was handed over to the Asser Institute and the ITJRC. The ITJRC is representing the eleven Lebanese universities. The online ceremony was attended by the STL&#x2019;s current and former President, Acting Registrar, Head of Outreach and Legacy, deans, (former) students and representatives from ITJRC.&#xA;Asser academic director Janne Nijman also spoke, thanking the STL for its support. &#x27;As I&#x2019;ve said many times this programme is close to our hearts. As a research institute we do not only want to excel in conducting research, but also excel in serving societies with our knowledge and that of our experts. This programme, we modestly hope, will help Lebanon in shaping its future through values such as collaboration, justice and fairness.&#x27; Unprecedented programmeNearly ten years ago, the programme was set up to enable law students from eleven different universities in Lebanon to follow lectures on international criminal law and procedure together. There was no specialisation in international criminal law offered at any Lebanese university prior to that time. The programme was the first of its kind, and unprecedented in the Middle East and North Africa region. Prominent academics and practitioners in the field were asked to participate. The lectures were streamed online from the Asser Institute to the lecture halls in the participating universities in Lebanon. As this happened in pre-corona times, it was very innovative. The]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-watch-a-recording-of-the-6th-annual-tmc-asser-lecture-on-ai-and-regulation/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-watch-a-recording-of-the-6th-annual-tmc-asser-lecture-on-ai-and-regulation/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Thursday 26 November Professor Andrew Murray joined us online to deliver his lecture &#x2018;Almost human: law and human agency in the time of artificial intelligence.&#x2019; More than five hundred people from all over the world watched the sixth Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture. A recording of the lecture is now available on our Youtube page.&#xA;Artificial intelligence (AI) is all around us: from the smartphones in our hands to drone strikes thousands of miles away. While this technology has many benefits such as simplifying complex data and making daily tasks easier, it also has dangerous implications. How and why does the rise of AI threaten the rule of law and what kind of regulatory frameworks are needed to manage this omnipresent technology? Professor Andrew Murray addressed these questions and more at the online T.M.C. Asser Sixth Annual Lecture on 26 November. Ahead of the lecture, Prof. Murray was interviewed by Caroline de Gruyter of Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad, and by Asser researcher Dimitri van den Meerssche for international law blog Opinio Juris.&#xA;About Professor MurrayProf. Murray is a leading thinker on information technology law and regulation, who focuses on regulatory design within Cyberspace and on the protection and the promotion of Human Rights within the digital environment. He is a Professor of Law and Deputy Head of the Department of Law at the London School of Economics where he researches and teaches in the fields of Internet and new media law, including the laws of digital surveillance and digital privacy.&#xA;[Online winter academy] Artificial intelligence and international lawIn February 2021, the Asser Institute will host its third annual winter academy on &#x2018;Artificial intelligence and international law.&#x2019; This state-of-the-art winter academy will be hosted in an online format and will take place over six days, split across two weeks: 10-12 February and 17-19 February. The interdisciplinary programme offers you an in-depth and comprehensive overview of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-paper-supporting-the-mandate-of-the-african-court/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-paper-supporting-the-mandate-of-the-african-court/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 3 July 2020, Asser researcher Misha Plagis co-organised an expert round table with the Centre for Human Rights (University of Pretoria). During the round table, 20 experts on the African Court on Human and Peoples&#x2019; rights (hereinafter &#x2018;African Court&#x2019; or &#x2018;Court&#x2019;) shared their views on the current challenges facing the Court, especially the recent withdrawals affecting its jurisdiction, and offered potential solutions. The policy paper, authored by Plagis and Michael Gyan Nyarko, on the outcomes of this event is now available.&#xA;A Court in crisis?&#xA;Is the African Court in crisis? In early 2020, Benin and Cote d&#x2019;Ivoire withdrew their special declarations from the Court (following earlier withdrawals from Tanzania and Rwanda), causing Plagis to point out in May that &#x2018;with only six states left that allow individuals and NGOs to bring cases, it is likely that the African Court&#x2019;s increasingly steady stream of cases will turn into a trickle and potentially dry out.&#x2019; During the round table not all participants agreed that the withdrawals present a &#x2018;crisis&#x2019; as such. Opponents of the &#x2018;crisis&#x2019; label view emphasized that of the four withdrawals, all had only withdrawn their special declarations that allow individuals and NGOs direct access to the Court, and not withdrawn from the jurisdiction of the Court as a whole.&#xA;Finding solutions&#xA;Although participants could not agree on whether the present situation constitutes a &#x2018;crisis,&#x2019; there was a strong consensus that withdrawals pose a serious threat to the future of the Court. Urgent and widespread changes are necessary, particularly with regard to the Court&#x2019;s communications and relationships with Member States. Participants proposed the following improvements: Improve the Court&#x2019;s relationships with Member States &#xAD;&#x2013; Participants suggested a variety of strategies to achieve this including relationship building through jurisprudence, sensitisation missions, and more frequent communication with States.&#xA;Improve quality of judgements&#xA0;&#x2013;]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-lecture-series-method-methodology-and-critique-in-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 29 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-lecture-series-method-methodology-and-critique-in-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In December 2020, the Asser Institute will launch a new lecture- and workshop series on &#x2018;Method, methodology and critique in international law&#x2019;. The aim of the&#xA0;lecture series, targeted at international law researchers,&#xA0;is to explore various new ways of &#x2018;doing&#x2019; international legal scholarship, and is set to include a dozen lectures across 2020-2021 (see below for programme and speakers).&#xA;The series will kick off on December 16 (14.00 hours, on Zoom), with speakers Wouter Werner (VU Amsterdam) and Asser researcher Dimitri van den Meerssche, who will introduce the series and set out the stakes of methodological reflection. Interested researchers can join the conversation, by registering here.&#xA;Background&#xA;In recent decades, the field of international law has&#xA0;seen&#xA0;a multiplication of methodological approaches, a growing variation in methods and a critical reflection on central epistemological and stylistic registers. Changes in the course of the discipline have thereby often been fueled not&#xA0;by new substantive claims in existing (doctrinal, analytical or political) controversies, but&#xA0;through&#xA0;the&#xA0;emergence&#xA0;of different modes of seeing, thinking and writing. The aim of the new Asser lecture and workshop series&#xA0;is to explore various new ways of &#x2018;doing&#x2019; international legal scholarship. This includes a focus on the opportunities, pitfall and politics of varying methodological approaches, their embedded epistemological, sociological or philosophical commitments as well as the particular technical crafts they demand.&#xA;Researchers participating in the workshops&#xA0;will not only gain a better grasp of how to position themselves in an increasingly complex methodological landscape. They will also enhance their understanding of what is at stake in the various &#x2018;turns&#x2019; that are continuously performed in international&#xA0;law&#xA0;(such as the &#x2018;turn&#x2019; to practice,&#xA0;history,&#xA0;discourse,&#xA0;political economy, critical sociology, materiality, geography&#xA0;or aesthetics to name but a few).&#xA;Would you like to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-a-future-of-algorithmic-warfare-human-agency-and-the-rule-of-law-in-the-age-of/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-a-future-of-algorithmic-warfare-human-agency-and-the-rule-of-law-in-the-age-of/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Thursday 26 November, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut will host its&#xA0;Sixth Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture. We are delighted to welcome Professor Andrew Murray who will join us online to deliver his lecture &#x2018;Almost human: law and human agency in the time of artificial intelligence.&#x2019; Register now to attend this highly relevant and thought-provoking event.&#xA;Artificial intelligence (AI) is all around us: from the smartphones in our hands to drone strikes thousands of miles away. While this technology has many benefits such as simplifying complex data and making daily tasks easier, it also has dangerous implications. How and why does the rise of AI threaten the rule of law and what kind of regulatory frameworks are needed to manage this omnipresent technology? Professor Andrew Murray will address these questions and more at the online T.M.C. Asser Sixth Annual Lecture on 26 November at 16.00 CET.&#xA;Lecture Abstract&#xA;Law is about agency - the human capacity to act independently and to make our own free choices. As Jeremy Webber observes, &#x2018;Law is consciously created&#x2019; and is the distillation of the collective agency of a society, group, or culture. The rule of law is the ultimate distillation of this principle: the clear spirit of human choice in the purest form.&#xA;However, the process of datafication: the reduction of the complexity of the world to data values, threatens the fabric of human agency and the rule of law. Complexity becomes numerical values and choices become mathematical processes. Human brains, less equipped for this form of decision-making, risk being replaced by algorithmic decision-making. Human agency diminishes as Artificial Intelligence ascends.&#xA;LawTech replaces lawyers; risk assessments replace actuaries; there is even the possibility of &#x2018;algorithmic warfare&#x2019;. In meeting this challenge, the focus to date has been to invest in AI Ethics rather than AI Regulation. The EU Commission, in its recent White Paper, recommended ethical guidelines could be the foundation]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publications-asser-researcher-chukwuma-okoli-publishes-on-private-international-law-in/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publications-asser-researcher-chukwuma-okoli-publishes-on-private-international-law-in/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Postdoctoral researcher Chukwuma Okoli has recently published a blog on the application of private international law in Nigeria. Additionally, a book he co-authored will be the subject of a symposium in December. In a blog post for conflictoflaws.net, Okoli criticises a recent Nigerian Court of Appeal decision. This decision was on a failure or refusal to appear to court proceedings in breach of an international arbitration clause, and payment of an out of court settlement to release a seized vessel. The court held that these actions constituted a waiver of the right to an international arbitration clause by submitting to the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Court. Read the full blog post here.&#xA;Online&#xA0;symposium on private international law in NigeriaOkoli&#xA0;also co-authored&#xA0;Private International Law in Nigeria, which was published in June 2020.&#xA0;This book examines the rules, principles, and doctrines in Nigerian law for resolving cases involving cross-border issues. It is the first book-length treatise devoted to the full spectrum of private international law issues in Nigeria. In celebration of this achievement, the editors of&#xA0;Afronomicslaw.org&#xA0;have invited Okoli and&#xA0;Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong&#xA0;to organise a symposium on the subject.&#xA;The purpose of the symposium is to discuss important issues on the subject of private international law in Nigeria. Four papers have now been selected for the symposium. Persons presenting are Dr. Abubakri Yekini (Lecturer in Law at Lagos State University, Nigeria), Orji Uka (Senior Associate at African Law Practice, Nigeria), Anthony Kennedy (Associate Member of Serle Court), and Richard Mlambe (Lecturer in Law at University of Malawi &#x2013; Polytechnic).&#xA;The exact date and other information will be published in due time. Please routinely check this page and our social media channels to stay up to date.&#xA;Dr Chukwuma Okoli LL.M. is a Postdoctoral Researcher in private international law at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and part of the research]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-delocalised-justice-the-transnationalisation-of-corporate-accountability-for/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-delocalised-justice-the-transnationalisation-of-corporate-accountability-for/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[AfronomicsLaw and the Asser Institute&#x2019;s Doing Business Right project have a call for papers on &#x2018;Delocalised Justice: The transnationalisation of corporate accountability for human rights violations originating in Africa&#x2019;. Background&#xA;More than twenty years ago nine local activists from the Ogoni region of Nigeria were executed by the then military dictatorship. The story of the Ogoni Nine does not stop in Nigeria; the tale of the nine men, the many lives lost, and the environmental degradation linked to the extraction of oil in the region by Shell has quite literally travelled the world.&#xA;What is often commonly referred to as the Kiobel case - after the application lodged by Esther Kiobel, the widow of Dr. Barinem Kiobel - originated in Nigeria, has been heard by courts in the USA, and is currently before Dutch courts.&#xA;The Kiobel case, as well as a flurry of other cases (e.g. the Bralima case before the Dutch NCP, the Nevsun case before the Canadian courts, the Vedanta case before the UK courts, or the Total case before the French courts, among others), embodies the flight of corporate accountability cases out of their original African contexts.&#xA;Delocalisation of access to justice&#xA;This transnational quest for an effective remedy by those who&#x2019;s human and/or environmental rights have been violated is understandable, but it also raises serious questions about the consequences of the delocalisation of access to remedies in such cases. This conference, co-organised by Afronomics and the Asser Institute, aims to provide a forum for critical discussions of the justifications for, and consequences of, using various delocalised &#x2018;sites of justice&#x2019; for human and environmental rights violations associated with &#x2018;doing business&#x2019; in Africa.&#xA;In this collaboration between Afronomics and the Asser Institute&#x2019;s Doing Business Right project, we welcome contributions from scholars working on African international law, African perspectives of international/transnational law, as well as]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/in-the-media-andrew-murray-the-use-of-ai-may-disrupt-democracy-and-the-rule-of-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/in-the-media-andrew-murray-the-use-of-ai-may-disrupt-democracy-and-the-rule-of-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In anticipation of the sixth Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture (26 November), Prof. Andrew Murray spoke to Dutch newspaper NRC&#xA0;and international law blog OpinioJuris about the threat that artificial intelligence (AI) poses to the rule of law and the need for international legal regulation. In an interview with NRC journalist Caroline de Gruyter, Murray advocated for &#x2018;tough regulation&#x2019; of artificial intelligence: &#x2018;AI can be fantastic, but it takes away our brains and our ability to weigh things. Our autonomy is shifting to companies&#x2019;. Murray continues &#x2018;The use of AI prevents people from making autonomous decisions.&#xA0;This disrupts democracy and the rule of law&#x2019;.&#xA;How can we keep reaping the benefits of AI while mitigating the threat it poses to our core values? Murray argues that we must act now with legal regulation, and specifically international legal regulation: &#x2018;It is too late for national legislation. This [artificial intelligence] is cross-border. The EU must establish a global organisation for AI, just as we have organisations for refugees or health.&#xA0;If large countries participate, something can happen&#x2019;.&#xA;To read Prof. Murray&#x2019;s full interview on NRC (in Dutch), please see our Asser in the Media page.&#xA;Asser researcher interviews Prof. Murray for OpinioJurisAsser researcher Dr Dimitri van den Meerssche interviewed Prof. Murray for the international law blog OpinioJuris. Providing a sneak peek into his lecture, Murray argued against common approaches to regulating AI such as ethical frameworks or the &#x2018;human in the loop&#x2019; ideal. Instead, Murray believes &#x2018;the time has come for international [legal] regulation on artificial intelligence&#x2019;.&#xA;You can find the full interview on our Asser in the Media page.&#xA;Register now for the 6th Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture&#xA;In a thought-provoking Sixth Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture,&#xA0;Prof. Andrew Murray, a leading thinker on information technology and regulation, will discuss the challenges that Artificial Intelligence and Big Data pose for human]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-beyond-ai-ethics-international-law-and-human-rights-for-ai-accountability/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-beyond-ai-ethics-international-law-and-human-rights-for-ai-accountability/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser senior researcher Berenice Boutin recently published a short piece in which she cautioned about the negative implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and discussed the role of international law as a regulatory mechanism for this technology. &#x2018;While the global efforts to reflect on AI ethics are laudable and necessary, it is time to move beyond AI ethics and towards binding legal frameworks and enforceable regulation of AI.&#x2019; As AI is progressively being deployed in various public domains such as healthcare, energy, welfare, border security, criminal justice, law enforcement, or defence, we must ensure that the development and use of AI technologies are guided by core democratic values and subject to legal mechanisms of accountability. To this end, established norms and processes of international law, in particular international human rights law, have an important role to play.&#xA;Steering the development of AI&#xA;In recent years, the sharp advances of AI capabilities have been accompanied by a growing recognition of the need to proactively reflect on its societal implications, so as to shape the development and applications of technology in line with ethical values. Public and private institutions alike have called for a fundamental questioning on the potential impacts of AI, in order to steer AI research and policy towards beneficial outcomes, and to ultimately maintain agency over the technologies we decide to adopt.&#xA;The unfettered deployment of data-driven policy-making and algorithmic decision-making in the public sector can indeed come at the cost of many negative consequences, in terms of discrimination, privacy, due process, transparency, and accountability. For instance, the use of risk-assessment algorithms in the judicial system has led to blatant discrimination in the United States, and automated detection of welfare fraud is being litigated in the Netherlands in the SyRI case. The potentially promising and seemingly less controversial applications of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/scl-lecture-sexual-terrorism/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/scl-lecture-sexual-terrorism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Thursday 10 December 2020 (Human Rights Day), the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, in cooperation with&#xA0;IMPACT: Center against Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence in Conflict, will organise a supranational criminal law (SCL) lecture on &#x2018;sexual terrorism&#x2019;.&#xA;The online lecture, which will take place from 16:00 to 17:15 CET, will explore the concept of &#x2018;sexual terrorism&#x2019; &#x2013; the use of human trafficking and conflict-related sexual violence as a tactic of terrorism &#x2013; as well as the advantages and disadvantages of labelling and prosecuting human trafficking and conflict-related sexual violence as terrorism.&#xA;The lecture will zoom in on&#xA0;terrorist group Boko Haram in Nigeria which has committed rapes and other forms of sexual violence since 2009, to see how this discussion plays out in reality and what can be done to engender real change on the ground. After the Q&amp;amp;A, the lecture will conclude with a reflection from the&#xA0;UN Team&#xA0;of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict.&#xA;Panelists (to be confirmed):&#xA;-Dr Anne-Marie de Brouwer, Co-founder and team member of&#xA0;IMPACT: Center against Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence in Conflict&#xA;-Dr Eefje de Volder, Co-founder and team member of&#xA0;IMPACT: Center against Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence in Conflict&#xA;-Lauren Aarons, Head of the Gender, Sexuality and Identity team at the International Secretariat of&#xA0;Amnesty International&#xA;-Adejok&#xE9; Babington-Ashaye, Senior counsel at the&#xA0;World Bank&#xA;-Sofia Candeias, Member of the&#xA0;UN Team&#xA0;of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict&#xA;Further reading:&#xA;How to respond to sexual terrorism?&#xA;Prosecuting the Nexus between Terrorism, Conflict-related Sexual Violence and Trafficking in Human Beings before National Legal Mechanisms: Case Studies of Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab&#x2019;&#xA;Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have been massively involved in &#x2018;sexual terrorism&#x2019;: using human trafficking and conflict-related sexual violence as tactics of terrorism. At the same time, state responses are meager and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/launch-of-the-dilema-lecture-series-rebecca-crootof-on-artificial-intelligence-autonomous/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/launch-of-the-dilema-lecture-series-rebecca-crootof-on-artificial-intelligence-autonomous/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The DILEMA Project, led by Asser senior researcher Dr Berenice Boutin, is launching a new lecture series on legal, ethical, and technical perspectives on human agency over military Artificial Intelligence (AI). The DILEMA lecture series invites academics and other experts working on legal, ethical, and technical perspectives on military artificial intelligence (AI) to present their work and share reflections with researchers, students and professionals. The first lecture will take place on 1 December (17.00 CET / 11.00 EST). Register here to join the launch of this exciting new lecture series. The DILEMA lecture series will encompass a variety of topics including technical perspectives on military applications of AI, philosophical enquires into human control and human agency over technologies, analyses of international law in relation to (military) AI, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and interdisciplinary contributions related to these topics.&#xA;On Tuesday 1 December 2020 (17.00 CET / 11.00 EST), Dr Rebecca Crootof (University of Richmond School of Law) will deliver the inaugural lecture of the DILEMA Lecture Series. She will address the topic of &#x2018;Artificial intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, and accidents in war&#x2019;. To read more and register for this event, click here.&#xA;The next DILEMA lecture will take place on Monday 22 February 2021 (16.00 CET / 15.00 GMT). Dr William H. Boothby (Australian National University) will speak on the topic of &#x2018;Remote, autonomous weapons and human agency&#x2019;. More information including registration details will be available soon. Please stay tuned to the Asser website and social media channels. About the DILEMA project&#xA;The DILEMA project explores interdisciplinary perspectives on military applications of artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on legal, ethical, and technical perspectives on safeguarding human agency over military AI. It analyses in particular subtle ways in which AI can]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-online-winter-academy-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-online-winter-academy-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In February 2021,&#xA0;the Asser Institute will host its third annual winter academy on &#x2018;Artificial intelligence and international law.&#x2019;&#xA0;This state-of-the-art winter academy&#xA0;will be&#xA0;hosted in an online format and take place over six days, split across two weeks: 10-12 February and 17-19 February.&#xA0;Sign up&#xA0;now to experience an in-depth and interdisciplinary programme which offers a&#xA0;comprehensive overview of AI and international law: from ground notions to complex debates on AI and the rule of law.&#xA;Background&#xA;Artificial intelligence (AI) comes with many promises. It has the potential of providing for cognitive abilities going beyond human capacities, which could lead to significant scientific and societal progress. At the same time, the use of technologies that display increasing degrees of autonomy brings in significant ethical, legal, and policy challenges. AI is disruptive to fundamental legal norms and concepts, as well as to systems of international governance.&#xA;What?&#xA;This winter academy offers you foundational knowledge on key issues at the intersection of theory and practice, and provides a platform for critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. The programme is structured along six themes:&#xA0;Understanding AI, AI ethics, AI and human rights, AI and international security, AI and responsibility and: AI policy and governance.&#xA0;It will address both the technical and legal aspects of AI, so whether you are a lawyer or a programmer, this academy will offer you the skills and knowledge to advance in your professional or academic career.&#xA;For whom?&#xA;This winter academy is designed for professionals and academics working on issues related to AI and international law, in particular: Policy makers, policy analysts and legal advisers working on innovation and technology in public or private institutions;&#xA;Industry professionals interested in the law and governance of AI;&#xA;Researchers and advanced students (master or PhD) in the fields of international law, political]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/consolidation-the-netherlands-network-for-human-rights-research-now-incorporates-all-dutch-law/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/consolidation-the-netherlands-network-for-human-rights-research-now-incorporates-all-dutch-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research (NNHRR), one of the inter-university platforms coordinated by the Asser Institute, recently welcomed three Dutch universities to its membership and saw its mandate renewed for three more years. &#x2018;The NNHRR has firmly consolidated its position in the Dutch academic landscape&#x2019;, says Prof Yvonne Donders, chair of the network&#x2019;s steering committee. The NNHRR was founded in 2017 by eight Dutch universities (see below) to strengthen their academic cooperation. The network facilitates academic exchange among human rights experts, provides training to its PhD members, and actively supports the organisation of human rights research activities across the Netherlands. With the accession of three universities this academic year, all Dutch law schools are now institutional members of the network.&#xA;Recently, the NNHRR&#x2019;s mandate was renewed for an additional three years. &#x2018;The NNHRR has firmly consolidated its position in the Dutch academic landscape&#x2019;, says Prof Yvonne Donders, chair of the network&#x2019;s steering committee. &#x2018;In just over two years, the financial, material and knowledge resources of our member institutions have been significantly consolidated, streamlined and optimised&#x2019;.&#xA;Asked about the network&#x2019;s achievements, Prof Donders says: &#x2018;The complex and multifaceted nature of contemporary social problems calls for coordination among academic experts, institutions and disciplines. We have succeeded in providing this direction while reinforcing inter-university research cooperation, facilitating cutting-edge output, and offering continuous valorisation of its members&#x2019; work on human rights&#x2019;.&#xA;Learning &amp;amp; exchangeTo&#xA0;create spaces for learning and exchange, the NNHRR facilitates the organisation of annual&#xA0;PhD trainings&#xA0;and hosts the&#xA0;Toogdag, an annual conference dedicated to promoting interaction between the members and showcasing their work. It further maintains a number of collaborative initiatives, such as the&#xA0;Research Workshops]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-countering-cyber-terrorism-in-a-time-of-war-on-words-the-case-of-france/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-countering-cyber-terrorism-in-a-time-of-war-on-words-the-case-of-france/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A lack of legal clarity, an extensive administrative discretion, and the related limited judicial review are some of the problems with France&#x2019;s counter-terrorism policy to regulate online content, writes Asser researcher Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi in a contribution to a new publication of the Hague Program for Cyber Norms (HPCN), edited by Fabio Cristiano, Dennis Broeders and Daan Weggemans.&#xA;The publication &#x2018;Countering cyber terrorism in a time of &#x2018;war on words&#x2019;: Kryptonite for the protection of digital rights?&#x2019; looks at how counter cyber terrorism legislation and policy unfold at the national and regional level. It takes the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council as case studies, as these states have emerged as prominent actors of international cyber security. A case of the European Union has also been included to reflect on the regional level and the extent to which policy making efforts can be coordinated.&#xA;Lack of legal clarity and extensive administrative discretionRebecca&#x27;s&#xA0;policy-focused contribution explores the case of France. She identifies four problems in the choices made by France to regulate online content. Three substantial issues are the lack of legal clarity, the extensive administrative discretion, and the related limited judicial review. She further finds the way in which the French government pushed for the adoption of these measures also problematic in a democratic society.&#xA;Mignot-Mahdavi: &#x201C;France did not make explicit that its counter-terrorism policy is based on the ideas that internet (i) catalyses risks and (ii) must be used to intensify surveillance practices. This choice might have made the law and policy making process easier: it somehow ensured that no vivid public discussion would take place on the specificities of surveillance and speech regulation on the web (i.e. the anticipatory turn that it facilitates).&#x201D;&#xA;Mignot-Mahdavi warns that these issues of form and substance are &#x201C;problematic in a democratic, rule-governed]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-online-hilac-lecture-on-international-humanitarian-law-and-non-state-actors/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-online-hilac-lecture-on-international-humanitarian-law-and-non-state-actors/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 03 November at 18.00, the Asser Institute will host an online HILAC lecture on &#x27;International humanitarian law and non-state actors&#x27;. The&#xA0;lecture also doubles as&#xA0;the launch for a book of the same name. Register now to hear from the book&#x27;s authors and editors, as well as experts in the field, about the challenges non-state actors pose in armed conflict. In recent times, international armed conflicts have declined in frequency, while non-international armed conflicts have increased and are now consistently in the majority. From armed conflicts in Syria to those of the Sahel region, Yemen, Ukraine, Colombia and Afghanistan, international humanitarian law (IHL) has long recognized the roles that multiple non-state actors play (such as non-state armed groups, individuals, the UN through its different agencies, the ICRC, humanitarian NGOs and human rights bodies) through interactions among themselves and with States on a daily basis and for a myriad of different reasons.&#xA;Ezequiel Heffes,&#xA0;Marcos D. Kotlik and&#xA0;Manuel J. Ventura explore some of these interactions in their co-edited volume&#xA0;International Humanitarian Law and Non-State Actors&#xA0;(Asser Press). In the presence of the editors and some of the book&#x2019;s authors, this HILAC lecture will be the occasion to celebrate the publication of their book. We will discuss real-life challenges presented by non-state actors in conflict settings, and how (and to what extent) we can address them to affect the resolution of practical and theoretical problems in the realm of IHL. Register here. Panelists&#xA;-&#xA0;Ezequiel Heffes, co-editor of the book, Thematic legal adviser at Geneva Call;&#xA;-&#xA0;Yasmin Naqvi, co-author of one of the chapters, Special adviser to the Deputy Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OCPW);&#xA;-&#xA0;Marco Sass&#xF2;li, Professor of international law at the University of Geneva, former director of the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights;&#xA;-&#xA0;Tilman Rodenh&#xE4;user,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/scl-lecture-the-stl-judgement-in-the-ayyash-et-al-case-justice-for-lebanon/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/scl-lecture-the-stl-judgement-in-the-ayyash-et-al-case-justice-for-lebanon/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Wednesday December 2 2020 (16.00 hours CET) the Asser Institute will organise an online panel on the recent verdict by the Trial Chamber of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) in the case of Ayyash et al. The panel, consisting of Olga Kavran (STL), Thijs Bouwknegt (NIOD) and Ilaria Zavoli (University of Leeds) will discuss the Ayyash judgment and its potential for achieving justice in more detail. Click here to join this meeting.&#xA;Background:&#xA;On 18 August 2020, the Trial Chamber of the&#xA0;Special Tribunal for Lebanon&#xA0;(STL) issued its long-awaited verdict in the case of Ayyash et al. The Trial Chamber found one defendant, Salim Jamil Ayyash, &#x201C;guilty beyond reasonable doubt&#x201D; for his role in perpetrating a 2005 explosion in Lebanon which killed 22 people, including former prime minister Rafic Hariri. The three other defendants were acquitted of all charges.&#xA;The judgment also concluded that &#x201C;Syria and Hezbollah may have had motives to eliminate Mr Hariri, and some of his political allies&#x201D;, but that &#x201C;[t]here is no evidence that the Hezbollah leadership had any involvement in Mr Hariri&#x2019;s murder and [&#x2026;] no direct evidence of Syrian involvement in it&#x201D;.&#xA;On the one hand, the responses to the judgment have been critical, with commentators wondering whether the length and costs of the trial justified this outcome. On the other, the complexity of conducting these kinds of prosecutions was highlighted, as well as the fact that the judgment offers an independent and detailed account of what really happened some 15 years ago.&#xA;This panel will discuss the Ayyash judgment and its potential for achieving justice in more detail. You can register here&#xA0;or by clicking the red &#x27;register&#x27; button on the event page.&#xA;Panelists: -Ms. Olga Kavran, Head of Outreach and Legacy at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon&#xA;-Dr. Thijs Bouwknegt, Researcher, NIOD, Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies&#xA;-Dr. Ilaria Zavoli, Lecturer in Law, University of Leeds&#xA;The panel will be moderated by Asser]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/phd-defence-the-legal-governance-of-historical-memory-and-the-rule-of-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/phd-defence-the-legal-governance-of-historical-memory-and-the-rule-of-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Wednesday 21 October 2020 at 13:00,&#xA0;former Asser researcher&#xA0;Marina Ban will defend her doctoral thesis on the topic of&#xA0;&#x2018;The Legal Governance of Historical Memory and the Rule of Law&#x2019;. The dissertation examines selected states&#x2019; treatment of their past and evaluates how governmental control over historical memory via legal measures affects the rule of law. Asser academic director and chairperson of the Executive Board&#xA0;Prof. Mr. Dr Janne Nijman&#xA0;is Marina Ban&#x27;s supervisor and&#xA0;Asser senior researcher&#xA0;Dr Ulad Belavusau&#xA0;is co-supervisor. Marina conducted her doctoral research at the Asser Institute as part of the&#xA0;MELA Project&#xA0;(Memory Laws in European and Comparative Perspective).&#xA;The&#xA0;defence&#xA0;ceremony will take place at the Agnietenkapel in Amsterdam, and&#xA0;you can join via live broadcast&#xA0;here.&#xA0;Information on the livestream will be posted on the website of the University of Amsterdam&#xA0;here.&#xA;Since June 2020, Marina is&#xA0;a postdoctoral&#xA0;researcher at the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Law, as part of the&#xA0;Imagine Project&#xA0;(European Constitutional Imaginaries: Utopias, Ideologies and the Other).&#xA;About the T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x27;s PhD Programme&#xA;Marina is the first researcher from the T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x27;s PhD programme to defend her PhD.&#xA0;The T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x27;s PhD Programme is a dynamic platform in an intimate research environment. PhD researchers are trained to work at the cutting edge of international law, conducting independent research at the interface of academia and practice, connecting also with other Dutch universities.&#xA0;The programme is interdisciplinary, designed to foster greater insights into the practices of international law in times of change. Asser PhD researchers benefit from close contact with (daily) supervisors. They are supported by professional training activities, featuring collaborative theoretical and methodological queries to assist the development of each dissertation.&#x200B;]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-legacies-of-the-war-on-terror/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-legacies-of-the-war-on-terror/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Dr Rumyana van Ark (n&#xE9;e Grozdanova) recently authored a forthcoming publication on the &#x2018;War on Terror&#x2019; and why the legacies of this &#x2018;war&#x2019; still resonate today . Rumyana&#x2019;s publication is now available on Asser&#x2019;s SSRN page. Ark, R van &#x27;The War on Terror&#x2019;, Asser Research Paper 2020-12, forthcoming in: Sayapin, S., Quenivet, N., Kemp, G. and Zambrana-Tevar, N., International Conflict and Security Law, Volume 2, Springer/Asser Press (2020).&#xA0;Following the events of 11 September 2001 (9/11), the prevention and pre-emption of acts of terrorism has become a priority. At the international level, through a series of resolutions and the establishment of a new UN Committee, an environment accommodative of wide-ranging and collaborative counter-terrorism measures emerged. Domestically, states such the United States and United Kingdom immediately enacted new counter-terrorism measures while existing criminal and counter-terrorism legislation was updated and expanded. In addition to the legislation fever, several states &#x2013; the US in particular &#x2013; launched a transnational counter-terrorism campaign known as the &#x2018;War on Terror.&#x2019;&#xA0;As a political paradigm, this &#x2018;war&#x2019; was used to justify the military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a legal paradigm, the &#x2018;War on Terror&#x2019; was designed to construct an environment in which the need to counter terror is more important than respect for human rights and international norms. In the years following the events of 9/11, the US &#x2018;War on Terror&#x2019; gradually came to define the first decade of the 21st century. Almost 20 years on since its start, its legacy continues to be felt. This chapter examines the effects and legacies of the &#x2018;War on Terror.&#x2019; Read more&#xA0;here. Dr Rumyana van Ark&#xA0;(n&#xE9;e Grozdanova)&#xA0;is post-doctoral researcher in terrorism, counter-terrorism and international law at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut within the research strand&#xA0;&#x2018;Human dignity and human security in international and European law.&#x2019;&#xA0;She is also a research fellow]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/just-peace-month-online-lecture-bigdatalk-talking-and-learning-about-the-use-of-big-data-in/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[From border control practices to the use of facial recognition technologies in the streets; a wide variety of security practices can be used &#x2013; or misused - by governments to prevent terrorism. What do you know about these technologies? Join us on Friday 23 October, 14.00 - 15.00 CET, for a free online lecture and virtual tour to find out how Big Data is used to prevent terrorism, and how it could be used in the future. This online lecture will give you a concrete understanding of current and future surveillance practices. We will guide you through interactive activities so you can find out how big data in counter-terrorism is being used, and what the legal constraints are. The event will be led by Asser researchers&#xA0;Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi&#xA0;and&#xA0;Dr Dimitri van den Meerssche&#xA;To register for this event, please click&#xA0;here&#xA0;or on the red register button on our event page. This event is part of&#xA0;Just Peace Month in the Hague, an adaptation of the Just Peace Festival and The Hague International Open Day, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. This month, the international institutions of the city of peace and justice will open their (virtual) doors to the public to showcase their research and activities. The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is an official partner of Just Peace. Click&#xA0;here&#xA0;to learn more about why the Asser Institute is participating in Just Peace Month.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/registration-open-online-winter-academy-doing-business-right-due-diligence-as-master-key-to/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/registration-open-online-winter-academy-doing-business-right-due-diligence-as-master-key-to/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registration is now open for the 2021 winter academy on &#x2018;Doing business right: due diligence as a master key to responsible business conduct&#x2019; (25 - 29 January). Click here to register to take part in an exciting week of learning, thinking and discussing about the legal mechanisms to achieve responsible business conduct. What does it mean to do business right? How can businesses be held accountable for their negative social and environmental impacts throughout their transnational supply chains? And: what are the legal mechanisms that can help steer them towards responsible business conduct? The fourth edition of our Doing Business Right winter academy will focus on the function and functioning of due diligence as a central regulatory response to these questions. This year&#x2019;s online winter academy brings together students, academics and professionals from around the world and provides a deep dive into the due diligence process as a strategy to achieve responsible business conduct. Background&#xA;The work of John Ruggie as UN Special Representative on business &amp;amp; human rights was prolific and had a transformative impact on the regulatory choices taken to tackle the human rights responsibilities of corporations. In particular, the second pillar of his UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), endorsed unanimously by the Human Rights Council in June 2011, has had a long-lasting influence.&#xA;This second pillar popularised the concept of human rights due diligence as the central process that businesses need to introduce in order to abide by their responsibility to respect human rights. From thereon, the concept was transplanted into a variety of regulatory instruments, such as the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises or the French law on the devoir de vigilance. In turn, it has become the touchstone of debates related to responsible business conduct and a primary demand by civil society organisations pushing for stricter regulations of transnational]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-book-constitutionalism-under-stress-essays-in-honour-of-wojciech-sadurski/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-book-constitutionalism-under-stress-essays-in-honour-of-wojciech-sadurski/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Oxford University Press recently published the Liber Amicorum &#x2018;Constitutionalism under Stress: Essays in Honour of Wojciech Sadurski&#x2019;, co-edited by Asser Senior Researcher&#xA0;Dr Uladzislau Belavusau and Dr. Aleksandra Gliszczy&#x144;ska-Grabias (Polish Science Academy). Constitutionalism under Stress&#xA0;reflects on comparative constitutionalism in Central and Eastern Europe through the lens of leading legal scholar&#xA0;Professor Wojciech Sadurski,&#xA0;whose writings have anticipated and scrutinized the current decline of liberal democracies and populist challenges to the rule of law in the region.&#xA;Background&#xA;Professor Sadurski&#x27;s work has chronicled the transition from concern for the most basic of human rights under authoritarian rule to the challenges of democratic governance. The compelling rights discourse of an earlier period gave way to claims of abuse of majoritarian prerogatives as the hopes of liberal democracy encountered the power of illiberalism. The theoretical responses offered for the preservation of liberal democracy, in light of the current turbulence regarding the rule of law in Central and Eastern Europe, produces a far reaching and effective reference tool on matters of constitutional capture and illiberal democracy.&#xA;The volume is designed to mark the outstanding legacy of Professor Sadurski&#x2019;s scholarship, and consolidates contributions by his numerous colleagues and friends, and former doctoral students at the&#xA0;European University Institute&#xA0;(Florence, Italy), around the globe.&#xA;Three main themes emerge from the&#xA0;Liber Amicorum: populism and democratic decline in Central and Eastern Europe; Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union vis-&#xE0;-vis the rule of law situation in Hungary and Poland; and constitutional review and militant democracy. The book may be of interest to scholars, students, practising lawyers, civil society activists and judges in the areas of comparative constitutional and European law, liberal theory and human rights.&#xA;British newspaper The Guardian]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/a-new-way-forward-tmc-asser-instituut-and-university-of-amsterdam-join-forces-in-the-hague/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/a-new-way-forward-tmc-asser-instituut-and-university-of-amsterdam-join-forces-in-the-hague/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Hague, 8 October 2020 &#x2013;&#xA0;Today, Geert ten Dam, president of the executive board of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Ernst Hirsch Ballin, chairperson of the supervisory board of T.M.C. Asser Instituut, unveiled a new nameplate with two logos to celebrate a new cooperation agreement between both organisations.&#xA;Pursuant to the agreement, T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x2019;s governance structure changed, with academic director Prof. Dr. Janne E. Nijman becoming the new chairperson of the executive board.&#xA;Creating synergyThe new agreement -&#xA0;which entered into force on September 1 - establishes a ten-year framework for increased cooperation between the two organisations - with UvA&#x2019;s&#xA0;Amsterdam Law School&#xA0;in particular - facilitating dialogue and convergence on their strategic agendas in International and European law.&#xA;The new cooperation agreement is aimed at enhancing collaboration in research and education, and in business operations. Although T.M.C. Asser Instituut will continue work on its strategic agenda for research, education and knowledge dissemination, the two organisations will align their (multi-) annual plans with&#xA0;the aim of creating synergy, with the UvA&#x2019;s strategic agenda being leading. Five-year covenants between the parties will be the basis for the development of shared activities.&#xA;The cooperation agreement further stipulates that the University of Amsterdam will continue to contribute its current annual funding level of 2.2 million euros to support the strategic objectives of the UvA and T.M.C. Asser Instituut for the next ten years.&#xA;These strategic objectives are: Strengthening the research-based knowledge-cycle in the field of international and European law, including the international and European law related aspects of other fields of law, by maintaining close relations with The Hague-based organisations.&#xA;Realising professional education in the field of international and European law, and possibly in other related fields.&#xA;Strengthening the profile and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/winter-academy-alert-save-the-date-for-our-2021-winter-academies/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/winter-academy-alert-save-the-date-for-our-2021-winter-academies/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In 2021, the Asser Institute&#x2019;s winter academies on &#x2018;Due diligence as a master key to responsible business conduct&#x2019; and &#x2018;Artificial intelligence and international law&#x2019; will return in an online format. Click on the &#x27;registration&#x27; and &#x2018;pre-registration&#x2019; links below to stay up to date on all the latest news and be notified when registration opens. [Online winter academy] Due diligence as a master key to responsible business conduct (25-29 January 2021)&#xA;This winter academy will provide a deep dive into the due diligence process as a regulatory strategy to achieve responsible business conduct. Through a blending of theory and practice, we equip our participants with the necessary know-how to engage with the growing practice of due diligence in their daily work in civil society organisations, corporations, administrations or academia.&#xA;This winter academy is designed for academics and professionals working on issues related to business and human rights and corporate social responsibility, in particular: Researchers and advanced students (Master&#x2019;s or PhD) Members of civil society organisations Civil servants of national and international organisations&#xA;Lawyers and legal counsels of corporations Click here to register for this winter academy. Click here to read more about this winter academy. [Online winter academy] Artificial intelligence &amp;amp; international law (10-12, 17-19 February 2021)&#xA;This state-of-the art winter academy will provide foundational knowledge on key issues at the interface of international law and artificial intelligence (AI), and offer a platform for&#xA0;critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. It includes lectures that address both technical and legal aspects of AI, and will alternate theoretical and more&#xA0;practical perspectives.&#xA;This winter academy is designed for academics and professionals working on issues related to AI and international law, in particular: Researchers and advanced students (Master&#x2019;s or PhD) in the fields of international]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-tmc-asser-lecture-prof-andrew-murray-almost-human-law-and-human-agency-in-the-time/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-tmc-asser-lecture-prof-andrew-murray-almost-human-law-and-human-agency-in-the-time/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[How does datafication, the reduction of the complexity of the world to data values, threaten the Rule of Law? Why should we focus on the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) rather than on ethics? Could human agency be superseded by algorithmic decision-making? And: has the Age of Algorithmic Warfare arrived?&#xA;In a thought-provoking Sixth Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture,&#xA0;Prof. Andrew Murray, a leading thinker on information technology and regulation, will discuss the challenges that Artificial Intelligence and Big Data pose for human agency and the Rule of Law.&#xA0;Prof. Murray&#x2019;s lecture is entitled&#xA0;&#x2018;Almost human: Law and human agency in the Time of Artificial Intelligence&#x2019;.&#xA;The Sixth Annual T.M.C. Asser Annual Lecture, a unique online event, will take place on Thursday, 26 November 2020 at 16.00 hours CET. Registrations are open now and you can sign up here.&#xA;Abstract: Almost human: Law and human agency in the Time of Artificial Intelligence&#xA0;Law is about agency -&#xA0;the human capacity to act independently and to make our own free choices. As Jeremy Webber observes, &#x27;Law is consciously created&#x27; and is the distillation of the collective agency of a society, group, or culture. The rule of law is the ultimate distillation of this principle: the clear spirit of human choice in the purest form.&#xA;However, the process of datafication: the reduction of the complexity of the world to data values, threatens the fabric of human agency and the rule of law. Complexity becomes numerical values and choices become mathematical processes. Human brains, less equipped for this form of decision-making, risk being replaced by algorithmic decision-making. Human agency diminishes as Artificial Intelligence ascends.&#xA;LawTech replaces lawyers; risk assessments replace actuaries; there is even the possibility of &#x27;algorithmic warfare&#x27;. In meeting this challenge, the focus to date has been to invest in AI Ethics rather than AI Regulation. The European Commission, in its recent White Paper, recommended]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-symposium-informalisation-of-the-eu-s-external-action-in-the-fields-of-migration-and-asylum/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 28 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[This week, the constitutional law blog, Verfassungsblog, is holding a symposium on the legal and policy implications of the increased informalisation of the EU&#x2019;s external action in the field of migration and asylum. This trend, and topic of an upcoming interdisciplinary conference co-organised by ACES and the Asser Institute, poses significant constitutional challenges for the EU legal order. It further affects individuals and the global regime for refugee protection. Over the course of this week, seven blogs on this topic will be posted on the Verfassungsblog. The first two blog posts focus on the constitutional implications of informalisation. In her blog post Caterina Molinari (Institute for European Law) looks into the implications of EU readmission deals on the constitutional allocation of powers. Andrea Ott (Maastricht University) asks whether the trend towards informalisation in EU law can be considered a &#x2018;contamination.&#x2019; The next three contributions look at the implications of informalisation on the protection of fundamental rights. Asser researcher Narin Idriz examines this issue in the context of the EU-Turkey migration deal while Ay&#x15F;e Dicle Ergin (Bilkent University) analyses the situation that unfolded earlier this year on the Greece-Turkey border, when Turkey announced that it was opening its borders to Europe. In her contribution, Aysel K&#xFC;&#xE7;&#xFC;ksu (University of Copenhagen) notes the apparent lack of concern for human rights in the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union. The last two contributions shed light on the effects of informalisation on the international system of protection of refugees. The blog post by Emanuela Roman (Forum for International and European Research on Immigration) looks at how informal migration agreements affect international responsibility sharing, in particular the EU&#x2019;s increasing trend towards &#x2018;externalisation&#x2019; (placing the responsibility for accepting asylum seekers onto third states). Finally, Suna]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/recording-online-expert-panel-on-missing-persons-and-memory-governance/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/recording-online-expert-panel-on-missing-persons-and-memory-governance/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Thursday 24 September, from&#xA0;16.00-17.30 CET,&#xA0;the Asser Institute and the&#xA0;UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances&#xA0;co-hosted an&#xA0;online expert panel on &#x2018;Missing persons and memory governance&#x2019;. The online panel was&#xA0;part of the&#xA0;MELA-project, and it discussed memory laws in the context of enforced disappearance. The main topics of the event&#xA0;were the right to truth and combatting state-sponsored narratives of enforced disappearances. Watch the full recording here: [embed YouTube link BackgroundThis&#xA0;online panel&#xA0;was part of the agenda of the&#xA0;United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.&#xA0;It gathered leading experts in memory law and enforced disappearances and invited us to question how these seemingly disparate topics might relate to each other.&#xA;The online panel will covered the following themes:&#xA;1) The importance of memory governance in the context of enforced disappearances, 2) Operationalising the right to truth, 3) The relationship between memory governance and the international legal regime for missing persons, and 4) Combating state-sponsored false narratives through the voices of victims and civil society.&#xA;The experts each held presentations and then the floor was opened for questions and discussion.&#xA;Expert panelistsDr Uladzislau Belavusau,&#xA0;Senior researcher,&#xA0;T.M.C. Asser Instituut, former MELA Project leader for the Dutch team.Presentation:&#xA0;&#x2018;The MELA Declaration on Law and Historical Memory: Towards the constitutionalisation of memory politics?&#x2019;&#xA;Dr&#xA0;Gra&#x17C;yna Baranowska,&#xA0;Senior researcher, Institute of Law Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, former MELA postdoctoral researcherPresentation:&#xA0;&#x2018;Memory governance in the context of enforced disappearances&#x2019;&#xA;Ms&#xA0;Kathryne Bomberger,&#xA0;Director-General, International Commission on Missing PersonsPresentation:&#xA0;&#x2018;Securing the rights of families of the missing: A state responsibility&#x2019;&#xA;Dr&#xA0;Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz,&#xA0;Researcher, T.M.C. Asser Instituut, former MELA postdoctoral]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-hilac-lecture-military-necessity-and-the-law-of-armed-conflict/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-hilac-lecture-military-necessity-and-the-law-of-armed-conflict/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Tuesday 13 October, from 14.00-15.30 CET, The Hague Initiative for Armed Conflict (HILAC) will organise an online lecture on &#x27;Military necessity and the law of armed conflict.&#x27; What does it mean to say that international humanitarian law (IHL) strikes a realistic and meaningful balance between military necessity and humanity and that the law, therefore &#x27;accounts for&#x27; military necessity? Through real-life examples and careful analysis,&#xA0;this lecture will&#xA0;challenge received wisdom on the subject. Among other thought-provoking reflections, Professor Hayashi will explain why&#xA0;IHL has no reason to restrict or prohibit militarily&#xA0;unnecessary&#xA0;conduct&#xA0;based on its non-necessity&#xA0;alone.&#xA;By&#xA0;combining international law, jurisprudence, military history, strategic studies, and moral philosophy,&#xA0;Professor Hayashi will invite the audience to explore a broad range of issues through the prism of military necessity. How&#xA0;does&#xA0;rational fighting relate to ethical fighting? How&#xA0;does&#xA0;IHL incorporate contrasting values that shape its rules? How&#xA0;do law and theory adapt themselves to war&#x27;s evolutions?&#xA;Click here to register for this online HILAC lecture. About the speaker Nobuo Hayashi is an Associate Senior Lecturer at the Centre for International and Operational Law, Swedish Defence University. He also holds visiting professorships at the UN-mandated University for Peace (San Jos&#xE9;, Costa Rica) and the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (Turin, Italy). Nobuo specialises in international humanitarian law, international criminal law,&#xA0;jus ad bellum&#xA0;and international weapons law. He has twenty years of experience performing advanced research, providing expert advice, teaching postgraduate students and training senior professionals in these areas. Nobuo&#x2019;s work has been cited in international war crimes trials and diplomatic negotiations. His latest monograph,&#xA0;Military Necessity: The Art, Morality and Law of War, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2020. Major]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publications-what-kind-of-future-for-eu-uk-relations-in-the-post-brexit-world/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publications-what-kind-of-future-for-eu-uk-relations-in-the-post-brexit-world/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 31 January 2020, the UK officially left the EU after three and a half years of negotiations. But the work is far from over, as the parties must negotiate a new agreement that will serve as the basis for their future relationship. Asser researcher Dr Narin Idriz has recently authored two publications about the future of EU-UK relations; one on the constraints flowing from EU law on this future agreement and another on the rights of Turkish and Swiss nationals as possible examples for rights to be granted to UK nationals post-Brexit. The publications (available on Asser&#x2019;s SSRN page) are as follows: Idriz, N. &#x27;Possible Models for post-Brexit EU-UK Relations in Light of Existing Constraints in EU Law.&#x27;&#xA0;Forthcoming in: Special Brexit issue of the Ankara Review of European Studies, October 2020.&#xA0;In this article,&#xA0;Idriz identifies how EU law might limit both the content and form of the future EU-UK agreement. Despite the fact that the UK has left the EU, its future relationship with the bloc is bound to be affected and constrained by EU law. Though the details of the new EU-UK (trade) agreement are yet to be determined, identifying the legal constraints under which the parties can operate, helps one get a better idea of what the future agreement might look like. Read more here. Idriz, N. &amp;amp; Tobler, C. &#x2018;Citizenship of the Association: The Examples of Turkey and Switzerland&#x2019; Forthcoming in: Kostakopoulou, D. &amp;amp; Thym, D. (eds), Research Handbook on European Citizenship Law and Policy, Part V: EU Citizenship Post-Brexit: Differentiated Citizenship Revisited (Edward Elgar Publishing).This chapter examines&#xA0;how elements of EU citizenship (which is limited to nationals of Member States) have been translated as rights for nationals of third states that enjoy special relations with the EU. Its main case studies are the rights of Turkish and Swiss nationals and their family members within the framework of, respectively, the EEC-Turkey Association Agreement and the EU-Swiss]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-expert-panel-missing-persons-and-memory-governance/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[On Thursday 24 September, from&#xA0;16.00-17.30 CET,&#xA0;the Asser Institute and the&#xA0;UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances&#xA0;will co-host an online expert panel on &#x2018;Missing persons and memory governance&#x2019;. The online panel is part of the&#xA0;MELA-project, and it will discuss memory laws in the context of enforced disappearance. The main topics of the event are the right to truth and combatting state-sponsored narratives of enforced disappearances. Sign up&#xA0;here&#xA0;to join.&#xA;BackgroundThis&#xA0;online panel is part of the agenda of the&#xA0;United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.&#xA0;It gathers leading experts in memory law and enforced disappearances and invites us to question how these seemingly disparate topics might relate to each other.&#xA;The online panel will cover the following themes:&#xA;1) The importance of memory governance in the context of enforced disappearances, 2) Operationalising the right to truth, 3) The relationship between memory governance and the international legal regime for missing persons, and 4) Combating state-sponsored false narratives through the voices of victims and civil society.&#xA;The experts will hold presentations and the floor will be opened for questions and discussion.&#xA;Expert panelistsDr Uladzislau Belavusau,&#xA0;Senior researcher,&#xA0;T.M.C. Asser Instituut, former MELA Project leader for the Dutch team.Presentation:&#xA0;&#x2018;The MELA Declaration on Law and Historical Memory: Towards the constitutionalisation of memory politics?&#x2019;&#xA;Dr&#xA0;Gra&#x17C;yna Baranowska,&#xA0;Senior researcher, Institute of Law Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, former MELA postdoctoral researcherPresentation:&#xA0;&#x2018;Memory governance in the context of enforced disappearances&#x2019;&#xA;Ms&#xA0;Kathryne Bomberger,&#xA0;Director-General, International Commission on Missing PersonsPresentation:&#xA0;&#x2018;Securing the rights of families of the missing: A state responsibility&#x2019;&#xA;Dr&#xA0;Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz,&#xA0;Researcher, T.M.C. Asser Instituut, former MELA postdoctoral researcher.Presentation:&#xA0;&#x2018;Truth and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-training-programme-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass-destruction/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-training-programme-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass-destruction/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From 28 September &#x2013; 2 October, T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague will host the eleventh training programme on&#xA0;disarmament&#xA0;and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, co-organised with the&#xA0;Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). For the first time ever, the programme will be hosted in a virtual format. Make sure to sign up soon if you wish to attend this unique training programme. Registrations for this event have closed due to maximum capacity. When? 28 September - 02 October&#xA;Venue:&#xA0;Online Fee: &#x20AC;995 Organiser:&#xA0;T.M.C Asser Instituut &amp;amp; the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Sign up&#xA0;here Background: Weapons of Mass Destruction have recently re-entered the international political stage. After many years in which there was relatively little attention for these weapons and the agreements dealing with them, chemical weapons were used in&#xA0;Syria,&#xA0;Malaysia&#xA0;and the&#xA0;United Kingdom,&#xA0;and nuclear weapons returned in political rhetoric and arms races as if the Cold War has never ended. There is an increasing demand for professionals in the field of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to tackle the challenges of today&#x2019;s non-proliferation and disarmament agenda with a more integrated understanding of these issues. How should we understand and deal with these increasing international tensions surrounding arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament? How are experts and practitioners in the field of (or related to WMD dealing with these issues? The annual training programme on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction offers in-depth knowledge on this topic.&#xA;During this intensive online training programme, participants should expect to receive a comprehensive overview of non-proliferation and disarmament efforts regarding WMD. They will learn from renowned experts and practitioners and engage in active discussions about relevant topics and debates. Participants will also be provided with]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/dilema-research-project-on-military-ai-formally-started/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/dilema-research-project-on-military-ai-formally-started/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This month, the DILEMA research project on Designing international law and ethics into military artificial intelligence formally started. This project, funded by NWO&#x2013;MVI Programme on Responsible Innovation, explores interdisciplinary perspectives on military AI, with a focus on legal, ethical, and technical perspectives on safeguarding human agency over military AI. It analyses in particular subtle ways in which AI can affect or reduce human agency, and seeks to ensure compliance and accountability by design. The project investigates the question of how to ensure that military AI technologies support but never replace critical judgement and decision-making by human soldiers. In order to answer this main question, three sub-questions are addressed: (1) why it is essential to guarantee human involvement over certain functions and activities, (2) where it is most critical to maintain the role of human agents, in particular to ensure legal compliance and accountability, and (3) how to technically ensure that military technologies are designed and deployed in line with ethical and legal frameworks. Project team&#xA;The project team currently includes project leader Dr Berenice Boutin (Asser Institute), project supervisors Prof. Dr Terry Gill (University of Amsterdam) and Prof. Dr Tom van Engers (University of Amsterdam; TNO), PhD&#xA0;researcher Taylor Woodcock (Asser Institute), junior researcher Klaudia Klonowska (Asser Institute), and project advisor Prof. Dr Janne Nijman (Asser Institute; University of Amsterdam).&#xA;Project partners include&#xA0;TNO,&#xA0;Thales Nederland, the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS),&#xA0;PAX, the Graduate Institute Geneva (IHEID), the International Society for Military Law and Law of War (ISMLLW),&#xA0;the&#xA0;NATO&#xA0;Office of Legal Affairs, and the&#xA0;Ministry of Defence.&#xA;More information&#xA;To stay informed of project news and activities, please check the project website,&#xA0;and follow the project on Twitter: @DILEMA_project. Dr Berenice Boutin&#xA0;is a senior researcher at]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/in-memoriam-antoinette-wessels-voorbij/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/in-memoriam-antoinette-wessels-voorbij/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Board of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut has received the sad news that our former colleague Antoinette Wessels-Voorbij (60) has passed away on September 7th.&#xA;For twenty years, Antoinette worked for T.M.C. Asser Press and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut as a marketing specialist and communications officer.&#xA;In close collaboration with the publisher of T.M.C. Asser Press and its partner publisher Springer-Verlag, Antoinette was responsible for the marketing and promotion of the T.M.C. Asser Press books and periodicals, keeping in close touch with a network of authors and suppliers. In 2017, Antoinette joined the communications department of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut as a part-time internal communications specialist.&#xA;During her years at the Asser Institute, Antoinette - always cheerful and much loved by the Asser staff - showed her capacity to continually strive for innovation and problem-solving, while cherishing the good aspects of the organisation and its history. Antoinette always had her finger on the pulse of the time, as some say. We will remember Antoinette for her joy and laughter, and for the dedication and team spirit she brought to T.M.C. Asser Instituut and T.M.C. Asser Press. Ernst Hirsch Ballin, Janne Nijman, Gert Grift&#xA;The Board of T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-round-table-trading-emerging-technologies-security-and-human-rights-perspectives-1/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-round-table-trading-emerging-technologies-security-and-human-rights-perspectives-1/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Digital technology has been at the forefront of the US-China trade war. The tensions have in part led the US government to initiate the export control of emerging technologies, including, not only advanced information technology, but also robotics, brain-computer interfaces, and additive manufacturing such as 3D printing.&#xA;The demand for digital technology in both public and private sectors has created a thriving global market. However, while digital technology trade brings economic and social benefits, the trading practice has also intensified tensions among states which regard it as increasing security vulnerabilities.&#xA;On Tuesday 15 September 2020, the Asser Institute and&#xA0;Utrecht University are jointly organising an online expert round table&#xA0;on the topic of &#x2018;Trading Emerging Technologies: Security and Human Rights Perspectives&#x2019;.&#xA;Regulatory narratives&#xA;This expert round table&#xA0;aims&#xA0;at understanding and comparing the underlying narrative and justification used by the US, EU, and European states in regulating (or attempting to regulate) the trade of advanced digital technology and other emerging technologies. The focus will be directed at the comparison and synergy of security versus human rights narratives. On the one hand, the US government has employed broad &#x201C;national security&#x201D; narrative in order to take proactive steps in regulating the trade practices. On the other hand, the EU has taken certain initiatives &#x2013; at least until 2018 &#x2013; to foster human rights perspectives in regulating the export of digital surveillance technology. While EU member states remain divided,&#xA0;the Dutch government notably advocated the EU&#x2019;s proactive role in promoting the regulation of digital technology exports on the basis of their human rights risks (see:&#xA0;Kamerbrief inzake Betreft Stand van zaken herziening dual use-verordening binnen de EU, 29 August 2018).&#xA;Human rights narratives have also been recently advocated at the UN&#x2019;s level. In his May 2019 report, Special Rapporteur David Kaye]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/lex-sportiva-new-publications-on-transnational-sports-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/lex-sportiva-new-publications-on-transnational-sports-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser senior researcher&#xA0;Antoine Duval recently authored several publications in the field of transnational sports law, also known as lex sportiva. The publications are now available on Asser&#x2019;s SSRN page. The main topics are: &#x27;Transnational&#xA0;Sports Law: the living Lex Sportiva&#x2019; in P. Zumbansen (ed) Oxford Handbook of Transnational Law, Oxford University Press, forthcoming 2020.In this&#xA0;chapter, Duval traces the emergence of a transnational sports law, also known as lex sportiva. He examines lex sportiva both in theory and in action, with the aim of looking beyond the rules and identifying the processes and institutions that characterise the lex sportiva in its daily practice. Read more here. &#x27;Time to&#xA0;go public? The need for transparency at the Court of Arbitration for Sport &#x2018; in A. Duval &amp;amp; A. Rigozzi (eds) Yearbook of International Sports Arbitration 2017, T.M.C. Asser Press, Springer, 2019&#xA0;In this article, Duval argues that the Court&#xA0;of Arbitration&#xA0;for Sport must be more transparent, particularly with regard to its hearings and publication of awards. The Court ought to be subject to the same procedural scrutiny as national and international judicial bodies. Read more here. &#x27;Seamstress of Transnational Law: How the Court of Arbitration for Sport Weaves the Lex Sportiva&#x2019; in N. Krisch (eds) Entangled Legalities, Cambridge University Press, forthcoming 2020Duval&#xA0;shows that the work of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) can be compared to that of a seamstress; weaving together legal inputs into awards. In this chapter, Duval argues that the CAS judicial practice is best characterised by assemblage and hybridity. The argument is supported by empirical studies, charting the enmeshment of Swiss law, EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights (&#x2018;ECHR&#x2019;), within the case law of the CAS.&#xA0;Read more here. &#x27;Offside?&#xA0;Challenging the Transnational Legality of Israeli Football Activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories&#x2019; in A. Duval &amp;amp; E. Kassoti (eds) The]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/opening-academic-year-academic-director-janne-nijman-it-is-the-human-mind-that-may-evoke/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sept 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/opening-academic-year-academic-director-janne-nijman-it-is-the-human-mind-that-may-evoke/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[&quot;Another academic year lies ahead of us. An extraordinary year, not just because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on our personal and working lives, but also because of the many other global challenges we are facing.&#xA;As today&#x2019;s crises cut across traditional boundaries, education and knowledge are vital to respond to the negative impacts of globalisation, to assess the benefits and risks of fast-developing technologies, and to generate solutions for society&#x2019;s problems. Parliament, governments, civil society and businesses; we all need high-quality knowledge to base legislation and (policy) decisions on, rather than on fake news and misinformation. There is no doubt about the need for new thinking and a free exchange of ideas and knowledge to develop mutual understanding. Moreover, science and innovative ideas may help drive the pursuit of a sustainable world.&#xA;Later this autumn, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Founded after World War II, it was established &quot;to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations&quot; (UNESCO Constitution, 1945).&#xA;You may remember the famous words of UNESCO&#x2019;s Preamble - a text as valid today as it was right after a devastating war: &quot;since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.&quot;&#xA0;The UNESCO constitution also stresses the dangers of ignorance: &quot;ignorance of each other&#x2019;s ways and lives has been a common cause, throughout the history of humankind, of that suspicion and mistrust between the peoples of the world through which their differences have all too often]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-asser-researcher-uladzislau-belavusau-reflects-on-the-political-crisis-in-belarus/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-asser-researcher-uladzislau-belavusau-reflects-on-the-political-crisis-in-belarus/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a podcast interview with constitutional law blog Verfassungsblog, Asser senior researcher Dr Uladzislau Belavusau reflects on the mass protests in Belarus. What could be a possible future if Belarus manages to rid itself of the &#x2018;last dictator of Europe&#x2019;?&#xA;The system in Belarus is faltering. The Belarusians want to get rid of their head of state Lukashenka. Let us assume that they successfully put their plan into practice: how would Belarus then go on? What would become of the Belarus constitution that, since 1994, has been changed three times via referendums? And: are there comparable features in the mismanaging of the rule of law in Belarus and EU countries like Hungary and Poland? Asser researcher Uladzislau Belavusau has answers - which he shares (in English, after a brief German intro) in a podcast interview with Max Steinbeis for the German constitutional law blog Verfassungsblog.&#xA;Uladzislau Belavusau is senior researcher in European Law at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. He is part of the research strand Human dignity and human security in international and European law, which adopts as its normative framework a human rights approach to contemporary global challenges, inter alia in the fields of counter-terrorism, international and transnational crimes, new technologies and artificial intelligence, and historical memory.&#xA;Further reading&#xA;Op-ed&#xA0;Volkskrant: &#x2018;Minister Blok, take a firm stand on the question of Belarus (and use that name)&#x27;The&#xA0;Netherlands should not recognise the election results in Belarus, instead it should support neighbouring countries. And &#x2018;please stop writing &#x2018;Wit-Rusland&#x2019; (White Russia) and use Belarus instead&#x2019;, argues Uladzislau Belavusau in an open letter to Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in Dutch newspaper&#xA0;Volkskrant. (In Dutch).&#xA;Blog:&#xA0;The Belarusian response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Denial and a military paradeBelarus&#xA0;is the only European country, next to Sweden, that has not imposed quarantine]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-co-authors-guiding-principles-on-shared-responsibility-in-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-co-authors-guiding-principles-on-shared-responsibility-in-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser senior researcher Dr Berenice Boutin was part of the Drafting Committee of the Guiding Principles on Shared Responsibility in International Law, which were recently published in the Foreword section of the European Journal of International Law (Volume 31, Issue 1).&#xA;The Guiding Principles on Shared Responsibility in International Law seek to provide guidance to judges, practitioners and researchers when confronted with legal questions of shared responsibility of states and international organisations for their contribution to an indivisible injury of third parties. The Guiding Principles identify the conditions of shared responsibility (including questions of multiple attribution of conduct), the consequences of shared responsibility (notably, the possibility of joint and several liability) and the modes of implementation of shared responsibility. The Guiding Principles are of an interpretive nature. They build on the existing rules of the law of international responsibility and sometimes offer novel interpretations thereof. They also expand on those existing rules, backed by authoritative practice and scholarship, to address complex questions of shared responsibility.&#xA;The Drafting Committee was composed of Andr&#xE9; Nollkaemper (co-chair), Jean d&#x2019;Aspremont (co-chair), Christiane Ahlborn, Berenice Boutin, Nata&#x161;a Nedeski and Ilias Plakokefalos. The Principles draw on the findings and output generated by the SHARES research project on shared responsibility in international law, conducted at the University of Amsterdam under the direction of Professor Andr&#xE9; Nollkaemper.&#xA;To read the full publication, please click here. Dr Berenice Boutin is a senior researcher in international law at the Asser Institute. She is part of the research strand&#xA0;Human dignity and human security&#xA0;in international and European law. Berenice is project leader of the research project Designing International Law and Ethics into Military Artificial Intelligence (DILEMA). She is also a member of the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-media-asser-senior-researcher-christophe-paulussen-on-the-ayyash-et-al-judgement/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-media-asser-senior-researcher-christophe-paulussen-on-the-ayyash-et-al-judgement/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 18 August 2020, the Trial Chamber of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) issued its long-awaited verdict in the case of Ayyash et al. The Trial Chamber found one defendant, Salim Jamil Ayyash, &#x27;guilty beyond reasonable doubt&#x27; for his role in perpetrating a 2005 explosion in Lebanon which killed 22 people, including former prime minister Rafik Hariri. The three other defendants were acquitted on all charges. Asser senior researcher Christophe Paulussen spoke to news agency&#xA0;AFP&#xA0;and was quoted in French newspaper&#xA0;LePoint&#xA0;about this historic verdict and the challenges that confront international courts more generally.&#xA;The six-year trial and 970-million-dollar investigation ended in one conviction and three acquittals. Ultimately, the court ruled that cell phone evidence that appeared to link the accused to the explosion was not enough to convict three of the four defendants. Many lawyers, academics and observers were undoubtedly disappointed by the verdict. &#x27;However, the fact that people have been acquitted also says something about the fairness of the trial,&#x27; says Paulussen.&#xA;From its very beginning, the STL has been marred by issues of non-cooperation, which has hindered the tribunal&#x2019;s efforts to find justice. These challenges, Paulussen notes, are not unique to the STL. All international courts face similar challenges: &#x27;International courts, unlike national courts, do not have their own police force and are therefore totally dependent on cooperation with other actors.&#x27;&#xA;The STL, headquartered in Leidschendam close to The Hague, was established in 2009 with the purpose to investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the 2005 bombing. Although the verdict has now been issued, the STL&#x2019;s work is far from over. In 2019, the court opened a separate case against Ayyash. He is accused of involvement in three other attacks against politicians. Further, Ayyash&#x2019;s conviction is expected to be met with a lengthy appeals process or maybe even a new trial, if he appears]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-janne-nijman-mary-o-connell-a-better-world-emerging-from-the-crises/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/op-ed-janne-nijman-mary-o-connell-a-better-world-emerging-from-the-crises/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On August 15, it was seventy five years ago that World War II came to an end and a better world emerged from the carnage of it. In an op-ed for international law blog OpinioJuris, Asser academic director Janne Nijman and Mary O&#x2019;Connell (University of Notre Dame) sketch - at the onset of a new academic year - the contours of a world with extraordinary potential emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic and other crises: &#x201C;Fundamental change may now be possible in the cold glare of what competition has wrought: pandemic, rising authoritarianism, and militarised policing.&#x201D;&#xA;In the article, Nijman and O&#x2019;Connell describe how the Cold War, and an ensuing &#x2018;constructed world of competition in economics and military force&#x2019;, has led to a gradual decline of the better world that was created with the establishment of The United Nations; the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other institutions and laws that promote peace and human dignity.&#xA;A world in need of a new ideational construct&#xA;According to the authors, the coronavirus pandemic is a &#x201C;shared global experience, demonstrating that hyper-connectivity is not just a technological or economic reality but also the reality of the natural world in need of a new ideational construct.&#x201D;&#xA0;Nijman and O&#x2019;Connell write: &#x201C;(&#x2026;) But this constructed world of competition in economics and military force is not the only one in view. Others exist. One other, with extraordinary potential, is emerging in the pandemic, the movement for Black lives, and the campaign for the environment. It is characterised by cooperation and solidarity and sees human beings as fundamentally decent and capable of compassion. The authors describe that general principles of law, from equality to good faith, depend on the capacity for compassion, - a view shared by the architects of international law, such as Hugo Grotius: &#x201C;This alternative perspective rejects pointless, zero-sum competition and defines security as the flourishing of health, the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-legality-of-economic-activities-in-occupied-territories/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-the-legality-of-economic-activities-in-occupied-territories/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This week, academic publisher Routledge issued a new edited volume on the legality of economic activities in occupied territories, edited by Asser institute senior researchers Dr Antoine Duval and Dr Eva Kassoti. The book, The legality of Economic Activities in Occupied Territories, is aimed at academics, practitioners and policy-makers, and explores the question of the lawfulness under international law of economic activities in occupied territories. It does so from the perspectives of international law, EU law, and business and human rights.&#xA;Background&#xA;Providing a multi-level overview of relevant practices, policies and cases, the book is divided in three parts, each dealing with how different legal fields have come to grips with the challenges brought about by the question of the lawfulness under international law of economic activities in occupied territories. The first part of the book includes contributions pertaining to the international law dimension of the question. It contains chapters on the conjunction between jus in bello, jus ad bellum and international human rights law in the context of exploitation of natural resources in territories under belligerent occupation; on third party obligations flowing from the application of occupation law in relation to natural resources exploitation; and on State practice with regards to trading with occupied territories.&#xA;The second part focuses on EU law and contains contributions that assess the EU&#x2019;s approach to occupied territories and the extent to which this approach comports with the EU&#x2019;s obligations under international law; contributions providing an in-depth assessment of the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on occupied territories; as well as contributions pertaining to the political considerations that may influence the legal framing of questions pertaining to occupied territories.&#xA;The final part focuses on the business and human rights perspective, with chapters on investment]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-training-programmes-register-now-for-our-upcoming-training-programmes/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-training-programmes-register-now-for-our-upcoming-training-programmes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) are two of our most important global issues. Governments continue to struggle with how to respond to terrorist attacks and WMDS were recently used in Syria, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia. Find out more about how to address these pressing issues at two of our upcoming training programmes.&#xA;[Online] Advanced summer programme terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law When?&#xA0;24 - 28 August 2020&#xA;Starts at: 09:00h&#xA;Fee: &#x20AC;930 (Early bird fee), &#x20AC;695 (PhD reduced fee), &#x20AC;1130 (Standard online fee)&#xA;Venue: Online&#xA;Organiser: T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#xA;Terrorist attacks have triggered an increase in security-related legislative provisions across the world. A wide range of new or updated administrative and criminal law measures is meant to bolster states&#x2019; ability to respond to acts of terrorism, and to address perceived &#x2018;gaps&#x2019; in domestic legislation and security strategies.&#xA;In trying to pre-empt terrorism related activities as early as feasible, states have further introduced additional preparatory and inchoate offences, curbs on financial and other support, limitations on the scope of the right to freedom speech and others. How proportional and legitimate are these measures? Are they effective?&#xA;From 24 &#x2013; 28 August 2020, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and ICCT in The Hague will host the tenth Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law. In this thought-provoking summer training you will learn all there is on the international and domestic legal aspects of counter-terrorism, in inspiring and interactive classes by international top speakers in the field. Sign up now to avail our fantastic Early Bird offer.&#xA;To register for the summer programme, please click here. Please read the registration terms &amp;amp; conditions carefully before registration. For inquiries on registration and the programme, please contact educationtraining@asser.nl.&#xA;[Online training programme] Disarmament and non-proliferation of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-round-table-trading-emerging-technologies-security-and-human-rights-perspectives/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-round-table-trading-emerging-technologies-security-and-human-rights-perspectives/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Digital technology has been at the forefront of the US-China trade war. The tensions have in part led the US government to initiate the export control of emerging technologies, including, not only advanced information technology, but also robotics, brain-computer interfaces, and additive manufacturing such as 3D printing.&#xA;The demand for digital technology in both public and private sectors has created a thriving global market. However, while digital technology trade brings economic and social benefits, the trading practice has also intensified tensions among states which regard it as increasing security vulnerabilities.&#xA;On Tuesday 15 September 2020, the Asser Institute and&#xA0;Utrecht University are jointly organising an online expert round table&#xA0;on the topic of &#x2018;Trading Emerging Technologies: Security and Human Rights Perspectives&#x2019;.&#xA;Regulatory narratives&#xA;This expert round table&#xA0;aims&#xA0;at understanding and comparing the underlying narrative and justification used by the US, EU, and European states in regulating (or attempting to regulate) the trade of advanced digital technology and other emerging technologies. The focus will be directed at the comparison and synergy of security versus human rights narratives. On the one hand, the US government has employed broad &#x201C;national security&#x201D; narrative in order to take proactive steps in regulating the trade practices. On the other hand, the EU has taken certain initiatives &#x2013; at least until 2018 &#x2013; to foster human rights perspectives in regulating the export of digital surveillance technology. While EU member states remain divided,&#xA0;the Dutch government notably advocated the EU&#x2019;s proactive role in promoting the regulation of digital technology exports on the basis of their human rights risks (see:&#xA0;Kamerbrief inzake Betreft Stand van zaken herziening dual use-verordening binnen de EU, 29 August 2018).&#xA;Human rights narratives have also been recently advocated at the UN&#x2019;s level. In his May 2019 report, Special Rapporteur David Kaye]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-advanced-summer-programme-terrorism-counter-terrorism-and-the-rule-of-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-advanced-summer-programme-terrorism-counter-terrorism-and-the-rule-of-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Terrorist attacks have triggered an increase in security-related legislative provisions across the world. A wide range of new or updated administrative and criminal law measures is meant to bolster states&#x2019; ability to respond to acts of terrorism, and to address perceived &#x2018;gaps&#x2019; in domestic legislation and security strategies.&#xA;In trying to pre-empt terrorism related activities as early as feasible, states have further introduced additional preparatory and inchoate offences, curbs on financial and other support, limitations on the scope of the right to freedom speech and others. How proportional and legitimate are these measures? Are they effective? Our upcoming tenth Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law will address pressing questions such as these.&#xA;Covid-19 update Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the format of this&#xA0;course has been&#xA0;changed into an online programme&#xA0;for a reduced fee (33% discount). Participants who have already paid in full will be reimbursed the difference in price. For any questions, please contact&#xA0;educationtraining@asser.nl. From 24 &#x2013; 28 August 2020,&#xA0;the T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#xA0;and ICCT in The Hague will host the tenth&#xA0;Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law.&#xA0;In this&#xA0;thought-provoking summer training&#xA0;you will learn all there is on the international and domestic legal aspects of counter-terrorism, in inspiring and interactive classes by international top speakers in the field.&#xA0;Sign up now&#xA0;to avail our fantastic Early Bird offer.&#xA;About the programme During an intensive week, experts, academics and practitioners will explore international and domestic legal aspects of counter-terrorism. You will get the chance to have a unique and in-depth look at the challenges that come with adopting and implementing counter-terrorism measures, while ensuring respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Our renowned summer programme will bring you lectures by top]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-media-asser-researcher-leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-us-measures-against-migrants/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-media-asser-researcher-leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-us-measures-against-migrants/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a recent interview with the Spanish language podcast Hablemos de Derecho Internacional, Asser researcher Dr Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz has argued that the Trump administration is using the coronavirus pandemic for discriminatory purposes and continues to breach international obligations under refugee law. Castellanos-Jankiewicz called the policies, aimed at undocumented migrants on the border with Mexico, &#x2018;aggressive&#x2019;, and cautioned that the measures may severely undermine the system of refugee protection in the United States.&#xA;In the interview with Edgardo Sobenes, host of the podcast, Castellanos-Jankiewicz said that the current pandemic is being instrumentalized by the US government, and &#x2018;discriminatory action against migrants is being cloaked as a health emergency response&#x2019;. To outline this argument, the interview contains a detailed discussion of the international obligations of states under international refugee law, including the principle of non-refoulement. Pursuant to this guarantee, individuals cannot be returned to their country of nationality if they have a well-founded fear that their life, bodily integrity or fundamental rights would be threatened there.&#xA;Expedited removal of migrants The measures issued by the Trump administration are aimed at removing migrants and asylum seekers through expedited procedures, thereby placing them at severe risk of kidnapping, torture, rape, and, ultimately, death. According to The Washington Post, the US government has been expelling border crossers to Mexico in 96 minutes on average, thereby breaching the non-refoulement obligations contained in Article 33 of the Refugee Convention of 1951 that bind the United States through its accession to the 1967 Protocol and customary international law.&#xA;In the interview, Castellanos-Jankiewicz explained that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suspended the introduction of persons from designated countries, including Mexico, on 20 March in the interest of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-international-lawyer-nawi-ukabiala-use-international-norms-and-dispute-settlement-to/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-international-lawyer-nawi-ukabiala-use-international-norms-and-dispute-settlement-to/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Across the globe, social movements have been mobilising for racial justice and equality after the brutal killings of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery in the United States. Asser researcher Dimitri Van Den Meerssche interviewed international lawyer Nawi Ukabiala on his vision for the role of international law in the fight against racial violence in the US. Ukabiala recently wrote an article in which he called for US civil society to appeal to the international community to invoke international human rights treaties. In this interview he says that &quot;human rights lawyers should encourage their governments to use the dispute settlement mechanisms in those treaties to try to dismantle the system piece by piece.&quot; How can we think about the history of racial injustice in the United States from the perspective of international law?&#xA;&quot;One cannot genuinely understand how racial injustice in the United States today implicates international human rights law, without understanding the history of racial injustice in the United States. The US was founded on the principles of life, liberty, and the state-enforced exploitation of black people for capital gain. Legal historians tend to omit that last principle and so lawyers tend to forget how resilient it is. Around the turn of the 19th century, Toussaint Louverture led the slave rebellion that established Haiti, which became the first state to abolish slavery. Shortly thereafter, Britain launched a practice of incorporating the prohibition on the slave trade into conventional international law. Decades later, in 1856, the US Supreme Court infamously upheld the institution of slavery, stating that blacks were &#x201C;so far inferior, that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.&#x201D; So, when the prohibition on slavery was emerging in international law, the legal institution of slavery was still a fixture in American society, and it was enforced with the utmost brutality.&#xA;However, exploitation in the form of slavery could not]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-paper-srebrenica-and-rwanda-genocides-the-continuing-saga-of-state-responsibility-for-the/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-paper-srebrenica-and-rwanda-genocides-the-continuing-saga-of-state-responsibility-for-the/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This weekend marked 25 years since the start of the genocide in the Bosnian enclave of Srebrenica, where over the course of eleven days, more than eight thousand people were killed.&#xA;Asser researcher Dr Berenice Boutin and Dr Nata&#x161;a Nedeski (Universiteit van Amsterdam) co-authored the paper &#x201C;The Continuing Saga of State Responsibility for the Conduct of Peacekeeping Forces: Recent Practice of Dutch and Belgian Courts&#x201D;, in which they compare two recent high stakes cases before domestic courts on state responsibility for the actions and omissions of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping forces: a 2019 ruling by the Dutch Supreme Court on Srebrenica in 1995, and a 2018 ruling by the Brussels Court of Appeal on Rwanda in 1994.&#xA;Surviving relatives of the victims of both genocides sought to obtain reparation from the Netherlands and Belgium, both troop-contributing states to UN peace keeping operations, for the harm caused by the troops&#x2019; failure to protect a number of civilians under their care. In view of the UN&#x2019;s immunity from jurisdiction, instituting proceedings before domestic courts of troop-contributing states remains one of the rare paths for victims to seek reparation for wrongdoing during UN peacekeeping missions. Although the facts of both cases display some striking similarities, the courts reached opposite conclusions: the Netherlands was held partially responsible while Belgium was exempted from providing any reparation to the victims.&#xA;Shared responsibilityIn their paper,&#xA0;forthcoming in the&#xA0;Netherlands Yearbook of International Law, the authors critically review the two cases, and analyse in particular the approach of each court regarding attribution of conduct, paying particular attention to the specific factual circumstances of transition and withdrawal in both cases, and to the issue of attribution of legal omissions. They further present observations as to the question of shared responsibility in the context of peacekeeping operations.&#xA;One of the conclusions]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-paper-planetary-boundaries-intra-muros-cities-and-the-anthropocene/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-paper-planetary-boundaries-intra-muros-cities-and-the-anthropocene/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[With the growing realisation that the inter-state system may fail us in the struggle to keep a safe distance from planetary boundaries, the need to find alternative governance models is more acute than ever.&#xA;Should cities and urban governance take the lead in confronting the governance challenges of the Anthropocene, the current geological age, in which human activity is the dominant influence on climate and the environment?&#xA;A new SSRN paper, &quot;Planetary Boundaries Intra Muros: Cities and the Anthropocene&quot;, co-authored by Asser academic director Janne E. Nijman and Helmut Philippe Aust (Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin), explores his question. Download it here.&#xA;AbstractAt first sight, the relationship between planetary boundaries and cities might be obscure. Closely related to the concept of the Anthropocene, responding to the planetary boundaries in a holistic and integrated manner seems to call for global solutions. Yet, it is important to downscale governance approaches, if only to solicit support for these attempts at all levels of governance. But what can cities and their governance offer in this respect? This chapter canvasses the relationship between cities, planetary boundaries and the Anthropocene. It portrays some of the many promises that a turn to the city seems to bring in this respect, in particular through forms of innovative urban governance. However, the chapter contextualises these promises and looks at some of the potential shortcomings that are associated with the recent adoration of cities as more responsible and benign units of governance. The chapter ultimately shows how cities are inevitable bundled up in the processes which bring us closer to the planetary boundaries and which have created the Anthropocene. The planetary boundaries run right through them.&#xA0;Read more. Janne Nijman is member of the board and academic director of the Asser Institute. She also serves as Professor of History and Theory of International law at the University of Amsterdam,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-dutch-supreme-court-rules-on-the-group-repatriation-of-the-families-of-is-fighters-we/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-dutch-supreme-court-rules-on-the-group-repatriation-of-the-families-of-is-fighters-we/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This morning the Dutch Supreme Court (Hoge Raad) in The Hague ruled that the Netherlands does not have to repatriate a group of 23 Dutch women and their 56 children currently detained in Northern Syria.&#xA;Asser counterterrorism researchers Dr Christophe Paulussen and Dr Rumyana van Ark have been following the case. Last month, in a series of three international publications Van Ark and her co-authors called for attention to the plight of the many thousands of children of former ISIS fighters that are stuck in prison camps in Syria and Iraq.&#xA;Asked for a first reaction to this morning&#x2019;s Supreme Court ruling, Van Ark says: &#x201C;The Hoge Raad has taken a rather deferential approach towards the government&#x2019;s argument that these children are a threat to national security. In many respects, this ruling is not surprising, as previous jurisprudence within and outside the Netherlands addressing national security matters illustrates. However, in the court&#x2019;s ruling, the &#x2018;nods towards individual and case-by-case assessments&#x2019; do suggest that the court may be open to reaching a different conclusion if the &#x2018;right&#x2019; case with the &#x2018;right&#x2019; set of circumstances presents itself for adjudication, cases with a very vulnerable child, for instance; or if the mother was coerced to go to Syria or Iraq and there is no evidence of wrong-doing.&#x201D;&#xA;Individual casesPaulussen agrees with the analysis of Van Ark. Paulussen: &#x201C;This judgement applies to the entire group. But it does not exclude that in specific, individual cases, different outcomes are possible. Hence, we expect that more individual court cases will now be started.&#x201D;&#xA;Van Ark further thinks this case should not be viewed in a vacuum: &#x201C;An earlier decision of the court of Rotterdam reached the conclusion that the court will aim for prosecution within the Netherlands of a Dutch woman currently held in Syria (based on letters by the Dutch Justice Minister). The authorities have six months to ensure she is back within Dutch jurisdiction. The sequence]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/2020-asil-hague-institutions-hosted-the-closing-plenary-on-cities-and-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/2020-asil-hague-institutions-hosted-the-closing-plenary-on-cities-and-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Friday June 26, the Municipality of The Hague and T.M.C. Asser Instituut convened the online closing plenary of the 2020 virtual annual meeting of the American Society of International Law (ASIL). This prestigious society aims to foster the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations on the basis of law and justice.&#xA;The closing plenary, sponsored by the Asser Institute and the Municipality of The Hague, is one of the highlights of ASIL&#x2019;s annual meeting. This year&#x2019;s closing plenary&#x2019;s event focused on the ways that communities are engaging with international law, in a session titled &quot;Cities and Other Sub-National Entities: What Promise Do They Hold for International Law?&quot; The discussion featured leading experts from five global cities, remarks by the deputy mayor of The Hague, Saskia Bruines, and Asser academic director Janne Nijman (convener), one of the pioneers in the research of cities and international law. Nijman is the programme leader of &#x2018;The Global City: Challenges, Trust and the Role of (International) Law&#x2019; at the Asser Institute, which consists of four individual PhD research projects and is supported by the Gieskes Strijbis Foundation. Together with Helmut Aust (FU Berlin), Janne Nijman co-chairs the International Law Association (ILA) Study Group on &#x27;The Role of Cities in International law&#x27;. Panelists: Penny Abeywardena, Major&#x27;s Office of International Affairs, New York&#xA;Helmut Aust, Freie Universit&#xE4;t, Berlin&#xA;Robert Lewis-Lettington, UN Habitat, Nairobi&#xA;Janne Nijman, The Asser Institute, The Hague (convener)&#xA;Mauricio Rodas, United Cities and Local Governments, Former Mayor of QuitoThe city Date: June 26&#xA;Time: 17:00 PM - 18:00 PM EDT&#xA;Ask-Me-Anything session with Ernst Hirsch BallinOn Thursday June 25, Asser Institute president of the board, Ernst Hirsch Ballin, participated in one of ASIL&#x2019;s Virtual Annual Meeting &#x201C;Ask-Me-Anything&#x201D; sessions, where attendees&#xA0;were&#xA0;able to enjoy frank conversations]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-on-expert-panel-manuals-for-the-yearbook-of-international-humanitarian-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-on-expert-panel-manuals-for-the-yearbook-of-international-humanitarian-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Press and the editorial board of the Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law (YIHL)&#xA0;are&#xA0;inviting authors to submit contributions to Vol. 23 (2020) of&#xA0;YIHL on expert panel manuals.&#xA;Manuals on the law of armed conflict come in different guises. The most common one is the military manual, which is a publication issued by a State&#x2019;s Ministry of Defence or a branch of the armed forces with a restatement of the law of armed conflict or another branch of military law as interpreted by that State. Such manuals usually have an official status as standing orders or ordinances within that State&#x2019;s armed forces and are used for training and educational purposes within the armed forces and sometimes are also used in the operational context when applying the law to the planning and conduct of operations. Such manuals can trace their origins back to at least the 19th Century with the famous Lieber Code of 1863, usually seen as the first such codification.&#xA;In more recent years, a second type of manual has emerged in the form of a practically oriented academic publication which aims to set out an authoritative restatement of a particular branch of the law of armed conflict or another branch of operational law which is the product of a process of a panel of experts setting out their views on the interpretation of the area of law in question. Such manuals have taken on an increasingly prominent role partly to address emerging technologies and applications of the law and partly to fill the gap left in updating and codifying the law because of the difficulty of reaching consensus at the State level. They differ from traditional military manuals by their non-governmental and non-binding status and from edited volumes by being the product of a group effort where consensus is sought and presented as an authoritative interpretation by a group of experts within a particular field. These manuals are aimed at policy level officials in foreign ministries, defence staffs, and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/recording-ombudsperson-to-the-un-security-council-isil-da-esh-and-al-qaida-sanctions-committee/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/recording-ombudsperson-to-the-un-security-council-isil-da-esh-and-al-qaida-sanctions-committee/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Office of the Ombudsperson to the ISIL (Da&#x2019;esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee is tasked to assist the United Nations Security Council&#x2019;s Committee by reviewing delisting petitions independently and impartially, and to recommend either retention or delisting after consulting with all relevant parties, including with the petitioner.&#xA;Last week, the Office of the Ombudsperson to the ISIL (Da&#x2019;esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee commemorated its ten-year anniversary during an online panel discussion on 15 June 2020, co-organised by the Asser Institute and ICCT-The Hague. The unique &#x2018;reverse consensus model&#x2019; that the Security Council Committee uses, as well as the fact that more than 70% of petitioners are delisted via the Ombudsperson procedure, were highlighted during the event. Several panelists argued the &#x2018;reverse consensus model&#x2019; is integral to the Ombudsperson&#x2019;s process.&#xA;The panel discussion comprised the current Ombudsperson, Daniel Kipfer Fasciati, and two former Ombudspersons, Kimberly Prost and Catherine Marchi-Uhel. For the first time, all three Ombudspersons discussed their experiences discharging a quasi-judicial function in the highly politicised environment of UN Security Council counterterrorism sanctions policies. Additionally, Devika Hovell, associate professor in Public International Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Gavin Sullivan, senior lecturer in Law at the University of Kent and international lawyer who represents delisting petitioners on a pro-bono basis, reflected on the Ombudsperson&#x2019;s unique mandate and issues to be resolved. Asser researcher and ICCT research fellow Christophe Paulussen moderated the event. Watch the full recording here: Targeted sanctionsTargeted sanctions have come to be viewed as an indispensable tool in the fight against terrorism. Since 1999, the UN Security Council has designated hundreds of individuals and entities, imposing assets freezes, travel bans and arms embargoes to hinder]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/matra-project-awarded-providing-support-to-ukraine-to-combat-international-crimes/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/matra-project-awarded-providing-support-to-ukraine-to-combat-international-crimes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs awarded the Asser Institute and Global Rights Compliance (GRC) a contract under the&#xA0;MATRA (MAatschappelijke TRAnsformatie: social transformation) Programme&#xA0;to provide support to the reform in Ukraine&#x2019;s criminal justice sector from 2020-2024. This MATRA project is designed to assist the newly created War Crimes Unit to investigate, prosecute and seek remedies for international crimes. Alongside supporting the Prosecutor General&#x27;s Office at this critical time, it will also provide a timely opportunity for the delivery of vital technical and strategic expertise to other criminal justice entities, such as judges and lawyers, as well as civil society organisations and journalists. The project is funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Justice and Security.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/counter-terrorism-the-repatriation-of-the-children-of-former-is-fighters-should-be-matter-of/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/counter-terrorism-the-repatriation-of-the-children-of-former-is-fighters-should-be-matter-of/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The safe repatriation of the children of former IS fighters living in Syria and Iraq is urgent and has been unnecessarily delayed by court proceedings, writes Asser researcher Dr Rumyana van Ark, who recently signed a book contract with the publisher Edward Elgar for a co-authored book on &#x27;Counter-Terrorism, &#x27;Foreign Fighters&#x27; and Children&#x27;s Rights&#x27;. Researcher Dr Rumyana van Ark and her co-authors Dr Devyani Prabhat (Bristol Law) and Dr Faith Gordon (Monash University) have recently called for attention to the plight of the many thousands of children from former ISIS fighters that are stuck in prison camps in Syria and Iraq. In three international publications (see below), the three authors reflect on the impact on the children of counter-terrorism measures that were imposed on their parents.Van Ark: &#x201C;Some countries, such as Belgium, France, Norway and Australia, for instance, have repatriated a limited number of orphans of IS fighters. But we see many states are reluctant to follow suit. On the contrary, although we have many well-accepted international principles and obligations to protect the rights of these children, many governments are avoiding giving clarity on the question of how the rights of affected citizen children - whether impacted by parental deprivation of citizenship or due to other circumstances - can be protected and placed at the core of governmental repatriation discussions. I think that every child deserves legal protection from the country of their citizenship, and in our articles my co-authors Faith Gordon, Devyani Prabhat and myself argue that repatriation of the children of (suspected) FTFs should be matter of urgency rather than a political choice.&#x201D;&#xA;Pressing issueAccording to the researchers, it is the courts rather than governments that are attempting to provide clarity on this complex and pressing issue. In the Netherlands, for instance, the advocaat-generaal of the Dutch Supreme Court has advised the Supreme Court that the Netherlands]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/repatriate-and-prosecute-foreign-terrorist-fighters/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/repatriate-and-prosecute-foreign-terrorist-fighters/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Tuesday, Asser senior researcher Dr Christophe Paulussen took part in the ICCT Live Briefing &#x2018;The Repatriation of Foreign Terrorist Fighters and Their Families: Why Not?&#x2019;. In the briefing, Paulussen argued that repatriation and prosecution is the right thing to do from an international legal, long-term security and moral perspective.&#xA;His arguments build on earlier publications such as this ICCT Perspective he co-authored with ICCT Fellow Tanya Mehra. Paulussen admitted that repatriation and subsequent prosecution have their own challenges, but positive developments can be discerned in this context. One positive development is to not only prosecute for membership of a terrorist organisation, but to focus on the actual (international) crimes committed as well, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Eurojust&#x2019;s EU Genocide Network discussed such &#x2018;cumulative prosecution&#x2019; during a meeting in November 2019, during which Paulussen, alongside other panelists, briefed national prosecutors about the possibilities international humanitarian law can offer. This briefing built on this earlier publication and led to this new ICCT Perspective, as well as this Eurojust publication.&#xA;In the media On Wednesday, Syria Direct interviewed Paulussen on the issue of cumulative prosecution, in which he argued that cumulative prosecution will lead to a &#x201C;more complete picture of the suspect&#x2019;s criminal responsibility. Because of that, it will also lead to a more tailored, and usually longer, punishment.&#x201D; The interview can be found here.&#xA;Dr Christophe Paulussen is a senior researcher and coordinator of Asser&#x2019;s research strand Human Dignity and Human Security in International and European Law&#xA0;which adopts as its normative framework a human rights approach to contemporary global challenges, inter alia in the fields of counter-terrorism, especially with regard to the topic of foreign (terrorist) fighters, international and transnational crimes, new technologies and artificial]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-for-our-upcoming-training-courses-1/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-for-our-upcoming-training-courses-1/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In cooperation with (inter)national partners such as, University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, ICCT The Hague and OPCW, T.M.C. Asser will bring you four unique training courses in 2020. Sign up now to advance your career! Covid-19 update Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the format of our training&#xA0;courses might be subject to change. While we strive to welcome you on our premises in The Hague, we might be forced to move the programmes to an online platform. Should this happen, we will offer you the online programme for a reduced fee (please check specific policy for each programme on the respective event page). In the case you had already paid for your spot and the programme moved online, you will get reimbursed the difference in price. Registered participants will receive notification of the format at least a month before the starting date.&#xA;[Online summer workshop] International public interest advocacy&#xA0;(01- 03 July 2020) If you are aspiring to become a lawyer for the people and want to learn more about the challenges and developments of public interest advocacy, this is the workshop for you.Practices like public interest advocacy face many challenges in the field of international law from developing strategic litigation to choosing and identifying funding opportunities to take on a cause. Working or aspiring to be a lawyer for the people and being able to sustain that work requires skills, knowledge, and the right network.In this course, we explore the challenges of public interest advocacy in international law and rethink what it means to be a lawyer working on behalf of public interests in the international system. What tactics and methods can be used to advocate for a public interest? How can practitioners find the right cause and identify funding opportunities to support effective action? We will bring together leading figures in the world of international public interest advocacy - from the Public Interest Litigation Project, Greenpeace, the Global Legal]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-receives-royal-netherlands-academy-of-arts-and-sciences-early-career-partnership/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-receives-royal-netherlands-academy-of-arts-and-sciences-early-career-partnership/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser senior researcher Dr Berenice Boutin has received an Early Career Partnership Award from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). She will receive &#x20AC; 10,000 to organise a meeting to expand interdisciplinary cooperation in order to gain new insight into fundamental research. Boutin receives the award for the organisation of a conference on the Law and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector: from Principles to Practice and Policy.&#xA;Innovative and original research ideasThe award is intended to support and encourage talented early career researchers who demonstrate the ability to develop innovative and original research ideas. The KNAW selected ten researchers in total for this award. The KNAW selection committee described the proposals it received as &#x27;often very topical and with a specific outcome&#x27;, and &#x2018;a great diversity of topics and interdisciplinary approach.&#x2019; This year, the meetings organisers will have two years to convene their interdisciplinary meeting, a year longer than planned due to the coronavirus situation.&#xA;Dr Berenice Boutin is Senior Researcher in International Law with the Asser&#x2019;s research strand on Human Dignity and Human Security in International and European Law. Her work focuses on international responsibility, security, and new technologies. She is project leader of the research project &#x2018;Designing International Law and Ethics into Military Artificial Intelligence (DILEMA)&#x2019;, funded by NWO-MVI (2020-2024). This interdisciplinary project explores the conditions and modalities that would allow to leverage the potential benefits of AI technologies in the military while abiding by the rule of law and ethical values. It investigates why is it essential to safeguard human agency over certain functions and activities, where it is most critical to maintain the role of human agents in order to ensure legal compliance and accountability, and how to technically ensure that military technologies are designed and deployed]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/recording-webinar-challenges-to-prosecuting-paramilitaries-insights-from-the-former-yugoslavia/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/recording-webinar-challenges-to-prosecuting-paramilitaries-insights-from-the-former-yugoslavia/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[June 3, 2020 saw the very first online Supranational Criminal Law (SCL) lecture, titled &#x2018;Challenges to Prosecuting Paramilitaries: Insights from the former Yugoslavia and Syria&#x2019;. The SCL lecture series is organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, in cooperation with the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC). This specific lecture was also co-organised by the International Humanitarian and Criminal Law Platform. Moderator: Christophe Paulussen, T.M.C Asser Instituut Senior Researcher&#xA;Presentations:Serbian Paramilitaries: Insights from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) Dr Iva Vuku&#x161;i&#x107;, Visiting Research Fellow at Department of War Studies, King&#x2019;s College London&#xA;The rise of Kataib al-Baath (al-Baath Legions) at Aleppo University after 2011Ali Aljasem, MA, Researcher at the History Department, Utrecht University&#xA;Establishing the liability of paramilitary members for atrocity crimes &#x2013; problems and potentialitiesDr Matthew Gillett, Director, Peace and Justice Initiative and Trial Lawyer, Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court.Click here to receive news on upcoming SCL lectures.&#xA;About the SCL LecturesThe Supranational Criminal Law (SCL) Lectures Series is a lecture series on international criminal law and has been organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut since 2003, in cooperation with the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University (Campus The Hague) and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. The SCL Lecture Series has welcomed the biggest names in international criminal law to the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, such as former ASP Presidents Christian Wenaweser and Tiina Intelmann, former ICC Prosecutor Mr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, former Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone Mr. David Crane, former Registrar of the ICC Ms. Silvana Arbia, Prosecutor of the ICTY Serge Brammertz, Prosecutor of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-course-advanced-summer-programme-on-terrorism-counter-terrorism-and-the-rule-of-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-course-advanced-summer-programme-on-terrorism-counter-terrorism-and-the-rule-of-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Terrorism can occur in any country, at any time and at any place. Although most of the world is focused on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, April and May 2020 saw daily terrorist attacks across the globe. Knife attacks, bombings, attacks by drones and missiles killed hundreds of civilians, children, soldiers - at funerals, on markets and in mosques in countries like France, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Yemen. Are you interested in terrorism and national security issues? Do you find it important that states combat terrorism effectively, but with respect for human rights and the rule of law? Do you want to learn from renowned academics and practitioners dedicated to understanding and unpacking the phenomenon of terrorism?Then sign up for the 10th edition of our online Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law (August 24-28), co-organised with ICCT The Hague. See the full programme here.&#xA;About the course&#xA;During this intensive online course, you will explore international and domestic legal aspects of counter-terrorism.You will get the chance to have a unique and in-depth look at the challenges that come with adopting and implementing counter-terrorism measures, while ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law.Our renowned programme brings you lectures by top speakers in the field, interactive sessions, virtual study visits and online group discussions (Chatham House Rules).&#xA;For whom? Experts, academics and practitioners with a keen interest in (inter)national security, the rule of law and effective counterterrorism strategies. In the past we have welcomed PhD students, early career researchers, policymakers, diplomats, members of police, security and intelligence services personnel and NGO representatives from across the globe. Topics Drones and the Individualisation of War&#xA;The EU and post Brexit (In)Security: The Future of EU Arrest Warrants, Regional Counter-Terrorism Cooperation and Europol&#xA;Public and Media Attitudes on]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/research-collaboration-between-the-hofstad-lyceum-and-the-tmc-asser-instituut/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/research-collaboration-between-the-hofstad-lyceum-and-the-tmc-asser-instituut/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Since the spring of 2018, the Asser Institute has worked with the Hofstad Lyceum, a secondary school in The Hague with an enrolment of about 1,000. Within this framework, graduation-year students are offered the opportunity to do their mandatory thesis project (&#x27;profielwerkstuk&#x27;) at the Asser Institute, co-supervised by the Social Studies teacher and an Asser researcher. The year-long thesis project includes writing an extensive literature review and designing and conducting a social scientific quantitative and/or qualitative study. Students are expected to elaborate their own research topic within an existing project at the Asser Institute.&#xA;Oumaya el Battioui and Imane Bourahtouf completed the first thesis in the spring of 2020, entitled Terrorism Prevention at the Hofstad Lyceum and co-supervised by Flemming van de Graaf (Hofstad) and Dr Sofia Stolk (Asser). The project was inspired by the Asser research on preventing and responding to terrorism and radicalization and was conducted in connection with the Lifecycle Initiative Toolkit, initiated by the Global Counterterrorism Forum. The thesis was awarded 10 out of 10 points.&#xA;From the students&#xA;We, Oumaya el Battioui and Imane Bourahtouf, students at the Hofstad Lyceum in The Hague, wrote the study on terrorism prevention at secondary schools as our profile paper in our graduation year in pre-university education (2019-2020), supervised by Flemming van de Graaf and Sofia Stolk.&#xA;Our profile paper supervisor Flemming van de Graaf suggested we draft a proposal for a profile paper together with the Asser research institute. Of course we were delighted with this idea and were very eager to start the research. Our second supervisor, Sofia Stolk from the Asser Institute, joined us to identify a relevant problem we could study with a view toward future use for both the Asser Institute and us as students. We visited the Asser Institute a few times and even produced a brief information video about the Asser Institute for our]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/disarmament-and-non-proliferation-training-in-times-of-renewed-nuclear-unpredictability/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/disarmament-and-non-proliferation-training-in-times-of-renewed-nuclear-unpredictability/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Recently, North Korea&#x2019;s supreme leader Kim Jong-Un made his first public appearance in weeks where he pledged to &#x201C;further boost its nuclear capabilities&#x201D;. Around the same time the Trump administration has discussed the US first nuclear test in decades. While the world is gripped by the COVID-19 crisis, the importance of an in-depth look on disarmament and non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) remains significantly relevant.&#xA;The Asser Institute, in collaboration with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), is organising its eleventh one-week training that provides a thorough examination of non-proliferation and disarmament of WMD efforts. The full programme of the Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction includes high-level panels, study visits, and interactive sessions with subject-matter experts in related fields. Furthermore, The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the OPCW, with funding support from the European Union have offered full competitive scholarships. For more details about the programme, the scholarships and registration click here.&#xA;North Korea&#x2019;s usual unpredictabilityWhile talks of denuclearisation with the US are bogged down, during North Korea&#x2019;s Central Military Commission (CMC) meeting there were talks about &#x201C;further strengthening their armed forces and addressing the threat of hostile forces&#x201D; and &#x201C;increasing the deterrence of the country&#x2019;s nuclear war and sharpening its strategic forces&#x201D;, according to their national news agency. As North Korea&#x2019;s usual unpredictability continues, it remains difficult to estimate if, when, and how the country will act by word and deed. Since Kim Jong-Un took power over his country in 2011, he has accelerated the country&#x2019;s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. The country has conducted four out of six nuclear tests under his rule, while it also flight-tested at least three intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests in 2017.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-belarusian-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic-denial-and-a-military-parade/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-belarusian-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic-denial-and-a-military-parade/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Belarus is the only European country, next to Sweden, that has not imposed quarantine measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Belarusian President has repeatedly denied the scope and seriousness of the pandemic and, instead, held a large military parade in early May that gathered thousands of people in the capital of Minsk. Asser senior researcher&#xA0;Dr Ulad Belavusau&#xA0;recently&#xA0;co-authored a blog&#xA0;with&#xA0;Dr Maksim Karliuk,&#xA0;the deputy director at the International BRICS Competition Law and Policy Center, for&#xA0;Verfassungsblog&#xA0;on the response of the Belarusian government to the COVID-19 pandemic. In their analysis, entitled &#x2018;The State of Denial Amidst a Military Parade: COVID-19 in Belarus&#x2019;, they observe that whereas democratic states seem to have embraced autocratic methods in the face of the pandemic, the Belarusian government has not, perhaps surprisingly, exercised the emergency powers available to it under the Constitution. Their contribution, which considers the response of the Belarusian government to the current pandemic, is part of an&#xA0;online symposium&#xA0;for the&#xA0;Verfassungsblog&#xA0;containing over 60 comparative country reports showing the use &#x2013; and potential abuse &#x2013; of emergency powers from the perspective of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The paradox of democratic versus authoritarian responsesAlong with Sweden, Belarus remains the only European country without a state-imposed quarantine. Schools, sport facilities and competitions, hairdressers, restaurants and cinemas have all been functioning as normal in the same period when each of its six neighbouring states have introduced strict quarantine measures or even lockdowns. The President, Aliaksandr &#x141;uka&#x161;enka has repeatedly denied the scope and seriousness of the pandemic, at times in most extravagant ways, recommending Belarusian citizens to protect themselves against COVID-19 by playing hockey, slaying the virus with vodka, going to the sauna and working on tractors in the harvest fields. The]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-a-home-grown-african-court/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-a-home-grown-african-court/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Last month, when most of the world was focused on COVID-19, Benin and C&#xF4;te d&#x2019;Ivoire withdrew their special declarations from the African Court on Human and Peoples&#x27; Rights. This happened right at a time when things began to look good for one of the most important &#x2018;homegrown&#x2019; solutions to human rights violations on the African continent, writes Asser researcher Misha Plagis in a new blogpost. &#x2018;With only six states left that allow individuals and NGOs to bring cases, it is likely that the African Court&#x2019;s increasingly steady stream of cases will turn into a trickle and potentially dry out.&#x2019; By Misha Plagis The dominoes are falling, and the house of cards is starting to quiver, as last month two more African states withdrew their special declarations allowing individuals and NGOs from those states to bring cases directly to the African Court on Human and Peoples&#x2019; Rights (African Court). It is a devastating blow to the authority and legitimacy of the Court, after Tanzania also withdrew its special declaration back in November 2019. The African Court, based in Arusha, Tanzania, is Africa&#x2019;s answer to a regional human rights court, much like the European Court of Human Rights or the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in their respective regions. It was established in 2004, and it is currently the primary judicial organ of the African Union. To date, 30 countries have signed the Protocol establishing the African Court. However, throughout its short history, only 10 states have provided their citizens and NGOs direct access to the African Court. The first withdrawal of such a declaration came in 2016 when Rwanda withdrew its declaration, Tanzania followed in late 2019, and most recently Benin and C&#xF4;te d&#x2019;Ivoire both did so in short succession in March and April 2020. These withdrawals come at a time when the African Court was starting to establish itself: It only received its first case in 2008, and has yet to finalise more than 100 cases, with the stream of cases submitted]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/recording-asser-live-webinar-counter-terrorism-the-law-a-forever-and-anywhere-war/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/recording-asser-live-webinar-counter-terrorism-the-law-a-forever-and-anywhere-war/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Monday May 18, T.M.C. Asser Instituut hosted its first online live discussion, in which Asser Institute counterterrorism experts Dr Rumyana van Ark and Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi provided a legal perspective on current affairs. In the session Counterterrorism &amp;amp; the law: A forever and anywhere war, the researchers explored the ever- growing confusion between times and spaces of war and peace in the context of counter-terrorism, and discussed the role that legal norms and legislative practices have in this. Anticipating threatsWith case studies on the United States, the United Kingdom and France, Rumyana and Rebecca illustrated how counterterrorism security practices increasingly revolve around anticipating threats and identifying individuals who may pose a future threat, rather than only responding to hostile or criminal acts that have taken or are taking place. This focus on anticipating threats, combined with existing legal &#x2018;grey zones&#x2019; has resulted, Rumyana and Rebecca argued, in a potential &#x2018;forever and anywhere&#x2019; war on terrorism. The event was moderated by Asser researcher Dr Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz.&#xA;Watch the full brief in the video below: This counter-terrorism brief is part of the Asser research strand&#xA0;Human Dignity and Human Security in International and European Law&#xA0;which adopts as its normative framework a human rights approach to contemporary global challenges,&#xA0;inter alia&#xA0;in the fields of counter-terrorism, especially with regard to the topic of foreign (terrorist) fighters, international and transnational crimes, new technologies and artificial intelligence, and historical memory.&#xA;Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counterterrorism and the rule of law (24-28 August 2020) Are you working in the field of counterterrorism or aiming to? Then check out our renowned&#xA0;Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law, which is coming back for the 10th time to bring together top experts, academics, and policymakers from]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/imagining-justice-visiting-physical-sites-of-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/imagining-justice-visiting-physical-sites-of-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As part of the imagining justice research project, Dr Sofia Stolk has co-published three articles in the past months that emphasise the importance of international law&#x2019;s physical sites. In the current times of self-isolation and staying home, &#x2018;imagining justice&#x2019; gains new meanings, and we are more than ever depending on our imagination to visit such spaces and to bridge physical distances. The three publications take you on a virtual tour through the buildings and public spaces where international law is practiced, visited, shaped and challenged. Together, they showcase that international law&#x2019;s concrete visual form matters to international law&#x2019;s existence and tangibility; enabling us to actually see and touch it. These publications invite you to do just that, even if from a distance.&#xA;International legal sightseeingIn their co-authored publication &#x2018;International Legal Sightseeing&#x2019; published in the Leiden Journal of International Law, Sofia and Renske Vos, researcher and lecturer at VU Amsterdam, set the agenda for the Legal Sightseeing project that they coordinate together. They describe four examples of legal sightseeing sites and practices: the UN Headquarters&#x2019; Visitor Centre in New York; the Just Peace festival in The Hague; the Memorium Nuremberg Trials Nuremberg Palace of Justice; and the exhibition &#x2018;Hybrid Peace&#x2019; in art centre Stroom, curated by Vasyl Cherepanyn. They primarily ask: &#x2018;what is international law doing here?&#x2019;, a question driven by both astonishment (what is it doing here?!) and curiosity (what is it actually doing here). The piece discusses that these interaction between people, mostly tourist, international law is spectacular and mundane at the same time: international law as a tourist attraction simultaneously makes it into a trivial practice for &#x2018;ordinary&#x2019; people and elevates it into a celebratory event. In their piece, Sofia and Renske invite us to look for international law in unexpected shapes and places and to start thinking about how such]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-international-public-interest-advocacy-online-workshop/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-international-public-interest-advocacy-online-workshop/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From 1-3 July 2020, T.M.C. Asser Instituut is organising and hosting, for the first time, a 3-day online workshop on &#x201C;International public interest advocacy&#x201D;. This workshop is available for students, interns, young professionals, and public interest lawyers interested in the latest practices and innovations within areas of international public advocacy law. COVID-19 update Due to the coronavirus outbreak, and the measures we have to take to protect staff, speakers and participants, this workshop will be a live broadcast workshop.&#xA;About the programme&#xA0;Practices like public interest advocacy face many challenges in the field of international law from developing strategic litigation to choosing and identifying funding opportunities to take on a cause. Working as a lawyer on behalf of public interests is an up-and-coming practice, and sustaining that work requires skills, knowledge, and the right network.&#xA;Learn the latest practices from leading practitioners and experts. Get exposed to new actions and ways of advocating for public interests internationally, including strategic litigation. Be introduced to the latest innovations in law and technology for public interests around the world. And develop your network in a three-day workshop that will challenge you to think differently about the issues of the day and what we can do about them. With leading figures in the world of international public interest advocacy &#x2013; from the Public Interest Litigation Project, the Global Legal Action Network, and more &#x2013; explore the possibilities with pioneers in the field. Who is this workshop for?Are you looking to further develop your knowledge within the public advocacy field? As a student, intern or NGO worker you might be interested in discovering cutting edge practices and innovations; maybe you are a public interest lawyer interested in new possibilities and critical reflection on the field; you could be an academic looking to apply their knowledge for public advocacy; or a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-s-counter-terrorism-brief-on-a-forever-and-anywhere-war/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-s-counter-terrorism-brief-on-a-forever-and-anywhere-war/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Join us on Monday, 18 May at 19.00 hours CET for an online live discussion in which two T.M.C. Asser Institute experts will provide you with a legal perspective on current affairs. In the session Counterterrorism &#x2013; a &#x2018;forever and anywhere war?&#x2019; Asser&#x2019;s counter-terrorism researchers Dr Rumyana van Ark and Ms Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi&#xA0;will explore the ever-growing overlaps between times and spaces of war and peace in the context of counter-terrorism.&#xA;One of the questions they will discuss is whether law facilitates such overlaps. Other issues to be addressed include how current counter-terrorism and national security practices at home and abroad tend to revolve around the objective of anticipating threats and identifying dangerous individuals before hostile or criminal acts have taken place. A &#x2018;forever and anywhere war&#x2019;?Ms Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi will explore how the United States (for years supported by the UK) and France are involved in a forever &#x2018;war&#x2019; against terrorist networks making the temporal and geographical scopes of these wars increasingly indefinite. How do states exploit the grey zones in international law principles to legitimise such &#x2018;forever and anywhere wars&#x2019;? Ms Mignot-Mahdavi will dive into jus ad bellum, the core international criteria that are to be consulted&#xA0;before&#xA0;engaging in&#xA0;war&#xA0;to determine if entering into war is permissible, and the jus in bello, the rules of international humanitarian law that govern the way in which warfare is conducted. A logic of exclusionDr Rumyana van Ark will investigate the impact of a &#x2018;forever and anywhere war&#x2019; and in particular the blurring of temporality lines within domestic counter-terrorism practices. Dr van Ark will focus on select aspects of UK&#x2019;s current counter-terrorism practices with particular emphasis on ones that have entrenched the &#x2018;othering&#x2019; of certain individuals and amplified enmity towards their communities. What is particularly problematic is the imposition of these measures in the pre-criminal]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass-destruction-training-programme/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass-destruction-training-programme/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From 28 September until 2 October 2020, The Asser Institute in The Hague will host the eleventh training programme on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction co-organised with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Covid-19 update Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the format of this training programme might be subject to change. While, as of now, we will continue with a programme on our premises in The Hague, we might be forced to move this programme to an online platform. Should this happen, we will offer you a 33 %&#xA0;discount.&#xA0;If you had already paid for your spot, you will get reimbursed the difference in price. Registered participants will receive notification of the format at least a month before the starting date.&#xA;About the programmeAre you looking for a comprehensive training programme on various aspects of disarmament of weapons of mass destruction? Would you like to engage in discussions with renowned experts in an interactive and multi-disciplinary way? The challenges posed to international security by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons are as urgent today as they were during the Cold War. There is an increasing demand for professionals in the field of WMD to tackle the challenges of today&#x2019;s non-proliferation and disarmament agenda with a more integrated understanding of these issues.&#xA0;Sign up for our disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction training programme.&#xA;During this intensive week, participants receive a comprehensive overview of non-proliferation and disarmament efforts regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction. Participants are first introduced to various topics within the training and will be able to actively discuss these with researchers and guest speakers. The training programme includes field visits to a nuclear reactor and the OPCW headquarters laboratory. This one-week training programme allows for the participants to gain hands-on knowledge on what the current]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-rendering-advice-on-constitutional-issues-in-modern-polities/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-rendering-advice-on-constitutional-issues-in-modern-polities/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The European Yearbook of Constitutional Law (EYCL), co-published by T.M.C. Asser Press and Springer Publishers, has a call for submissions for its third volume (2021) on the theme of: Rendering advice on constitutional issues in modern polities. The deadline for proposals is 1 June 2020. Traditionally, constitutional law in its approach and thinking departs from the classic separation of powers and the main legislative, executive and judicial bodies implied by this. While useful, a one-sided focus on these aspects risks obscuring the functions and bodies grouped around and in support of the legislators, administrators and judges that form the frontline of the modern-day constitutional edifice.The increasing political polarisation and near gridlock in many societies today highlight the need for professional/independent/technocratic/scientific/objective/ scholarly advice in matters of constitutional importance, thereby rising above entrenched partisan lines and short-term thinking so characteristic of many polities. Rendering advice on constitutional issues in modern polities is an important and structural area of constitutional law that is often overlooked by scholarship. The EYCL invites scholars to address the theme of this call for papers in a holistic fashion, and welcomes contributions devoted, but not limited to:- Critical analyses focussed on the need, justification, legitimacy, scope, effect, function, mandate and nature of advising on constitutional issues. How is/can/should such advice be rendered in modern polities, taking into account their political, constitutional and institutional context, complexity and problems? In short, analyses dealing with the why, what, when, how, with what effect and by whom of advising on constitutional issues are sought. The purpose is to go beyond mere description, by focussing on critical constitutional and/or theoretical analysis in order to understand and evaluate the theme fully.Please find the full call here.&#xA;Deadline]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-grotius-rule-of-law-and-the-human-sense-of-justice-an-afterword-to-martti/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-grotius-rule-of-law-and-the-human-sense-of-justice-an-afterword-to-martti/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The latest issue of The European Journal of International law (EJIL), one of the world&#x2019;s leading international law journals, contains the article &#x2018;Grotius&#x2019; Rule of Law and the Human Sense of Justice: An Afterword to Martti Koskenniemi&#x2019;s Foreword&#x2019;, by Asser Institute academic director and professor of History and Theory of International Law, Janne E. Nijman.&#xA;In the article, Nijman responds to legal scholar Martti Koskenniemi, who turned to rereading Dutch jurist and legal scholar Hugo Grotius (1583 -1645), as a sequel to his 1990 and 2009 EJIL contributions on &#x2018;the politics of international law&#x2019;. In Imagining the Rule of Law: Rereading the Grotian &#x2018;Tradition&#x2019;, Koskenniemi describes how the position of Hugo Grotius as &#x2018;father&#x2019; of international law, results from the way later lawyers have appreciated Grotius&#x2019; suggestion that humans have a tendency to subordinate themselves to &#x2018;rules&#x2019; that is lacking in other living creatures.&#xA;According to Koskenniemi, Grotius uses this human tendency to explain the trust and confidence with which members of good societies agree to live in peace and expect mutual benefits from cooperating with each other. Koskenniemi asserts that the idea of the &#x2018;rule of law&#x2019; that emerges in Grotius&#x2019; masterpiece De iure belli ac pacis &#x2013; On the Law of and War and Peace (1625), then serves as a powerful justification of the government of a post-feudal, commercial state. A sense of justiceWhile Nijman agrees with Koskenniemi that Grotius&#x2019; &#x2018;rule-of-law&#x2019; conception in De iure belli ac pacis&#xA0;may help us understand the current backlash against the international rule of law, she suggests an alternative reading of Grotius&#x2019; rule of law-conception, based on a different reading of Grotius&#x2019; reworking of the three meanings of &#x2018;ius&#x2019; in De iure belli ac pacis.&#xA;Nijman suggests that Grotius&#x2019; understanding of human nature, &#x2018;which ultimately grounds this conception of the rule of law,&#x2019; helps us see how the human inclination to subject ourselves to law, is related to a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-for-our-upcoming-training-courses/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-for-our-upcoming-training-courses/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In cooperation with (inter)national partners such as American University&#x2019;s Washington College of Law, University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, ICCT The Hague and OPCW, T.M.C. Asser will bring you four unique training courses in 2020. Sign up now to advance your career!&#xA;Covid-19 update Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the format of our training&#xA0;courses might be subject to change. While we strive to welcome you on our premises in The Hague, we might be forced to move the programmes to an online platform. Should this happen, we will offer you the online programme for a reduced fee (please check specific policy for each programme on the respective event page). In the case you had already paid for your spot and the programme moved online, you will get reimbursed the difference in price. Registered participants will receive notification of the format at least a month before the starting date.&#xA;International criminal law and international legal &amp;amp; comparative approaches to counter-terrorism&#xA0;(26 May - 18 June 2020) Are you interested in international criminal law and in (legal aspects of) counter-terrorism? Then register now for the&#xA0;14th Annual Summer Law Programme on International Criminal Law and International Legal &amp;amp; Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism in The Hague, from 26 May - 18 June 2020. This summer law programme is the product of a unique collaboration between the&#xA0;War Crimes Research Office of American University&#x2019;s Washington&#xA0;College of Law&#xA0;and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut.&#xA0;Forty selected students from top US law colleges and universities will participate in an online training with internationally renowned legal practitioners and scholars. Learn more and sign up here.&#xA;[Online summer workshop] International public interest advocacy (01- 03 July 2020) Practices like public interest advocacy face many challenges in the field of international law from developing strategic litigation to choosing and identifying funding opportunities to take on a cause.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-democracy-in-times-of-crisis-the-state-of-emergency-in-hungary/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-democracy-in-times-of-crisis-the-state-of-emergency-in-hungary/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In this blogpost, PhD researcher at the Asser Institute Marina B&#xE1;n analyses how the introduction of a state of emergency in Hungary due to the Covid-19 pandemic may contribute to the ongoing decline of democracy and the rule of law in the country. She argues that the latest measures to address the crisis are potentially in conflict with the standards of international human rights standards.&#xA;By Marina&#xA0;B&#xE1;n&#xA;On 30 March 2020, the Hungarian parliament introduced a bill declaring a state of emergency justified by the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It constituted one of the strictest measures any democratic country has attempted to impose on its citizens, immediately drawing the ire and criticism of the international community. As the political situation in Hungary is already engulfed in a debate around the deterioration of democracy and the rule of law, many has considered this law as yet another step on the road towards an authoritarian system. The two most aggravating provisions of the bill are its lack of time limit and its restrictions regarding rumor-mongering and spreading of false information amidst the pandemic. Indefinite state of emergencyThe Fundamental Law of Hungary thoroughly regulates the imposition of a state of emergency in its articles 53 and 54. In a state of emergency, the government is allowed to govern through decrees, staying in force for 15 days each, and can coordinate the emergency through a cardinal law as well. The Fundamental Law itself cannot be suspended, the constitutional court and the parliament continue their work (the parliament may legislate in non-emergency-related matters). As several governmental decrees were supposed to expire in late March, the aforementioned law has been proposed to deal with the crisis. However, in contrast to decrees, the law does not set an expiration date, leaving the decision as to how long a state of emergency and special measures may stay in force to the government. This clause can be regarded as]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-migration-revisiting-the-legal-nature-of-the-2016-eu-turkey-statement/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-migration-revisiting-the-legal-nature-of-the-2016-eu-turkey-statement/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The 2016 EU-Turkey statement on migration (EU-Turkey deal) has often been scrutinised through the lens of EU law. In this blog post, Asser senior researcher Dr Eva Kassoti, analyses the legal nature of the EU-Turkey statement from an international law vantage point of view. &#x2018;The analysis shows that by following an international law perspective the Court could have viewed the instrument as an agreement binding on the parties.&#x2019; The recent tensions at the Greek-Turkish borders have rekindled interest in the - by now infamous - EU-Turkey statement of 18 March 2016, on migration. The statements&#x2019; goal was to the stop the influx of thousands of migrants entering the EU through Turkey. Since late February, early March this year, however, the migration deal has been teetering on the brink of collapse. President Erdogan has stated that Turkey will not prevent refugees from crossing its border with the European Union (EU) &#x2013; because, according to Erdogan, &#x201C;Europe is not keeping its promises&#x201D;.As a result, thousands of migrants and refugees gathered at the Greek border. The Athens government has suspended all asylum claims and deployed border troops to keep out migrants and refugees. At the time (that is, before the coronavirus pandemic ), those developments signalled that the EU-Turkey statement had largely become a dead letter, but the EU still insists that it expects Turkey to abide by the terms of the 2016 deal. According to the deal, Turkey would halt the influx of people to the EU in exchange for funding, a speeding up of the visa liberalisation process, an upgrading of the customs unions, and the revitalisation of the Turkish EU accession process.Persisting questionsWhile the EU-Turkey deal lies at the heart of the current migrant crisis, questions about its authorship still persist. The 2017 EU&#x2019;s General Court (GC)&#x2019;s Order in the NF case arguably raised more questions than answers. The Court in this case argued that the EU-Turkey Statement was not authored by the EU, but]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-covid-19-us-border-closure-breaches-international-refugee-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/analysis-covid-19-us-border-closure-breaches-international-refugee-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Dr Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz has published an analysis in Opinio Juris arguing that the recent US border closure breaches international refugee law, despite its stated aim of containing the coronavirus pandemic. &#x2018;Discriminatory action against migrants is being cloaked as a public health emergency response.&#x2019;&#xA;By Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz&#xA;As nearly half the world goes under lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19, migrants have been especially helpless in the face of governmental measures restricting the movement of persons. The border between Mexico and the United States constitutes one flashpoint where conditions are rapidly deteriorating.&#xA;On March 20th, the Mexican and American governments partially closed their land boundary, barring all non-essential travel until April 20th. The challenges of implementing these tightened controls to protect public health are staggering: documented crossings amount to over 990 million annually, making this the busiest international boundary worldwide.&#xA;Unprecedented measuresIn his piece, Le&#xF3;n argues that the pandemic is also being invoked by the Trump administration to roll out unprecedented measures aimed at deporting migrants and asylum seekers. These new provisions place migrants at severe risk of kidnapping, torture, rape, and, ultimately, death. Their adoption and ongoing implementation, therefore, bring the United States in breach of international refugee law, particularly as regards the obligation of non-refoulement.&#xA;Le&#xF3;n concedes that although the US government is duty-bound to avoid the spread of contagion through immigration and other restrictions, he underlines that procedures discharging that obligation must be applied in a proportionate and non-discriminatory manner. According to Le&#xF3;n, absent any proof that migrants constitute an important source of contagion, these new restrictions can hardly pass muster as being proportionate, legitimate or necessary, given that they seem disconnected from]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-summer-law-programme-on-international-criminal-law-international-legal/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-summer-law-programme-on-international-criminal-law-international-legal/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Covid-19 updateDue to the coronavirus outbreak, the format of this&#xA0;summer programmes has been&#xA0;changed into an online training&#xA0;for a reduced fee.&#xA0;If you had already paid for your spot, you will get reimbursed the difference in price.&#xA0;For any questions, please contact&#xA0;educationtraining@asser.nl.&#xA0;Are you interested in international criminal law and (legal aspects of) counter-terrorism? Are you looking for an opportunity to expand your knowledge on these issues? Then register&#xA0;now&#xA0;for the&#xA0;14th Annual Summer Law Programme on International Criminal Law and International Legal &amp;amp; Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism&#xA0;in The Hague. The programme takes place from 26 May - 18 June 2020.&#xA;This summer law programme is the product of a unique collaboration between the&#xA0;War Crimes Research Office of American University&#x2019;s Washington&#xA0;College of Law&#xA0;and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. Forty selected students from top US law colleges and universities will participate in an online training with internationally renowned legal practitioners and scholars.&#xA;An&#xA0;additional ten places&#xA0;are available to other interested law students and professionals who wish to learn more about law and counter-terrorism. Sign up&#xA0;here&#xA0;to secure your seat!What will you gain? A unique experience of studying and exchanging views with students from the US;&#xA;A thorough insight into the latest developments in (the interplay between) international criminal law and legal aspects of counter-terrorism;&#xA;The opportunity to engage in discussions and network with leading academics and legal professionals. International Criminal LawIn the first two weeks you will explore the past, present and future of international criminal law (ICL). Our programme provides a comprehensive overview of international crimes, criminal responsibility, immunities and amnesties. We will also cover practical matters in international criminal law, such as victim participation and defence issues. You will thoroughly analyse these topics on both the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/how-to-respond-to-sexual-terrorism/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/how-to-respond-to-sexual-terrorism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have been massively involved in &#x2018;sexual terrorism&#x2019;: using human trafficking and conflict-related sexual violence as tactics of terrorism. At the same time, state responses are meager and have sometimes been counterproductive. This is the main conclusion of a new article authored by Dr Anne-Marie de Brouwer and Dr Eefje de Volder from IMPACT &#x2013; Center Against Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence in Conflict and Asser senior researcher Dr Christophe Paulussen.&#xA;In their article &#x2018;Prosecuting the Nexus between Terrorism, Conflict-related Sexual Violence and Trafficking in Human Beings before National Legal Mechanisms: Case Studies of Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab&#x2019;, the researchers recommend, among other things, that terrorists&#x2019; use of human trafficking and conflict-related sexual violence should be prosecuted as a crime in its own right under terrorism legislation. Currently, prosecutors typically charge alleged terrorists with broad crimes such as armed insurrection or membership of/affiliation with a terrorist organisation. However, such prosecutions do not address the actual acts committed and will thus not be satisfactory to victims of sexual terrorism. At the same time, legislators must ensure that any expansion of terrorism definitions are fully in line with international law.&#xA;In addition, the researchers argue for the implementation of survivor-centric evidentiary and procedural rules. For instance, rules of procedure and evidence should have strong protection and special measures (protecting the victim&#x2019;s dignity, health, life as well as from secondary traumatisation) and the removal of requirements for corroboration in cases of sexual terrorism. In this context, useful guidance can be found in international rules of procedure and evidence, such as those of the International Criminal Court.Furthermore, the victims and survivors of sexual terrorism, including the women who bore children from sexual terrorism and therefore also these children,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/deadline-extended-for-applications-research-positions-in-ethics-and-law-of-military-ai/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/deadline-extended-for-applications-research-positions-in-ethics-and-law-of-military-ai/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Due to the difficult conditions resulting from the coronavirus outbreak, T.M.C. Asser Instituut is extending the deadline for applications for two research positions for its NWO-MVI funded interdisciplinary research project DILEMA on Designing International Law and Ethics into Military Artificial Intelligence. The new deadline for applications is April 15 2020.&#xA;We are currently looking for: A PhD candidate in Public International Law with a focus on law and technologies in the military contextFull-time (38 hours per week)Starting date: September 1 2020Please click here for the full vacancy text.Deadline applications: April 15 2020 And a Post-Doctoral researcher with a focus on philosophy and ethics of technologies in the military contextFull-time (38 hours per week)Starting date: September 1 2020Please click here for the full vacancy text.Deadline applications: April 15 2020 Ethical, legal and technical dimensions of AI technologies in the military&#xA;The DILEMA project explores the conditions and modalities that would allow to leverage the potential benefits of AI technologies in the military while abiding by the rule of law and ethical values. An interdisciplinary research team will work in dialogue and together with partners to address the ethical, legal, and technical dimensions of the project.&#xA;The research team will investigate why it is essential to safeguard human agency over certain functions and activities, where it is most critical to maintain the role of human agents in order to ensure legal compliance and accountability, and how to technically ensure that military technologies are designed and deployed in line with ethical and legal frameworks. Please find more information about the project here.&#xA;Further reading&#x2018;Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. The technology is advancing fast and policy makers who are concerned with responsible innovation need to catch up and take ownership of the topic,&#x2019; says Asser Institute senior researcher Dr Berenice]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/covid-19-update-on-tmc-assers-2020-summer-programmes/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/covid-19-update-on-tmc-assers-2020-summer-programmes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Dear members of the Asser community,&#xA;Following the most recent guidelines from the Dutch national Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, we postponed all our public events up to and including June 1st. The health and safety of our community &#x2013; guests, event participants, speakers, and staff &#x2013; is our highest priority. As social distancing is the best measure to prevent an acute peak in corona-patients, the Asser building is closed for now, and our staff works from home. Everyone at Asser has shifted to online working methods and are happy to receive your inquiries through email.With regards to our 2020 summer programmes, we are currently working hard on a two-tier track. As, in these fast-paced and unpredictable times, the summer is still relatively far away, we are hoping to be able to offer you our thought-provoking programmes at our premises in The Hague.&#xA;But with health officials anticipating the Corona virus to continue to spread in the coming weeks, we are also preparing to bring you our summer programmes as exclusive live broadcasts, at a reduced fee. Our team will continue to monitor the situation closely. As the situation evolves, we may have to take new decisions about which we will inform you proactively. We apologise for possible inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. If you have any questions with regards to your registration, please contact educationtraining@asser.nl.&#xA;In the meantime, take good care of yourself and of each other.&#xA;With my very best wishes,&#xA;Janne E. NijmanAcademic Director of T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#xA;PS: Curious about our summer programmes? Have a look at the reviews of last year&#x2019;s&#xA0;Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counterterrorism and the rule of law (video), co-organised with ICCT The Hague, or our training on Disarmament and the prevention of weapons of mass destruction (video), co-organised with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-the-counter-productiveness-of-deprivation-of-nationality-as-a-national-security-measure/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-the-counter-productiveness-of-deprivation-of-nationality-as-a-national-security-measure/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Governments struggling with the potential threat of returning former ISIS fighters and their families are increasingly turning to citizenship stripping as a counterterrorism measure. In this blog post, Dr Christophe Paulussen, senior researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut &amp;amp; Dr Laura van Waas, co-director of the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion, call for a careful review of this trend.By Christophe Paulussen and Laura van Waas&#xA;Last week, and after two and half years of research involving 60 international experts, a set of Principles on Deprivation of Nationality as a National Security Measure were launched. These Principles clarify the international legal obligations that states must comply with, if they take or consider taking steps to strip a person of their citizenship, including in a counter-terrorism context. They provide much needed guidance at a time when &#x2018;legislative fever&#x2019; continues to grip Western countries, as governments struggle to adopt sufficient measures to counter the potential threat associated with the return of their citizens who travelled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, including their families.&#xA;Citizenship stripping in the Netherlands&#xA;In the Netherlands, a controversial amendment was passed in 2017, which enables the Minister of Justice and Security to revoke Dutch citizenship from a dual national who has joined an organisation that is listed as constituting a threat to national security (article 14(4) of the Dutch Nationality Act) &#x2013; without a criminal conviction and while the citizen is abroad. Data published by the Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism last year indicated that this specific power has only been used on 11 occasions, in spite of calls from some political parties for the Minister to exercise his powers more actively. In seven of these cases the nationality was subsequently restored due to procedural infringements.&#xA;The law has meanwhile been under fire because of its discriminatory effect.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-strengthening-the-role-of-legal-actors-in-the-defence-of-the-right-to-freedom-of/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-project-strengthening-the-role-of-legal-actors-in-the-defence-of-the-right-to-freedom-of/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The universal human right to freedom of expression and the relevance of the rule of law are formal UN Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, in the past 10 years there has been a steep growth in attacks on freedom of expression in general, and on journalists in particular.&#xA;The project &#x2018;Strengthening the role of legal actors in the defence of the right to freedom of expression&#x2019;, funded&#xA0;by The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs,&#xA0;aims to strengthen the defence of the crucial right to freedom of expression and to set forth how legal actors can help in defending freedom of expression and prosecuting perpetrators.&#xA0;The award enables the Asser Institute, in cooperation with UNESCO and Free Press Unlimited, to organise a Forum of Legal Actors in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Asser Senior Researcher&#xA0;Dr Ulad Belavusau&#xA0;will coordinate the project.&#xA;In October 2020, the world&#x2019;s first Forum of Legal Actors will be organised in the margins of the World Press Freedom Conference 2020. The Forum will bring together a group of 30 experts working in the criminal justice field, such as judges, prosecutors and lawyers, as well as academics. The aim is to share views on the role of law regarding the growing challenges facing freedom of expression. It will focus on defamation and the overreach of national security, including counterterrorism. The findings of the Forum will be reported back at the World Press Freedom Conference&#x2019;s Plenary. The Conference, which would take place in April, has been postponed to October this year. More information will be provided on the Asser website in due course.&#xA;Further reading Dr Belavusau is the author of a monograph &#x201C;Freedom of Speech: Importing European and US Constitutional Models in Transitional Democracies&#x201D; (Routledge, 2013), as well as a co-editor of two books: &#x201C;Law and Memory: Towards Legal Governance of History&quot; (Cambridge University Press, 2017) and &quot;EU Anti-Discrimination Law beyond Gender&quot; (Oxford: Hart, 2018).&#xA;Dr Ulad Belavusau&#xA0;is a senior researcher]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-news-mexico-s-amnesty-proposal-an-instrument-of-transitional-justice/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-news-mexico-s-amnesty-proposal-an-instrument-of-transitional-justice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Researcher Dr Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz has published an analysis in Just Security about the shortcomings of Mexico&#x2019;s amnesty law.&#xA;As violence in&#xA0;Mexico reaches record highs,&#xA0;President Andr&#xE9;s Manuel L&#xF3;pez Obrador has proposed an amnesty law aimed at benefiting individuals accused of involvement in the country&#x2019;s drug trade. However, Le&#xF3;n argues that the&#xA0;government&#x2019;s proposal&#xA0;should be accompanied by transitional justice measures that acknowledge and identify instances of mass violence and state failure, foster reconciliation and social reintegration, and make reparations to victims. If these shortcomings are not remedied, Le&#xF3;n warns, the initiative might well become an empty gesture. The Mexican amnesty would benefit persons convicted of minor crimes related to drug trafficking and narcotics possession. The measures are aimed at small-time dealers who, because of their social disadvantages, are likelier to become entrapped by addictions and their cycles of violence. According to Le&#xF3;n, the proposal reflects a liberalising drug policy, and recognises that many individuals caught up in the drug trade occupy marginal positions in society that render them easily exploitable or vulnerable to addiction. It also signals a shift in strategy since, until now, the full spectrum of drug-related crime has been treated almost exclusively as a security threat.&#xA;To be effective, however, Le&#xF3;n argues that the amnesty must also integrate robust transitional justice mechanisms, including independent fact-finding commissions, which the current government has adopted only reluctantly. The urgency for this cannot be understated: in 2019, a record 34,582 persons were murdered in Mexico, according to the&#xA0;official count. This number surpasses the&#xA0;33,743 homicides&#xA0;registered in 2018, which, until then, had been the most violent year since the war on drugs was launched by former Mexican President Felipe Calder&#xF3;n in 2006.&#xA;Additionally, focusing on low-level participants alone may be]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/event-nationality-deprivation-in-the-era-of-rohingya-genocide-and-isis-fighters/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/event-nationality-deprivation-in-the-era-of-rohingya-genocide-and-isis-fighters/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this event has been changed into a webinar that will take place on the same day instead. For more information and to register please follow this&#xA0;link. ------&#xA;The Asser Institute will co-organise an event with the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion (ISI) and Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) on 19 March &#x201D;Nationality deprivation in the era of Rohingya genocide and ISIS fighters&#x201D;. To attend this event, register here.&#xA;Citizenship stripping as a counter-terrorism measure has recently received a lot of attention because of the phenomenon of (returning) &#x2018;foreign fighters&#x2019;. However, deprivation of nationality has always existed throughout the history of international law. In 1982, the Rohingya people were stripped of their citizenship, leaving them not only stateless but vulnerable to further persecution, and furthermore, states have often used this measure to silence human rights defenders. With the scope of the use of citizenship stripping measures becoming wider, the question now is what impact these measures have on the right to nationality and how they are to be understood in light of the international law prohibition of arbitrary deprivation of nationality and onus on states to avoid statelessness? ISI and OSJI are therefore launching a Year of Action against Citizenship Stripping, which includes the publication of Principles on Deprivation of Nationality as a National Security Measure.&#xA;Principles on Deprivation of Nationality as a National Security Measure The Principles restate international law, reflect existing standards and draw on practices that guide and limit state power to deprive persons of their nationality as a purported counter-terrorism and national security measure. Laura van Waas, Co-Director of ISI, explains that the use of nationality deprivation to protect national security has increased in the recent era, which is also characterised by the rise of &#x201C;authoritarianism, growth of the security state,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-writes-on-the-limits-of-digital-surveillance-for-het-parool/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-writes-on-the-limits-of-digital-surveillance-for-het-parool/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Dr Dimitri van den Meerssche writes an article for the Dutch newspaper Het Parool calling for a debate on the limits of the digital surveillance (welfare) state in light of the recent SyRI case judgment.&#xA;In his article, entitled &quot;Towards a critical debate on the limits of digital surveillance,&quot; Dimitri points to the proactive, opaque and discriminatory nature of algorithmic risk associations employed by the government. This data-driven politics of possibility, he argues, leads to three concerns from the perspective of democracy and the rule of law. First, the proactive risk governance tools inverse the presumption of innocence that is central to safeguard trust between citizens and the state. Secondly, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools in decision-making processes leads to problems of transparency and accountability: no oversight is possible for what happens in the black box of algorithmic association. Finally, Dimitri points to the problems of discrimination and vulnerability in risk modelling techniques. The SyRI case, he argues, clearly shows how socio-economic inequality was translated in digital precariousness. Read the full article (in Dutch) on Het Parool here.&#xA;Dimitri is a researcher for the Asser research strand on&#xA0;Dispute Settlement and Adjudication in International and European Law. This research strand is organised around inquiry into attributes of trustworthy dispute settlement in international adjudication. More information on the event, and to register click&#xA0;here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-online-advanced-summer-programme-on-terrorism-countering-terrorism-and-the-rule-of/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-online-advanced-summer-programme-on-terrorism-countering-terrorism-and-the-rule-of/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Covid-19 updateDue to the Corona virus outbreak, the format of this training programme might be subject to change. While we strive to welcome you on our premises in The Hague, we might be forced to move the programmes to an online platform. Should this happen, we will offer you a 33 %&#xA0;discount.&#xA0;If you had already paid for your spot, you will get reimbursed the difference in price. Registered participants will receive notification of the format at least a month before the starting date.&#xA;From 24 &#x2013; 28 August 2020,&#xA0;the T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#xA0;and ICCT in The Hague will host the tenth&#xA0;Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law.&#xA0;In this&#xA0;thought-provoking summer training&#xA0;you will learn all there is on the international and domestic legal aspects of counter-terrorism, in inspiring and interactive classes by international top speakers in the field.&#xA0;Sign up now&#xA0;to avail our fantastic Early Bird offer.&#xA0;BackgroundTerrorist attacks have triggered an increase in security-related legislative provisions across the world. A wide range of new or updated administrative and criminal law measures is meant to bolster states&#x2019; ability to respond to acts of terrorism, and to address perceived &#x2018;gaps&#x2019; in domestic legislation and security strategies.In trying to pre-empt terrorism related activities as early as feasible, states have further introduced additional preparatory and inchoate offences, curbs on financial and other support, limitations on the scope of the right to freedom speech and others. How proportional and legitimate are these measures? Are they effective?&#xA;About the programmeDuring an intensive week, experts, academics and practitioners will explore international and domestic legal aspects of counter-terrorism. You will get the chance to have a unique and in-depth look at the challenges that come with adopting and implementing counter-terrorism measures, while ensuring respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Our]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-examines-the-free-movement-of-same-sex-spouses-in-the-eu/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-examines-the-free-movement-of-same-sex-spouses-in-the-eu/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Senior Researcher Dr Ulad Belavusau recently published a co-authored article in the Common Market Law Review that examines the Court of Justice of the European Union&#x2019;s (CJEU) decision in the Coman (2018) case, which relates to free movement of same-sex couples in the European Union (EU). The Court decided in June 2018, that married same sex couples could move anywhere within the EU without restriction and regardless if the law of a Member State recognises same-sex marriages. Term &#x201C;Spouse&#x201D; as gender-neutralThe CJEU clarified that the meaning of the term &#x2018;spouse&#x2019; was gender-neutral, such that same-sex spouses enjoy free movement rights equally to married heterosexual couples, and opening up the door to the recognition of same-sex marriage for immigration purposes all around the EU. This clarification destroys the heteronormative (mis)interpretations by several Member States of the clear language contained in the EU Citizens&#x2019; Free Movement Directive. In other words, the term &quot;spouse&quot; no longer refers to a specific gender and paves the way for same-sex couples. In the article, Belavusau and his long-standing co-author Prof. Dimitry Kochenov (Chair in European Constitutional Law at the University of Groningen), conclude that the decision has greatly contributed to the anchoring of equality rights in the EU. The Coman DecisionThis case was filed by&#xA0;Adrian Coman, a Romanian national, who married his American partner in Belgium, and wanted to reunite with his partner in Romania by practicing his free movement rights. However, the residence permit for his husband was refused on&#xA0;the ground that the couple&#x2019;s same-sex marriage could not be recognised.&#xA0;The Coman decision was one of the first of its kind as it addressed the recognition of same sex marriages in the EU through legal and judicial proceedings by the CJEU. The decision established that married same-sex couples could enjoy free movement rights equally to heterosexual married couples throughout the whole of the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/training-on-prosecution-and-adjudication-of-international-and-transnational-crimes-in-tanzania/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/training-on-prosecution-and-adjudication-of-international-and-transnational-crimes-in-tanzania/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute, the&#xA0;International Nuremberg Principles Academy, the&#xA0;Antonio Cassese Initiative, and the African Institute of International Law (AIIL) are jointly organising a one-week seminar on the prosecution and adjudication of international and transnational crimes from&#xA0;24 to 28 February 2020, in Arusha, Tanzania. This high-level seminar will be attended by participants carefully selected among prosecutors and judges from French speaking African countries. The seminar will be held in French.&#xA;National prosecutors and judges are the main bearers of the responsibility to prosecute and try international crimes, such as crimes against humanity. Their role is fundamental for combatting impunity and providing access to justice for victims, for preventing crimes, promoting the rule of law for societies, and for securing lasting peace. This primary responsibility of national courts is enshrined in international legal instruments, and reiterated in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). About the project&#xA;This seminar is part of the Asser Institute, Cassese Initiative,&#xA0;International Nuremberg Principles Academy&#x2019; s training programme on&#xA0;international criminal law (ICL) and transnational criminal law (TCL). The goal of the programme is to support countries with a fragile or weak justice sector, ICC situation countries and countries facing challenges in prosecuting international and transnational crimes. In short, the training programme&#x2019;s aim is to assist judges and prosecutors to: strengthen their capacity to prosecute and try international and transnational crimes; enhance their ability to protect human rights; ensure effective cooperation with the ICC and other international criminal tribunals; and increase cooperation among national judiciaries.&#xA;The training programme is coordinated by Asser researcher and Cassese Initiative&#x2019;s board member&#xA0;Dr&#xA0;Marta Bo. More information can be found&#xA0;here.&#xA;The first round of seminars took place during 2018-2019]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-writes-on-the-practice-of-the-african-court-and-the-others/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 17 Feb 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-writes-on-the-practice-of-the-african-court-and-the-others/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Dr Misha Plagis&#xA0;published a blog&#xA0;on The ACtHPR Monitor as part of a blog-series on the practice of regional human rights courts. In her new post, she explores how the African Court on Human and Peoples&#x2019; Rights (African Court) use other sources and interpretations of human rights law as a tool to interpret the African Charter in its leading cases. As one of the newest human rights courts, the African Court has much less jurisprudence on which to build than its European and American counterparts. The piece explores how the African Court and other actors use the mandate of the Protocol establishing the Court, which allows it to refer to the international, European and inter-American human rights systems in making its decisions.&#xA;In her blog post, Plagis demonstrates that despite the African Court becoming more self-referential in its jurisprudence, these leading cases of the African Court often draw on external sources to establish their precedent on substantive or procedural issues within the African human rights system. The African Court&#x2019;s leading cases often cite other human rights instruments, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the European Convention of Human Rights, and/or the Inter-American Charter of Human Rights. Plagis explores this by examining the African Court&#x2019;s use of these sources in three leading cases: Norbert Zongo et al v Burkina Faso;&#xA;Alex Thomas v Tanzania; and&#xA;Peter Joseph Chacha v Tanzania. These three cases demonstrate how the African Court draws on external sources in its rulings, and highlights the importance of the African Court&#x2019;s jurisdiction over human rights instruments other than the African Charter in building human rights standards on the continent.&#xA;This post is part of a series of posts to be published on the ACtHPR Monitor this month and early March. The series include guest posts on the human rights functions of the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/global-justice-cinema-eight-films-on-finding-truth-and-fighting-for-justice/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/global-justice-cinema-eight-films-on-finding-truth-and-fighting-for-justice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Film is a very powerful medium in the field of global justice. T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam are proud to host the Global Justice Cinema workshop as part of Movies that Matter&#x2019;s Camera Justitia programme. Next to the workshop, this programme includes a Masterclass on international justice and a competition of eight impressive films about legal dilemmas, truth-finding, international law and the fight against impunity.Films that have been selected for this year&#x2019;s competition are:&#xA0;Antigone&#xA0;(Sophie Draspe),&#xA0;La Causa&#xA0;(Andres Figueredo),&#xA0;Collective&#xA0;(Alexander Nanau),&#xA0;Corpus Cristi&#xA0;(Jan Komasa),&#xA0;The Guardian of Memory&#xA0;(Marcela Arteaga),&#xA0;n&#xEE;pawistam&#xE2;sowin: We Will Stand Up&#xA0;(Tasha Hubbard),&#xA0;Nuestras Madres&#xA0;(C&#xE9;sar Diaz); and&#xA0;The Scarecrows&#xA0;(Nouri Bouzid). The screenings of these films and documentaries are followed by interviews with the filmmakers and experts. On 26 March, chair of the jury Hedy d&#x2019;Ancona, will announce the winner of the&#xA0;Camera Justitia Award&#xA0;for the best film in the competition during the special Camera Justitia Night. This evening, presented by presented by Bart Stapert (head of the Movies that Matter board and Judge at the Court of Appeals Den Bosch), is dedicated to the protection of the rule of law and includes a special screening of the documentary Advocate (Rachel Leah Jones en Philippe Bellaiche).Asser/VU&#x2019;s Global Justice Cinema workshop on documentary film and world politics is part of the Camera Justitia programme. In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to see the latest international rights films, meet filmmakers and activists, and engage in lectures on film and international justice. Sign up for the Global Justice Cinema workshop here.The Movies that Matter Festival 2020 takes place in Filmhuis Den Haag and Theater aan het Spui, The Hague, from 20-28 March. The full programme will be online at the end of February and ticket sales will start on 5 March.&#xA;Project leaderDr Sofia Stolk is a researcher in the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/finnish-ambassador-to-speak-in-an-upcoming-asser-lecture/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/finnish-ambassador-to-speak-in-an-upcoming-asser-lecture/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 3 March, the Finnish Ambassador to the Netherlands H.E.&#xA0;Ms P&#xE4;ivi Kaukoranta&#xA0;will speak on Finland&#x2019;s experience during their presidency as part of the Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) Presidency lecture. To attend this lecture register here.&#xA;Sustainable Europe-sustainable futureFinland held the presidency of the Council of the European Union between July 2019 and December 2019. The role of the presidency is to represent the Council and its responsibilities.&#xA;During its presidency, Finland had specific priorities and goals which they wanted to achieve by the end of the term. The main slogan for their presidency, according to their website,&#xA0;was &#x201C;Sustainable Europe-sustainable future&#x201D; with four focuses: rule of law as corner stones of the EU;&#xA;a competitive and socially inclusive EU;&#xA;the EU as a global climate leader;&#xA;and protecting the security of citizens comprehensively One aspect Finland made clear at the beginning of their presidency was that they did not want the buzz around Brexit to divert attention away from the priorities on the agenda. AchievementsSome of the Finnish Council Presidency&#x2019;s highlights were that they strengthened the EU rule of law by introducing tools to simplify the dialogue, ensuring the prevention of rule of law problems. Beyond that, they made prominent developments within areas of sustainable growth, the single market, research, innovation and digitalisation. With Finland, being one of the &#x201C;greenest&#x201C; countries in the world, has ensured to bring climate change back on the agenda, with the focus on the EU&#x2019;s transition to a climate neutral economy by 2050. Lastly, during the Finnish Presidency, Council made huge improvements to the external and internal security of the EU, by taking measures to protect against hybrid threats and to strengthen cyber security.About the speakerH.E. Ms P&#xE4;ivi Kaukoranta is the Ambassador of Finland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative of Finland to the Organisation for]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/conference-migration-deals-and-their-damaging-effects/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/conference-migration-deals-and-their-damaging-effects/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On April 8 2020, the Amsterdam Centre for European Studies (ACES) and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut will co-organise&#xA0;an interdisciplinary conference&#xA0;on the implications of the increasing use of informal (non-binding) instruments in the field of migration. The conference will examine issues raised by the prevalent use of migration deals and informal arrangements between the EU and third countries in an effort to manage migration flows.In the last few years, informal instruments have been replacing binding international agreements in the field of EU asylum and migration policy. Examples are the EU-Turkey deal and the Joint Way Forward with Afghanistan (an informal readmission agreement).Though the use of informal instruments is nothing new in EU external relations, the increasing recourse to such instruments recently is of&#xA0;grave concern&#xA0;for multiple reasons, think Asser researchers and project leaders Dr&#xA0;Narin Idriz&#xA0;and Dr&#xA0;Eva Kassoti.&#xA;Big consequenceIdriz: &#x201C;One of the biggest consequences, for instance, is that the non-binding nature of these instruments makes it almost impossible for individuals to challenge them in courts. This makes it very hard to enforce any rights they might have under international or European law.&#x201D;According to Idriz, the&#xA0;NF,&#xA0;NG, and&#xA0;NM&#xA0;cases brought in front of the General Court, and subsequently appealed to the European Court of Justice are a case in point. The cases were dismissed as the Court established it was the Member States and not the EU that were behind the deal.Informal instruments like the EU-Turkey deal or the Joint Way Forward are also problematic from a constitutional perspective, believes Eva Kassoti. &#x201C;The choice to act outside EU Treaties and to ignore the prescribed procedure for concluding international agreements results in less transparency, democratic scrutiny, accountability and legitimacy.&#x201D;&#xA;On the conferenceThe&#xA0;conference&#xA0;will examine the issues raised by this process of informalisation in five thematic panels:]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-10th-advanced-summer-programme-on-terrorism-countering-terrorism-and-the-rule-of-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-10th-advanced-summer-programme-on-terrorism-countering-terrorism-and-the-rule-of-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registration will open soon for our highly successful Advanced summer programme on terrorism, countering terrorism and the rule of law. In the tenth edition of this unique and innovative training, you will get the latest insights into current and future issues on terrorism, countering terrorism and the rule of law.&#xA0;Click here to receive an alert when registration opens.&#xA;Overview Across the world, terrorist attacks have triggered a steep increase in security-related laws and measures. To prevent terrorism as early as possible, states have introduced limitations on freedom of speech, curbs on financial and other support and have resorted to revoking nationalities. How proportionate and legitimate are these measures? Are they effective? Our renowned summer programme will bring you inspiring lectures by leading experts in the field, interactive sessions, study visits, group discussions (Chatham House Rules), panel presentations and a great network in the field.Key topics The public and (countering) terrorism&#xA;Administrative and security measures&#xA;Prosecuting terrorism cases in practice&#xA;(Permanent) States of emergency and human rights&#xA;Addressing online extreme and radical (terrorism-related) speech&#xA;Former combatants and their role in countering violent extremism&#xA;Latest trends in the legal aspects of terrorism &amp;amp; counter-terrorism&#xA;Kafkaesque trials &amp;amp; sensitive intelligence evidence in counter-terrorism cases Target audience Practitioners&#xA;Diplomats&#xA;Academics&#xA;Civil service&#xA;Policymakers&#xA;PhD candidates&#xA;Security services&#xA;People working for NGOs&#xA;National and international experts When &amp;amp; Where24-28 August 2020, T.M.C. Asser Instituut, The Hague Contact: educationtraining@asser.nl&#xA;Project leaderDr Rumyana van Ark (n&#xE9;e Grozdanova)&#xA0;is Post-Doctoral Researcher in Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and International Law at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut within the Research Strand &#x2018;Human Dignity and Human Security&#x2019;. She is also a Research Fellow and a Coordinator at the International]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-curtailing-the-surveillance-state-anticipating-the-syri-case-judgment/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-curtailing-the-surveillance-state-anticipating-the-syri-case-judgment/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The District Court of The Hague announced its judgement on 5 February in the case of SyRI (Systeem Risico Indicatie). They ruled the controversial surveillance system, created and used by the Dutch government to detect tax and welfare fraud, as prohibited due to violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This case has gained a lot of attention and raised privacy concerns around the world. On 6 February, a group of experts will reflect on the outcome and aspects of this case during a&#xA0;panel discussion at the Asser Institute.&#xA;What is SyRi?The system, SyRi (Systeem Risico Indicatie) is an automated algorithmic system created to detect and analyse welfare fraud. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment developed the system to analyse data such as benefit information, personal debt reports as well as history of housing. The system collects data from individuals in order to measure their likelihood of misusing the benefit system and committing fraud. However, this system became immediately criticised for invading privacy, as well as being discriminatory in nature. What is the problem? In recent years, privacy and the use of data has become a controversial topic. We are becoming increasingly more sceptical of how states are using our data in order to further national interest. It has gone so far that in 2016, the EU introduced the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in order to make sure that people have more control over their own data, and that businesses can benefit from a fair playing field. However, with new regulations come grey areas that may be harder to supervise. Recently the Dutch government came under fire for the implementation of the SyRI system. A group of civil rights initiatives filed a lawsuit because the system showed to be not only an invasion of privacy, but also discriminatory, targeting low-income neighbourhoods. This lawsuit has drawn a great deal of attention and the District Court in The Hague will announce its]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/symposium-and-book-presentation-on-responses-to-the-threats-to-the-judiciarys-independence/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/symposium-and-book-presentation-on-responses-to-the-threats-to-the-judiciarys-independence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Wednesday February 5th, Tilburg Law School and the T.M.C. Asser Institute have launched the first volume of the European Yearbook of Constitutional Law (T.M.C. Asser Press). This volume investigates adequate responses to threats to the judiciary&#x2019;s independence both in the Netherlands and beyond.&#xA0;Kees Sterk, Vice President of the Dutch Council for the Judiciary and President of the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary, delivered the keynote speech in which he discussed the topic of the book, focusing in particular on how threats to judicial independence can best be addressed. You can read the full transcription of his keynote speech here. Pressure on the judiciaryIn countries around the world there is political criticism and pressure on the judiciary, against which the usual guarantees for independence seem to be unable to provide adequate protection. A convincing and effective response to threats to the judiciary&#x2019;s independence requires a detailed and precise analysis of the judiciary&#x2019;s constitutional safeguards and limits. This is the aim of the volume&#xA0;Judicial Power: Safeguards and Limits in a Democratic Society, that was presented in The Hague.&#xA0;Geert Vervaeke, dean of Tilburg Law School, opened the event.&#xA0;Co-editor Ernst Hirsch Ballin&#xA0;introduced the&#xA0;European Yearbook of Constitutional Law&#xA0;series, while co-editor Gerhard van der Schyff&#xA0;introduced the topic of the first volume.&#xA0;The keynote speech was followed by a round table with experts in the field, moderated by co-editor Maarten Stremler, and a general Q &amp;amp; A session with the audience. You can find the&#xA0;full programme here.&#xA;About&#xA0;the&#xA0;European Yearbook of Constitutional Law (EYCL) The&#xA0;EYCL is an annual publication&#xA0;initiated by the Department of Public Law and Governance at Tilburg University and devoted to the study of constitutional law. It aims to provide a forum for in-depth analysis and discussion of new developments in the field, both in Europe and beyond. The theme of the second volume is]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-using-big-data-for-research-and-policy-analysis-how-to-deal-with-legal-and-ethical/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-using-big-data-for-research-and-policy-analysis-how-to-deal-with-legal-and-ethical/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a free online webinar, co-organised with the Hague Centre for Stategic Studies, Asser researcher Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi will discuss the challenges posed by the emerging use of big data for socio-legal research and policy analysis: &#x201C;All data should be treated as potentially &#x2018;personally identifiable information&#x2019; and every possible data combination as potentially sensitive&#x201D;.&#xA;By Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi&#xA;&#x201C;Just as Duchamp repurposed a found object to create art, scientists can now repurpose found data to create research&#x201D;. Through this analogy, Matthew Salganik, Professor of Sociology at Princeton University and author of the insightful Bit by Bit: Social Research in the Digital Age, describes the process through which social scientists reuse big data created and collected by private companies and governments for research purposes.&#xA;Identifying relevant Big Data sources for social researchBig data can be defined as the practice of accumulating extremely large amounts of information from a variety of sources, and processing that information using algorithms and statistical analysis. Big data sources include of course social media posts, but are not limited to these.&#xA;Researchers can also be interested in other sources of big data. Think of data collected in the physical world through digital devices, providing indications about users&#x2019; preferences, beliefs, ideas, or even behavioural patterns.&#xA;Finally, governmental organisations also collect unprecedented amounts of data to create administrative records. Although such records have always attracted social scientists, big data has allowed governments to boost the collection and analysis processes, and made it an even more attractive tool to study social phenomena.&#xA;Legal and ethical challenges Independence: taking distance from given data or collecting your data yourself Most of the time, big data used in social research is generated by private companies or governmental organs. Maintaining the research project&#x2019;s independence]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-asser-press-publication-human-dignity-and-human-security-in-times-of-terrorism/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-asser-press-publication-human-dignity-and-human-security-in-times-of-terrorism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Following a human rights approach will be indispensable in securing human dignity and human security for all, especially in times of terrorism. This is the main message of the recently published book &#x201C;Human Dignity and Human Security in Times of Terrorism&#x201D;. The book, co-edited by Asser researcher Dr Christophe Paulussen and Prof Martin Scheinin, will be launched at an event set to take place on 7 April at the Asser Institute.The editors&#xA0;highlight that terrorism is still a widespread problem despite a current drop in the number of deaths. However, what is even more concerning from a long-term perspective, they say, is the way we are responding to terrorism.&#xA;With the human rights framework under serious pressure, this edited volume offers a timely, important and critical in-depth analysis of human dignity and human security challenges in the lead-up, and in the responses, to current forms of terrorism. It aims to map how we can secure human dignity and human security, and how law can constitute a source of trust at a time when Europe and the rest of the world continue to be plagued by terrorism.&#xA;The authors analyse a variety of topical subjects such as calling for the humanisation of the security discourse but also offering very practical contributions. This book, which focuses on, but is not limited to the situation in Western countries, aims to inspire not only academics&#x2014;through further theorisation on the sometimes elusive but important concepts of human dignity and human security&#x2014;but also practitioners working in the field of countering terrorism. For more information on the book and to order click here.&#xA;Dr Christophe Paulussen&#xA0;is a Senior Researcher in the Research Department of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague, The Netherlands and&#xA0;Martin Scheinin&#xA0;is Professor of International Law and Human Rights in the Department of Law of the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy.&#xA;Human Dignity and Human Security in International and European LawDr]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-academic-director-janne-e-nijman-joining-forces-in-an-eventful-year/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jan 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-academic-director-janne-e-nijman-joining-forces-in-an-eventful-year/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As we enter a New Year and a new decade, Asser academic director Janne E. Nijman calls for academics, policymakers and practitioners to join forces in tackling global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, the rise of global populism and EU scepticism and emerging technologies. &#x2018;Law, in our hyper-connected world, can contribute to a more just and common future for all.&#x27;&#xA;The New Year has arrived amidst a flurry of dramatic global events. Australia declared a state of disaster, with devastating bushfires wiping out communities, killing people and about a billion of animals. In the Persian Gulf, the military confrontations between the US and Iran were cause for many of us to hold our breath - and again a civilian airplane was downed above a war zone. The year 2020 does not look like it will be less eventful than 2019.&#xA;Later this month, we will learn if Boris Johnson has succeeded in getting his Brexit deal. We will then witness a long period of tough negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the EU, the latter also having to deal with systemic threats to the rule of law and democracy in other member states. Our Global Europe-project and its blog will follow developments closely.&#xA;This year will also see the US presidential elections, which will impact many global issues, ranging from climate policy and wealth inequality, to the power of Big Tech and refugee and migrant rights. In the EU, many countries will have to decide how to balance national security with fundamental human rights in their decisions on returning IS fighters. International humanitarian law (IHL), an often forgotten field of law in the fight against terrorism, might be of value to this issue.&#xA;In 2020, developments in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are expected to speed up. Later this month, our upcoming winter academy on AI and international law will address the potential of AI systems to help manage some of the world&#x2019;s hardest problems, as well as the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-does-artificial-intelligence-exacerbate-injustices/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jan 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-does-artificial-intelligence-exacerbate-injustices/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The digital revolution has made our lives more convenient, expanded our range of choices and opened new learning possibilities. Simultaneously, however, modern states and private companies have acquired an unprecedented capacity to collect data about everyone in a timely, cost-effective and almost invisible manner writes Asser researcher&#xA0;Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi. We find a place to dine on TripAdvisor and pay for it via contactless cards, and then we take an Uber home, where we buy some groceries and clothes online and connect with friends and acquaintances through our virtual profile on Facebook. We follow the latest news on Twitter, and search for a job on LinkedIn. These ordinary activities convey a tremendous amount of information. The digital revolution has made our lives more convenient, expanded our range of choices and opened new learning possibilities. Simultaneously, however, modern states and private companies have acquired an unprecedented capacity to collect data about everyone in a timely, cost-effective and almost invisible manner.In 2012, the British intelligence agency conducted a mass surveillance program called Optic Nerve, intercepting webcam video communications of about 1.8 million internet users using video chat platforms like that provided by Yahoo. In 2016, Obama set up the Center for Global Engagement to prevent the radicalisation of vulnerable youth: based on data collected by Google, Netflix, Amazon, an algorithm is supposed to identify persons suspected of easier radicalisation to send them dissuasive third party content. These are just two examples of artificial intelligence (AI) systems that scrutinise behaviours and establish presumptions of normality and deviance.&#xA;Against this background, and going beyond privacy concerns, a pressing question arises: does artificial intelligence exacerbate injustices? Defining Artificial Intelligence and InjusticesTo explore this question, some definitional elements are useful. Although its exact]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/event-the-autonomy-of-the-eu-legal-order/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jan 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/event-the-autonomy-of-the-eu-legal-order/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Professor Christina Eckes will deliver a lecture on the autonomy of the EU legal order at the Asser Institute on 4 February. In her seminar, which is part of the Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER), professor Eckes will elaborate on to what extend the Court of justice provides the EU with core elements of state sovereignty. The seminar is open to the public and will start at 15:00. The European Union (EU) cannot make a plausible claim to sovereignty under international law. However, what the EU can do and what it also does is: act as if it were sovereign and claim certain rights that are considered core elements of state sovereignty. The Court of Justice&#x2019;s conception of the EU legal order as autonomous provides the EU with a core element of state sovereignty and allows it to claim legal rights that otherwise only states can claim. This is one reason why the autonomy of the EU legal order remains a hot topic in scholarly debate. Other reasons are the problematic consequences of the Court&#x2019;s autonomy conception. The Court found that the Draft Agreement on the accession of the EU to the European Convention on Human Rights is incompatible with EU Law. By contrast, the Court held that CETA&#x2019;s Investment Court System is compatible with EU law. Based on these findings, the EU cannot submit itself to a regime of external human rights control, but it can very well participate in setting up an alternative quasi-judicial route with the specific purpose of protecting foreign investment.&#xA;In her lecture, Professor Christina Eckes argues that the Court&#x2019;s autonomy conception is best understood as a claim to jurisdictional sovereignty, which is legal conceptual and must necessarily be absolute. She further demonstrates how, through this lens, the Court&#x2019;s decisions, while resulting in a problematic outcome, should be seen as building coherently on the Court&#x2019;s previous case law.&#xA;Programme15.00 -16.00: Introduction and lecture16:00 &#x2013; 16:30: Q&amp;amp;A session16:30: Drinks]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/start-your-year-with-high-quality-trainings-in-the-fields-of-ai-and-international-law-and-business/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/start-your-year-with-high-quality-trainings-in-the-fields-of-ai-and-international-law-and-business/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As we enter a new decade, we take with us the growing challenges we face in many fields, including artificial intelligence and conducting business while ensuring human rights. These hot topics are not going away any time soon. With the speed of innovation and technology, the responsibility of keeping up with development and regulating practices is all the more crucial to ensure a just world. Our upcoming winter academies on AI and international law, and due diligence as a key to responsible conduct, will empower you with the skills and knowledge you need to tackle those issues in your daily work.&#xA;Winter academy on Artificial Intelligence and International law (20 &#x2013; 24 January)2020 will be a critical year to set the tone for the next decade of innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), one of the most complex technologies to monitor or regulate. Stay ahead of the curve by signing up for our&#xA0;winter academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law (20-24 January 2020). Top speakers will give you the latest insights into the current and future issues raised by AI from the perspective of international law. Our winter academy offers you foundational knowledge on key issues at the interface of international law and AI, and provides a platform for critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. The programme is structured along five themes: Understanding AI, AI for good, AI and armed conflict, AI and responsibility, and AI governance. Are you a policymaker, industry professional, or academic researcher working on issues related to AI and international law? Have a look at the programme&#xA0;here. For more information or to register for the training programme click&#xA0;here.&#xA;Winter academy on due diligence as master key to responsible business conduct (27 - 31 January 2020)More and more companies are urged to establish internal mechanisms to ensure human rights due diligence in their business conduct. If you are working in the corporate world, the field of human]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-berenice-boutin-now-is-the-moment-to-govern-and-regulate-artificial/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-asser-researcher-berenice-boutin-now-is-the-moment-to-govern-and-regulate-artificial/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[&#x2018;Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. The technology is advancing fast and policy makers who are concerned with responsible innovation need to catch up and take ownership of the topic&#x2019;, says Asser Institute researcher Dr Berenice Boutin. She is project leader of the 2020 winter academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law and recently won an NWO research grant to look into on the ethical and lawful uses of military AI. An interview about AI and the need of making sure that technology is developed in accordance with our legal systems and human rights. &#x2018;Now is the moment to govern and regulate AI&#x2019;. What exactly is Artificial Intelligence?&#x201C;Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising, complex, and fast advancing current technological developments. The term AI refers to computer systems that exhibit abilities to perform problem-solving, predictive analysis and other cognitive tasks. AI is fuelled by related technological developments, such as the increasing availability of data in the digitised society and advancements in robotics. But defining artificial intelligence is complex, and that is exactly why we will devote time in our winter academy on understanding AI, its historical trajectory and the current trends. Experts from computer science with lots of background will explain the topic in detail.&#x201D;&#xA;Could you give us some examples in which AI is being used today?&#x201C;These days AI is used everywhere. In your household appliances or your mobile device, in self-driving cars and in the security and welfare systems of cities and governments. What is specific about our training programme is that we look at the interface of AI and international law. As a research institute on international and European law, we are less concerned with consumer product liability for instance. What makes our winter academy unique is that we look at where AI is being used, or could be used in areas that deal with international matters. We focus on AI and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/global-justice-cinema-where-film-meets-international-justice/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <description><![CDATA[Registration is open for our workshop on Documentary Film and World Politics, an annual event co-organised by T.M.C. Asser Instituut, VU Amsterdam &amp;amp; Movies that Matter Festival. The workshop will take place between 24-26 March 2020 at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the Movies that Matter Festival.&#xA;Global Justice Cinema workshopActivists and journalists use cameras to document human rights violations; teachers use documentaries to educate on international law and world politics whereas NGOs and international organisations use video as a highly effective communication tool. Film is a very powerful medium in the field of global justice.&#xA0;For the workshop&#xA0;Global Justice Cinema, VU Amsterdam and T.M.C. Asser Instituut - specialised in international law and justice - join forces with human rights film festival Movies that Matter. In this workshop, you will learn to critically view and assess global justice films. You will get familiar with film as a source of knowledge, as a powerful tool to create impact with and as an object of critique. Moreover, we will discuss the value of documentary films for education and communication purposes.&#xA0;The workshop&#xA0;Global Justice Cinema&#xA0;will give you the best of both worlds: you will get great lectures in film and international justice by professors at the Asser Institute. In addition, you get to see the latest international rights films, plus the chance to meet filmmakers and activists at the Movies that Matter Festival, in The Hague, city of Peace and Justice. Sofia Stolk, researcher at T.M.C. Asser Instituut and coordinator of the Camera Justitia programme at the Movies that Matter Festival, told us: &quot;In last year&#x27;s workshop our participants were a very diverse group, including film students, law professors, NGO staff and communication specialists. It was extremely rewarding to sit together and share our different experiences and perspectives on human rights and international law by way of critically viewing and&#xA0;analysing]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-urban-politics-of-human-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 15 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-urban-politics-of-human-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut project &#x2018;The Global City&#x2019; and the University College Roosevelt project &#x2018;Cities of Refuge&#x2019; invite researchers, from different disciplines, to submit abstracts for an edited volume on the urban politics of human rights.&#xA;In recent years, attention for the emerging relationship between cities and global human rights norms has grown rapidly. Local governments profile themselves at the global stage as important actors when it comes to formulating and realising human rights, they are part of city networks that centre around human rights and uphold direct relations with international organisations. Concurrently, human rights norms are invoked, contested and negotiated on the ground, in urban affairs. While we subscribe to the potential of human rights at the urban level, we are also interested to learn about the limits of the urban mobilisation of human rights.&#xA;The scope of this call for papers is focused on the urban rather than rural or suburban contexts or regional governments. Moreover, we are interested in cities of various sizes around the world and therewith in actors - such as local governments, city networks, private actors and civil society organisations - operating in different urban contexts TopicsWhen actors mobilise the norms of human rights, they inevitably make choices on why and how to do so. With this volume we strive to gain insight into these politics. A local government may make different choices than a human rights NGO or a city-network, but what happens behind the scenes, and how can we assess how these choices are made?&#xA;We aim to move beyond describing the practices of cities on the terrain of human rights, and provide a critical examination on how we could understand and assess these activities. If human rights are mobilised by urban actors, and if the process of mobilisation is intrinsically political, do urban politics support or compromise the promise of human rights? To what extent is the impact influenced by the choices]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-year-s-resolutions-our-winter-academies-will-help-you-stay-ahead-in-2020/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-year-s-resolutions-our-winter-academies-will-help-you-stay-ahead-in-2020/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Sign up now to advance your career! Registration is open for our unique 2020 winter academies.&#xA;[Winter academy] Artificial intelligence &amp;amp; international law (20 - 24 January 2020)&#xA;In the second edition of our highly successful,&#xA0;unique and innovative&#xA0;winter academy on artificial intelligence and international law, top speakers will give you the latest insights into the current and future issues raised by AI from the perspective of international law. The winter academy offers you foundational knowledge on key issues at the interface of international law and artificial intelligence, and provides a platform for critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. The programme is structured along five themes: Understanding AI, AI for good, AI and armed conflict, AI and responsibility, and AI governance.&#xA0;The winter academy is designed for policy makers, professionals and academics working on issues related to AI and international law. Have a look at the programme here. For more information or to register for the training programme click here.&#xA;[Winter academy] Due diligence as master key to responsible business conduct (27 - 31 January 2020)&#xA;The 2020 edition of the Doing Business Right winter academy will dive into human rights due diligence. In this training programme, we will retrace the genealogy of the concept of due diligence, investigate its theoretical underpinnings, and provide the participants with a comprehensive understanding of its practical operation through specific case studies conducted by experienced practitioners. Through a blending of theory and practice, we equip our participants with the necessary knowledge and know-how to engage with the growing practice of due diligence in their daily work at NGOs, corporations, administrations or in academia. The winter academy is a platform for (future) business and human rights professionals to meet and exchange on the latest developments in the field with a team of leading experts. To see the final]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-we-need-a-private-international-law-system-that-responds-to-the-interests-of-africa/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <description><![CDATA[Currently, private international law - a specialised branch of law which resolves cases between private persons or companies which have an element of conflicting foreign law - has no real place in Africa yet. But with the increasing international trade with Africa, there is a growing need for more scholarly attention and efforts to generate a private international law system that responds to the socio-economic, cultural, and political interests of countries of the continent, writes Asser researcher Dr Chukwuma Okoli.&#xA;By&#xA0;Dr Chukwuma Okoli&#xA;Africa is home to the five fastest growing economies globally this year, according to forecasts by the IMF. This year&#x2019;s African Economic Outlook from the African Development Bank shows that the continent&#x2019;s general economic performance continues to improve. In 2018, gross domestic product reached an estimated 3.5 percent, and is projected to accelerate to 4.0 percent in 2019 and 4.1 percent in 2020.&#xA;With the growing international trade with Africa comes an increase in disputes between international businesspeople conducting business on the continent. Issues such as; what court should have jurisdiction, what law should apply, and questions whether a foreign judgment can be recognised and enforced, need to be resolved for international trade to run smoothly. Currently, however, there is no such thing as an &#x2018;African private international law&#x2019; or an &#x2018;African Union private international law&#x2019; that is akin to, for example, &#x2018;EU private international law&#x2019;.&#xA;Diverse legal traditions There has always been private international law in Africa, from time immemorial. Africans, like other peoples, have always migrated from one territory to another, especially within the continent itself. Clashes of socio-cultural, political, and economic interests among various people gave rise to private international law problems as we know them today. Some of these disputes between private parties of different nation states will have been resolved through war or]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/student-scholarships-available-for-the-doing-business-right-winter-academy/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/student-scholarships-available-for-the-doing-business-right-winter-academy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Five partial scholarships are available exclusively to outstanding master students and PhD candidates to attend the upcoming Doing Business Right winter academy. The 2020 edition of the winter academy, taking place at the Asser Institute from 27-31 January 2020, will dive into human rights due diligence.&#xA;In this training programme, we will retrace the genealogy of the concept of due diligence, investigate its theoretical underpinnings, and provide the participants with a comprehensive understanding of its practical operation through specific case studies conducted by experienced practitioners. Through a blending of theory and practice, we equip our participants with the necessary knowledge and know-how to engage with the growing practice of due diligence in their daily work at NGOs, corporations, administrations or in academia.&#xA;The 2020 DBR winter academy features academics, corporate representatives, legal experts and professionals from international organisations. It is a platform for (future) business and human rights professionals to meet and exchange on the latest developments with a team of leading experts in the field.&#xA;For more information on the scholarships and how to apply click here. The full programme can be found here. More information on the winter academy or to register click here. This winter academy is an advanced education programme developed by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in the framework of its Doing Business Right project, furthering fundamental research and public debates on the responsibilities of businesses in times of globalisation.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-aung-san-suu-kyi-to-defend-myanmar-before-the-icj-in-gambia-s-rohingya-genocide-case/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/interview-aung-san-suu-kyi-to-defend-myanmar-before-the-icj-in-gambia-s-rohingya-genocide-case/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On December 11&#xA0;Nobel peace prize laureate and Myanmar&#x2019;s leader Aung San Suu Kyi defended Myanmar in an extraordinary case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Suu Kyi led the legal defence team of her country against charges of genocide against the Buddhist state&#x27;s minority Rohingya Muslims. In an interview with Asser researcher Dr Dimitri Van Den Meerssche on the case, Van Den Meerssche stated: &#x201C;The claim by The Gambia does not merely seek to confirm that genocide has been committed, but, more importantly, it calls for an immediate halt to ongoing violations.&#x201D; Most disputes before the ICJ are of a bilateral nature. How does the case brought by Gambia (a West African nation) differ and is it unusual in terms of the court&#x27;s established jurisprudence?Dimitri Van Den Meerssche: &#x201C;This is&#xA0;unusual, indeed, but it is not contrary to the court&#x27;s established jurisprudence. The reason why most disputes before the ICJ are bilateral&#xA0;is that states need to display a &quot;legal interest&quot; when bringing a case. This generally implies that state A needs to be somehow affected by the (in)action of state B. Yet, the ICJ has firmly established that the norm prohibiting genocide is a jus cogens norm with an erga omnes character. Phrased&#xA0;more&#xA0;simply: the prohibition against&#xA0;genocide is&#xA0;so vital that all states are considered to have a legal interest in the matter. In bringing its claim,&#xA0;The Gambia invokes not only the rights of the Rohingya&#xA0;under the Genocide Convention but also its own rights&#xA0;erga omnes (partes). In short: while it rather rare to see cases of this nature, this is not contrary to the jurisprudence of the court. The court&#xA0;has already&#xA0;long established (since 1970) that certain violations of international law are so grave&#xA0;that they are considered to affect the whole international community of states. The crime of genocide undoubtedly falls under this category of violations (as recently affirmed by the court).&#x201D; Aung San Suu Kyi said she will personally lead the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-role-of-cities-in-international-law-researchers-meet-in-berlin/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 09 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-role-of-cities-in-international-law-researchers-meet-in-berlin/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In the second week of December, researchers from the Asser Institute participated in two important academic events concerning the role of cities in international law at the Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin in Germany. Renowned academics from all over the world met there to discuss the changing relation between cities and international law.&#xA;Globalisation, urbanisation, and decentralisation are three trends that contribute to the &#x2018;internationalisation of the city&#x2019;, Asser academic director Prof. Janne Nijman argued in &#x2018;The Renaissance of the City as Global Actor. Nijman: &#x201D;In recent years, we see that cities are stepping onto the international stage as global actors. Municipal governments, for instance, were lobbying for bold commitments and concrete steps to be included in the Paris Agreement on climate change. And during the migration &#x2018;crisis&#x2019;, European cities made headlines with their own local solutions for migration issues, as did the phenomenon of &#x2018;sanctuary cities&#x2019; in the United States and Europe.&#x201D;&#xA;Cities as partners of international institutions The visibility of cities in the international arena is also growing. Municipal governments have become partners of international institutions in sustainable development processes, as well as are important carriers of international human rights obligations. Transnational intercity networks are vocal supporters and promotors of agendas developed by the United Nations, as the initiative for localisation of &#x2018;Sustainable Development Goals&#x2019; shows. According to international officials, cities are poised to play a critical role in their implementation, as it is the cities &#x2013; rather than nations - that have become the socio-political spaces where our struggle for global sustainability will be won, - or lost.&#xA;This developing interaction of cities with international law and governance is gaining increasing recognition. A reason for Janne E. Nijman and Helmut Aust from the Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin to develop a research handbook on the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-appointed-as-member-of-the-permanent-commission-on-human-rights-of-the-dutch/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 06 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-appointed-as-member-of-the-permanent-commission-on-human-rights-of-the-dutch/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Narin Idriz&#xA0;has been appointed as a member of the permanent commission on Human Rights of the Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs (Adviesraad internationale vraagstrukken, AIV).&#xA;The AIV is an independent body, which advises the Dutch government and parliament on foreign policy. The AIV produces advisory reports about international affairs both on its own initiative and on request. Its main areas of expertise are European cooperation, human rights, development cooperation and security policy.&#xA;Dr&#xA0;Narin Idriz is a researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Institute within the strand &#x201C;Advancing Public Interests in International and European Law&#x201D;. Currently she is one of the project leaders of the Global Europe project, which investigates the EU&#x2019;s identity as a global actor.&#xA;Narin is specialised in EU external relations, EU-Turkey association law, enlargement law, the protection of fundamental rights in the EU in general and the rights of Third Country Nationals in particular, and EU asylum and migration law and policies.&#xA;Pressing issuesIn reaction, Narin said: &#x201C;I am very happy and honoured to be appointed a member of the Human Rights Commission of the AIV. The Commission works on some of the most pressing issues of our times. Think for instance of the reform of the European asylum and migration policy, finding meaningful counter-narratives to the challenge mounted to the principle of the universality of human rights from other parts of the world, and the effect of new technologies on the development of human rights.&#x201D;&#xA;Academic director Janne E. Nijman from T.M.C. Asser Instituut: &#x201C;We are delighted our colleague Dr Narin Idriz has been appointed to the Human Rights committee of the Advisory Council on International Affairs. With her knowledge and expertise Narin will surely be able to contribute to the important questions on the committee&#x2019;s agenda.&#x201D;&#xA;The appointment has been published in the Dutch Staatscourant.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/local-high-school-students-snap-photos-of-the-hague-for-human-rights-day/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/local-high-school-students-snap-photos-of-the-hague-for-human-rights-day/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[To commemorate Human Rights Day on December 10, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in collaboration with Humanity House and the Visual Human Rights project, invited forty high school students from The Hague to participate in the workshop &#x201C;Human rights visualised.&#x201D; The workshop, which was held at the Humanity House, included a range of activities under the guidance of Dr. Sofia Stolk (Asser Institute) and photographer Hoessein Alkisaei (Visual Human Rights).After the students learned about human rights and photography, they visited Hoessein&#x27;s photo exhibition at the Humanity House. They chose article(s) from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and went into the city of The Hague to visit organisations and take pictures that illustrate the article(s). Finally, the students discussed and selected the pictures that best visualise the chosen UDHR articles.&#xA;Participating organisations The students visited one or two of the following organisations: Kinder- en Jongerenrechtswinkel, Netherlands Helsinki Committee, Justice &amp;amp; Peace, De Gevangenpoort, and The Hague Municipality.&#xA;Selected photos Below are a few selected photos from students from the participating high schools i.e. Maerlant Lyceum, Zandvliet Lyceum &amp;amp; Sorghvliet Gymnasium. And the students in action (Photos: Schaapjesfabriek) This project is financially supported by The Hague Municipality.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/tv-interview-asser-researcher-speaks-about-frances-role-in-sahel-and-counter-terrorism-policies/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/tv-interview-asser-researcher-speaks-about-frances-role-in-sahel-and-counter-terrorism-policies/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi spoke live on France24&#x2019;s &#x2018;The Debate&#x2019; on France&#x27;s role in Sahel, the London bridge attack and the fight against terrorism.&#xA;On 26 November 2019, a helicopter collision killed 13 French troops pursuing Islamic militants in Mali, where France launched a military intervention in 2013. Three days later, on 29 November 2019, five people were stabbed, two fatally in Central London. The perpetrator had been&#xA0;convicted and jailed in 2012 for&#xA0;planning to detonate a bomb at the London Stock Exchange&#xA0;and released from prison in 2018. The Debate asked what has and should be done to improve counter-terrorism policies at home and abroad. A single transnational &#x2018;war against jihadist groups&#x2019;According to Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi, the French involvement in Sahel is not only an intervention by invitation but also part of a broader strategy for what seems to be a single &#x2018;war against jihadist groups&#x2019;. This raises concerns about how such a framing can lead to an indefinite war. Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi insisted on the ever-growing confusion between times and spaces of peace and war. Framing the situation as a transnational war against whoever embraces jihadist ideology&#xA0;creates the misguided expectation that we stop applying domestic criminal law rules to offenders.&#xA;To watch the full debate, click here.&#xA;Further readingCuyckens, H. &amp;amp; Paulussen, C.&#x27;The Prosecution of Foreign Fighters in Western Europe: The Difficult Relationship between Counter-Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law&#x27;,&#xA0;Social Science Research Network, 18 October 2019Mignot-Mahdavi, R. &#x2018;Blog: Citizenship deprivation will strengthen IS jihadist ideology&#x2019;, T.M.C. Asser Website, 8 November 2019.Paulussen, C, &#x2018;Together Against ISIS &#x2013; Police and Justice Cooperation in Europe&#x2019;, in: M. Engelhart and S. Roksandic Vidlicka (eds.), Dealing with Terrorism &#x2013; Empirical and Normative Challenges of Fighting the Islamic State, Duncker &amp;amp; Humblot: Berlin 2019, pp. 97-116.Paulussen, C. &#x2018;The]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/watch-the-full-annual-asser-lecture-by-prof-anne-orford/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 29 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/watch-the-full-annual-asser-lecture-by-prof-anne-orford/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Prof. Anne Orford addressed a room packed with guests at our Fifth Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture on November 28 at the Peace Palace in The Hague. In her speech, Orford said that international treaties need to be more social, democratic and ecological so that they serve not only the interests of companies but also of citizens and governments. Marri&#xEB;t Schuurman,&#xA0;Director Stabilisation and Humanitarian Aid (MFA) delivered a speech on behalf of Minister Sigrid Kaag&#xA0;during which she highlighted the importance of&#xA0;implementing the Sustainable Development Goals&#xA0;(SDGs) to achieve a more inclusive, righteous and sustainable world. You can now watch the video of Orford&#x27;s full lecture below: Further readingProf. Anne Orford spoke to Dutch newspaper NRC about the need for a fundamental &#x2018;decolonisation of international law&#x2019; as we know it. In an interview with NRC journalist&#xA0;Caroline de Gruyter, Orford called for international treaties to be more social.&#xA0;To read the full article (in Dutch) click&#xA0;here.&#xA;Asser Institute researchers&#xA0;Taylor Woodcock, Dr&#xA0;Antoine Duval&#xA0;and Dr&#xA0;Dimitri Van Den Meerssche&#xA0;had the opportunity to interview Prof. Orford for international law blog&#xA0;OpinioJuris.&#xA0;A conversation on &#x27;the material roots of populism and the potential for a progressive politics of international law, featuring the Wizard of Oz and the Garden of Eden.&#x27;]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-wins-nwo-grant-to-research-ai-in-the-military-context/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 27 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-wins-nwo-grant-to-research-ai-in-the-military-context/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Dr Berenice Boutin has won a research grant of &#x20AC;615.000 from the Dutch Research Council (NWO: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) for the research project &#x201C;Agency and Compliance by Design in Military AI Technologies&#x201D;.&#xA;Boutin&#x2019;s project, which she will carry out on behalf of the University of Amsterdam, was one of five projects awarded funding in the research programme &#x201C;Responsible Innovation. Designing for public values in a digital world.&#x201D;&#xA;As more Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are being integrated in different areas of our lives, and as much benefit that brings to our societies, there are also challenges. In the military context, which is the focus of Boutin&#x2019;s project, AI technologies have the potential to greatly improve military capabilities and offer significant strategic and tactical advantages. At the same time, the increasing use of autonomous technologies and adaptive systems in the military context poses profound ethical, legal, and policy challenges.&#xA;Ethical and lawful uses of AIThis research project sets out to ensure that military AI technologies support but never replace critical judgement and decision-making by human soldiers. The research team will analyse why human control over military technologies must be guaranteed, where it is most critical to maintain the role of human agents (in particular to ensure legal compliance and accountability), and how to technically ensure that military AI-based technologies are designed and deployed in line with public values and the rule of law. On this basis, the project will seek to operationalise public values into policy and technical solutions. Dr Boutin will lead the research project, with team members Prof. dr. Terry D. Gill and Prof. dr. Tom M. van Engers, both from the University of Amsterdam.&#xA;Partners in this project&#xA0;include TNO, Thales Nederland,&#xA0;The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS), PAX, and the&#xA0;Graduate Institute for International and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/speaker-anne-orford-international-treaties-can-and-must-be-more-social/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/speaker-anne-orford-international-treaties-can-and-must-be-more-social/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Ahead of her Fifth T.M.C. Asser Lecture on Thursday November 28, Prof. Anne Orford spoke to Dutch newspaper NRC about the need for a fundamental &#x2018;decolonisation of international law&#x2019; as we know it. In an interview with NRC journalist Caroline de Gruyter, Orford called for international treaties to be more social. &#x201C;International law is under attack from all sides.&#xA0;Trump and populists on the left and right are not the only ones who shoot at it.&#xA0;Even within the international law sphere itself, people are finally waking up,&quot; says Orford. She sees the withdrawal of the US from international forums and treaties as an excellent opportunity to reform international law. Orford: &#x201C;We had Occupy Wall Street, and now we need some kind of Occupy Law.&#x201D;&#xA;According to Orford, international treaties need to be more social, democratic and ecological, so that they serve not only the interests of companies, but also of citizens and governments. Orford: &quot;I am optimistic. Academics, lawyers and policy makers experience this as a key moment. Everything is back on the table: fundamental assumptions about the international legal order, about the way in which you deal with negotiations and arbitration, and the relationship between existing treaties and national interests and values. Ten years ago nobody was talking about this. Now it is at the top of the agenda.&quot;&#xA;To read the full article (in Dutch) click here.&#xA;Asser researchers interview Orford for the OpinioJurisAsser Institute researchers Taylor Woodcock, Dr&#xA0;Antoine Duval and Dr&#xA0;Dimitri Van Den Meerssche had the opportunity to interview Prof. Orford for international law blog OpinioJuris. A conversation on &#x27;the material roots of populism and the potential for a progressive politics of international law, featuring the Wizard of Oz and the Garden of Eden.&#x27; About the Fifth T.M.C. Asser Lecture 2019In our Fifth T.M.C. Asser Lecture entitled:&#xA0;&quot;International law and the social question&quot;, Prof. Orford puts the social question back on the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researchers-contribute-to-a-study-on-radical-and-hate-speakers-in-europe/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researchers-contribute-to-a-study-on-radical-and-hate-speakers-in-europe/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Four Asser researchers contributed to a comparative research study on radical and extremist hate speakers in European member states published by the&#xA0;The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism&#xA0;(ICCT). Dr Ulad Belavusau, Dr Berenice Boutin, Dr Rumyana Grozdanova and Dr Christophe Paulussen provided research input on the international and European legal obligations and how other European member states than the Netherlands are dealing with hate speakers domestically, as well as the best practices they follow to tackle the issue. The report entitled &#x201C;A Comparative Research Study on Radical and Extremist (Hate) Speakers in European Member States&#x201D; was put together at the request of the Netherlands National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV). In the context of extremist hate speech in Europe in recent years, legislative provisions have been enacted that inevitably resulted in potentially substantial limitations on the right to freedom of speech. A number of individuals have been subjected to onerous administrative measures in relation to their speech &#x2013; sometimes after a criminal conviction, sometimes in the absence of criminal law action. Thus, the question of proportionality has inevitably arisen &#x2013; to what extent can a state legitimately and justifiably restrict the right to freedom of expression in the interests of national security? To put it differently, in respecting its broader social obligation to ensure and preserve security, how much should a state qualify the right to freedom of expression? In addressing these questions, this comparative report will first outline in more detail the applicable international and regional legal obligations and relevant case law in Sections 1 and 2 respectively. Section 3 will focus on the following countries &#x2013; Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France and the United Kingdom &#x2013; with particular emphasis on domestic legislative provisions, jurisprudence and national strategies specifically adopted to respond to the risks]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/season-8-of-asser-s-educational-programme-for-lebanese-students-begins-today/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/season-8-of-asser-s-educational-programme-for-lebanese-students-begins-today/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new season of the Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure begins today. This year, over 550 Lebanese students applied to participate in the programme, by far the highest number to date since the launch of the programme in 2011. The programme offers the students a unique opportunity to follow lectures remotely from their classroom and learn about international criminal law and procedure. Justice is often understood as court-bound: it is either that the perpetrator is found guilty or not. However, a training course on criminal justice for Lebanese students co-organised by the Asser Institute, the Hague-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) and eleven Lebanese universities shows that justice-building can also take place outside of the courtroom. In a recent article, Anna McMillan&#xA0;wrote&#xA0;about the potential of this inter-university programme.&#xA;In 2005, a terrorist attack in Lebanon killed then Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 21 others. In response to the attack, the United Nations established the STL in 2009 to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of this crime. Based in the Netherlands, the tribunal is expected to conclude its work this year. While the final verdict is still unknown, we can already witness other contributions the STL has made in the Lebanese society.&#xA;Training future generations Today selected Lebanese students will participate in an online programme provided by the Asser Institute and the Outreach and Legacy Section of the STL. The eighth season of the&#xA0;Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure&#xA0;enables law students from eleven Lebanese universities to follow lectures on the origins, sources, and principles of international criminal law. Other topics include the different international crimes as well as topics related to international criminal procedure. The lectures are delivered by prominent academics and practitioners via internet streaming from the Asser Institute in The Hague to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/minister-sigrid-kaag-to-give-a-short-speech-at-the-fifth-annual-asser-lecture-2019/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/minister-sigrid-kaag-to-give-a-short-speech-at-the-fifth-annual-asser-lecture-2019/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[We are very honoured that&#xA0;Sigrid Kaag, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation in The Netherlands will join us* as a special guest speaker&#xA0;at&#xA0;the fifth year anniversary of the Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture on Thursday, 28 November 2019&#xA0;at a symbolic place for international law - the Peace Palace in The Hague. This year, renowned legal scholar Prof. Anne Orford will deliver the Fifth Asser Annual Lecture&#xA0;entitled &#x2018;International Law and the Social Question&#x2019;. Registrations are now open and you can sign up here. What about the social question?While international law has played a central role in creating the conditions for market liberalisation on a global scale, many international lawyers have paid less attention to the social question, leaving human welfare, social unrest, labour relations, or migration to be addressed by economists, criminologists, sociologists, or demographers.&#xA;According to Prof. Orford, the current situation of people who are dispossessed or impoverished by economic liberalisation, and the exhaustion of the world&#x2019;s resources have become inescapable barriers to the continuation of &#x2018;global business as usual&#x2019;.&#xA;In her lecture, Prof. Orford puts the social question back on the international law table. How might international economic law-making and adjudication be re-embedded within political processes? And how can foundational political questions about property, security, survival, and freedom be returned to democratic control?&#xA;About the speakerAnne Orford is Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor, Michael D Kirby Chair of International Law, and an Australian Laureate Fellow at Melbourne Law School, where she directs the Laureate Program in International Law.&#xA0;Anne Orford is also an elected Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. She has held visiting positions at Lund University, University Paris 1 (Panth&#xE9;on-Sorbonne), the University of Gothenburg, NYU School of Law and Harvard Law School.&#xA;Her work combines the study of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/renowned-legal-scholar-prof-anne-orford-will-deliver-the-fifth-annual-tmc-asser-lecture/</link>                <pubDate>Sat, 09 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/renowned-legal-scholar-prof-anne-orford-will-deliver-the-fifth-annual-tmc-asser-lecture/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Renowned legal scholar Prof. Anne Orford will deliver the Fifth&#xA0;Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture&#xA0;on Thursday, 28 November 2019&#xA0;at a symbolic place for international law - the Peace Palace in The Hague.&#xA0;Orford&#x27;s lecture is&#xA0;entitled &#x2018;International Law and the Social Question&#x2019;. Registrations are now open and you can sign up&#xA0;here. We are very honoured that&#xA0;Sigrid Kaag, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation in The Netherlands will join us* as a special guest speaker.&#xA;Registrations are now open and you can sign up here. What about the social question?While international law has played a central role in creating the conditions for market liberalisation on a global scale, many international lawyers have paid less attention to the social question, leaving human welfare, social unrest, labour relations, or migration to be addressed by economists, criminologists, sociologists, or demographers.&#xA;According to Prof. Orford, the current situation of people who are dispossessed or impoverished by economic liberalisation, and the exhaustion of the world&#x2019;s resources have become inescapable barriers to the continuation of &#x2018;global business as usual&#x2019;.&#xA;In her lecture, Prof. Orford puts the social question back on the international law table. How might international economic law-making and adjudication be re-embedded within political processes? And how can foundational political questions about property, security, survival, and freedom be returned to democratic control?&#xA;About the speakerAnne Orford is Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor, Michael D Kirby Chair of International Law, and an Australian Laureate Fellow at Melbourne Law School, where she directs the Laureate Program in International Law.&#xA0;Anne Orford is also an elected Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. She has held visiting positions at Lund University, University Paris 1 (Panth&#xE9;on-Sorbonne), the University of Gothenburg, NYU School of Law and Harvard Law School.&#xA;Her work combines the study]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-citizenship-deprivation-will-strengthen-is-jihadist-ideology/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 08 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-citizenship-deprivation-will-strengthen-is-jihadist-ideology/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi argues that the deprivation of citizenship of former IS fighters is not an effective sanction. &#x2018;It actually strengthens jihadist ideology, which is based on the rejection of citizenship.&#x2019;&#xA;By Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi&#xA;European countries, reluctant to repatriate their Islamic State militants from Syria, are instead more inclined to revoking their citizenship. Hot debates are currently taking place to determine the best way to deal with returning fighters, as evidenced by the current disagreement between&#xA0;the Dutch public prosecution service and Minister Grapperhaus (Justice and Security). The public prosecution service wants to bring the Dutch IS fighters to justice in the Netherlands as quickly as possible,&#xA0;writes the Dutch newspaper NRC, while the Minister wants to revoke the nationality of these so-called foreign fighters. Many academics and NGOs criticise citizenship deprivation of foreign fighters. The main argument is that when states facilitate the recourse to this measure, they also increase the risk of statelessness, especially when there is no clear requirement that the individual has a second nationality as a backup. But even when states are complying with international norms and ensuring that deprivation of citizenship will not lead to statelessness, the long-term effectiveness of such measure in countering terrorism is unsure. Moreover, I argue that revoking citizenships inherently strengthens jihadist ideology. Disbelief in citizenship, a condition to belong to ISEven if often framed as a tool to protect security, the deprivation of citizenship - historically and by its function - also appears to be a sanction. The measure applies to individuals for embracing jihadist ideology; it condemns a behaviour.&#xA;But deprivation of citizenship is a sanction that uniquely replicates the very essence of the behaviour it condemns. IS foreign fighters embrace a jihadist ideology that actually draws on the withering national identity]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/cleer-winter-academy-eu-external-relations-and-instruments/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 06 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/cleer-winter-academy-eu-external-relations-and-instruments/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The European Parliament (EP) has frozen 100 million Euros of financial aid for Turkey this week, and is considering additional measures. This sanction came after many members of parliament have pushed the parliament to take action in response to Turkey&#x2019;s invasion of Syria. The EU as a powerful actor to influence external relationsThis is only one example of the several instruments the EU has at its disposal to play an active external role in the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Others include sanctions, embargos, (free) trade agreements, military and civilian missions, humanitarian aid, enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy. With that, the EU is considered to have more instruments for external relations than any other country or organisation in the world.&#xA;But how do these instruments work, exactly? And how, once applied, do they contribute to the external relations of the EU? To get insight and understanding of the external relations of the EU, the Asser Institute has developed a new, interactive winter academy on EU external relations that will provide participants with state of the art knowledge of this policy area.&#xA;About the training:The CLEER winter academy is a one-week training course consisted of two parts. Part one covers EU external policies and instruments (17 &amp;amp; 18 February), and part two covers EU asylum and migration issues (19 &#x2013; 21 February). You can choose to attend the full week or just the part you are interested in.&#xA;The academy offers interactive lectures delivered by renowned academic experts as well as workshops led by experienced practitioners. The programme combines training sessions focusing on developing both knowledge and skills, thereby enabling participants to gain first-hand experience of how theory is transformed into practice.&#xA;EU external policies and instruments (17 and 18 February, 2020) The Treaty of Lisbon provided the EU with new competencies and instruments for its foreign policy. For]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-deprivation-of-nationality-of-dutch-is-fighters-is-counter-productive/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-deprivation-of-nationality-of-dutch-is-fighters-is-counter-productive/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[According to Dutch newspaper NRC, the Dutch public prosecution service and Minister Grapperhaus (Justice and Security) are taking opposing sides in the question of IS fighters. The public prosecution service wants to bring the Dutch IS fighters to justice in the Netherlands as quickly as possible, writes the newspaper, while the Minister wants to revoke the nationality of these so-called foreign fighters. This deprivation of nationality as a counter-terrorism measure is inefficient and even counter-productive, think Asser researchers Dr Christophe Paulussen and Dr Rumyana van Ark. &#x201C;It&#x2019;s mainly for the stage, that states use citizenship stripping as a counter-terrorism measure, says Paulussen. &#x201C;It is to show that joining IS is not tolerated. But citizenship stripping has little to do with effectiveness or problem solving. It is an illusion that a jihadist no longer poses a threat once he or she has been stripped of nationality. Current transnational terrorism does not detract from national borders. It is easy to cross borders, either via smuggling routes or with fictitious passports.&#x201D;&#xA;Deprivation of nationality as a counter-terrorism measure might even be counter-productive, says Paulussen. For a start, the measure can only apply to people with dual nationality, as it is illegal under international law to deprive someone of his/her nationality if it would leave a person stateless. Paulussen: &#x201C;This creates a different treatment for different population groups: while Moroccan or Turkish Dutch citizens can be deprived of Dutch citizenship, Dutch nationals without dual nationality do not face the same fate. This can lead to feelings of discrimination among minority groups&#x201D;, says Paulussen, &quot;and research shows that this is one of the factors that can play a role in further radicalisation.&quot;&#xA;Modern version of banishmentLike Paulussen, Asser researcher Rumyana van Ark believes that revoking citizenship is a highly symbolic measure. &#x201C;It is basically a modern version of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-preliminary-programme-for-the-winter-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-preliminary-programme-for-the-winter-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The programme for our highly successful winter academy on artificial intelligence and international law is out. Register now to secure your spot. The winter academy offers you foundational knowledge on key issues at the interface of international law and artificial intelligence, and provides a platform for&#xA0;critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. The programme is structured along five themes:&#xA0;Understanding AI, AI for good, AI and armed conflict, AI and responsibility, and AI governance. The winter academy includes lectures that address both technical and legal aspects of artificial intelligence, and will alternate theoretical and more&#xA0;practical perspectives. The interactive training features over 20 sessions by high-level speakers and includes panel discussions and workshops. Learn more about: Definition of AI and current trends&#xA;Human agency in the age of AI&#xA;Intelligence and moral judgment in humans and machines&#xA;Explainability and intelligibility of decision-making algorithms&#xA;Ethics of AI and value-sensitive design&#xA;Using AI to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals&#xA;AI and human rights&#xA;AI and international humanitarian law&#xA;Autonomous weapons systems and human dignity&#xA;Human control over autonomous military technologies&#xA;AI and international criminal law&#xA;AI and state responsiblity&#xA;AI and legal personality&#xA;Private standards and corporate responsibility&#xA;Geopolitics of AI&#xA;AI and global security&#xA;European governance of AI&#xA;International governance of AI For whom? The winter academy is designed for academics and professionals working on issues related to AI and international law, in particular: Researchers and advanced students (Master or PhD) in the fields of international law, political science, philosophy, or computer science&#xA;Policy makers, policy analysts and legal advisers working on innovation and technology in public or private institutions&#xA;Industry professionals interested in the law and governance of AI. Click here to see the programme. To]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/why-doping-in-sport-cant-be-stopped/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/why-doping-in-sport-cant-be-stopped/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Senior Asser researcher Dr Antoine Duval spoke to The Economist for a short documentary on the widespread occurrence of doping in sports and the difficulties to tackle that phenomenon. Duval provides a critical analysis of the legitimacy and effectiveness of sports governing bodies (SGBs) like the International Olympics Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and touches on how conflicts of interests can stand in the way of a fair and transparent anti-doping process. &#x201C;WADA as an institution is weak. It is basically a naked legislator. It produces rules that it has absolutely no power and capacity to enforce,&#x201D; he says. He argues that the SGBs &#x201C;have an incentive of being seen as doing a lot, but they don&#x2019;t&#x2019; have an incentive to catch a lot of cheats, because that would damage the image of their sport&#x201D;. This is likely to hamper their determination in putting in place effective regulatory mechanisms to rein the use of doping in international sports.&#xA;What could be done? While there is no miracle solution to the problem of doping, Duval says a set of structural changes are likely to respond to some of the issues mentioned in the documentary: WADA should dramatically reinforce its investigative capacity;&#xA;WADA should facilitate safe whistle-blowing;&#xA;WADA needs more financial means;&#xA;WADA must be more independent from the SGBs and more accountable to its main stakeholders, the athletes;&#xA;CAS independence must be reinforced;&#xA;The independence of the SGBs&#x2019; anti-doping operations and internal tribunals must be reinforced;&#xA;The revenues of sports must be more equally distributed; more money must flow to the athletes who are not on the podium of the Olympics. Watch the full documentary here.&#xA0;For a longer policy brief, from which many of these proposals are taken, see&#xA0;Tackling Doping Seriously - Reforming the World Anti-Doping System after the Russian Scandal.&#xA;Dr Antoine Duval is head of the&#xA0;International Sports Law Centre&#xA0;at the Asser Institute, which&#xA0;is part of the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-humanitarian-law-an-often-forgotten-field-of-law-in-the-fight-against-terrorism/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-humanitarian-law-an-often-forgotten-field-of-law-in-the-fight-against-terrorism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The role of international humanitarian law in the context of prosecuting foreign fighters is complex and underutilised, argue&#xA0;Asser senior researcher and research fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism &#x2013; The Hague (ICCT) Dr Christophe Paulussen,&#xA0;and Dr Hanne Cuyckens, assistant professor at Leiden University College, in their latest paper.&#xA;Returning foreign fighters are often prosecuted for being members of a terrorist organisation only. This approach is understandable from a practical point of view, as it is much easier to prove this general offence than actual crimes that have been committed on the battlefield. However, for the victims of such crimes, mere membership convictions are not very satisfactory, as the actual crimes committed against their loved ones are not being investigated. International humanitarian law (IHL), an often forgotten field of law in the fight against terrorism, even though it clearly applies to the armed conflicts in Syria and Iraq, can provide solutions here. For example, whereas in the past, a picture of someone posing with a deceased soldier was used to prove that that person was member of a terrorist organisation, knowledge of IHL could lead to the realisation that such a picture could also be used to prove that someone violated the dignity of a war victim, thus committing a war crime. This, in turn, can also lead to higher sentences. According to the researchers, a better understanding of IHL can assist in doing justice to the victims, by focusing more on the actual crimes committed, and at the same can lead to higher sentences, as recently occurred in the Dutch case of Oussama A. as well.&#xA;If a correct application of the law can assist in meting out higher sentences for foreign fighters upon their return, then politicians may be more willing than is currently the case to repatriate them, as advised by many international law and security experts. The Oussama A. case, and several others, including those accessible]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/ongoing-call-for-contributions-city-reports-on-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/ongoing-call-for-contributions-city-reports-on-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The International Law Association (ILA) study group on &quot;the Role of Cities in International Law&quot;, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin invite researchers to submit abstracts for reports on city practices in relation to international law.&#xA;The study group is collecting these so called &#x2018;city reports&#x2019; with the aim to include them as annexes to the official Report of the ILA study group to the ILA Kyoto conference in 2020.&#xA0;The study group is further anticipating to hold an open session at the conference where a selection of these reports will be presented to ILA members. In a second step, the chairpersons of the study group will be curating a collection of city reports based on the ILA reporting process with a view to publication with a leading university press.&#xA;TopicsThe city reports should engage with cities&#x2019; interactions with other cities, international organisations and/or global governance mechanisms. They can relate to cities invoking well-established norms of international law, as well as practices that connect to emerging and aspirational norms like the &quot;right to the city&quot;. With regard to city practices one could think of the activities of self-declared &#x2018;human rights cities&#x2019;, the role of Sustainable Development Goals&#xA0;in city-to-city cooperation, the participation of cities in UN processes such as the New Urban Agenda, or the incorporation of international law in local legislation and institutional arrangements, such as a local human rights department or sustainability office. The reports should primarily focus on the practices of local governments, but the structure of the reports&#xA0;could take various forms. The study group is interested in&#xA0;descriptive&#xA0;documents&#xA0;detailing various forms of engagement with international norms, as well as more playful forms of analysis such as critical essays on a specific city&#xA0;practice. DeadlinePlease send your abstract of 500-700 words to L.roodenburg@asser.nl. For more information on the call, click here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-for-our-one-week-course-on-eu-external-policies-and-asylum/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 18 Oct 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-for-our-one-week-course-on-eu-external-policies-and-asylum/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[For the first time, the&#xA0;Asser Institute and the Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) are organising the CLEER winter academy from 17 to 21 February 2020. The winter academy is a one-week training course on EU external policies and instruments &amp;amp; asylum and migration issues. The CLEER winter academy is a great opportunity for students, civil servants, representatives of NGOs and diplomats who are involved in EU asylum- and migration policies or who will be involved in the nearby future and have basic knowledge of this policy area. The 2016 EU Global Strategy sets out an ambitious agenda for EU foreign policy. According to the strategy, the EU &#x201C;will promote a rules-based global order&#x201D; guided by &#x201C;principled pragmatism&#x201D; with a view to delivering &#x201C;prosperity, security and democracy&#x201D; both at home and abroad. Three years on, the question arises whether the union has delivered on its promises. Can the EU be considered a credible actor at the global stage and if so, to what extent?&#xA;More recently, the European parliament&#x2019;s hearings of the individual commissioners in the new Von der Leyen commission have dominated the news. One of the most contested new portfolio titles is the Commissioner &#x201C;Protecting the European way of life&#x2019;, a title many believe to be offensive as it assumes that migrants and refugees pose a threat to this particular way of life.&#xA;These recent developments at the EU level and many more will be addressed during the one week training course. Experts and experienced practitioners will tackle issues pertaining to EU foreign policy making as well as migration and asylum policies by offering interactive lectures, workshops, and simulation exercises.&#xA;About the Winter Academy The programme combines training sessions focusing on developing both knowledge-domain knowledge and skills, thereby enabling participants to gain first-hand experience of how theory is transformed into practice.&#xA;More specifically, the&#xA0;programme&#xA0;offers: Extensive knowledge of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-a-nobel-peace-prize-for-africa-but-what-about-the-other-half-of-the-story/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-a-nobel-peace-prize-for-africa-but-what-about-the-other-half-of-the-story/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blogpost Asser researcher Dr Misha Plagis asks: &#x201C;The Nobel Prize for Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed is a cause for celebration. But what about the other half of the deal: the situation of the Eritreans?&#x201D; Since 1960, when Albert Lithuli became the first African to win the Nobel Peace Prize, last week Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed joined a growing list of Africans contributing to peace on the continent. He became the 12th African Nobel Peace Prize winner for his contributions to the 2018 peace deal between Ethiopian and Eritrea - which ended twenty years of bitter conflict - giving us cause to celebrate. The prize recognises the Ethiopian-Eritrean peace deal as a significant move to promote peace in the region. But when we look at it from the perspective of the protection of human rights in Eritrea, our optimism might be premature. There is a reason why Abiy Ahmed&#x2019;s counterpart in the peace deal, Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki, did not receive an award.&#xA;&#x2018;North Korea of Africa&#x2019; Eritrea is one of the most repressive regimes in Africa, as well as one of the most secretive, sometimes referred to as the North Korea of Africa. There is no free press in the country, there are harsh restrictions on the movements of its people, and in a UN report, Eritrea has been accused of potential crimes against humanity. The peace deal with its neighbour Ethiopia led to the reopening of the border between the two states, which is also Eritrea&#x2019;s largest land border. But the hope that opening it would lead to more free movement of Eritreans (and, therefore, also more information on the conditions in Eritrea) has faded. The reality is that this option remains open only to those lucky few who can afford airfare.&#xA;The reopening of the border increased hope for trade to pick up between the two countries. But despite Ethiopia being a regional hegemon, it is not one of Eritrea&#x2019;s largest trade partners. Although African states are not well known for using trade to pressure]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/imagining-justice-bringing-together-lawyers-and-artists/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 14 Oct 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/imagining-justice-bringing-together-lawyers-and-artists/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[While artists and international jurists have many interests in common, they often remain two worlds apart. The Asser Institute research project Imagining Justice aims to change that by seeking cooperation between artists, lawyers and academics for events such as &#x201C;Art and International Justice: Sounds, Design, Visuals&#x201D; which will be held on Wednesday October 16 at the Asser Institute. The event will feature an exhibition, live music, presentations, and a round table on the role of art in international justice. Art and International Justice: Sounds, Design, Visuals&#xA;The Asser Institute and the Art and International Justice Initiative (ARTIJ) &#x2013; a platform bringing together art and international justice - are co-organising the event in which we explore the relationship between art and international justice from different angles: sounds, design and visuals. The event will bring together lawyers, artists, musicians and architects for an open dialogue about the mutual interests of art and international justice.&#xA;Art and International Justice: Sounds, Design, Visuals includes performances by musicians Andr&#xE9; Mucs and Dani&#xEB;lle Uri&#xEB;l who link their music to processes of reconciliation. Marina Aksenova, co-founder and director of ARTIJ will present her views on the role of art in international justice. Otto and Victor Spijkers will reflect on the architectural design of ad hoc tribunals and the potentially sustainable function of these buildings in post-conflict reconstruction and transitional justice.&#xA;Next to musical performances, presentations and a round-table, we will present an exhibition with artworks that engage with a case brought before the International Court of Justice by the Marshall Islands against the nuclear powers. In their works, the artists reflect on themes of inequality, the law v. justice dilemma and the destruction of life. To see the full programme and to register for the event click here. Imagining justice&#xA;Asser researcher and project leader Sofia Stolk:]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-on-the-illegality-of-the-turkish-offensive-in-syria/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-on-the-illegality-of-the-turkish-offensive-in-syria/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog post, Asser Researcher Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi debunks the self-defense justification that Turkey uses as its warplanes and artillery strike border towns in north-eastern Syria in a bid to reclaim the region from the formerly US-backed Kurdish forces. &#x201C;The interpretation of the right of self-defense that would have to be articulated to justify the use of force in this occasion is far from reflecting the still most widely accepted interpretation of Article 51 of the UN Charter.&#x201D; On Wednesday 9 October 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched an offensive in north-eastern Syria. Erdogan used an (anticipatory) self-defense narrative, explaining that the offensive will &#x201C;neutralise terror threats against Turkey&#x201D; (referring both to Syrian Kurdish fighters and ISIS terrorists) in its broader endeavour in the region, i.e. also in Iraq, to &#x201C;protect its people from terrorist threats and attacks&#x201D;.&#xA;Turkey has long threatened an attack on Kurdish fighters in Syria, and since US president Trump abruptly announced a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from northern Syria last Sunday, this long-awaited attack was expected to take place imminently. Observers immediately understood Trump&#x2019;s announcement as a step made to leave room for a military operation by Turkey. The Trump administration, however, promptly framed the operation as fulfilling the promise to depart from an &#x201C;endless war&#x201D; paradigm in Syria. Identifying and Debunking the Turkish Self-Defense Argument&#xA;To find out if the Turkish offensive is legal according to international law, I will focus on their self-defense justification, as Article 51 of the UN Charter is the only legal basis explicitly used by Turkey. Although Turkey remains vague on the actual content of their self-defense argument, we can try to figure out its interpretation of Article 51 by analysing the situation. First of all, it is essential to underline that the Turkish government does not identify a forthcoming attack from the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/an-interview-with-human-rights-defender-dilip-chakma-in-india-chakma-s-are-a-minority-in-all/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/an-interview-with-human-rights-defender-dilip-chakma-in-india-chakma-s-are-a-minority-in-all/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Shelter City is a worldwide initiative to protect human rights defenders at risk and support them to reclaim their civic space. Dilip Chakma, a lawyer and human rights defender from India, recently started as a Shelter City Research fellow at the Asser Institute. We asked Dilip Chakma what he hopes to achieve during his stay at the Asser Institute. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?&#x201C;I am a lawyer by profession. As a human rights lawyer, I take up indigenous peoples&#x2019; cases, specifically on human rights violations. Originally, I come from Mizoram, a small state in northeast India. I belong to the indigenous tribe known as the Chakma community.&#x201D; What do you do in your day-to-day work?&#xA;&#x201C;I provide legal advice and representation to human right defenders, civil society groups and to victims of human rights violations. I take up cases of rights violations with the National Human Rights Commission and other available forums, and seek justice and redress for victims. In the past years, I worked on cases of torture in police custody and judicial custody. I do a lot of research and advocacy work on areas such as environmental, land and forest rights, IPR related issues of indigenous peoples, and on business and human rights. I also conduct capacity building and training programs on rights issues and for rights defenders.&#xA0;In India, I have also founded the Chakma Law Forum and the Indigenous Rights Advocacy Centre (I-RAC), which runs a legal helpline to assist people and marginalised indigenous communities in need of legal help and those in distress. I also advise other organisations on rights advocacy and in the field of socio-economic and educational development in North-east India.&#x201D;&#xA;Who are the Chakma&#x2019;s and what struggles do they face?&#xA;&#x201C;The Chakma&#x2019;s are an indigenous community and can be found in several countries in Southeast Asia, such as Myanmar and Bangladesh. In India, there are Chakma&#x2019;s in several states in the northeast, such as Mizoram, Tripura, Assam and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/eu-trade-agreements-and-the-duty-to-respect-human-rights-abroad/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 01 Oct 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/eu-trade-agreements-and-the-duty-to-respect-human-rights-abroad/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In recent years, the issue of whether human rights obligations incumbent upon the European Union have an extraterritorial scope has gained much salience. Recent developments, such as the Western Sahara litigation before the CJEU, attest to the increasing significance of answering questions of &#x2018;extraterritoriality&#x2019; of EU human rights obligations in the context of trade agreements. The ESIL Interest Group on the &#x2018;EU as a Global Actor&#x2019;, CLEER and T.M.C. Asser Instituut are jointly organising a one-day conference on 11 December 2019 entitled &#x201C;EU Trade Agreements and the Duty to Respect Human Rights Abroad&#x201D; and will be hosted at T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague.&#xA;Conference ThemeTo what extent is the EU bound by human rights obligations towards individuals outside the territory of its Member States when it concludes trade agreements with third countries? Under international law, questions of &#x2018;extraterritoriality&#x2019; of human rights obligations are notoriously complex and the term itself is interpreted in multiple ways. While &#x2018;extraterritoriality&#x2019; may refer to the conduct of a subject of international law outside its borders, it can also extend to cases where mere territorial conduct (such as the adoption of legislation) may have extraterritorial impact on the enjoyment of human rights by individuals in third countries. The relevant international human rights framework &#x2013; especially in cases pertaining to the extraterritorial impact of domestic measures &#x2013; has been described as fragmented and even contradictory. Any attempt to apply this complex (and still nebulous) framework in the context of the EU is further frustrated by the ambivalence in the EU&#x2019;s own system for the promotion and protection of human rights. While the EU does not enjoy a general competence in the field of human rights, the changes introduced by the Lisbon Treaty make it abundantly clear that human rights have become an important component of EU external action. Art. 3(5) TEU provides that the EU shall]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-cases-added-to-the-international-crimes-database/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 26 Sept 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-cases-added-to-the-international-crimes-database/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Check out five new case analyses that we added to the International Crimes Database, our extensive online collection of international crimes broadly defined, such as genocide, war crimes, terrorism and piracy.&#xA;The International Crimes Database website of the Asser Institute offers a range of information on international crime, not just for scholars and practitioners (such as judges, prosecutors and defense counsel), but also for students, journalists, families and communities of victims of crimes. Apart from case law on international crimes adjudicated by national and international courts, the International Crimes database incorporates general background information about international crimes, scholarly as well as news articles, working papers (ICD Briefs) and relevant links to other useful databases/websites on this topic. New case summaries are:&#xA;Prosecutor v&#xA0;Ayyash&#xA0;et al.Two of the five new case summaries relate to the case of&#xA0;The Prosecutor v&#xA0;Ayyash&#xA0;et al.&#xA0;before the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL). In its Interlocutory Decision of 16 February 2011 (available&#xA0;here), the Appeals Chamber of the Tribunal found whilst it was bound to apply Lebanese criminal law, international law could be used to aid in the interpretation of these domestic provisions. Significantly, the Chamber concluded that the crime of terrorism exists in customary international law. In the STL Trial Chamber Decision of 1 February 2012 (available&#xA0;here), the Tribunal found that the four accused may be tried&#xA0;in absentia, as&#xA0;all four of the accused had absconded or otherwise could not be found and all reasonable steps had been taken to secure their presence.&#xA;Prosecution of&#xA0;Nuon&#xA0;Chea&#xA0;and&#xA0;Khieu&#xA0;SamphanThe other three summaries (here,&#xA0;here&#xA0;and&#xA0;here) relate to the trial of&#xA0;Nuon&#xA0;Chea, the former Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, and&#xA0;Khieu&#xA0;Samphan, the former Head of State of Democratic Kampuchea, before the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). This string of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/isljconf19-transfer-systems-in-international-sports/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 23 Sept 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/isljconf19-transfer-systems-in-international-sports/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The summer transfer window, the period when football clubs sign new players coming from other teams, is now closed in Europe. During the transfer window, the sports news arena is swarmed with the latest deals signed between major clubs and prominent football players as well as rumours on potential transfers. This summer, the Netherlands set a new transfer record of 670 Dutch players who made a transfer from, to or within the country, as compared to its old record of 648 transfers in 2017.&#xA;Piercing through the noise of the negotiations and gossip, the football transfer market continues to be a source of legal challenges relevant to the sports law world. For instance, third party ownership, while having been officially banned according to FIFA&#x2019;s Regulation on the Status and Transfer of Players, promises to remain a source of litigation and there is little evidence that an end to this saga is in sight.&#xA;Third-party influence on clubsWith this background in mind, the functioning and regulation of the international football transfer market constitutes one of the key themes in this year&#x2019;s edition of the ISLJ Annual International Sports Law Conference on the 24th and 25th of October. One of the speakers on this topic, Shervine Nafissi from the Universit&#xE9; de Lausanne, will provide an analysis of the scope of application of Article 18bis of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP). This article aims to prevent third party influence on sports policy, i.e. transfer policy of clubs. According to Article 18bis RSTP: No club shall enter into a contract that enables the counter club/counter clubs, and vice versa, or any third party to acquire the ability to influence in employment and transfer-related matters its independence, its policies or the performance of its teams.&#xA;Nafissi&#xA0;explains that the objective is for clubs to keep control of their recruitment process but above all of the transfer of their players without these processes being dictated by third]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-2020-winter-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 19 Sept 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-2020-winter-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Registration will open soon for our highly successful Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law. In the second edition of this unique and innovative training, you will get the latest insights into the current and future issues raised by AI from the perspective of international law. What?The Winter Academy offers you foundational knowledge on key issues at the interface of international law and artificial intelligence, and provides a platform for critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. The programme is structured along five themes: Understanding AI, AI for good, AI and armed conflict, AI and responsibility, and AI governance. The Winter Academy includes lectures that address both technical and legal aspects of artificial intelligence, and will alternate theoretical and more practical perspectives. The interactive training features over 20 sessions by high-level speakers and includes panel discussions and workshops. Learn more about: Definition of AI and current trends&#xA;Human agency in the age of AI&#xA;Intelligence and moral judgment in humans and machines&#xA;Explainability and intelligibility of decision-making algorithms&#xA;Ethics of AI and value-sensitive design&#xA;Using AI to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals&#xA;AI and human rights&#xA;AI and international humanitarian law&#xA;Autonomous weapons systems and human dignity&#xA;Human control over autonomous military technologies&#xA;AI and international criminal law&#xA;AI and state responsiblity&#xA;AI and legal personality&#xA;Private standards and corporate responsibility&#xA;Geopolitics of AI&#xA;AI and global security&#xA;European governance of AI&#xA;International governance of AI For whom?The Winter Academy is designed for academics and professionals working on issues related to AI and international law, in particular: Researchers and advanced students (Master or PhD) in the fields of international law, political science, philosophy, or computer science&#xA;Policy makers, policy analysts and legal advisers working on]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-day-of-democracy-the-impact-of-memory-laws-on-democracy/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 15 Sept 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-day-of-democracy-the-impact-of-memory-laws-on-democracy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today is the United Nations&#x2019; International Day of Democracy, a day that celebrates and promotes the principles of democracy worldwide. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution that encouraged organisations and member states to strengthen and consolidate the democratic process. On this occasion, we interviewed the Memory Laws in European and Comparative Perspective (MELA) project team to dive into what memory laws mean, and get a better understanding of how memory governance can shape the democratic scene in a state.&#xA;Interview with Dr Uladzislau Belavusau (Senior Researcher in European Law at the Institute and the Principal Investigator for the MELA project), Dr Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz (Postdoctoral Researcher for the MELA project) and Marina B&#xE1;n (PhD candidate currently completing her dissertation about memory laws and the rule of law).&#xA;What are memory governance and memory laws?Memory governance is everything that has to do with the state intervening in regulating how we remember important events in the past. This refers to state-based interpretations of important historical events. It usually translates into memory laws, which prevent the denial of certain facts such as the Holocaust. Memory laws are a tool the state uses to decide what history looks like &#x2013; for example through the shaping of the history curriculum, the establishment of museums, monuments and the commemoration of historical events and figures.&#xA0;With that understanding, memory laws can have either a positive or a negative effect of democracy. How can memory laws limit or encourage democratic participation? Are there similarities and differences in the different regions of Europe?Memory laws can foster both encouragement and limitation of participation. On the one hand, in terms of encouragement, recognition laws may provide support to victim communities and help validate their experience in the eyes of the majority &#x2013; for example, the official recognition of the Armenian]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/launching-the-global-europe-project-the-transparency-of-the-global-dimension-of-eu-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 13 Sept 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/launching-the-global-europe-project-the-transparency-of-the-global-dimension-of-eu-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Internal law-making within the EU is now conducted at the highest possible level of transparency and openness in terms of legislative procedure, which is in stark contrast with many international organisations. However, when it comes to its external practices and relations, that seems less to be the case. The Asser Institute is launching the Global Europe project on 20 September with a seminar during which Prof. Elaine Fahey will discuss this apparent discrepancy between the EU&#x2019;s internal and external levels of transparency, as well as some of the reasons underlying it. The &#x2018;global&#x2019; forms an increasingly regular, active and explicit part of the daily business of the EU. In her talk, Elaine Fahey will argue that there is a specific mismatch between the commitment to transparency on a daily level in international and external fields as well as practices of EU law and the actual substantive law-making practice evolving. While the EU&#x2019;s vision of the &#x2018;global&#x2019; is to a degree the most transparent ever, the converse is not necessarily the case as to its legal content. The global dimension to EU law has expansive subjects and objectives, in areas of existing strength in global actorness (e.g. trade) and in more evolving competences (e.g. security). Elaine Fahey will argue that while the EU is a significant soft power in trade, it is arguably less so in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ) where its global reach becomes more challenging. The relative weakness of the EU&#x2019;s global approach in the AFSJ is usually or acutely felt by individuals who face challenges in seeking redress on aspects of transparency. Fahey argues that there is a significant mismatch of internal transparency practices concerning the EU&#x2019;s global law-making. Ultimately, mismatches between internal procedures and external law-making with respect to transparency operate adversely upon the &#x2018;global&#x2019; in a variety of ways, e.g. regarding transparency and clarity, good administration and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/free-lecture-the-romanian-experience-in-the-eu-external-relations-field/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 09 Sept 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/free-lecture-the-romanian-experience-in-the-eu-external-relations-field/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[How did Romania, which held the Presidency of the Council of the EU from January to June 2019, fulfil its leadership in coordinating regional and global issues during this period? And what meaning will this have for the European Union&#x2019;s international relations?&#xA;Sign up now to find out at our free CLEER Presidency lecture &#x201C;The Romanian Council Presidency&#x2019;s experience in the external relations field&#x2019; on Thursday September 12 at T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague.&#xA;BackgroundRomania held the Presidency of the Council of the EU from January to June 2019. This rotating presidency of the Council of the EU offers coordinating and representation opportunities for the incumbent member state, the possibility to create &#x2018;ownership&#x2019; of EU-related issues at home, gain political influence by leadership, and create a positive image to the outside world. So, how did Romania do during its Presidency in 2019?&#xA0;These and other topics will be discussed by the Ambassador of Romania in the Netherlands, H.E. Mrs&#xA0;Br&#xE2;ndu&#x219;a Ioana Predescu. Respondent speaker of this afternoon is Dr Joris Larik,&#xA0;assistant professor of comparative, EU and international law at the University of Leiden and member of the advisory board of CLEER. The event will be chaired by Dr Eva Kassoti, Asser senior researcher in International and EU Law and co-ordinator of CLEER.&#xA;When?The lecture will be held on 12 September 2019&#xA0;at 15.00 at T.M.C. Asser Instituut, R.J.Schimmelpennincklaan 20-22, 2517 JN, The Hague.This event is followed by a reception.For more information and registration click&#xA0;here.For enquiries, please contact&#xA0;Educationtraining@asser.nl About the CLEER Presidency lecture seriesSince 2011, the Centre for the Law of the EU External Relations (CLEER)&#xA0;and T.M.C Asser Institute have been organising a dedicated&#xA0;lecture series&#xA0;focusing on a peculiar element of EU external relations: the role of the incumbent presidencies in coordination and leadership in regional and global issues. The lectures look at the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-renovated-asser-institute-building-officially-open/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 04 Sept 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-renovated-asser-institute-building-officially-open/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Thursday September 5th, the Asser Institute officially re-opened its doors after two intensive years of eco-friendly and sustainable renovations. We welcomed staff, neighbours and friends of the Asser Institute to join us for a festive afternoon at our premises.&#xA;After bearing through with us during the intensive construction period, neighbours and Asser staff toured the renovated building. Highlight of the afternoon was the cutting of a symbolic ribbon with a giant pair of scissors by Pauline Krikke, the mayor of The Hague who joined us together with Saskia Bruines, deputy mayor and The Hague&#x2019;s alderman for education, knowledge economy and international affairs. After speeches by Asser president Ernst Hirsch Ballin and Asser academic director Janne Nijman, Mrs. Krikke congratulated the Asser staff with our renewed headquarters, adding that the municipality of The Hague and the Asser Institute are natural partners.&#xA;Eco-friendly reconstruction&#xA;The Asser building was renovated with recycled and eco-friendly building materials, FSC labelled wood. A new, isolated roof was added and we had solar panels installed. To further reduce our footprint, we switched to LED lighting, replaced the windows with double-glazed windows and had the exterior of the building isolated. To help increase biodiversity, the garden has been replanted with plants that attract butterflies and bees.&#xA;Generating new ideas to help cultivate trust&#xA;Our mission at T.M.C. Asser Instituut is to further the development of international and European law to help cultivate trust in society, at the local, national and global level.&#xA;With our academic and policy oriented research, we are generating new ideas to positively influence people&#x2019;s lives and the real (legal) world. We actively share our knowledge, through publications, legal courses, and many free events.&#xA;As the academic director Janne E. Nijman of the Asser Institute says: &#x201C;Every day, in the &#x2018;city of peace and justice&#x2019;, the staff of the Asser]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-rule-of-law-challenges-and-prospects-in-albania-and-north-macedonia/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 02 Sept 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-rule-of-law-challenges-and-prospects-in-albania-and-north-macedonia/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[What are the rule of law challenges that Western Balkan countries such as Albania and North Macedonia are currently facing? And what are their implications for the EU enlargement agenda? These topics, amongst others, will be addressed in the upcoming event &#x2018;Rule of law challenges and prospects in Albania and North Macedonia&#x2019; on October 1 at the&#xA0;Europe House in the Hague.&#xA;Since the accession of Croatia to the EU in 2013, the European Union has faced numerous challenges: The Euro crisis, the unprecedented migration influx, Brexit, the rise of populism and the rule of law backsliding in some of its member states. Most of these challenges remain unresolved, resulting in an inward-focused EU, which explains the postponing of the decision whether or not to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia to the October European Council.&#xA;While enlargement presently is not a top priority for the EU, it is a top priority for candidate countries in the Western Balkans, which are conducting comprehensive rule of law reforms. Albania, for example, is going through an unprecedented vetting of the judiciary, and North Macedonia, after solving the political dispute over its name with Greece, is pursuing in-depth reforms of public administration and good governance.&#xA;Stricter scrutiny of reforms and their implementationThe whole process of shaping domestic institutions according to rule of law standards is taking on a new meaning since the rule of law backsliding in Poland and Hungary and the negative experiences with Romania and Bulgaria, especially concerning judicial independence and anti-corruption measures.&#xA;In its December 2018 conclusions, the European Council decided that the&#xA0;Cooperation and Verification Mechanism&#xA0;- which is a transitional instrument for monitoring and assisting Bulgaria and Romania in the field of judicial reform, corruption and organised crime - should stay in place. These developments will undoubtedly translate into stricter scrutiny of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/honoring-the-life-and-work-of-nobel-peace-prize-winner-tobias-asser/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 28 Aug 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/honoring-the-life-and-work-of-nobel-peace-prize-winner-tobias-asser/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new two-volume biography of Tobias Asser will be launched on Thursday 29 August at the Peace Palace in The Hague. Asser Institute president Ernst Hirsch Ballin wrote the foreword to the biography, which was written by Arthur Eyffinger and published by Brill. To commemorate the legacy of Tobias Asser, the academic director of the Asser Institute Janne Nijman will be speaking in a mini-symposium on the great man after whom our institute was named.&#xA;Hot pursuit of great challengesTobias Asser (1838-1913), professor of law at the University of Amsterdam, as well as the man after whom our institute is named, dedicated his life to foster peace through international law. Tobias Asser was an expert in both private and public international law; he was a practitioner and a scholar, a peace activist and a diplomat. The cosmopolitan Asser was greatly appreciated: he became Dutch Minister of State (1904) and he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1911, being the only Dutch person to ever receive it. Asser, definitely, never was the man to contend himself with the placid enclosure of study and family life. His ambition was the hot pursuit of the great challenges of his day and age in the frontline of intellectual discourse. Indeed, the present position of The Hague as a major hub of international law and diplomacy is hardly conceivable without the interference of this extraordinary man. Public intellectualT.M.C. Asser (1838-1913), In Quest of Liberty, Justice and Peace, Arthur Eyffinger&#x2019;s latest biography on Tobias Asser, traces the life of Asser as a public intellectual and the broader history of his ideas. Asser Institute president Ernst Hirsch Ballin wrote the foreword to the two-volume biography. &#x201C;Asser&#x2019;s life and work are inspiring examples of how individuals are able to transgress the confinements of descent and discipline without forgetting where they came from,&#x201D; argues Ballin. &#x201C;Not being afraid of differences is the key to reinforcing trust in the belief that human beings]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/register-for-the-third-islj-international-sports-law-conference/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/register-for-the-third-islj-international-sports-law-conference/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute in The Hague will be hosting the third annual ISLJ international sports law conference on the 24th and 25th of October, bringing together sports law scholars and practitioners for two days of in-depth discussions. This year&#x2019;s edition will focus strongly on dispute resolution in international sports. Prof. Haas (University of Z&#xFC;rich), one of the leading academic voices in international sports law as well as a prominent CAS arbitrator, will deliver a keynote lecture on the fundamental- yet often overlooked- subject of the nature and role of association tribunals in international sports. His intervention, on the 25th of October, will be followed by two panel discussions and a book launch dedicated to the use of arbitration in international sports and in particular, the legitimacy of the CAS after the Mutu/Pechstein decision of the European Court of Human Rights from October 2018. Beyond dispute resolution, the #ISLJConf19 will cover a wide variety of topics ranging from the role of athletes in sports governance to the future of (e-)sports law. In its third edition, the conference gained a reputation for being a place of serious academic engagement for international sports lawyers with a wide range of geographical and professional backgrounds. The conference&#x2019;s focus on substance and on creating a space for an exchange of ideas and opinions on burning issues of international sports law has been praised and acknowledge by speakers and previous participants (check out #ISLJConf17 and #ISLJConf18 on Twitter for the impressions of past participants). The two-day conference will feature a group of experts who will speak on various aspects of sports law. You can find the conference&#x2019;s programme here. For more information and to register click here. Organisers of the #ISLJConf19 The Asser International Sports Law Centre (AISLC), located at the Asser Institute for European and International Law in The Hague, will be hosting this first edition of the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-impact-of-us-russian-relations-on-arms-control-a-discussion-with-dr-oliver-meier/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-impact-of-us-russian-relations-on-arms-control-a-discussion-with-dr-oliver-meier/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Just over two weeks ago, the U.S. decided to pull out of the The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, the arms control treaty signed between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1987, due to complaints that Russia was violating the terms of the treaty.&#xA0;Some members of the arms control community believe that leaving the INF Treaty is dangerous and could cause an arms race between the two countries. This will be one of the many topics to be discussed at the tenth training programme on disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction organised by OPCW and T.M.C. Asser Institute.&#xA;Dr Oliver Meier, Deputy Head of the International Security Division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) will join us as a key speaker at the training programme. In his talk, Dr Meier will review the history of US-Russian nuclear arms control, discuss current developments undermining strategic stability and talk about NATO&#x2019;s&#xA0;role in preventing a nuclear arms race.&#xA;A world with no restrictions on nuclear weapons is dangerous, according to Dr Meier, because there exist a number of technological and political developments that increase nuclear risks. Such trends include, for instance, the rise of populist leaders to power in Moscow and Washington, as well as the emergence of conventional weapon technologies that could undermine deterrence relationships. Ultimately, Dr Meier hopes to engage the audience in a discussion on what options exist to avoid new nuclear arms races and increase stability and mutual trust. &#x201C;I hope to show that with the end of the INF Treaty we are quickly moving backward in time, towards a situation where there are no limits on nuclear weapons&#x201D; says Dr Meier during a brief interview with him on his upcoming talk. About the speaker&#x200B;Dr Oliver Meier is Deputy Head of the International Security Division of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin. Previously, he was Senior]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/prosecuting-international-and-transnational-crimes-requires-domestic-capacity-asser-trains/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 13 Aug 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/prosecuting-international-and-transnational-crimes-requires-domestic-capacity-asser-trains/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[An Asser Institute&#x2019;s training course co-organised with the Antonio Cassese Initiative, is an example of&#xA0;strengthening domestic legal capacities to improve the overall delivery of the international justice system, say speakers and participants of the new course.&#xA;The course, taught in French, aims to empower judges and prosecutors from French-speaking African countries to deal with international and transnational crimes.&#xA0;Over the past two years, the course trained judges and prosecutors from seven French-speaking countries: Mali, Cote d&#x2019;Ivoire, Congo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Togo, featuring many international expert speakers.&#xA;Access to legal knowledge&#x201C;We are facing daily challenges regarding the implementation of international criminal law&#x201D;, says participant of the 2019 training course Bakayoko Ibourahema, magistrate and Advocate General at the Court of Appeal in Abidjan in Ivory Coast. International criminal law is a relatively young discipline in the global legal field, especially in developing countries, to where the International Criminal Court often diverts its attention. Yet the principle of complementarity, as outlined in the Rome Statute, states that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is created to complement the jurisdiction of a nation&#x2019;s local courts and laws. Only if the country is unable or unwilling to conduct an investigation, is the ICC allowed to step in and investigate.&#xA;Applying international criminal law at the national level is often a very complex endeavour requiring specific skills and very sophisticated knowledge.&#xA;The crimes committed which fall under the Rome Statute often take place in remote areas, entail large-scale atrocities with a nexus of different perpetrators, and involve a very complicated evidence collection process. To leave national judges and prosecutors to deal with this complexity on their own, without giving them a proper training, is far from a productive strategy if we aim to deal with]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-changing-nature-of-courtroom-evidence/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 07 Aug 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-changing-nature-of-courtroom-evidence/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The rise of technology has allowed for the more prolific permeation of different types of visual evidence in the courtroom. Whether and under what conditions visual evidence can be admitted in courts has been discussed for a long time, but it is now more than ever essential to address this topic.&#xA;The nature of this type of evidence has also changed &#x2013; it is no longer simply photos that are admitted during the trial, but now also videos, collections of footage, sometimes enhanced with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). But not only has the type of evidence changed, so has the extent to which this evidence is relied on, as well as the types of cases that are presented in front of the bench. The rise of importance of photographic evidence in courts makes it ever more pressing to consider how we think about and accept it in our national (and international) legal systems.&#xA;Collecting and using visual evidence One example of such work is the effort put together by the Syrian Archive group, who work through open source intelligence (OSINT) investigations to compile evidence of atrocities taking place in Syria. The team comb the internet and collect data that is already available through public channels and social media, such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. They also collaborate with journalists, NGO workers and civilians in conflict areas, thus securing data as close to the source as possible. It is a lengthy and arduous process to compile data from OSINT sources, and it has resulted in thousands of gigabytes of virtual data. The Syrian Archive is using some of this data in legal proceedings, together with other organisations, who are working on a criminal investigation into the sale of Belgian materials that can be used to build chemical weapons in Syria. In a similar vein, Forensic Architecture &#x2013; a research agency based in the UK &#x2013; is conducting investigative journalism by piecing together OSINT data with pattern analysis, data mining and a myriad of other]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/in-quest-of-liberty-justice-and-peace-a-new-biography-on-asser-s-private-and-public-life/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/in-quest-of-liberty-justice-and-peace-a-new-biography-on-asser-s-private-and-public-life/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new biography on legal scholar and practitioner Tobias Asser, the name giver of T.M.C. Asser Instituut, traces the life of a public intellectual and the broader history of ideas. Asser Institute president Ernst Hirsch Ballin wrote the foreword to the two-volume biography, which is written by Arthur Eyffinger and published by Brill. In his foreword, Hirsh Ballin calls to reflect on- and learn from the life of Dutch Nobel Peace Prize winner Tobias Asser. The man behind the name Many, familiar or unfamiliar with the law, have heard of Tobias M.C. Asser&#x2019;s name. But who was the real man behind the many accolades? And how did he come to deserve to be titled the &#x2018;father of the Hague tradition of international law&#x2019;?&#xA;&#x201C;This biography is the first major, in-depth study of Asser&#x2019;s life and work,&#x201D; notes Ballin. Asser, a descendant from a Jewish family, was appointed professor at the University of Amsterdam at an exceptionally young age, and earned international recognition as a leading figure in promoting peace and justice. He was a keen supporter of international law and multilateral conventions in a variety of domains.&#xA;&#x201C;Asser&#x2019;s life and work are inspiring examples of how individuals are able to transgress the confinements of descent and discipline without forgetting where they came from,&#x201D; argues Ballin. &#x201C;Not being afraid of differences is the key to reinforcing trust in the belief that human beings have a common dignity that has to be recognised in law.&#x201D;&#xA;Man in history Through the lens of Tobias Asser&#x2019;s life, this biography also investigates the history of ideas in a particularly fascinating time period, prompting us to take a closer look at our times in turn. &#x201C;Its starting point lies in the mid-19th century, when liberal ideas about state and society in Europe were on the rise&#x201D;, explains Ballin. &#x201C;And its end comes just before the outbreak of the First World War, which brought disaster both to millions of people and to Asser&#x2019;s ideals of peace and justice.&#x201D;&#xA;Asser lived in a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-city-branding-and-human-rights-a-win-win-combination/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-city-branding-and-human-rights-a-win-win-combination/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Do the practices of city branding and human rights promotion and implementation go together? Are the branding possibilities merely a bonus when a local government self-identifies as a &#x2018;human rights city&#x2019;? Asser researcher at the Global City Project Lisa Roodenburg delves into these questions in a recent blog titled &#x201C;City-branding and human rights: a win-win combination?&#x201D;&#xA;Roodenburg investigates the co-inhabitancy of city-branding and human rights by focusing on three case studies, namely Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Buenos Aires. Using examples from these case studies, she argues that cities&#x2019; branding campaigns are viewed in a more positive light when human rights are mobilised in relation to the cities&#x2019; residents as well. [Estimated reading time: 7 minutes]&#xA;A growing number of local governments make use of marketing strategies to represent their localities in a &#x2018;city-brand&#x2019;. City-branding means associating selected images related to cultural characteristics, architecture, legal systems, economic opportunities or moral values to a city &#x2013; in order to create an attractive urban identity. At the same time, cities increasingly use human rights norms to morally position themselves, develop local policies and pursue international relations &#x2013; all of which has potential in terms of city-branding.&#xA;But do the practices of city branding and human rights promotion and implementation go together? Are the branding possibilities merely a bonus when a local government self-identifies as a &#x2018;human rights city&#x2019;? I will use examples from my three case studies, Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Buenos Aires, to illustrate how city-branding and human rights go together in practice.&#xA;City branding in practice Since the 70s local governments have started to apply marketing methods, among which corporate branding, to local governance. Generally, city branding is used as an instrument to generate economic investments and a competitive position, as well as a way to put forward an identity the cities&#x2019;]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-dynamic-between-terrorism-and-counter-terrorism-and-the-quest-for-legitimacy-in-the-eyes-of-the/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-dynamic-between-terrorism-and-counter-terrorism-and-the-quest-for-legitimacy-in-the-eyes-of-the/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[How do terrorists aim to attract attention and support for their claimed goals? How do states attempt to undermine the legitimacy claims of the terrorists and endeavour to gain or regain public trust and confidence?&#xA;These are only some of the questions one of our top speakers, Professor Isabelle Duyvesteyn, will delve into during her lecture at the Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law. The programme, hosted by International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) and T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague from 26 &#x2013; 30 August 2019, explores the latest international and domestic trends of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Duyvesteyn is professor of International Studies and Global History at the Institute of History at Leiden University and has recently written a book chapter together with Bart Schuurman titled &#x2018;(Counter) Terrorism and Public Support&#x2019; which investigates the central battleground in the terrorism - counter-terrorism dynamic and the quest for legitimacy in the eyes of the population.&#xA;We are delighted to welcome Prof. Duyvesteyn as one of our speakers during the summer programme.&#xA;About the programmeDuring an intensive week, experts, academics and practitioners will explore international and domestic legal aspects of counter-terrorism. Participants will get the chance to have a unique and in-depth look at the challenges that come with adopting and implementing counter-terrorism measures, while ensuring respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. For more information about the programme and registration click here.&#xA;Biography Isabelle DuyvesteynIsabelle Duyvesteyn is Professor of International Studies/Global History at the Institute of History at Leiden University. She completed her PhD at the Department of War Studies at King&#x2019;s College in London. Previously she has worked at the Royal Military Academy in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Institute for International Relations and the Department of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-contributions-city-reports-on-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-contributions-city-reports-on-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The International Law Association (ILA) study group on &quot;the Role of Cities in International Law&quot;, the T.M.C. Asser Institute and the Freie Universit&#xE4;t Berlin invite researchers to submit abstracts for reports on city practices in relation to international law. These so called &#x2018;city reports&#x2019; will be included as annexes to the official Report of the ILA study group to the ILA Kyoto conference in 2020.&#xA0;The study group is further anticipating to hold an open session at the conference where a selection of these reports will be presented to ILA members. In a second step, the chairpersons of the study group will be curating a collection of city reports based on the ILA reporting process with a view to publication with a leading university press. TopicsThe city reports should engage with cities&#x2019; interactions with other cities, international organisations and/or global governance mechanisms. They can relate to cities invoking well-established norms of international law, as well as practices that connect to emerging and aspirational norms like the &quot;right to the city&quot;. With regard to city practices one could think of the activities of self-declared &#x2018;human rights cities&#x2019;, the role of Sustainable Development Goals&#xA0;in city-to-city cooperation, the participation of cities in UN processes such as the New Urban Agenda, or the incorporation of international law in local legislation and institutional arrangements, such as a local human rights department or sustainability office. The reports should primarily focus on the practices of local governments, but the structure of the reports&#xA0;could take various forms. The Study Group is interested in&#xA0;descriptive&#xA0;documents&#xA0;detailing various forms of engagement with international norms, as well as more playful forms of analysis such as critical essays on a specific city&#xA0;practice. DeadlinePlease send your abstract of 500-700 words to L.roodenburg@asser.nl before September 1 2019. We will communicate about the selection of the calls by 30]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-outsourcing-the-management-of-terrorism-suspects-to-other-countries/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-post-outsourcing-the-management-of-terrorism-suspects-to-other-countries/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Last Thursday, a German court ordered Germany to repatriate the German wife and three children of a foreign freedom fighter from Syria, in the first such ruling against the government. Like many other EU countries, Germany faces the dilemma of how to deal with citizens who joined armed groups such as&#xA0;ISIS. The Netherlands and France recently brought back children from Syria, as did Belgium and the United States. But many European powers, including France and Britain, refuse to repatriate citizens suspected of terrorism, maintaining they should face trial for their alleged crimes before local courts.&#xA;In her latest blog post Asser researcher and counter terrorism expert Dr Rumyana van Ark, describes how governments are &#x2018;outsourcing the trials of Isis prisoners to Iraqi courts with problematic human rights records&#x2019;. &#x201C;In other words: the extensive domestic counter-terrorism tool-kits&#xA0;governments have, are, at times, still considered insufficient and ineffective in certain circumstances&#x201D;.&#xA;[estimated reading time: 8 minutes]&#xA;There is by now a fairly ritualised pattern in the aftermath of a terrorist act. First, the questions of whether the state had the necessary means, information and powers to prevent terrorism tend to arise. Then, in order to be seen to respond effectively to the attack, as well as be able to pre-empt further attacks, governments usually seek to expand their counter-terrorism and security toolkit with more far-reaching and, at times, controversial powers.&#xA;Legislative bodies loathe to be seen by the voting public as being soft on terror or, worse, as indifferent to terror. With the stakes this high and despite openly acknowledging the stringent and potentially highly restrictive nature of the measures, legislators tend to adopt contentious provisions which may have a significant and long-lasting impact on individual rights and human dignity. Unsurprisingly, since 9/11 and subsequent terrorism events, this pattern has continued. States have persistently]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/what-sports-law-tells-you-about-transnational-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/what-sports-law-tells-you-about-transnational-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As the FIFA President Gianni Infantino entered the field after the U.S. national team&#x2019;s victory, the fans erupted in &#x201C;equal pay&#x201D; chants amidst controversies surrounding female footballers&#x2019; unfair monetary prizes. But who exactly was supposed to be hearing and addressing this chant?&#xA;2019 FIFA&#x2019;s Women&#x2019;s World Cup has challenged many assumptions about women&#x2019;s football. The World Cup also offers a unique opportunity to reflect on sports law as transnational law, as analysed by Asser&#x2019;s Senior researcher Dr Antoine Duval in his latest article &#x201C;What lex sportiva tells you about transnational law&#x201D;. FIFA, as an important part of sports&#x2019; transnational legal regime, often referred to as lex sportiva, is marked by legal complexities, operating at the intersections of the local/global and private/public divides.&#xA;A new article by Asser&#x2019;s Senior Researcher Antoine Duval analyses these peculiarities of lex sportiva. Sports law as transnational law With the strict principles of territoriality and sovereignty becoming obsolete in a globalising world, the legal field also needs to move away from state-centric studies and investigate the blurring of the boundaries.&#xA;As proposed by Duval, sports offers a fruitful ground to study a concrete instance of transnational law in action. As a term, &#x201C;transnational law captures the messy process of transnational interactions between multiple actors, norms, and institutions that characterises much of contemporary legal practice&#x201D;, writes Duval.&#xA;FIFA&#x2019;s transfer systemTake FIFA and its transfer system as an example. A global transfer market in which football players are traded between clubs takes place every summer and winter. However, the market itself is regulated not only by national labour law or private international law, but also directly subjected to another layer of regulations issued by FIFA.&#xA;Interestingly, FIFA itself is merely a private Swiss association, formally indistinguishable from a local chess club. And yet players and clubs across]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-report-2018/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-report-2018/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Annual Report 2018 of the Asser Institute is online. The report will give you an impression of the depth, diversity and impact of our research and dissemination activities. It highlights the Asser Institute&#x2019;s achievements in academic research, trainings &amp;amp; events, publications and commissioned studies. You can find a complete overview of our research output and the full list of publications by T.M.C. Asser Press in the&#xA0;Annex to the Annual Report 2018.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-law-and-governance-of-a-global-city-17th-century-amsterdam/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 07 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-law-and-governance-of-a-global-city-17th-century-amsterdam/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Four hundred years ago, like today, globalisation and urbanisation impacted the world&#x2019;s cities. In seventeenth-century Amsterdam, the afflux of trade and migrants prompted rapid economic and demographic growth, resulting in dynamic multicultural urban life and leading to complex questions of governance. In relation to this topic, a new call for papers invites submissions engaging with questions and issues related to the city and its role in trade and commerce, immigration and diversity, and innovative governance and law. Selected submissions will participate in a symposium that will take place in Amsterdam in June 2020.Amsterdam as a global cityThe foreign merchants and newcomers were governed by the city administrators, who pursued policies of commercial and religious freedom. The governance of the city was both local and global. The Amsterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company was the most affluent and had a large say in the Company&#x2019;s policies.&#xA;From 1500 to 1700 Amsterdam grew from 12.000 to 200.000 inhabitants, mostly due to massive immigration. The communities of foreign merchants and often well-skilled newcomers were very well connected to their home regions and cities contributing to the constitution of Amsterdam at the center of global trade networks.It was the city where the first &#x2018;modern&#x2019; stock exchange was established and the availability of capital pushed the Amsterdam and Dutch economy into a new phase of capitalism. The Dutch hegemony in the global slave trade soon made a significant contribution to the wealth of the city. The city&#x2019;s relatively tolerant intellectual climate contributed to an influx of &#x2013; sometimes very wealthy &#x2013; religious refugees as well as progressive/radical thinkers.&#xA;Legal and institutional responses to governance challengesEconomics and&#xA0;politics, as well as the private and the public, were highly intertwined in Amsterdam. Inevitably, this meant asking how to govern such a rapidly expanding and very diverse city well? Amsterdam]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/will-a-dutch-man-who-fought-in-syria-be-stripped-of-his-citizenship/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/will-a-dutch-man-who-fought-in-syria-be-stripped-of-his-citizenship/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A Dutch-Moroccan citizen is waiting for a court to decide whether his Dutch nationality will be revoked after he admitted to fighting in Syria. Although his name was removed from the terrorist watch list in 2018, Maher could still lose his Dutch citizenship.&#xA;Asser researcher Dr Rumyana van Ark (n&#xE9;e Grozdanova), and expert on counterterrorism, comments that the timeline of events is particularly significant in this case. &#x201C;Maher returned to the Netherlands in 2014, two years before the relevant legislation came into force. He has since admitted disappointment and regret. More importantly, after his conviction, he appears to have actively engaged with a reintegration programme as evidenced by his voluntary extension of the probation process and regular contact with a theologian.&#x201D;&#xA;His removal from the national terrorism sanctions list in 2018 is a strong indication that he was no longer deemed to pose a threat to national security, she further argues.&#xA;Dr van Ark continues: &#x201C;The court case to deprive him of nationality should be assessed within this context. This is not the&#xA0;quintessential case of depriving an individual from nationality in order to punish and&#xA0;banish them to another country before they have returned to their home. For comparison, the case of Shamima Begum - amongst others - is a particularly illustrative example of what has been the typical deprivation of citizenship case so far.&#x201D;&#xA;Maher&#x27;s case raises a few complex questions. One of the core principles of rehabilitation and reintegration (traditional crime)&#xA0;is based on the premise that if a person has been&#xA0;convicted and served their sentence, they have paid their debt to society and should be offered&#xA0;a second chance. This however does not seem to apply to the same extent&#xA0;in the context of terrorism related offences.&#xA;Dr van Ark explains: &#x201C;If indeed terrorism related offences have&#xA0;such a special nature that rehabilitation and reintegration are not enough&#xA0;and thus further punishment is required&#xA0;then this]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/fifa-and-human-rights-symposium-kicked-off-on-verfassungsblog/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/fifa-and-human-rights-symposium-kicked-off-on-verfassungsblog/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today the Verfassungsblog kicked off a symposium on &#x2018;FIFA and Human Rights&#x2019; in the framework of its long-term collaboration agreement with the Asser Institute. This symposium will feature eight blog posts each focusing on different issues related to FIFA and human rights. The blog posts are co-edited by Asser&#x2019;s senior researcher and head of the Asser International Sports Law Centre Dr Antoine Duval together with Daniela Heerdt (Tilburg Law School).&#xA;In the first blog post released today, Antoine Duval and Daniela Heerdt provide an overview of the main issues at the heart of the upcoming blog posts.&#xA;FIFA and human rights As the football&#x2019;s global regulator, FIFA&#x2019;s decisions affect the life of many around the globe. Both large-scale FIFA events, such as the World Cup, and its daily activities have significant effects on human rights. It is all the more remarkable given that FIFA, legally speaking, is only a Swiss association, regulated in the same way as a local chess club would.&#xA;World-Cup related human rights risks range from labour and housing rights issues to restrictions of freedom of speech, freedom of movement, and public security concerns. For example, human rights defenders were severely silenced ahead of the Russia World Cup in 2018, and migrant workers in World Cup construction sites in Qatar have been faced with exploitative and abusive working conditions.&#xA;FIFA&#x2019;s transfer rules have also come under increased scrutiny, as football intermediaries engage in trafficking like practices of child footballers.&#xA;Scrutinising FIFA&#x2019;s human rights reformsIn response to various concerns, FIFA has made important advances to better protect human rights in its operations. New bidding regulations were adopted in October 2017. FIFA also created a Human Rights Advisory Board, and introduced a complaint mechanism for human rights defenders in May 2018. The&#xA;&#x2018;FIFA and Human Rights&#x2019; symposium also seeks to critically engage with these policies. This symposium stems from a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-president-hirsch-ballin-presents-a-report-on-human-rights-and-sustainable-development/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jul 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-president-hirsch-ballin-presents-a-report-on-human-rights-and-sustainable-development/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Sustainable development and human rights policies should go hand in hand, said Asser President Ernst Hirsch Ballin yesterday, when he presented Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Minister Sigrid Kaag and Hans De Boer, Chair of the Dutch employers&#x27; organisation VNO-NCW with the advisory report &#x27;Sustainable development goals and human rights&#x2019;. The report was published by the Human Rights Committee - chaired by Ernst Hirsch Ballin - of the Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs.&#xA;In his speech, Hirsch Ballin said that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a useful framework for an improved coordination of Dutch sustainable development and human rights policies. Hirsch Ballin emphasised the value of the many human rights treaties that were concluded after the Second World War. &#x201C;However, treaties alone are not enough, said Hirsch Ballin, as &#x201C;Freedom of expression is of little value if you are hungry or struggling to survive. Investing in economic development, good working conditions, health care and a sustainable environment is just as important. The United Nation&#x2019;s Sustainable Development Goals are concrete goals in all these areas. &quot;&#xA;More coherence in foreign policyThe report describes how more coherence in Dutch foreign policy on human rights and development cooperation could lead to better results. According to the Advisory Council, the UN SDGs, with their emphasis on social, economic and environmental rights are a tool to discuss human rights with countries that are hesitant to do so. However, Hirsch Ballin warned: &quot;For countries that are less interested in human rights, the sustainable development goals may also offer an alibi to handle this more loosely. &quot;Therefore, in our contacts with these countries, The Netherlands should stress the fact that the SDGs are not optional and that human rights remain beacons of explicit and enforceable obligations.&quot;&#xA;Sustainable development goalsIn 2015, member states of the United]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/nine-scholarships-available-for-the-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 26 Jun 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/nine-scholarships-available-for-the-disarmament-and-non-proliferation-of-weapons-of-mass/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut is happy to announce that we have nine scholarships available for applicants interested in our disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction training programme. The one-week programme, co-organised with the OPCW, is taking place at the Asser Institute from 30 September until 4 October 2019. Interested applicants should apply to one of the scholarships before 14 July 2019.&#xA;The OPCW, with funding support from the European Union, offers four scholarships for civil society representatives, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is funding five full scholarship for practitioners and government officials working in the field. About the training programmeParticipants will gain a comprehensive overview of non-proliferation and disarmament efforts regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction.&#xA0;The WMD training programme offers participants the chance to discuss various aspects of the issue with a group of experienced and internationally renowned experts and diplomats in the fields of international law, security and related disciplines in an interactive and multi-disciplinary way. In addition to interactive lectures and panels, the week long training also includes a simulation exercise on export controls, and field visits to the OPCW Headquarters and Laboratory as well as to a nuclear research reactor.&#xA;More about the OPCW Scholarships The OPCW, with funding support from the European Union, offers four competitive scholarships for civil society representatives. Candidates must be currently employed at a non-governmental organisation, a think-tank, a research or academic institution, or an independent public institution and working on issues related to the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The scholarships cover the tuition fee, international travel costs, basic medical insurance, and a generous allowance to cover accommodation and food expenses. For more information on the selection criteria, eligibility and documents required]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-a-special-event-with-philippe-couvreur-on-the-role-of-registrar-of-the-international/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 24 Jun 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-a-special-event-with-philippe-couvreur-on-the-role-of-registrar-of-the-international/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Wednesday July 10, Le Club de Droit and T.M.C. Asser Institute are co-organising an event with Philippe Couvreur, the departing Registrar at the ICJ, at the Peace Palace in The Hague.Mr Philippe Couvreur will give a presentation on the functions and responsibilities of the Registrar of the International Court of Justice. He will reflect on his unique experience, spanning over more than 19 years, in fulfilling those functions (which include providing judicial, diplomatic and administrative assistance) at the Court.Mr Couvreur will address the role of the Registrar in the context of judicial proceedings between sovereign States, the contacts and relationships to be maintained with governments and their representatives throughout such proceedings, and he will discuss the assistance provided to members of the Court in the fulfilment of their mission.The presentation will be followed by a Q&amp;amp;A session moderated by Dr&#xA0;Catherine Br&#xF6;lmann, University of Amsterdam.&#xA;Register fast, as seats are limited.&#xA;Le Club de Droit is the International Law Society of The Hague, The Netherlands. It focuses primarily in organizing informal exchanges, events and conferences in topics relevant to all those interested in International Law who are based in The Hague About Philippe CouvreurMr Philippe Couvreur joined the International Court of Justice in 1982 as special assistant to the Registrar and Deputy Registrar. After serving as Secretary and First Secretary of the Court, Mr Couvreur became the Principal Legal Secretary of the Court in 1995, a position he held for five years, before being elected Registrar on 10 February 2000. He was re-elected on two occasions before deciding to bring forward the end of his third mandate and to retire with effect from 1 July 2019. Mr Couvreur has actively participated in the handling of no less than 90 contentious cases and advisory proceedings. He is the author of numerous publications related to public international law and the peaceful]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/continuing-the-chinese-european-dialogue-on-world-order/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/continuing-the-chinese-european-dialogue-on-world-order/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Janne Nijman co-organised a conference on ethical world order in Beijing.&#xA;Asser&#x2019;s academic director Janne Nijman co-organised the conference &#x201C;A Human Community with a Shared Future: Roots of a New Global Legal Order in European and Chinese Civilization&#x201D; together with Anthony Carty at the Beijing Institute of Technology on June 21-22, 2019.&#xA;Nijman opened the two-day conference with remarks on China and Europe, and later presented a paper on the foundational notions of trust and distrust in international law and order. The conference&#xA0;traced the history of world order concept in Chinese and European thought and in particular their ethical dimensions. Topics covered included a Buddhist perspective on international social order, the ancient Chinese conception of the Tianxia system, and the intersections between Europe and China in legal thinking.The conference took place against the background of increasingly complex relations between the EU and China.As argued by Nijman, discussing the European and Chinese humanist traditions on a peaceful world order is all the more relevant given the current geopolitical situation. Nijman is a co-editor of the book &#x201C;Morality and Responsibility of Rulers: European and Chinese Origins of a Rule of Law as Justice for World Order&#x201D; together with Anthony Carty.&#xA0;&#x201C;Professor Carty and I hope that [this book] could serve as a basis for what we understand to be a much-needed transcultural humanist dialogue on international law and international relations&#x201D;, said Nijman.The book includes a multidisciplinary exploration of Chinese and European international thought and the diversity of it. It also discusses &#x201C;rule of law as justice&#x201D; conceptions, proposed as alternatives to the conventional and currently prevailing positivist conceptions of the internationalist rule of law.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/backstage-of-transnational-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/backstage-of-transnational-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[When we speak of transnational law, we usually think of treaties, courts, judicial decisions, and states. But listing these &#x201C;official practices&#x201D; often means that we actually stay on the surface of the things we study. How does transnational law come about, and what concrete practices constitute it?&#xA;Asser&#x2019;s researcher Dr Sofia Stolk is a co-editor of the new book &#x201C;Backstage Practices of Transnational Law&#x201D; together with Dr Lianne J.M. Boer (VU Amsterdam). The book invites readers to explore the seemingly mundane, yet very crucial parts of being a transnational legal scholar or a lawyer.&#xA;Transnational law in the making&#x201C;What happens before the curtain rises, or after it falls?&#x201D; is one of the more fundamental questions behind this book. &#x201C;What we see at first glance doesn&#x2019;t tell us how transnational law comes to look the way it does. It doesn&#x2019;t tell us what happens behind the scenes to make [it] possible in the first place,&#x201D; write Dr Sofia Stolk with Dr Lianne J.M. Boer.&#xA;According to Stolk and Boer, transnational law does not just consist of treaties and other documents filled with legal jargon. Transnational law is also a collective practice, made up of many specific activities that are often taken for granted and are carried out daily by so many working in the field.&#xA;Moot court exercises for prospective lawyers. The twitter account of the International Criminal Court (ICC) using hashtags such as #endimputiny or #endslavery. Networking at the ICC&#x2019;s Assembly of State Parties. Travelling to academic conferences. These are all activities that professionals of the transnational law accept as a given.&#xA;&#x201C;These backstage doings are so engrained in our daily lives, so much part of the everyday, that &#x2018;because of that&#x2019; we fail to notice them as worthy of study in their own right,&#x201D; argue Stolk and Boer. &#x201C;Yet precisely their obviousness merits close observation.&#x201D;&#xA;Who belongs, who writes, and how?Reflecting on the practice of transnational law carries significance not only in]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-nominations-for-the-max-van-der-stoel-human-rights-award/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 04 Jun 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-nominations-for-the-max-van-der-stoel-human-rights-award/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research (NNHRR) and Tilburg Law School are calling for Dutch and Flemish university faculties to submit nominations for the Max van der Stoel Human Rights Award. The award, with &#x20AC; 2,500 in total prize money, is meant for outstanding doctoral dissertations and academic articles by young researchers in the field of human rights.&#xA;The Max van der Stoel Human Rights Award, jointly organised by Tilburg University and NNHRR, is an incentive for young researchers conducting graduate, pre-doctoral and post-doctoral work. This year, two awards will be presented: one for the best doctoral dissertation; and another for the best non-dissertation academic text, such as a paper published in a peer-reviewed or academic journal or a Master thesis.&#xA;All law faculties linked to universities in the Netherlands and the Flemish community, as well as the Asser Institute (in its coordinating capacity of the NNHRR), can submit one individual candidate per award category.&#xA;Please note that there are two separate submission deadlines for the manuscripts: Category 1: doctoral dissertations (deadline for submission is 1 July 2019);&#xA;Category 2: non-dissertation academic texts (deadline for submission is 1 October 2019). Early December 2019, The Max van der Stoel Human Rights Award 2019 will be presented at Tilburg University. The exact date will be announced closer to the date. The jury will distribute the prize money of &#x20AC; 2,500 between the awardees.JuryAll manuscripts will be evaluated and the award winners selected by an international jury that is composed by Tilburg University and the Steering Committee of the NNHRR. This year&#x2019;s jury members are: Prof. Jos Dute, Professor of Health Law, Radboud University, Nijmegen; Commissioner at the Netherlands Human Rights Institute (2010-2019)&#xA;Prof. Dr Ernst Hirsch Ballin, Distinguished University Professor at Tilburg University and president of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut (Chairman of the Jury)&#xA;Prof. Dr Koen]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-lethal-autonomous-weapons-war-crimes-and-the-convention-on-conventional-weapons/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-lethal-autonomous-weapons-war-crimes-and-the-convention-on-conventional-weapons/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser Institute and Graduate Institute researcher Dr Marta Bo and Taylor Woodcock argue, in a blog post written for The Global, that there is a lack of discussion on autonomous weapons and criminal responsibility for&#xA0;war&#xA0;crimes at the UN level. The blog post highlights the importance of this issue and why there should be more discussions, especially&#xA0;within the framework of the Convention on&#xA0;Conventional&#xA0;Weapons (CCW).&#x200B; The original blog post has been published on The Global, this is a re-post: Rising alarm in the face of technological developments in weapons usually engenders diplomatic engagement and heightened attention at the highest level at the United Nations (UN). Lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) are no exception. In March 2019, the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on LAWS, established by state parties to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), was convened for the 4th time in Geneva with an informal meeting held on 15 May to consolidate the Draft Conclusions. Delegates and experts discussed pressing issues in the context of regulating LAWS, namely the characterisation of these weapons; the human element in the use of lethal force; the challenges to international humanitarian law (IHL); and regulatory ways forward. Despite the relevance of criminal responsibility for war crimes to discussions on autonomous weapons, this subject suffers from diplomatic inertia and has not featured as one of the pressing issues extensively debated in this forum.&#xA;As an instrument of IHL, the CCW mandates the restriction or ban of the use of weapons that are considered to cause unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering or that are inherently indiscriminate. The IHL foundation of the CCW has elicited a continuing tendency to discuss the feasibility of implementing autonomy in weapons in compliance with the governing principles of the laws of armed conflict: the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions. The preventative function of the CCW therefore]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-global-europe-project-launched/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-global-europe-project-launched/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Democracy, rule of law, and multilateralism are values the European Union seeks to embody and promote. But how well does it do so in a global arena? Asser&#x2019;s new project &#x2018;Global Europe&#x2019;, launched today, focuses on the EU&#x2019;s trustworthiness as an international legal actor.&#xA;With the European Parliament elections taking place, much of the debates have concentrated on questioning the role of the EU in the world. The Union as a global actor has consistently portrayed itself as a normative power committed to the principles of international law, democracy, human rights, and multilateralism. But the success of these efforts depends on how credible the EU is seen when advocating for such principles. However, credibility and mutual trust seem to be at stake across the world.&#xA;&#x201C;It is not easy to promote multilateral cooperation today, when the EU&#x2019;s biggest western ally, the US, does just the opposite,&#x201D; says Dr Narin Idriz, researcher in Asser&#x2019;s new project &#x2018;Global Europe&#x2019;. &#x201C;Similarly, the current internal problems such as the EU&#x2019;s inability to deal with domestic rule of law issues, rising populism and Brexit, also weaken the hand of the EU.&quot;&#xA;Europe as a global legal actor As outlined by Dr Idriz, the EU&#x2019;s global ambitions are not only political, but also stem from important legal considerations.&#xA0;Idriz: &#x201C;The Lisbon Treaty is very explicit on the requirements EU external action needs to live up to (for example Article 3(5) and 21 TEU). The most important are promoting multilateralism and its values, namely democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.&#x201D; Against this background and challenges facing the EU, Idriz highlights the urgency of a project like &#x2018;Global Europe&#x2019;: &quot;This is a particularly interesting time to study the EU to understand how it tries to tackle internal and external challenges it faces, while trying to advance its&#xA0;ambitions in the world.&#x201D;&#xA;Global Europe&#x2019;s blog post As part of the launch of the project, &#x2018;Global Europe&#x2019;s&#x2019; team is sharing their very first blog]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-prof-richard-english-does-terrorism-work/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-prof-richard-english-does-terrorism-work/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[&#x201C;Since terrorism rarely achieves strategic success, we should not over-react to it. In order to undermine and limit this bloodstained form of politics, we should instead emphasise and use the things that it often does achieve, such as publicity, or revenge against the defenceless&quot;, argues Prof. Richard English in his book &#x201C;Does terrorism work?&#x201D; English, professor of Politics at Queen&#x27;s University Belfast and author of renowned books on terrorism, is one of the top speakers at the ICCT Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law, which will bring you the latest trends in legal aspects of terrorism and counter-terrorism.&#xA;Across the world, terrorist attacks have triggered a steep increase in security-related laws and measures. To prevent terrorism as early as possible, states have introduced limitations on freedom of speech, curbs on financial and other support and have resorted to revoking nationalities. But, according to Prof. English, in our response to terrorism we should focus on one of the most central issues in the study of terrorism, the root question: Does terrorism work?&#xA;Prof. English: &#x201C;This question is of profound practical importance, since the extent to which terrorism works, and the contexts within which it does or does not work, will affect how we all respond to it. From an analytical point of view, the question is also crucial, since terrorism is a method used to bring about political change. And we cannot claim to understand the phenomenon unless we know the ways in which it does and/or does not succeed.&#x201D;&#xA;Different levelsAccording to Prof. English, terrorism can work at different levels. Prof English: &#x201C;These levels are for instance:Strategic victory (historically very rare); partial strategic victory (with diluted versions of primary goals being achieved, or secondary goals like revenge or the sustenance of resistance - more common); tactical success (publicity, operational successes, undermining opponents - common]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/pax-moot-court-competition-brings-international-law-students-to-the-hague/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/pax-moot-court-competition-brings-international-law-students-to-the-hague/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May, the Asser institute will co-organise the 7th edition of the PAX moot court competition. The moot court is part of the EU-funded JUDGTRUST research project, led by Asser researcher Vesna Lazic, which focuses on the Brussels Ibis Regulation.&#xA;The PAX moot court is a student court competition that focuses on private international law issues. In the competition, participants will experience the complexities and nuances of this area of law. They will plead against each other in several rounds, with the final round taking place in the Peace Palace, The Hague. The event is organised together with Antwerpen University (a partner in the JUDGTRUST project) and with Sciences Po, Paris.The participating students come from eleven law schools in eight countries.&#xA;The PAX moot court website can be found here. This project is funded by the Justice Programme of the European Union (2014-2020).]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/what-is-an-inclusive-city-asser-academic-director-janne-nijman-spoke-on-amsterdam-seminar/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/what-is-an-inclusive-city-asser-academic-director-janne-nijman-spoke-on-amsterdam-seminar/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The story of a clash between newcomers and the old residents of cities is as old as the history books. But need it be so?&#xA0;Thursday May 16, Asser&#x2019;s academic director Prof. Dr Janne E. Nijman&#xA0;opened the seminar A Sense of Belonging in the City: The role of NGOs in promoting inclusive cities, co-organised by the municipality of Amsterdam, T.M.C. Asser Institute and NieuwWij. The seminar is dedicated to the efforts of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on making cities more inclusive. Janne E. Nijman discussed why and how a sense of belonging has become a &#x201C;glocal&#x201D; affair.&#xA;Social cohesion among new and old residentsGlobal, national and local efforts, such as the Sustainable Development Goal Number 11, and the New Urban Agenda, are dedicated to making cities more inclusive by stimulating social cohesion among the new residents and their older counterparts.The seminar explores the role of NGOs in the efforts to foster inclusivity in the cities. The programme includes a variety of topics. Among them are historical overviews of the persecution of Jews, slavery and migration, as well as discussions on how to overcome mistrust, and escape the echo chamber. About twenty&#xA0;NGOs from&#xA0;cities&#xA0;around the globe attend&#xA0;and present&#xA0;their experiences on&#xA0;how to include newcomers, minorities and foster a sense of belonging among&#xA0;all residents in cities.&#xA;To live in a city, and to belongAsser&#x2019;s academic director Nijman spoke&#xA0;as the programme leader of Asser Institute&#x2019;s project &#x2018;The Global City: Challenges, Trust and the Role of (International) Law&#x2019;. In her speech she will focus on the global and local aspects of building a sense of belonging. Lisa Roodenburg, one of the Asser PhD researchers on the Global City project, participated as a discussant in a session on the role of human rights in mobilising change.&#xA;Read more The Global City project at the Asser Institute explores the global city as the crucial place where citizenship and fundamental rights have been debated in the past and in]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-law-for-public-interest/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-law-for-public-interest/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Advocating for public interests with international law can take many forms, say speakers of this year&#x2019;s summer programme on international lawyering in a public interest.&#xA;What does it mean to be an international public interest lawyer in today&#x2019;s global world? What are the challenges and opportunities of international public interest advocacy? Innovators and experienced practitioners address these questions during the International lawyering in a public interest summer programme co-organised by the Asser Institute and Amsterdam Center for International Law (ACIL). A lawyer without the courtPracticing law is often complicated enough. There is no surprise that doing so while focusing on issues of public interest in an international setting may prove to be even more demanding.&#xA;&#x201C;Historically, lawyers have been described as&#xA0;Officers of the Court,&#x201D; says Rob Houston, Executive Director of The Global Pro Bono Bar Association, and one of our speakers this year. &#x201C;But what does it mean to be an Officer of the Court where there is no Court?&#x201D;&#xA;One answer can be found in the work of Mr Houston&#x2019;s organisation, namely, channeling crucial legal expertise and resources into areas of greater need. The overall goal of the Global Pro Bono Bar Association is to empower individual advocates of conscience around the world to realise universal human rights, human dignity, and critical public interest advocacy.&#xA;They seek to do so by increasing the legal support capacity of local advocates, connecting them with more experienced lawyers in areas of excess. The Global Pro Bono Bar Association will share insights into network building for international public interests, such as how to find causes and partners, and how to join or build a team.&#xA;Rob Houston: &#x201C;Global law firms&#x27; business conflicts, jurisdictional sensitivities, and challenges to scalability and complexity of public interest projects are all topics of interests that should be discussed.&#x201D;&#xA;&#x201C;There are essential connections that exist]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-president-ernst-hirsch-ballin-do-we-want-a-de-mocracy-that-divides-or-one-that-makes/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-president-ernst-hirsch-ballin-do-we-want-a-de-mocracy-that-divides-or-one-that-makes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[During his May 5 Liberation Day speech in the Johannes de Doperkerk in Wageningen, Asser Institute president Ernst Hirsch Ballin called for reflection upon the big questions on democracy that we are facing today. &#x201C;A connecting democracy has more future than an order in which those who are in power settle accounts with those who are not.&#x201D;&#xA;Three quarters of a century since the end of World War II, Mr Hirsch Ballin urged the audience in Wageningen to reconsider the question what kind of a democracy do we want to pass on to &#x2018;those who are too young to vote and their children, allowing them to breathe in peace and justice&#x2019;.&#xA;Sustainable democracy&#xA;Mr Hirsch Ballin said: &#x201C;Do we want a democracy that divides or one that makes connections? A democracy that uses up resources or a sustainable democracy? A democracy that is focused solely on the present or one that takes in the interests of future generations as well? A democracy that entrenches itself or one that seeks cooperation with other democracies?&#xA;Mr Hirsch Ballin further said that &#x2018;simply casting a protest vote during elections is not really a contribution to democracy&#x2019;, if one simply rejects policies.&#xA;&#x2018;In a society in which debating qualities seem to have become more important in campaigns than these claims actually being factually correct and meaningful, citizens only make full use of their democratic rights by having- and expressing a view on the future of our society.&#x201D;&#xA;Hirsch Ballin spoke at the invitation of the Nationaal Comit&#xE9; Herdenking Capitulaties 1945.&#xA;Read the speech here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/in-the-spotlight-international-humanitarian-and-criminal-law-platform/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/in-the-spotlight-international-humanitarian-and-criminal-law-platform/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The International Humanitarian and Criminal Law (IHCL) Platform is one of the many inter-university networks coordinated by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut.The objective of the IHCL Platform is to establish an academic network fostering research in the area of international criminal law and humanitarian law, providing an academic platform for discussion of relevant contemporary issues and legal questions for which there is, as yet, no fixed jurisprudential position.&#xA;This objective is realised through the IHCL Platform&#x2019;s activities, such as conferences, workshops, its annual PhD Days and lectures. Have a look at two of our upcoming activities:&#xA;The 8th annual PhD day (23 May):PhD candidates on international humanitarian law and/or international criminal law topics can give presentations of 10 minutes of their work (in progress) in a very informal setting, followed by 15 minutes feedback from a broader group of people including other PhD candidates and (senior) researchers from and outside of the IHCL Platform. The PhD Day is open to any PhD candidate working in this field; it is not necessary to be affiliated with one of the organisations formally involved in the IHCL Platform. &#x2018;The Conduct of Hostilities and International Humanitarian Law: Challenges of 21st Century Warfare&#x2019; (6 June):Although international humanitarian law has adapted to new circumstances, this field of law was originally designed to deal with inter-state wars. Moreover, in modern armed conflicts the conduct of hostilities increasingly seems to take place in parallel with law enforcement operations. To what extent need the rules governing the conduct of hostilities be clarified, both in terms of their scope of application and their substantive aspects?&#xA;During this lecture, organised by the Hague Initiative for Law and Armed Conflict (HILAC), the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law and the IHCL Platform, the final report of the International Law Association (ILA)&#x2019;s Study Group on the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/founder-and-former-director-of-the-asser-institute-has-passed-away/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/founder-and-former-director-of-the-asser-institute-has-passed-away/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[We have received the sad news that the founder and former director of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, Dr C.C.A. (Bert) Voskuil, passed away on 29 April 2019. Bert Voskuil was the first director of the institute since its establishment in 1965 and continued to fill this position for 30 years until his retirement in 1994.&#xA;Dr Voskuil defended his PhD on &#x201C;De internationale bevoegdheid van de Nederlandse rechter&#x201D; [The international jurisdiction of Dutch judges] in 1962. From 1966 he acted as plaatsvervangend rechter [deputy judge] and from 1975-1994 as politierechter [police magistrate] for the Amsterdam District Court.&#xA;After defending his PhD in 1962, Dr Voskuil was appointed as head of a special office set up by the University of Amsterdam to prepare the foundation of the Institute. In 1964, this so-called &#x2018;provisional Central Office&#x2019; moved to The Hague and Dr Voskuil was appointed director of the future institute and commissioned with its staffing and the preparation of the research and documentation programmes.&#xA;During the period he served as the director of the Asser Institute, he has built an impressive oeuvre of articles and books in the field of private international law.&#xA;Upon his departure in 1994 he was presented the Asser Medal of Honour for his academic achievements, especially in International Private Law, as well as for guiding the Asser Institute into a mature organisation for cooperation between universities in the area of international and European law.&#xA;After the latest move to the institute&#x2019;s new premises, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x2019;s reading room and library were named &#x201C;Bert Voskuil Library&#x201D; in honour of the first Director. We will remember Bert Voskuil for many years of inestimable contribution to the institute.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/germany-and-its-returning-foreign-terrorist-fighters/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/germany-and-its-returning-foreign-terrorist-fighters/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In his new&#xA0;blog post,&#xA0;Asser Institute researcher&#xA0;Kilian Roithmaier&#xA0;examines a German law that would revoke the citizenship of German foreign terrorist fighters.&#xA;In response to the departure of more than 1050 Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) from Germany to Syria and Iraq, the German Federal Government agreed on a new legislative initiative that would introduce the statutory forfeiture of citizenship for future FTFs who engage in fighting for a terrorist militia. Germany is not the first Western state that is utilising its citizenship laws for countering terrorism, in particular revoking FTFs&#x2019; citizenships to prevent them from returning.&#xA;The new rule would be an additional administrative measure alongside the criminal prosecution that occurs if an individual belonging to a terrorist group has been proven guilty. The person can now be prosecuted under the German Criminal Code, which prescribes the jail for membership in a terrorist organisation.&#xA;In his recent perspective titled &#x201C;Germany and its Returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters: New Loss of Citizenship Law and the Broader German Repatriation Landscape&#x201D;, for the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), Kilian Roithmaier, junior researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, deals with the recent German legislative initiative in light of the broader German repatriation landscape.&#xA;&#x2018;Left behind extremists&#x2019;While the statutory forfeiture of citizenship appears appealing in view of national security, Kilian Roithmaier concludes &#x201C;that the envisaged measure will in fact be counter-productive&#x201D; as &#x201C;it runs the risk of creating factions of left-behind extremists that may escape any meaningful oversight&#x201D;. He also criticizes the inherent discriminatory nature of the law that is designed to counter the IS and, by that, Islamic terrorists in particular. Roithmaier finds it doubtful &#x201C;that Germany can successfully rebut the jihadi narrative of a cultural clash when it is treating Muslim terrorists less favourable than other]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/apply-now-the-marie-curie-individual-fellowship/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/apply-now-the-marie-curie-individual-fellowship/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is happy to welcome researchers who would like to apply for a&#xA0;Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Individual Fellowship, a grant scheme within the European Commission&#x2019;s Horizon 2020 funding programme.&#xA;A successful application will allow experienced researchers, in possession of a doctoral degree, to spend a research period of 12 to 24 months at the Asser Institute. We advise potential applicants to read the&#xA0;Guide for Applicants, and to consider eligibility conditions and financial aspects before applying (see procedure below).&#xA;Researchers will prepare their applications in cooperation with the envisaged supervisor(s) at the Asser Institute, the future host institution. Research proposals should link to one of the research areas in one of the three Research Strands within the Asser Institute&#x2019;s Research Agenda &#x2018;International &amp;amp; European Law as a Source of Trust in a Hyper-Connected World&#x2019;. Information on the Research Agenda and Strands can be found&#xA0;here.&#xA;Procedure&#xA;Pre-selection&#xA0;We will make use of a pre-selection phase. This will allow us to focus on the preparation and submission of a limited number of proposals, the topics of which best fit within our current research and which have the highest chance of being awarded. Interested candidates should submit their CV and the application form by email to&#xA0;projects@asser.nl&#xA0;mentioning &#x2018;Marie Curie Individual Fellowship&#x2019; in the subject line. The application form is available&#xA0;here.&#xA;The submission deadline is&#xA0;20 May 2019. Candidates will be informed before 10 June 2019 about the outcome of the pre-selection.&#xA;Proposal stageWith selected candidates, we will proceed with the preparation of proposals. The submission deadline is 11 September 2019. The evaluation outcome is expected in February 2020. In case of a successful proposal, the researcher will be appointed at the Asser Institute for the duration as indicated in the proposal. The earliest starting date would be 1 March 2020.&#xA;Contact&#xA;For further]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/lessons-in-justice-asser-s-educational-programme-with-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon-celebrated/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/lessons-in-justice-asser-s-educational-programme-with-the-special-tribunal-for-lebanon-celebrated/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Justice is often understood as court-bound: it is either that the perpetrator is found guilty or not. However, a training course on criminal justice for Lebanese students co-organised by the Asser Institute and the Hague-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon shows that justice-building can also take place outside of the courtroom. In a recent article, Anna McMillan wrote about the potential of the inter-university programme for Lebanese law students, which the two institutes co-organise. In 2005, a terrorist attack in Lebanon killed then Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri, and 21 others. In response to the attack, the United Nations established the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) in 2009 to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of this crime. Based in the Netherlands, the tribunal is expected to conclude its work this year. While the final verdict is still unknown, we can already witness other contributions the STL has made in the Lebanese society. Training future generations&#xA;In 2011, the STL and the Asser Institute worked together to establish an inter-university programme on international criminal law and procedure. Streamed from the Asser Institute in The Hague, the programme features lectures by prominent practitioners and academics and is offered to the students of 11 Lebanese universities.&#xA;The training is unique in its scope and results. More than 800 students have already graduated the programme, and international criminal law has become an integral part of their legal vocabulary. Importantly, the course also brings different Lebanese universities together, transforming the Lebanese academic and legal landscape in general. Professor Georges Masse of the American University of Science and Technology in Beirut described the programme as &#x2018;the best attempt towards reconciliation in Lebanon, because it brings together universities and students from different backgrounds&#x2019;.&#xA;A special event&#xA;On Wednesday April 17th, the Asser Institute is organising a special]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-city-in-constitutional-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-city-in-constitutional-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The European Yearbook of Constitutional Law is pleased to announce a call for submissions for its second volume (2020) on the theme of &#x2018;The city in constitutional law&#x2019;.&#xA;Today, more than half of the world&#x2019;s population lives in urban areas. There is a growing list of cities whose population exceeds that of many small states. Cities are places where state power is operationalized and concretized; where laws and government policies transform from parchment objectives to practical realities. In a similar vein, cities are also places for the realization of the constitutional rights and liberties enjoyed by individuals.&#xA;Cities, then, matter.&#xA;What&#x2019;s in this volume?This volume aims to explore the constitutional dimensions attendant on the real-life significance of cities, focusing on their positioning within the wider organization of the State as well as their role as prime sites where individuals encounter or otherwise engage with State power.&#xA;The EYCL invites scholars to approach the theme of &#x2018;The city in constitutional law&#x2019; in a holistic fashion, and welcomes contributions devoted, but not limited to: the relationship with other echelons of government in federal, decentralized and unitary States;&#xA;the type and scope of autonomous powers for cities, including the role of the principle of subsidiarity;&#xA;the designation and special position of capitals, mega-cities and large metropolitan areas;&#xA;cities as coterminous with the State;&#xA;avenues and opportunities for participatory governance;&#xA;multilevel protection of fundamental rights within the State;&#xA;novel city-specific rights (e.g. &#x2018;right to the city&#x2019;, &#x2018;right through the city&#x2019;);&#xA;the international authority of cities, including their responsibility to implement international obligations undertaken by the State. How to submit a proposal?While the EYCL is devoted to the study of aspects of constitutional law and constitutionalism, interdisciplinary contributions and submissions from scholars researching the topic from a (social-)]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/what-is-an-effective-counter-terrorism-strategy-join-our-upcoming-conference-in-may/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 08 Apr 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/what-is-an-effective-counter-terrorism-strategy-join-our-upcoming-conference-in-may/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[With states rushing to adapt their counter-terrorism strategies to combat the threat of terrorism, it is high time to reflect on the counter-terrorism toolkit and security strategies. What are the reasons behind these strategies, and what are the consequences? On 16 and 17 May the Asser Institute and ICCT team up for a conference on what constitutes an effective counter-terrorism strategy. 9/11 (US), 7/7 (UK), 13/11 (Paris). In the aftermath of these terrorism events (and many more), states have sought to adapt their counter-terrorism toolkit to the threat of terrorism. In the EU member states engage in what is often described as counter-terrorism &#x2018;legislative fever&#x2019;. Counter-terrorism and security strategies are updated fervently to respond more effectively to the threat of terrorism &#x2013; both domestically and at regional level. This swiftness in adopting and/or updating counter-terrorism measures and strategies has, however, left limited time to engage in reflection and evaluation of what makes a counter-terrorism measure or strategy effective.&#xA;On 16 and 17 May 2019, the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism &#x2013; The Hague (ICCT &#x2013; The Hague) with the support of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut intends to engage in such critical examination in a conference on &#x2018;Lessons from the Past, Dilemmas of the Present and Challenges for the Future: What is an &#x2018;Effective&#x2019; Counter-Terrorism Strategy?&#x2019; Within this two-day interactive conference, speakers from multi-disciplinary backgrounds will reflect on pressing issues such as: Countering Extremism: Freedom of speech vs. incitement to terrorism (regional ECHR and EU obligations);&#xA;Countering Narratives: The role of the media in counter terrorism and CVE responses;&#xA;Lessons to be learnt from &#x2018;The Troubles&#x2019; in Northern Ireland and the US War on Terror;&#xA;Immigration as counter-terrorism, Counter-terrorism as immigration;&#xA;De-radicalisation, reintegration and rehabilitation. Find out more about the conference and register at the event page.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-for-our-upcoming-training-programmes/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/sign-up-now-for-our-upcoming-training-programmes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In cooperation with (inter) national partners such as American University&#x2019;s Washington College of Law, University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, ICCT and OPCW, we deliver four unique 2019 training programmes. Sign up now to advance your career! International Criminal Law and International Legal &amp;amp; Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism (27 May - 20 June 2019)Are you interested in international criminal law and in (legal aspects of) counter-terrorism? Then register now for the 13th Annual Summer Law Programme on International Criminal Law and International Legal &amp;amp; Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism in The Hague, from 27 May - 20 June 2019. As part of a unique collaboration between the War Crimes Research Office of American University&#x2019;s Washington College of Law and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, forty selected students from top US law colleges and universities will visit The Hague this summer, to learn from international legal practitioners and scholars, and to visit (inter)national courts and institutions. We have a few places for law students and professionals who wish to learn more about law and counter-terrorism. For more info, click here.&#xA;International Lawyering in a Public Interest (8 - 12 July 2019) Explore the challenges of public interest advocacy in international law and rethink what it means to practice public interest advocacy in the international system. During this summer programme, we bring together leading advocates, activists, academics and members of NGOs to discuss cutting-edge legal techniques. As a knowledge lawyer, you will need to launch and sustain practices of public advocacy with international law. In this summer course, you will learn to critically assess and challenge assumptions about the nature and limits of public interest advocacy under international law. How do you start up your practice in advocacy lawyering? How do you identify causes for advocacy? Where and how will you find funding? These and more topics will]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-race-for-human-rights-leveraging-bahrain-s-grand-prix-for-change/</link>                <pubDate>Sat, 30 Mar 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-race-for-human-rights-leveraging-bahrain-s-grand-prix-for-change/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Sports fans around the globe&#xA0;are turning their attention to the Formula 1 Grand Prix taking place in Bahrain this weekend. Many will flock to the small island kingdom, which has lately been called one of the most repressive states in the Middle East. The increased media attention provides a window of opportunity for human rights activists to push for policy changes, says Asser researcher Dr Antoine Duval&#xA0;(Antoine is the head of the Asser International Sports Law Centre and coordinator of the Doing Business Right project).&#xA;Repression against Bahraini political opponents and sportsThe main focus of public criticisms of the&#xA0;Federation Internationale de l&#x27;Automobile (FIA) has been the 2017 arrest of Bahraini activist Najah Yusuf who spoke out in her Facebook posts against the Grand Prix. She has since then been detained and was reportedly subjected to torture and sexual abuse.&#xA;After the much-discussed al-Araibi case earlier this year, this is another example in which sports governing bodies have been urged to intervene over human rights violations in Bahrain. Hakeem al-Araibi, a refugee football player in Australia, was detained in Bangkok at the end of 2018 after traveling to Thailand for his honeymoon at the request of Bahrain. He was finally released in February 2019 after months of mobilization by human rights activists and the Australian sports community urging FIFA to pressure both the Thai and Bahraini government to drop the case.&#xA;International sports competitions as an opportunity for human rights activistsAs the examples of Yusuf and al-Araibi show us, explains Duval, sports governing bodies (SGBs) cannot ignore human rights issues. While recent controversies mostly focused on football and FIFA (e.g. the decision to host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar), the reach of human rights extend to all sports.&#xA;&#x201C;Sports has become an important dimension of soft diplomacy and nation branding, especially for non-democratic states,&#x201D; comments Duval.&#xA;&#x201C;As sporting spectacles, such]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-at-the-2019-asil-annual-meeting/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-at-the-2019-asil-annual-meeting/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher&#xA0;Dr Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz attended the 2019 American Society of International Law&#x2019;s (ASIL) annual meeting to receive the inaugural David D. Caron Prize. He was awarded the prize for his paper entitled &#x2018;Nationality, Alienage and Early International Rights&#x2019; at the ASIL 2018 Research Forum in Los Angeles, California.&#xA;The prize recognises the best paper submitted to the ASIL Research Forum by a current student or recent graduate. The paper presented by Dr Castellanos-Jankiewicz emphasises the role of private international law in the development of international rights and standards of individual protection during the nineteenth century, particularly as regards the treatment of aliens. According to Dr&#xA0;Castellanos-Jankiewicz&#xA0;its originality resides in accounting for the fluid disciplinary boundaries between public and private international lawyers at the time.&#xA;Joining Dr Castellanos-Jankiewicz&#xA0;at the meeting were Asser&#x2019;s president Ernst Hirsch Ballin, Academic director Janne E. Nijman, and Asser Press publisher Frank Bakker. Prof Nijman presented a paper on &#x27;The Urban Pushback: international law as an instrument of cities&#x27; on a panel titled &#x2018;Federalism Strikes Back: Is the One-Voice Doctrine in Decline?&#x2019; Nijman also moderated the ASIL 2019 closing plenary on International Law as an Instrument for Development on Saturday. Co-sponsored by the Municipality of The Hague and Asser Institute, and in cooperation with the Dutch Embassy in Washington, the panel discussed the problems - such as global inequality and competition, rising protectionism and rapidly changing technology - that hinder the use of international law in promoting economic development, and what to do about it. Panelists were: Ulrik Vestergaard Knudson, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Martijn Snoep, and Janne E. Nijman. You can watch the video here.&#xA;Also during the ASIL annual meeting, Saskia Bruines, The Hague&#x2019;s deputy mayor (International affairs), positioned the city as the place for legal]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-summer-law-programme-on-international-criminal-law-international-legal/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-summer-law-programme-on-international-criminal-law-international-legal/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Are you interested in international criminal law and (legal aspects of) counter-terrorism? Are you looking for an opportunity to expand your knowledge on these issues? Then register&#xA0;now&#xA0;for the&#xA0;13th Annual Summer Law Programme on International Criminal Law and International Legal &amp;amp; Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism&#xA0;in The Hague. The programme takes place from 27 May - 20 June 2019.&#xA0;This summer law programme is the product of a unique collaboration between the War Crimes Research Office of American University&#x2019;s Washington College of Law and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. Forty selected students from top US law colleges and universities will travel to The Hague to learn from international legal practitioners and scholars and to see their knowledge being put to practice through visits to (inter)national courts and institutions. An&#xA0;additional ten places&#xA0;are available to other interested law students and professionals who wish to learn more about law and counter-terrorism.&#xA0;What will you gain? A unique experience of studying and exchanging views with students from the US;&#xA;A thorough insight into the latest developments in (the interplay between) international criminal law and legal aspects of counter-terrorism;&#xA;The opportunity to engage in discussions and network with leading academics and legal professionals. For more information and registration click here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-takes-part-in-a-research-project-on-eu-sports-diplomacy/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 18 Mar 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-takes-part-in-a-research-project-on-eu-sports-diplomacy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Dr Antoine Duval is taking part in a new collective research project on EU sports diplomacy funded by the EU&#x2019;s Erasmus&#x2B; Programme. The project aims to promote a strategic approach to EU sports diplomacy through undertaking primary research and coordinate a series of Multiplier Sport Events (MSE). In the framework of this project, the Asser Institute will organise and host a MSE on human rights and mega-sporting events in January and February of 2020.&#xA;&#x201C;I very much look forward to exploring how human rights could be advanced in the context of mega-sporting events and connect it to the research conducted at the Institute on international sports law and business and human rights,&#x201D; says Duval. Led by Edge Hill University represented by Professor Richard Parrish, the project includes the following partners : Universidad Carlos III Madrid, The University of Rijeka, Faculty of Law, the TMC Asser Institute, ESSCA, Universit&#xE9; Catholique de Louvain and the Macedonian NGO TAKT (Together Advancing Common Trust). In co-operation with an associate partner: the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) from the Council of Europe.&#xA;The project officially kicked off at a meeting at Edge Hill University in February 2019 and will wrap up in December 2020. Dr Antoine Duval is head of the&#xA0;International Sports Law Centre&#xA0;at Asser, which&#xA0;is part of the Asser research strand on&#xA0;Advancing Public Interests in International and European Law. This research strand aims to critically examine how International and European law may further the protection of public interests in a globalising (and privatising) world.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/francophone-training-in-international-and-transnational-criminal-law/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/francophone-training-in-international-and-transnational-criminal-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute is&#xA0;partnering with the International Nuremberg Principles Academy and the Antonio Cassese Initiative&#xA0;to co-organise a&#xA0;seminar on international and transnational criminal law (ICL and TCL). The&#xA0;seminar&#xA0;will be held as a closed event in The Hague from 18 to 22 March 2019.&#xA;This high-level&#xA0;seminar entitled &#x201C;Strengthening Domestic Capacity to Prosecute International and Transnational Crimes in Africa&#x201D; is a follow-up on a course held in February 2018. The seminar aims to build on the knowledge and skills gained during the first session, further strengthening the justice sector in French-speaking African countries facing challenges in the administration of justice.&#xA;The seminar is for judges and prosecutors from countries under ICC investigation or neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso, Congo, C&#xF4;te d&#x2019;Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and Niger. The participants will benefit from international law lectures and training in the fields of ICL, TCL and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), combined with practical sessions. The thematic modules will cover topics such as human smuggling and trafficking, the correlation between IHL and counterterrorism, use of open source evidence and vertical and horizontal cooperation in the prosecution of international crimes.&#xA;The different modules will be led by renowned experts working at international courts and tribunals in The Hague as well as academic and professional institutions and organizations focusing on ICL, TCL, IHL, and international human rights law. The programme is available here. Further partners and funders of this project are:]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-on-the-effect-of-the-uk-s-counter-terrorism-policies-on-the-rule-of-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-on-the-effect-of-the-uk-s-counter-terrorism-policies-on-the-rule-of-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an upcoming book chapter titled &#x201C;Individual Terrorist Suspects as the New Folk Devil: New Labour, Rights Tokenism and Security Compulsions&#x201D;, T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x27;s researcher Dr&#xA0;Rumyana van Ark (n&#xE9;e Grozdanova) examines the long-term implications of New Labour&#x2019;s counter-terrorism policies on the rule of law in the United Kingdom. According to Dr. van Ark, individual human rights have been hollowed out by post 9-11 legislative fever.&#xA;In May 1997, a triumphant Tony Blair was celebrating Labour&#x2019;s victory at the polls. By October of the same year, his government was already working on fulfilling their pledge for a comprehensive programme of constitutional reform. Early indications suggested that the promotion of individual rights would form a core component of New Labour&#x2019;s legislative and policy agenda. Yet, by early 2002, the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (ATCSA) was in operation &#x2013; an Act once described as &#x201C;the most draconian legislation Parliament has passed in peacetime in over a century&#x201D;. In her book chapter, Dr Van Ark examines how and why this now repealed legislation continues to have an impact on individual human rights. From keen endorsement of human rights to enduring championing of counter-terrorismThe comprehensive and highly restrictive nature of the provisions and counter-terrorism measures contained within Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 set the stage for New Labour&#x2019;s post-2001 approach towards human rights and national security: a perfunctory respect for individual rights in comparison to the exhaustive commitment to counter-terrorism. If New Labour&#x2019;s legislative and policy record on security matters post 9/11 is to be summarised, Dr Van Ark argues, it would be thus: when faced with a choice between a prompt legislative response to close perceived legal and policy gaps or first exhausting the wide range of legal powers already available, the New Labour chose the former. The counter-terrorism legislative fever which]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-women-s-day-janne-nijman-puts-the-spotlight-on-peace-activist-bertha-von-suttner/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-women-s-day-janne-nijman-puts-the-spotlight-on-peace-activist-bertha-von-suttner/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today there are many influential women working in international law. However, one needs a looking glass to find influential women in international legal history. To celebrate International Women&#x2019;s Day, Prof Dr. Janne E. Nijman, academic director of T.M.C. Asser Instituut and professor of History and Theory of International Law at the UvA, puts the spotlight on a remarkable woman in the history of international law: the peace activist Bertha van Suttner (1843-1914). &#x201C;She had the guts to take on a male-dominated field.&#x201D; An interview.Why is it important that we learn more about women in the history of international law? &#x201C;Gender inequality contributes to conflict around the world. Sustainable peace can only be reached when the gender imbalance is addressed. I find it problematic that, although women represent half of the world&#x2019;s population - and therefore half of its potential - women&#x2019;s history is largely underrepresented in international legal history. By focusing on the male side of history, we are neglecting the role women played in history. This still has an impact on today&#x2019;s society. Our culture, our power structures and our power codes are still male-oriented. Unless we change these, and change the way we think about power and authority, women will not fit in. Apart from gender equality being a fundamental human right, I believe gender equality is crucial to achieve peaceful societies, an issue that concerns men and women alike. As our common future has to be shaped by women and men, it is high time that we find female role models &#x2013; in history, in international law and politics. We need to know and teach about women who dared to swim against the tide. Bertha Von Suttner did exactly so. She was the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, so she is an important historical example.&#x201D; Can you tell us a bit about Bertha Von Suttner? &#x201C;Bertha von Suttner was a female comrade of Tobias Asser (1838-1913), the scholar after whom the Asser Institute is named. They lived in]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-the-legal-roles-of-cities-in-a-de-globalising-world-keynote-speech-by-yishai-blank/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/register-now-the-legal-roles-of-cities-in-a-de-globalising-world-keynote-speech-by-yishai-blank/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute is proud to announce that Professor Yishai Blank, a pioneer in the research of cities and international law, will be the keynote speaker for the opening of the research conference&#xA0;Cities and international law in the Urban Age&#xA0;on 13 March 2019. We live in an age in which urbanisation, globalisation and decentralisation are reshaping our local, national and international communities, and the way we govern them. Global governance mechanisms and international legal norms affect cities, and in turn, cities have become relevant actors in international law and global governance.&#xA;More than ten years ago, Professor Yishai Blank was one of the first to publish articles on the role of cities in international law. In publications such as&#xA0;&#x2018;The City and the World&#x2019;, &#x2018;Localism in the New Global Legal Order&#x2019; and later &#x2018;Federalism, Subsidiarity, and the Role of Local Governments in an Age of Global Multilevel Governance&#x2019;, Professor Blank explores the growing &#x2018;global-urban&#x2019; link and how it may influence international law and international order.&#xA;Stepping out of the shadow of the stateProfessor Blank convincingly established that local authorities are stepping out of the shadow of the state and gaining a more autonomous subjectivity in increasingly decentralized international processes. Local governments are becoming bearers of international rights, duties, and powers as well as important objects of international and transnational regulation. Even more, localities are increasingly enforcing international norms and standards in their own capacity or through their global intercity networks.&#xA;He also pointed out that the rise of cities in international processes brings a set of new problems. Through the processes of &#x2018;glocal&#x2019; interaction, cities become more autonomous. However, cities then find themselves competing with other cities within a borderless global economy. A global economy that rewards profitability, privatization and deregulation but chastises local]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-are-human-rights-a-myth-or-a-lived-reality/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-are-human-rights-a-myth-or-a-lived-reality/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Netherlands Network of Human Rights Research (NNHRR), which connects Dutch human rights researchers and is coordinated by the Asser Institute, will host its annual research day (&#x2018;Toogdag&#x2019;) on 20 and 21 June at Maastricht University. The topic of the upcoming event and an accompanying call for papers is &quot;The (In) Effectiveness of Human Rights: Are Human Rights a Myth or a Lived Reality?&quot;&#xA;The adoption by the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 marked the beginning of the modern system of protection of human rights at the international level. Since that date, much has been said about the effectiveness or, rather, the ineffectiveness of human rights. This perceived ineffectiveness relates not only to institutional challenges at the international level but also to national implementation mechanisms and processes.&#xA;The 2019 Toogdag of the NNHRR seeks to explore, from an interdisciplinary perspective, whether human rights are a myth or a lived reality. The conference is structured around three sub-themes: i) The effectiveness of international law: institutions and processes; ii) The effectiveness of human rights monitoring and implementation at the domestic level; and iii) Human rights at the individual level: individual experiences and key actors.&#xA;Call for papersThe organisers are looking for papers that fall clearly within the following themes: The effectiveness of international law: institutions and processes;&#xA;The effectiveness of human rights monitoring and implementation at the domestic level;&#xA;Human rights at the individual level: individual experiences and key actors. The deadline for submitting papers is 15 March 2019. More informationYou can find more information on the programme, the call for papers and registration on the NNHRR Toogdag event page.&#xA;The Netherlands Network of Human Rights Research associates human rights researchers in the Netherlands and aims to connect human rights research and practice. Member institutions of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-the-shamima-begum-case-revoking-citizenship-is-ineffective-and-counterproductive/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-the-shamima-begum-case-revoking-citizenship-is-ineffective-and-counterproductive/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The decision to revoke Shamima Begum&#x2019;s UK citizenship is not only ineffective, but it also creates a number of legal and diplomatic problems, according to Asser Institute counter-terrorism experts Drs Christophe Paulussen and Rumyana Grozdanova. Instead, the UK should accept responsibility and rely on its regular criminal justice system. Estimated reading time: 8 minutes&#xA;Earlier this week, the UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid has revoked the nationality of Shamima Begum, a nineteen-year-old girl who fled to Syria in February 2015 to join ISIS with two school friends, Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase. The UK Home Secretary stated that &#x2018;those who joined Islamic State in Syria to fight or raise families in the so-called caliphate&#x2019; had &#x2018;turned their back on the UK&#x2019;, and that he was &#x2018;resolute&#x2019; to do anything in his power to prevent their return. Begum, who just gave birth to a son, is pleading for the UK government to take her back.&#xA;Like the UK and The Netherlands, many other Western countries are increasingly revoking citizenships of their nationals as a means to manage the potential risks linked to the return of former ISIS fighters and their family members. The case of Shamima Begum has amplified the attention on this counter-terrorism/counter-extremism measure, together with a crumbling ISIS&#x2019;s caliphate and a US President who insists that the EU has to &#x2018;take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial&#x2019;.&#xA;Active repatriation?Donald Trump&#x2019;s demand is unlikely to find wide support within the EU. According to the German government, German citizens who have fought with ISIS have a &#x2018;fundamental right&#x2019; to return to Germany, even though the government would prefer to assess returning foreign (terrorist) fighters on an individual basis. The French government took a tough stance by stating that the &#x2018;enemies of the nation&#x2019; should remain in Syria or Iraq, but the country now considers its options case by case. In the UK, many officials believe that]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-3rd-annual-international-sports-law-conference-of-the-international-sports-law/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-3rd-annual-international-sports-law-conference-of-the-international-sports-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Editors of the International Sports Law Journal (ISLJ) invite you to submit abstracts for the third ISLJ Annual Conference on International Sports Law, which will take place on 24 and 25 October 2019 at the Asser Institute in The Hague. The ISLJ, published by Springer and Asser Press, is the leading academic publication in the field of international sports law. The conference is a unique occasion to discuss the main legal issues affecting international sports with renowned academic experts and practitioners. We are delighted to announce the following confirmed keynote speakers for our next ISLJ Annual Conference: Beckie Scott&#xA0;(Chair of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Athlete Committee, Olympic Champion, former member of the WADA Executive Committee and the International Olympic Committee&#xA0;(IOC)),&#xA;Ulrich Haas&#xA0;(Professor of Law at Univerzit&#xE4;t Z&#xFC;rich, CAS arbitrator), and&#xA;Kimberly Morris&#xA0;(Head of FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) Integrity and Compliance). We welcome abstracts from academics and practitioners on any question related to international sports law. We also welcome panel proposals (including a minimum of three presenters) on a specific issue. For this year&#x2019;s edition, we specifically invite submissions on the following themes: The role of athletes in the governance of international sports&#xA;The evolution of sports arbitration, including the Court of Arbitration for Sport&#xA;The role and functioning of the FIFA transfer system, including the FIFA TMS&#xA;The intersection between criminal law and international sports (in particular issues of corruption, match-fixing, human trafficking, tax evasion)&#xA;Hooliganism&#xA;Protection of minor athletes&#xA;Civil and criminal liability relating to injuries in sports To submit your paper, please send your abstract of 300 words and CV no later than&#xA0;1 May&#xA0;2019&#xA0;to Dr&#xA0;Antoine Duval at a.duval@asser.nl. Selected speakers will be informed by 15 May.&#xA;The selected participants will be expected to submit a draft paper by 1 September]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/cities-and-international-law-in-the-urban-age/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/cities-and-international-law-in-the-urban-age/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 14 &amp;amp; 15 March the Asser Institute will host an international conference on the internationalisation of cities: Cities and international law in the Urban Age. The conference is part of Asser&#x2019;s research project on global cities and international law, &#x2018;The Global City: The Role of Law, Then and Now&#x2019;.&#xA;We live in an age in which urbanisation, globalisation and decentralisation are reshaping our local, national and international communities, and the way we govern them. Global governance mechanisms and international legal norms affect cities, and in turn, cities have become relevant actors in international law and global governance. Sustainable Development Goal 11 &#x2013; the pledge to &#x2018;make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable&#x2019; &#x2013; is a case in point. This Sustainable Development Goal on cities testifies to both the globalisation of urban governance and the urbanisation of global governance.&#xA;United Cities and Local Governments, the largest intercity organisation, for example, plays an important role in sustainable development processes led by the United Nations. And C40, another prominent intercity organisation, is a vocal promotor of global climate change policies. In addition to being active in the international arena, these intercity organisations are, in cooperation with international institutions, localising international norms and thus developing novel - &#x2018;glocal&#x2019; - governance mechanisms.&#xA;About the conferenceThe Cities and international law in the Urban Age conference hosted by the Asser Institute will bring together a very diverse group of internationally renowned researchers working on the changing relationship between cities, international law and governance. The authors will bring a variety of perspectives (historical, theoretical, constitutional, and regional among others) and come from different academic fields (such as climate change, health, security, sports, migration and human rights) and disciplines (international law,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-press-chagos-islands-case-before-the-international-court-of-justice/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-press-chagos-islands-case-before-the-international-court-of-justice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Monday the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague delivered an advisory opinion on the legal battle between Britain and its former colony Mauritius over the fate of the Chagos Islands archipelago. Asser expert&#xA0;Dimitri van den Meerssche was interviewed by the French News agency AFP on the case.&#xA;Monday&#x27;s ruling could help resolve a decades-long dispute over Britain&#x27;s eviction of the Chagos islanders to make way for a military base on Diego Garcia, the biggest island of the archipelago. Britain has overseen the islands since 1814 and in 1965 detached the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, a British colony that became independent three years later. Britain went on to lease Diego Garcia to the United States in 1966, paving the way for construction of an air base that required the forced removal of around 1,500 people.&#xA;Right to self-determinationMauritius has said it was unfairly pressured to cede control of the islands during the negotiations, and had agreed only to their temporary use for military purposes. Mauritius petitioned the United Nations for an International Court of Justice opinion on the legality of Britain&#x2019;s possession of Chagos. &quot;The opinion by the ICJ [...] might bring an authoritative closure to the legal dispute involved in what is essential a long-lasting political conflict,&quot; Van den Meerssche told AFP, arguing that &quot;this would give tremendous weight to the claims by Mauritius to grant it sovereignty over the islands and safeguard the return of the Chagossians.&quot; He added that the ICJ&#x27;s opinion &quot;is pivotal [...] in the context of remaining legal questions of the scope and the right to self-determination.&quot;&#xA;Read more?Click here to read more on the topic.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/cross-borders-with-the-asser-institute-movies-that-matter-festival-2019/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/cross-borders-with-the-asser-institute-movies-that-matter-festival-2019/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In the films that are part of the Camera Justitia programme at the Movies that Matter Festival 2019, it becomes clear that law is instrumental in the making or breaking of borders. Borders demarcate separation; between states, between guilt and innocence, between the powerful and the powerless, between us and them. But when people start contesting the borders, they can become fuzzy or porous. In eight films and over 20 Q&amp;amp;As and debates with filmmakers, lawyers and other experts, we discuss these border cases that evolve around international law and the fight for justice in The Hague from 20-30 March 2019.&#xA;The Asser Institute and the Movies that Matter festival are both firmly rooted in The Hague, city of Peace and Justice. Both organisations believe in the power of making connections, of reaching beyond one&#x2019;s own circle, and of meeting others. At the festival, we aim to create a space where filmmakers can meet lawyers, where politicians can meet artists, where activists can meet academics, and where students can meet judges &#x2014; unexpected encounters that can help us gain new insights and mutual understanding.&#xA;As supporter of the Camera Justitia programme, the Asser Institute invites you to cross our disciplinary borders, and to join us for the festival. The Movies that Matter Festival annually presents a nine-day programme of around 70 films and documentaries about human rights and social justice, and serves as a platform for debate and discussion. Particularly, we encourage you to sign up for our 2-day Workshop on Film and International Law&#xA0;and the annual Camera Justitia Masterclass.&#xA;Workshop Film and International LawWhat do we see when we watch documentary film on law and justice? How is justice, how is law portrayed on screen? How do editing, narrative, and music affect how we feel and think about the law? This workshop uniquely combines lectures in critical theoretical analysis of documentary film with a visit to one of Europe&#x2019;s largest film festivals. The]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-advanced-summer-programme-on-terrorism-counter-terrorism-and-the-rule-of-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-advanced-summer-programme-on-terrorism-counter-terrorism-and-the-rule-of-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Join us this August for our 9th international Advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of law. This well-established interactive course brings together experts, academics and policy makers from around the world working in the field of counter-terrorism. This year&#x2019;s edition will take place from&#xA0;26 &#x2013; 30 August at the Asser Institute in The Hague. Terrorism events such as 9/11 (US), 7/7 (UK), 13/11 (Paris) and others have triggered an increase in the security-related laws in a number of states across the world. These legislative provisions are aimed to address perceived &#x2018;gaps&#x2019; in existing domestic legislation and security strategies, and to bolster states&#x2019; ability to respond to acts of terrorism.&#xA;Proportional and legitimate? In trying to pre-empt terrorism related activities as early as feasible, states have developed a range of new or updated administrative and criminal law measures. They have further introduced curbs on financial and other support and limitations on the scope of the right to freedom speech. But are these legislative measures proportional and legitimate? That is the focus of our upcoming advanced summer programme on terrorism, counter-terrorism and the rule of Law.&#xA;The programme, co-organised by the Asser Institute and the&#xA0;International Centre for Counter-Terrorism &#x2013; The Hague&#xA0;(ICCT), offers an in-depth look at the challenges that come with adopting and implementing counter-terrorism measures while ensuring respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. During an intensive week, experts from within academia and practice explore international and domestic legal aspects of counter-terrorism.&#xA;This&#xA0;year&#x2019;s programme&#xA0;covered a wide range of topics such as the (lack of a) definition of terrorism in international law, legal limits to military responses to terrorism, criminal justice responses to terrorism, the crime-terror nexus, evidentiary issues (including evidence collection from a battlefield) and other]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/coming-up-book-launch-on-eu-anti-discrimination-law-the-world-s-most-advanced-anti-discrimination/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <description><![CDATA[The European Union is one of the most advanced anti-discrimination law systems in the world, but as it exists today, it is only nineteen years old. A new book, EU Anti-Discrimination Law Beyond Gender, is the first to examine the state of EU anti-discrimination law as it has grown over the last two decades. The book, co-edited by Asser Institute Senior Researcher Dr Uladzislau Belavusau and Prof. Kristin Henrard of Erasmus University Rotterdam, will be launched at the Asser Institute on 21 February.&#xA;EU law protects people from discrimination based on six grounds - gender, race and ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, and disability. These laws enable people with disabilities to enter the workforce and prevent people from being fired because of their sexuality. When national court systems have refused to punish discrimination, the EU&#x2019;s Court of Justice has enabled citizens to take their countries to the EU Court of Justice to uphold their right to equal treatment.&#xA;A system in developmentAs progressive as it is, the system as it exists today is still young. Before 1997, EU law only protected its citizens from discrimination based on gender. The protected grounds of race and ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, and disability were mentioned in 1997 in the EU&#x2019;s Treaty of Amsterdam, but until 2000, people in Europe had only minimal protection from discrimination based on these five new grounds. In 2000, just nineteen years ago, the European Parliament passed its first comprehensive laws, comprehensively banning discrimination on these other five characteristics (its &#x2018;Equality Directives&#x2019;).&#xA;Since then, a lot has changed. Beside gender, five new characteristics (gender, race and ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, and disability) have solidified as protected grounds. The concept of &#x2018;discrimination&#x2019; in EU law has widened significantly to include more intangible forms, such as indirect discrimination and workplace harassment. The European Union]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-academic-director-becomes-a-gender-champion/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-academic-director-becomes-a-gender-champion/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser&#x2019;s academic director and&#xA0;professor of History and Theory of International Law at the University of Amsterdam&#xA0;Janne E. Nijman has joined the brand new Hague International Gender Champions Hub, which is launched today at the&#xA0;International Criminal Court&#xA0;in The Hague. The IGC is a leadership network that brings together female and male decision-makers to break down gender barriers. &#x201C;Gender inequality and sex discrimination profoundly impact lives across the globe. International (human rights) law can play a role in promoting and protecting gender equality in professional environments and beyond. It is important to bring a gender perspective in the conversation on international (human rights) law, as a way of advancing social justice and equality for all,&#x201D; says Nijman.&#xA;Becoming a member of the IGC Nijman made a pledge that calls for equal gender representation in academic panels. She has pledged to track and report on the gender composition of panels hosted at the Asser Institute, and to work towards a gender-balanced representation in both staff and panel composition.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/panel-discussion-human-control-over-autonomous-military-technologies/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/panel-discussion-human-control-over-autonomous-military-technologies/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Wednesday 13 February, the Asser Institute will be hosting a panel discussion on the topic of &#x2018;Human Control over Autonomous Military Technologies&#x2019;&#xA0;from 14:30 to 17:00. The event is organised in the context of the new Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law, taking place from 11&#x2013;15 February 2019 and is open upon invitation.&#xA;The purpose of the panel discussion is to bring together experts in the field of artificial intelligence, political science, computer science, strategic affairs, philosophy and ethics, as well as industry professionals and researchers in order to facilitate discussion on autonomous military technologies. The event will be followed by a networking reception at the Asser Institute (17:00&#x2013;18:30).&#xA;Military innovations, from the invention of gunpowder to the advent of nuclear weapons, have been transforming the way wars are waged for centuries, and autonomous weapons have been termed &#x2018;the third revolution in warfare&#x2019;. The prospect of military technologies which can function in the absence of meaningful human control, while still in the developmental stage, raises a host of ethical and legal questions which will be discussed during the panel.&#xA;The panel will be composed of the following speakers: Lt Col Bart van den Bosch (Netherlands Defence Academy, University of Amsterdam)&#xA;Professor Mary Ellen O&#x2019;Connell (University of Notre Dame)&#xA;Dr Ozlem Ulgen (Birmingham City University)&#xA;Major Ilse Verdiesen (TU Delft, Royal Netherlands Army)&#xA;Moderated by: Dr Sofia Stolk (Asser Institute, VU Amsterdam) Participation upon InvitationThis panel discussion will be open to participants external to the Winter Academy upon invitation only. While registration for the panel event is not possible, interested individuals who feel they have sufficient expertise on this topic and will benefit from attendance are encouraged to send an email to Ms Kike Ajibade (K.Ajibade@asser.nl) by 7 February 2019, with &#x2018;Invitation Panel Discussion Winter Academy&#x2019; in]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/academic-director-and-member-of-the-board-janne-nijman-joins-the-pax-supervisory-board/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/academic-director-and-member-of-the-board-janne-nijman-joins-the-pax-supervisory-board/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Academic director and board member Prof. Dr Janne E. Nijman of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Prof. Dr Tom Groot, Professor of Management Accounting at the VU, have been appointed to the Supervisory Board of PAX.&#xA;PAX, which means peace, works with partners and concerned citizens worldwide to protect civilians from war violence, to end armed conflict and to build just and peaceful societies across the globe. PAX aims to achieve this as one organisation with one Supervisory Board and one management. The organisation stems from the peace movements Pax Christi and the Stichting Interkerkelijke Vredesberaad (IKV). Groot has been appointed by the council of Pax Christi, Nijman by the board of the IKV.&#xA;Janne Nijman: &#x201C;I am delighted to be able to contribute to the important peace work of PAX from the Supervisory Board. As a lawyer and academic director of the Asser Institute - the research institute for European and International Law in The Hague - I see every day the importance of (international) law and human rights in the pursuit of peace and security, global and local. With my appointment at PAX, I would like to use my experience and legal knowledge&#xA0;on crucial themes such as peace and security, the protection of refugees and civilians in war situations, disarmament, killer robots and the fight against sexual violence.&#x201D;&#xA;Tom Groot: &#x201C;I am very motivated to dedicate myself to PAX&#x2019;s peace work. Because of my background as professor of Management Accounting, my contribution will mainly lie in the area of the financial policy and management of the organisation. However, my motivation reaches deeper: in an earlier position as a bilateral expert for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I worked in El Salvador during a period when this country was plagued by civil war. I have experienced up close how a war tears people, families and communities apart and how difficult it is to achieve a peaceful society that is sustainable. Communities that are facing this challenge will benefit]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/two-souls-in-one-breast-the-international-institutional-lawyer-as-scholar-and-as-practitioner/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/two-souls-in-one-breast-the-international-institutional-lawyer-as-scholar-and-as-practitioner/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute is pleased to host an&#xA0;OXIO Talk&#xA0;on the experiences and challenges of being an international institutional lawyer&#xA0;&#x2013; both as academic and as practitioner. The event&#xA0;features an informal conversation between Gabrielle Marceau and Niels Blokker, with Catherine Br&#xF6;lmann moderating.&#xA;International institutional law builds on a wide variety of legal sources and different forms of legal labour. It constitutes a domain of international law, which is deeply embedded in the law of treaties, the doctrine of sources and the doctrinal schemes that structure international legal thought. Yet, at the same time, international institutional law also manifests itself as a technical, splintered and pragmatic practice, fine-tuned to the managerial exigencies of international bureaucratic life. In this context, it is not surprising to find many scholars-practitioners who give life and meaning to this binary character of international institutional law. If, indeed, as Martti Koskenniemi phrased it, international law is what international lawyers do and how they think, it seems relevant to reflect on the particularities of this professional identity &#x2013; the challenges it entails, the different audiences it addresses and the sensibilities it fosters. Multiple dualities and dilemmas seem to be involved in this role: law vs. administration, scholarship vs. practice, international lawyering vs. international civil service. How does one move between the esprit de corps of international law and a managerial, outcome-oriented practice in international organisations? How has the authority, fate, and outlook of international law(yers) evolved in these organisations, where, as one scholar-practitioner observed, one sometimes &#x2018;has to avoid talking, acting and even thinking like a lawyer&#x2019;. And what does this tell us about the nature of international institutional law: can we distill a conceptual or normative unity from the deformalised and fragmented practices that constitute this]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-press-on-international-criminal-court-s-gbagbo-decision/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-press-on-international-criminal-court-s-gbagbo-decision/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Dr Marta Bo is quoted by news agency Agence France-Presse on the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to acquit former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo. While the prosecution failed to convince the Court that Gbagbo was responsible for the deaths of 3,000 people after losing an election, &#x201C;one should refrain from basing an opinion about the Court based only on this one decision&#x201D;, says Bo.&#xA;The ICC is tasked with holding accountable those individuals responsible for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression. The failure to prosecute Gbabgo is seen by some as an indication that the court is not fulfilling its mandate. Bo, however, stresses that &#x201C;It is wrong to assess the success of a criminal court on the basis of its conviction rate. As in any other criminal court, the accused before the ICC benefit from the presumption of innocence&#x201D;.&#xA;Cardinal principleAccording to the Asser expert, &#x201C;today&#x2019;s decision and the previous acquittals of Bemba and Kenyatta should reassure the international community that the ICC acts as an independent court of law and that is willing to rigorously apply the cardinal principle of presumption of innocence&#x201D;. However, Dr Bo believes the Court is not completely free from blame. Bo: &#x201C;Some criticism could be levelled against the Office of the Prosecutor for its failure to present sufficient evidence to sustain its case. However, the Trial Chamber has not issued yet the reasons for its decision, making it therefore difficult to meaningfully discuss the potential failures in the prosecutorial strategy.&#x201D;&#xA;Further readingRead the full story in The Independent, Yahoo News, and the Daily Mail&#xA;Dr Bo has published on the ICC&#xA0;and&#xA0;is part of the Asser research strand Human Dignity and Human Security in International and European Law. This research strand adopts a human rights approach to global challenges in the field of counter-terrorism, international criminal law,]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/bringing-critical-thinking-to-power-new-years-message-from-assers-academic-director/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/bringing-critical-thinking-to-power-new-years-message-from-assers-academic-director/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From the Asser Institute we wish you a peaceful and inspiring 2019 &#x2013; a year in which our world will have to find ways to address urgent global challenges justly and effectively.&#xA;A year in which we, as Europeans, will probably have to deal with Brexit, whilst keeping focus on reconciling the EU with its citizens through democracy and the Rule of Law. A year in which we need to rethink how we can advance from being a &#x2018;community of law&#x2019; - designed for market purposes - to an EU that does justice, in order to reconnect with often-distrustful citizens. This will be a challenge, as the EU will also have to secure its place in a world order largely defined by China and the US. The Asser Institute is dedicated to contribute to addressing these and other urgent challenges, through timely and relevant independent research published in international journals and blogs, in national and international newspapers, on our social media and at SSRN.&#xA;2019 will also be an important year for our planet, as climate change is increasingly disrupting people&#x2019;s lives. Today, we see the consequences of 1&#xB0;Celsius of global warming. Last December&#x2019;s IPCC&#x2019;s special report &#x2018;Global Warming of 1.5&#xB0;C&#x2019; leaves us no choice but to accelerate our actions, as we have only twelve years left to keep temperatures to a maximum of 1.5&#xB0;Celsius global warming, beyond which extreme weather, rising sea levels, diminishing Arctic sea ice, and loss of species and ecosystems will worsen dramatically. An effective implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement alone will not prevent our planet from warming more than 3&#xB0;Celsius above pre-industrial levels during this century, according to the United Nations. States, cities, civil society, and yes, corporations too, will have to step up their commitments at the September 2019 Climate Summit, as the crucial transformation that has to keep us under 2&#xB0;Celsius of global warming needs to be strengthened. We all, as states, cities, businesses, institutes and private citizens need]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/counter-terrorism-expert-paulussen-in-nrc-it-is-an-illusion-to-think-that-citizenship-stripping/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/counter-terrorism-expert-paulussen-in-nrc-it-is-an-illusion-to-think-that-citizenship-stripping/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Deprivation of nationality as a counter-terrorism measure is ineffective, says Asser Institute researcher&#xA0;Dr Christophe Paulussen&#xA0;in NRC Next. The&#xA0;Dutch newspaper writes that despite compelling advice from anti-terrorism advisors not to deprive jihadists from their Dutch nationality, successive ministers of the Dutch Justice and Security department have done so. According to NRC, this increasingly leads to tensions between the ministry and organisations in charge of counter-terrorism.&#xA;NRC asks: So why does the Ministry continue to use citizenship stripping as a counter-terrorism measure? &quot;For the stage&quot;, says Paulussen, who investigates anti-terrorism measures, including citizenship stripping, for the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism in The Hague. Paulussen: &quot;The minister mainly does this to show that such behaviour is not tolerated. But citizenship stripping has little to do with effectiveness or problem solving.&#x201D; According to Paulussen, it is an illusion that a jihadist no longer poses a threat once he no longer has Dutch nationality. &quot;Current transnational terrorism does not detract from national borders.&quot; It is easy for Syrian people to cross the European border, either via smuggling routes or with fictitious passports.&#xA;Different treatment The stripping of citizenship measure is not only ineffective, says Paulussen, but it can also increase problems. The measure, for example only applies to people with dual nationality as the cabinet does not want to make people stateless. This thus creates a different treatment for population groups: while Moroccan or Turkish Dutch citizens can be deprived of Dutch citizenship, Dutch nationals without dual nationality do not face the same fate. This can lead to feelings of discrimination among minority groups, says Paulussen. &quot;And research shows that this is one of the factors that can play a role in radicalisation.&quot;&#xA;Further reading Countering terrorism through the stripping of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/lecture-by-dr-kenneth-payne-on-artificial-intelligence-in-strategic-affairs/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2019 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/lecture-by-dr-kenneth-payne-on-artificial-intelligence-in-strategic-affairs/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The fast development and increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) has broad strategic implications for international affairs. AI has the potential to transform strategy and to dramatically affect the balance of power.&#xA;In a public lecture organised by the Asser Institute on Tuesday 22 January in The Hague, Dr Kenneth Payne (King&#x27;s College London) will present his research&#xA0;on&#xA0;&#x2018;Artificial Intelligence: A Revolution in Strategic Affairs?&#x2019;.&#xA;In his research, Dr Payne explores how AI can affect the psychological essence of strategy. His book Strategy, Evolution, and War: From Apes to Artificial Intelligence (2018, Georgetown University Press) provides &#x201C;a cautionary preview of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will revolutionize strategy more than any development in the last three thousand years of military history.&#x201D;&#xA;This lecture is organised in connection with a Dutch Parliamentary Roundtable on Drones and Killer Robots, which takes place on 21 January at the Tweede Kamer, the House of Representatives of the Netherlands) where Dr Payne will be speaking on AI capabilities and strategic implications thereof.&#xA;For more information on the lecture and to register for this event, please click here.&#xA;BiographyDr Kenneth Payne is Senior Lecturer on technology and strategy at King&#x27;s College London at the Defence Studies Department. He conducts research on the role of human psychology in strategic affairs. In 2018, Dr Payne published Strategy, Evolution, and War: From Apes to Artificial Intelligence (Georgetown University Press).&#xA;A senior member of St Antony&#x2019;s College, Oxford, Dr Payne was earlier a research associate at that university&#x27;s Centre for International Studies, and before that, a visiting fellow at the Department of Politics and International Relations.&#xA;Technology and International LawThe topic of advanced technologies and international law is a key element of the&#xA0;Asser Institute&#x2019;s Strategic Research Agenda &#x2018;International and European Law as a Source of Trust in a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-fifa-and-human-rights-impacts-policies-responsibilities/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-fifa-and-human-rights-impacts-policies-responsibilities/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit paper abstracts for a conference on the F&#xE9;d&#xE9;ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and human rights. The conference, organised by the Asser Institute and the Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research (NNHRR), will take place at the Asser Institute in The Hague on 8 May 2019.&#xA;FIFA underwent an intense reform process in the past years, after a being in the spotlight for human rights violations and risks surrounding its activities, namely the working conditions and human rights situation of construction workers of the world cup 2022 to be hosted in Qatar.&#xA;FIFA being a global actor with big impact on players, fans, journalists, construction workers and citizens of World Cup host countries, adopted the following changes: Embracing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs);&#xA;Including human rights in its Statutes;&#xA;Embracing the UNGPs;&#xA;Adopting new bidding rules including human rights requirements;&#xA;And introducing a Human Rights Advisory Board. The Asser Institute&#x2019;s one-day conference aims to take a deeper look at FIFA&#x2019;s impact on human rights and critically investigate the measures it has adopted to deal with that impact. At the conference we will discuss the potential avenues available to hold FIFA (legally or otherwise) accountable for human rights violations. We invite researchers and academically-minded practitioners from various disciplines (law, political science, sociology, anthropology, and history) to submit abstracts for the conference. The abstracts should tackle one of the following questions:&#xA;- FIFA&#x2019;s human rights impacts on a variety of actors and places- FIFA&#x2019;s human rights commitments- FIFA&#x2019;s responsibilities for human rights violations that occur in the context of its activities- FIFA&#x2019;s constitutionalisation and its limits&#xA;How to submit your abstract?Send your abstract of no more than 300 words and your CV to A.Duval@asser.nl no later than 30 January]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/in-search-of-judicial-independence-op-ed-in-kathmandu-post-by-shelter-city-fellow/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/in-search-of-judicial-independence-op-ed-in-kathmandu-post-by-shelter-city-fellow/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Human rights defender Mohan Kumar Karna, who was Shelter City Fellow with the T.M.C. Asser Instituut earlier this year, published an op-ed in the Kathmandu Post, calling for reform of the Nepalese judicial council.&#xA;After the introduction of the 2015 Constitution, Nepal emerged as a federal country, after having been a monarchy for 240 years. The Shah rulers had been practicing a centralised (also called: &#x2018;unitary&#x2019;) form of government, which was considered an &#x2018;exclusive&#x2019; form of rule. The monarchy was formally abolished in the 5th amendment of the Interim Constitution of Nepal. It envisioned federalism as a prominent feature for a new Nepal.&#xA;While power at the executive and legislative level was transferred to the local, provincial and federal tiers, writes Karna in his op-ed, &#x2018;one significant arm of the government continues to remain non- federalised in federal Nepal: the judiciary.&#x2019; He believes the judiciary in Nepal is still centralised, &#x2018;as provincial governments have little say in fundamental judicial processes including the appointment of judges, reviewing disciplinary action and legislative coordination.&#x2019;&#xA;Public debateIn his op-ed Karna calls for a wider public debate on the future structure of the Nepalese judicial council, and the process by which it appoints judges. &#x2018;It is essential to ensure that the transparency, accountability, competence, independence and fairness of the judges and the judiciary is maintained. Having (hopefully) learned from previous mistakes, the actors leading these discussions should ensure that no doors are closed; the public deserves to be a part of the discussion and should not be overlooked in the name of bureaucratic necessity.&#x2019; Karna calls for a more inclusive judicial council, one that contains members representing the provinces, as well as all genders and ethnicities.&#xA;Shelter City Fellowship ProgrammeShelter City Fellowship Programme is a project initiated by Justice and Peace Netherlands that provides temporary relocation]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/exclusive-interview-with-martti-koskenniemi-on-international-law-and-the-rise-of-the-far-right/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/exclusive-interview-with-martti-koskenniemi-on-international-law-and-the-rise-of-the-far-right/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an exclusive interview in Opinio Juris by Asser researcher Dimitri van den Meerssche, Prof. Martti Koskenniemi critically reflects on the general state of international law, as well as its role in the rise of the far right.&#xA;Prof. Koskenniemi describes how international law changed in the 20th century from &#x201C;the mindset of formalism to a managerial mindset&#x201D;. This culminated in the 1990s, when international law transformed into an expert discipline, &#x201C;pushing a number of global agendas&#x201D;, says Prof. Koskenniemi, who believes the rise of the anti-globalist far right is linked to that development.&#xA;While Prof. Koskenniemi agrees that there is a &#x201C;backlash&#x201D; against globalisation, he disagrees with the liberal mainstream interpretation that views it as originating from those &#x201C;left behind&#x201D;. In the interview, he also addresses how fake expertise has contributed to a sense of crisis in international law, and discusses his current historical work.&#xA;Keynote speaker&#x201C;International Law and the Far Right: Reflections on Law and Cynicism&#x201D; was also the title of Prof. Koskenniemi&#x2019;s presentation at the Fourth Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture in the Peace Palace, where he was the keynote speaker. In his lecture, Prof. Koskenniemi provided an alternative interpretation for the &#x2018;backlash&#x2019;, tying it to cultural anxiety and the loss of white male privilege.&#xA;We created a short video about the event:&#xA;A full recording of the lecture is available here:&#xA;Click here for the interview in Opinio Juris. If you do not want to miss next year&#x27;s Annual Lecture, sign up for our newsletter.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/uk-and-australia-combatting-modern-slavery-in-the-supply-chain-of-businesses/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/uk-and-australia-combatting-modern-slavery-in-the-supply-chain-of-businesses/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[With global supply chains becoming more integrated, it is becoming harder for authorities to identify if companies used slaves or under-aged children as a part of the production process. In 2016 alone, at any given day, 40.3 million people were victims of modern slavery across 167 countries, according to the Global Slavery Index. To address this, the Government of Australia recently adopted the Modern Slavery Bill, which comes into effect on 1 January 2019. The bill is based on the United Kingdom&#x2019;s (UK) Modern Slavery Act 2015.&#xA;Ms Shamistha Selvaratnam, a speaker at the upcoming Doing Business Right Winter Academy on the UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs) on business and human rights, says that the UK and Australian Modern Slavery Acts are the first laws globally to combat modern slavery in the supply chains of businesses through corporate regulation and transparency.&#xA;Encouraging corporate respect for human rightsThe UNGPs are a guide on how reporting and compliance systems can be set up to encourage respect for human rights and address the violations. &#x201C;The UK and Australian Modern Slavery Acts are an example of the implementation of some of the principles contained in the UNGPs. They aim at encouraging corporate respect for human rights, and emphasise the importance of due diligence in identifying and addressing human rights risks&#x201D; says Ms Selvaratnam.&#xA;&#x201C;While both the UK and Australian Modern Slavery Acts are a historic step in increasing corporate regulation and transparency, both models have weaknesses&#x201D;, says Ms Selvaratnam, who thinks that there still is much work to be done to ensure that both Acts operate effectively in preventing and addressing modern slavery in supply chains.&#xA;Ms. Selvaratnam&#x2019;s presentation at the upcoming Asser Winter Academy addresses the similarities and differences of both British and Australian models; their effectiveness, and how they fit within the broader business and human rights framework. The presentation will be part of the Winter]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/five-student-scholarships-available-for-the-doing-business-right-winter-academy/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/five-student-scholarships-available-for-the-doing-business-right-winter-academy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser institute is offering five students or PhD candidates a partial scholarship to attend our upcoming&#xA0;Doing Business Right Winter Academy&#xA0;from 28 January to 1 February 2019.&#xA;As the field of business and human rights grows, more and more dialogue, debate, and teaching is needed to improve the quality of doing business. The Winter Academy offers the&#xA0;opportunity&#xA0;to learn and grow in this field by investigating the many ways in which business can thrive while protecting the environment and respecting human rights. It&#xA0;equips a new generation of professionals with the necessary theoretical and practical skills to do business right. The one-week academy will feature high level academic lecturers who are currently shaping the scholarly debates on business and human rights and practitioners with a hands-on experience in the field. It is suitable for lawyers, NGO activists, corporate advisers, government officials and researchers.&#xA;Why is it important? After the adoption of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in 2011, new national laws are being adopted, new corporate codes are being drafted, and a new international treaty is being negotiated to define and regulate the responsibilities of businesses for human rights. The Academy will help participants develop an understanding of soft and hard, legal and non-legal accountability mechanisms through numerous interactive sessions that provide the opportunity to apply theoretical insights to various concrete case studies.&#xA;What are the key issues? What are the roots of the UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs)?&#xA;How are the UNGPs being implemented in practice?&#xA;The responsibility and practice of corporations to conduct human rights due diligence.&#xA;What are the effects of the UNGPs on having access to remedies in business and human rights cases?&#xA;The need for a binding treaty on business and human rights to complement the UN Guiding Principles. Interested? For more&#xA0;information&#xA0;on scholarship conditions and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/ernst-hirsch-ballin-spoke-on-the-freedom-of-speech/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/ernst-hirsch-ballin-spoke-on-the-freedom-of-speech/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Monday, December 10, Prof. Dr Ernst Hirsch Ballin, president of T.M.C. Asser Instituut,&#xA0;delivered a speech&#xA0;to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). He spoke in the Domkerk in Utrecht, on invitation of Amnesty International, the Dutch Unesco Committee, the Dutch Humanist Association, Free Press Unlimited and the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights.&#xA;In 1941, the American president Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed his famous Four Freedoms speech, in which he proposed four fundamental freedoms that people &quot;everywhere in the world&quot; ought to enjoy. The freedoms were: the Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want and the Freedom from Fear.&#xA;Milestone documentWith input from many sides, this eventually led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document, which underpins all international human rights law and inspires many people worldwide to continue working on ensuring all people can gain freedom, equality, and dignity.&#xA;In his speech, Prof. Dr Ernst Hirsch Ballin will focus on the Freedom of Speech, as this freedom has helped people in many countries to realise other liberties. It also helped people to be themselves in their most precious beliefs and it helped to fight exploitation. Indispensable is the defence against the agitation of fear, which makes a free society impossible. Now that authoritarian rulers try to silence people in many continents, Prof. Dr Hirsch Ballin stressed how important it is to consider how strongly interconnected our rights and freedoms are in the reality of living together.&#xA;Click here for more information (in Dutch only).]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/preliminary-programme-out-now-artificial-intelligence-international-law-winter-academy/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/preliminary-programme-out-now-artificial-intelligence-international-law-winter-academy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The preliminary programme for our Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law is out. This interactive training from 11-15 February 2019 features over twenty sessions by high-level speakers and includes panels, workshops, and a mini-hackathon.&#xA;Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence &amp;amp; International Law The Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence &amp;amp; International Law will offer foundational knowledge on key issues at the interface of international law and artificial intelligence. It provides a platform for critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. It includes modules addressing both technical and legal aspects, and will alternate theoretical and more practical perspectives.&#xA;The Winter Academy is structured along themes. Day one focuses on &#x2018;Understanding AI&#x2019; through its definition and development. The ethics of AI and its relation to human rights are addressed on day two in &#x2018;AI for good&#x2019;. Day three revolves around &#x2018;AI and armed conflict&#x2019;, by discussing its&#xA0;implications for international humanitarian law. &#x2018;AI and responsibility&#x2019; on day four tackles questions of individual and state responsibility towards AI. The programme ends on day five with topics of &#x2018;AI governance&#x2019;.&#xA;For more information and registration click&#xA0;here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-why-eu-member-states-should-not-hesitate-to-vote-for-the-global-compact-for-migration/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-why-eu-member-states-should-not-hesitate-to-vote-for-the-global-compact-for-migration/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In this blog, Asser researcher Dr Narin Idriz explains the Global Compact for Migration, sometimes wrongly called the Marrakech Treaty 2018. The compact is a non-binding UN agreement on a common approach to international migration to be adopted on 10-11 December 2018 and has attracted a lot of debate.&#xA;In the last few weeks, one after another EU member state raised concerns about the possible future implications of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The compact is expected to be adopted on 10-11 December in Marrakech under the auspices of the UN General Assembly. The Netherlands joined the caravan of hesitant states last week when its Parliament (Tweede Kamer) decided to hold a debate on the compact in the week preceding its adoption. Partially responsible for this scepticism is the inability of the government and its minister for migration to come up with the technical report that should provide clarification on the legal nature and possible future implications of the compact.&#xA;What is a compact and what does the GCM contain?A compact is a legally non-binding agreement between states. Other language versions of the document use the word &quot;pact&#x27;&#x27; such as &#x27;&#x27;migratiepact&#x27;&#x27; in Dutch, &#x27;&#x27;pacte mondial&#x27;&#x27; in French, and &#x27;&#x27;globaler pakt&#x27;&#x27; in German.&#xA;The GCM is a framework for cooperation for states to manage migration. It contains 23 objectives to achieve, a part on implementation, as well as one on follow-up and review. The gist of the document is contained under the title &#x27;&#x27;Objectives and commitments&#x27;&#x27;, which lists the specific objectives to be achieved. Under each of the objectives, there is statement of commitment which is followed by a set of specific actions that states might need to (choose to) take in order to achieve that objective. For instance Objective 3 reads as follows: &#x27;&#x27;Provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration&#x27;&#x27;. One of the specific actions mentioned to achieve that objective would be to launch a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-policy-brief-counter-terrorism-measures-need-to-be-evaluated/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-policy-brief-counter-terrorism-measures-need-to-be-evaluated/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Counter-terrorism laws and policies need to be much better motivated and justified through assessments, evaluations and reviews, according to a new policy brief by Asser Institute researcher Dr Berenice Boutin. Governments around the world are increasingly introducing new counter-terrorism policies to provide for security in times of terrorist attacks and foreign fighters. In a new policy brief &#x2018;Do Counter-Terrorism Measures Work? Appraising the Long-Term and Global Effectiveness of Security Policies&#x2019; Dr Boutin describes security measures ranging from repressive tactics such as criminalising suspect activities, to preventative measures such as putting suspects under administrative controls. But &#x201C;in order to justify these security measures - both as a matter of policy and in terms of their impact on human rights - governments should evaluate the effectiveness of their counter-terrorism policies&#x201D;, writes Dr Boutin.&#xA;&#x2018;Untested assumptions&#x2019;A recent report by RAND Europe finds that counter-terrorism policies &#x201C;are rarely evaluated and are often designed on the basis of untested assumptions&#x201D;. This lack of evidence directly impacts their effectiveness, writes Dr Boutin, who believes that policy-makers need to be clear on how legislative measures reach their intended objectives and foresee unintended consequences. Citizenship stripping, for instance, can lead to adverse effects, as alleged terrorists are simply shifted to another country.&#xA;According to Dr Boutin, the fact that there is little evidence proving the effectiveness of counter-terrorism policies calls their legitimacy into question. Counter-terrorism policies often restrict civil liberties and thus human rights. Governments often justify these measures by stating that they are necessary to keep society safe. While human rights law allows for such restrictions, Dr Boutin states that &#x201C;restrictions on human rights that are not necessary cannot be legally justified&#x201D;.&#xA;Further readingRead the full&#xA0;policy brief in which]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/pros-and-cons-of-eu-cooperation-on-migration/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/pros-and-cons-of-eu-cooperation-on-migration/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser expert Dr Narin Idriz&#xA0;gave a presentation on EU and third countries&#x2019; cooperation on migration at the Renforce conference at the University of Utrecht last week. She discussed the pros and cons of the EU&#x2019;s current strategies to manage migration flows, a top priority for the EU as the refugee &#x201C;crisis&#x201D; of 2015-16 brought the cooperation within the EU to a deadlock. Dr Idriz&#x2019; presentation focused on &#x2018;the building block of EU migration management&#x2019;, the so-called Readmission Agreements (RAs) with third countries. These agreements formalise standards and procedures on the return of irregular migrants to their countries of origin or transit. However, the EU has not been able to convince many third countries to conclude readmission agreements. The carrot of visa facilitation for short stays in return for signing RAs was not attractive enough beyond the candidate states for EU membership and EU&#x2019;s neighbours to the East.&#xA;New strategiesWhat makes these agreements unattractive for third countries is the fact that they impose an obligation to re-admit both their own nationals and people from other countries (&#x2018;third country nationals&#x2019;) who have crossed their territory on their way to the EU and reside there illegally. Dr Idriz: &#x201C;So, to persuade other states to engage in a dialogue on migration management and return, the EU had to come up with new strategies. Economic assistance and the creation of possible paths of legal migrations have been part of that strategy.&#x201D; When concluding formal RAs was not a possibility anymore, the EU and its members states have attempted to achieve the same result by using non-legally binding informal arrangements.&#xA;Informal arrangementsThese &#x2018;informal arrangements&#x2019; come in many different forms, such as joint communiqu&#xE9;s, Memoranda of Understandings, Joint Ways Forward, etc... Examples are arrangements with Mali, Afghanistan and the EU-Turkey deal of March 2016. According to the EU-Turkey deal, which came in the form of a statement and press]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/brexit-withdrawal-agreement-not-much-space-for-an-autonomous-uk-trade-policy/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/brexit-withdrawal-agreement-not-much-space-for-an-autonomous-uk-trade-policy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The draft withdrawal agreement for Brexit sets out how the United Kingdom can depart from the European Union in a smooth and orderly fashion. Dr Joris Larik, speaker at the upcoming CLEER conference on EU external relations and CLEER Advisory Board member, says the agreement contains important constraints for the UK, indicating a limited ability for the country to achieve an autonomous trade policy in the near future.&#xA;The 585-page withdrawal agreement between the EU and the UK outlines their relationship after Brexit until the end of the transition period. The negotiators on both sides agreed for this period to last until the end of 2020, extendable once. During this time, the UK will remain limited in its capacity to strike new trade agreements with countries outside the EU, while negotiations on its future relationship with the EU continue. According to Dr Larik, &#x201C;serious negotiations with external partners can only begin in earnest when it becomes clear what the future relationship between the EU and UK will look like. Should the Withdrawal Agreement serve as a model for the future relationship, we will not see much of an autonomous UK trade policy anytime soon. That&#x2019;s the price to be paid for privileged access to the EU&#x2019;s internal market.&#x201D;&#xA;Brexit beyond EuropeHow the UK and EU settle Brexit will have wide-ranging consequences beyond Europe, argues Dr Larik: &#x201C;We have to understand what partners from both the Global North and South want from the post-Brexit UK and EU,&#x201D; he says, &#x201C;as they, too, are likely to use this as an opportunity to &#x2018;take back control&#x2019; and redefine their relationships with Europe in a changing, increasingly multipolar world.&#x201D;&#xA;This also highlights the normative dimension of Brexit. Dr Larik says &#x201C;a fundamental question will be whether &#x2018;Global Britain&#x2019; will continue to buttress rules-based multilateralism and promote universal norms post-Brexit, and to strive for similar causes alongside the EU in the world.&#x201D;&#xA;Dr. Larik will discuss questions on]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/legislative-fever-is-not-a-long-term-solution-for-stopping-terrorism-incitement/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/legislative-fever-is-not-a-long-term-solution-for-stopping-terrorism-incitement/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Legislators and policy-makers should put more emphasis, expertise, and resources towards resolving the root causes of terrorism, rather than trying to curb the spread of extremism by feverishly expanding counter-terrorism legislation. That is the main conclusion of a new ICCT Perspective &#x2018;Incitement to Terrorism &#x2013; Treating the Symptoms or Addressing the Causal Malady?&#x2019; by Asser researcher and ICCT research fellow Dr Rumyana Grozdanova. The Netherlands, the UK, and Belgium have introduced a number of counter-terrorism policies restricting access to communication, association, and movement of those suspected of engaging in terrorism related activities including incitement and encouragement for terrorism. Such measures have included area bans, limitations on travel and severe bail or licence conditions. In aiming to swiftly address the perceived effectiveness of certain hate speakers, governments tend to be eager to pass such harsh legislative provisions as part of their on-going commitment to fight terrorism. According to Dr Grozdanova, however, these measure fail to tackle the underlying root causes behind the &#x2018;success&#x2019; of so-called extreme or radical hate speakers. &#x201C;Persistently proposing new offences when existing legislation provides for just about every descriptive action in relation to terrorism, should not be the automatic response&#x201D; states Dr Grozdanova, arguing that governments should instead focus on longer term solutions rather than just reactive measures.&#xA;Balancing fallacyWhen fighting terrorism, governments often engage in a balancing act between human rights and national security. &#x201C;This pursuit is based on the fallacy that such a &#x2018;right balance&#x2019; actually exists&#x201D; writes Dr Grozdanova. She warns that the subsequently adopted counter-terrorism measures should not be perceived as automatically effective; rather they need regular (re-)evaluation. Instead of seeking a &#x2018;right balance&#x2019;, states should engage in a more thorough examination of the root causes]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-impact-of-sensitive-intelligence-evidence-on-court-systems/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-impact-of-sensitive-intelligence-evidence-on-court-systems/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In an upcoming book chapter, Asser&#xA0;researcher&#xA0;Dr Rumyana Grozdanova examines the impact of the post 9/11 intelligence services &#x2018;information intoxication&#x2019; on court procedures within the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. As a response to terrorism events such as 9/11, states have persistently sought to adapt their counter-terrorism toolkits by expanding on existing and introducing new security mechanisms. What has, however, been a considerable departure from previous approaches is the extent of transnational state cooperation on matters of national security. In her book chapter, Dr. Grozdanova focuses on one particular component of this upsurge in transnational state cooperation, namely the exponential growth in intelligence gathering, processing, and information sharing.&#xA;Significant shift What can, by now, be described as entrenched &#x2018;information intoxication&#x2019; of security agencies, has not only resulted in operational changes within the intelligence community itself. It has also led to procedural shifts within national courts. In the United Kingdom, courts have been tasked with evaluating sensitive intelligence evidence to assess whether an individual should be subjected to a particular counter-terrorism measure and/or the impact of this measure on their individual human rights and dignity. Within the Dutch courts, sensitive evidence has been examined when deciding whether to impose a criminal conviction for engagement in terrorism related activities. As Dr. Grozdanova notes in her book chapter, this represents a significant shift from the past, as traditionally the judiciary has been quite reluctant to engage with such evidence. Right to fair trial The discussion in the upcoming book chapter proposes to engage in a critical reflection on whether &#x2013; and if yes, how &#x2013; the protection of individual rights within the United Kingdom and the Netherlands has changed since the introduction of closed intelligence evidence within court proceedings. Dr. Grozdanova specifically]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/monkey-code-wins-asser-institute-land-grabbing-challenge-at-the-hackathon-for-peace-justice-and/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 18 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/monkey-code-wins-asser-institute-land-grabbing-challenge-at-the-hackathon-for-peace-justice-and/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The team &#x201C;Monkey Code&#x201D; has won the first prize for the Asser Institute&#x2019;s land grabbing challenge at the &#x2018;Hackathon for Peace, Justice and Security&#x2019; last weekend in The Hague. The group developed an open source solution that combines satellite data with social media data in order to map out vulnerable areas for land grabbing.&#xA;During the &#x2018;Hackathon for Peace, Justice and Security&#x2019;, 27 teams comprised of over 125 participants competed for finding innovative data solutions for various challenges. The Asser Institute provided a challenge on land grabbing, in which participants were invited to build a tool that identifies patterns of past land grabs to mark areas that are vulnerable to future land grabs and provide them with a risk rating.&#xA0;Asser researchers and Oane Visser (Institute of Social Studies) coached the participating teams.&#xA;Bargaining powerLand grabbing denotes the acquisition of land by corporations or governments under conditions of uneven bargaining power and has become problematic as it can leave affected communities hungry, homeless and with very little recourse. The jury chose Monkey Code as the winner because they creatively used social media data as part of their tool. Monkey Code, which is affiliated with CGI Netherlands, won a cash prize of &#x20AC; 10,000.&#xA;The Hackathon is the first project of the Data Science Initiative, an initiative of tech entrepreneurs, universities, government and knowledge institutions in The Hague that are committed to peace, justice and security through big data and Artificial Intelligence. The Asser Institute is one of the co-organisers.&#xA;Law &amp;amp; TechnologyUnder its umbrella project Law &amp;amp; Technology, the Asser Institute promotes research on technology and international law. A new upcoming event is the Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-eu-anti-discrimination-law-beyond-gender/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-publication-eu-anti-discrimination-law-beyond-gender/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new book edited by Asser senior researcher Dr Uladzislau Belavusau and Prof. Kristin Henrard from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, has just been published in Oxford by Hart-Bloomsbury Publishing. Their volume &#x201C;EU Anti-Discrimination Law Beyond Gender&#x201D; evaluates the progress made in the field of European anti-discrimination law since 2000. In the book, the editors, in cooperation with fifteen leading scholars, assess the rise, successes, and pitfalls of EU anti-discrimination law since 2000. They cover issue areas of race and ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and age. In his Foreword to the volume, Prof. Koen Lenaerts, President of the Court of Justice of the EU, stresses that &#x201C;the book is a hugely valuable contribution to the existing literature on EU anti-discrimination law and an outstanding piece of scholarly work&#x201D;.&#xA;Before 2000, gender equality was the only protected ground of discrimination. In 2000, two EU Equality Directives added new grounds. The Race Equality Directive focuses on race and ethnic origin, while the Framework Equality Directive covers religion, sexual orientation, disabilities and age. Prof. Christa Tobler of Leiden and Basel Universities explains that, &#x201C;despite all its flaws, the EU offers one of the highest standards of protection in comparative anti-discrimination law&#x2026; understanding and navigating it is helped immensely by the kind of guide provided by this book.&#x201D;&#xA;The volume is available to order here.&#xA;Dr Belavusau is part of Asser&#x2019;s&#xA0;research strand Human Dignity and Human Security in International and European Law.&#xA0;This research strand adopts a human rights approach to global challenges in the field of counter-terrorism, international criminal law, international humanitarian law, international trade, environmental protection, European private international law, and the law of EU external relations. It examines what it means to safeguard human dignity - also in relation to human security - in these areas.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-wins-david-d-caron-prize/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/leon-castellanos-jankiewicz-wins-david-d-caron-prize/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser researcher Dr Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz has been awarded the inaugural David D. Caron Prize for his paper entitled &#x2018;Nationality, Alienage and Early International Rights&#x2019; at the American Society of International Law 2018 Research Forum in Los Angeles, California.&#xA;The Prize recognises the best paper submitted to the American Society of International Law Research Forum by a current student or recent graduate. The paper presented by Dr Castellanos-Jankiewicz emphasises the role of private international law in the development of international rights and standards of individual protection during the nineteenth century, particularly as regards the treatment of aliens. According to Dr Castellanos-Jankiewicz its originality resides in accounting for the fluid disciplinary boundaries between public and private international lawyers at the time.&#xA;David D. Caron (1952-2018) was President of the American Society of International Law in 2010-12. He was a judge, lawyer and scholar who, at the time of his passing, was a member of the Iran-US Claims Tribunal in The Hague, and served as a judge ad hoc on the International Court of Justice. Susan L. Spencer presented the&#xA0;Prize on behalf of the Caron family at the launch of the David D. Caron Fund, which has been established to support the professional development of young international lawyers and to expand the participation of non-US nationals in the Society.&#xA;Dr Castellanos-Jankiewicz is part of Asser&#x2019;s Memory Laws in European and Comparative Perspective (MELA) team. The MELA project is a four-nation, EU-sponsored consortium gathered to examine memory laws throughout Europe and the world.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/football-leaks-asser-in-the-press/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/football-leaks-asser-in-the-press/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser senior researcher Dr Antoine Duval is quoted in several European newspapers about the ongoing revelations on international football. The &#x2018;football leaks&#x2019; published by fifteen European news organisations offer insights into the world of football governance and the clubs&#x2019; controversial business practices. As the head of the Asser International Sports Law Centre, Dr Duval weighed in on various issues raised by the leaks.&#xA;In particular, Dr Duval commented on the transfer practices of Manchester City involving young talented players from West Africa and a Danish club, the discretionary and lenient enforcement by UEFA of its financial fair play rules against PSG and Manchester City, and the intervention of the current FIFA President in the work of the supposedly independent FIFA Ethics Committee. Duval: &#x201C;the Football Leaks did a great public service by highlighting, once again, that the transnational governance of football is in dire need of more transparency, separation of powers and public control&#x201D;.&#xA;Secret dealsThe current revelations are made possible by the whistle-blower website Football Leaks, which investigates &#x201C;how the secret deals of club officials, leading associations, agents, investors and players have corrupted the most popular sport in the world.&#x201D; Football Leaks has acquired over seventy million documents that they are sharing with a network of European Investigative Collaborations comprised of fifteen European news organisations. Read more? NRC, 9 November 2018 (in Dutch) Danish Broadcasting Corporation, 8 November 2018&#xA0;(in Danish)&#xA;Politiken, 8 November 2018 (in Danish)&#xA;Politiken, 3 November 2018 (in Danish)&#xA;Mediapart, 8 November 2018 (in French)&#xA;Aftonbladet, 6 November 2018 (in Swedish) Dr Duval recently published a blog post on the Asser International Sports Law Blog, where he discusses the lack of enforcement of UEFA&#x2019;s Financial Fair Play (FFP) Regulation, the European Super League project and EU competition law, and the (lack of) separation of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/five-scholarships-for-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law-winter-academy/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/five-scholarships-for-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law-winter-academy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute is offering five scholarships to participate in our upcoming Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law. The scholarships are funded by the municipality of The Hague and cover the registration fees. They do not cover travel costs, accommodation in The Hague, insurance, or other expenses. Scholarships will be offered to talented candidates justifying of limited resources and having a demonstrated interest in attending the programme.&#xA;To apply for a scholarship, go to the event page and fill out the scholarship application form. You will be asked to submit as one single PDF file a CV and a one-page letter of motivation (including an argument for scholarship eligibility). The deadline to apply for a scholarship is 30 November 2018. Applicants will be notified by 15 December 2018.&#xA;Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International LawThe Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law will offer foundational knowledge on key issues at the interface of international law and artificial intelligence, and provide a platform for critical debate and engagement on emerging questions. The programme will be structured along five themes: Understanding AI, AI for good, AI and armed conflict, AI and responsibility, and AI governance. The Winter Academy will include modules addressing both technical and legal aspects, and will alternate theoretical and more practical perspectives. The interactive training will feature over twenty sessions by high-level speakers and include panels, workshops, and a mini-hackathon.&#xA;For more information click here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/children-of-is-parents-should-be-repatriated-for-long-term-security-reasons/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/children-of-is-parents-should-be-repatriated-for-long-term-security-reasons/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Today, Dutch parliamentarians convene on what to do with the Dutch children of parents who joined the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria. Asser senior researcher Dr Christophe Paulussen was co-author of a recent op-ed in the Volkskrant, which argued that for long-term security reasons these children should be repatriated as soon as possible.&#xA;There are currently 175 children who have at least one Dutch parent living in Syria and Iraq, several of whom are staying in camps controlled by armed groups. More than two-thirds of these children were born in the region. Most of them are younger than nine years old, with half of these being younger than four years old.&#xA;Duty of careThe Netherlands, like several other states, does not actively repatriate these children. States do have obligations, though, under international law and child protection laws, experts Bibi van Ginkel, Willem van Genugten and Christophe Paulussen wrote in their op-ed. Though legal obligations and principles place the duty of care initially with parents, the state has obligations when parents default on this. In all legal instruments, the state, in principle, has the freedom to weigh pro&#x2019;s and con&#x2019;s, but it should start with the interests and welfare of the child, and motivate its considerations on a case-by-case basis, the three experts argued.&#xA;The balancing of interests has to take state security arguments into account. The Dutch government thinks that reclaiming the children would be dangerous for Dutch society, as boys from as young as nine years old may have received combat training. There are risks of indoctrination and trauma and their possible long-term effects. Data from the Dutch intelligence service AIVD, however, show a maximum of nine children with IS combat training.&#xA;In their op-ed, Van Ginkel, Van Genugten and Paulussen argue that not all children will pose a security threat when they come back, while leaving them in Syria and Iraq would most likely pose serious long-term security]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-press-on-citizenship-stripping-in-bahrain/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-press-on-citizenship-stripping-in-bahrain/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser senior researcher and ICCT research fellow Dr Christophe Paulussen is quoted in an article on Voice of America, the largest U.S. international broadcaster. He was interviewed about Bahrain&#x2019;s continuous efforts to revoke citizenship of its nationals. The government has been using this measure for several years to expel alleged terrorists. For Dr Paulussen, these measures are counterproductive: &quot;If that person has indeed been involved in crimes, then the victims are entitled to justice. However, if the country that had a jurisdictional link with that person disconnects that link, then you remove an important possibility to bring that person to justice&quot;.&#xA;StatelessnessSeveral states have been stripping citizenships of their nationals as a way to fight terrorism. In many cases, this leaves the affected persons stateless, which means that they are no longer granted pensions, health care, or housing benefits. It also denies them access to justice, as they lose their right to appear before courts. Additionally, as Dr Paulussen points out, when people are expelled after they have been deprived of their citizenship, they simply become the problem of another state.&#xA;Bahrain has been particularly active in citizenship stripping. Only last week, a court revoked the citizenships of 11 people charged with terrorism. Authorities have revoked hundreds of citizenships over the last years. According to Amnesty International, the number could be as high as 741 since 2012.&#xA;Further readingThe complete article is available on Voice of America here. Dr Paulussen recently also published an ICCT Perspective on &#x201C;Countering Terrorism Through the Stripping of Citizenship: Ineffective and Counterproductive&#x201D;.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-law-and-the-far-right-reflections-on-law-and-cynicism/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 01 Nov 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-law-and-the-far-right-reflections-on-law-and-cynicism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The fourth Annual T.M.C. Asser lecture will be delivered by Prof. Martti Koskenniemi on 29 November at the Peace Palace. In his lecture, Prof.&#xA0;Koskenniemi will address the role of international law in dealing with the rising far right, as the backlash against global rule and the international institutions of the liberal 1990s continues.&#xA0;Here is an abstract by Prof. Koskenniemi giving a glimpse of the topic:&#xA;&quot;Since the emergence of the profession in the 1870s, international lawyers have lent themselves to supporting various political projects, from ruling of empire to decolonisation, from supporting national self-determination to arguing in favour of global governance of the transnational economy. They have celebrated sovereignty and supported human rights.&#xA;The recent backlash against global rule and the international institutions of the liberal 1990s should be viewed as a political attack from a relatively privileged part of the world on the system of values and distributive power that have governed post-1968 internationalism. This backlash is often treated as a social pathology, arisen from the anger felt by European and American middle classes &#x201C;left behind&#x201D; by globalisation.&#xA;I do not share this analysis. Whatever the social composition of the &#x201C;backlash&#x201D;, the policies of its leaders are neither reformist nor &#x201C;conservative&#x201D;. They are reactionary, and the question is, how to devise an effective policy to counter them.&#xA;The coming struggle will be about whether reactionary, colonialist, white and male supremacist values will play a role in the international world after globalisation. If international law is not to become a servant to far right policies, or fall into irrelevance, it had better sharpen its strategic insights. Alongside self-criticism, this involves taking a break from the interminable production of minor reforms. Greater openness is needed. Not to &#x201C;populist&#x201D; leaders, but to problems of global inequality.&quot;&#xA;To register for the Annual Lecture click here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/online-inter-university-programme-on-international-criminal-law-and-procedure-for-lebanese-students/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 30 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/online-inter-university-programme-on-international-criminal-law-and-procedure-for-lebanese-students/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new season of the Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure begins today. The programme offers Lebanese law students a unique opportunity to learn about international criminal law and procedure.&#xA;Today more than 250 Lebanese law students will participate in an online programme provided by the Asser Institute and the Outreach and Legacy Section of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The seventh season of the Inter-University Programme on International Criminal Law and Procedure enables law students from eleven Lebanese universities to follow lectures on the origins, sources, and principles of international criminal law. Other topics include the different international crimes as well as topics related to international criminal procedure. The lectures are delivered by prominent academics and practitioners via internet streaming from the Asser Institute in The Hague to one of the participating universities in Lebanon.&#xA;The educational programme started in November 2011 and provides a thorough understanding of international criminal law, an academic field that has been rapidly developing in the last decades. This development has been marked by the creation of the International Criminal Court and ad hoc tribunals such as the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL).&#xA;A massive side effectAsser Institute project leader Dr Christophe Paulussen notes that the Inter-University Programme has had a far broader societal impact than envisaged. Paulussen: &#x201C;We were asked to develop a comprehensive programme on international criminal law and procedure. But the programme has also led to increased cooperation among the universities in Lebanon itself. Indeed, one of the deans of the participating universities informed us that the programme has had a massive side effect; he qualified it as the &#x2018;best effort at reconciliation in Lebanon since the civil war&#x2019;. It&#x2019;s this kind of feedback that makes the entire team at Asser working on this programme extremely proud.&#x201D;&#xA;The]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/how-advanced-technologies-could-help-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/how-advanced-technologies-could-help-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In a new blog, Asser Institute researcher Dr Berenice Boutin discusses how advanced technologies and international law can benefit from each other.&#xA;Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain are prominent examples of new technologies that might revolutionise our lives. While the potentials and dangers of such &#x2018;advanced technologies&#x2019; are still being explored, their relationship to international law remains unclear. In her blog, Berenice Boutin examines the interface between advanced technologies and international law. She argues that technology and international law can mutually benefit each other, but this requires addressing critical challenges.&#xA;Unprecedented opportunitiesAdvanced technologies offer unique opportunities for global governance. Dr Boutin believes that they &#x201C;have the potential of providing new tools to implement and give effect to norms of international law&#x201D;. For instance, advanced technologies can be used to monitor compliance with international law and investigate violations thereof. According to Berenice Boutin they could also assist in solving global problems, as &#x201C;using AI to support law and policy-making could allow to uncover new solutions&#x201D;.&#xA;Advanced technologies do not come without dangers though. Dr Boutin: &#x201C;It is important to confront the critical challenges that they raise with regard to transparency, privacy, equality, and accountability.&#x201D; International law and institutions can be powerful tools to address these issues by coordinating the development of private standards or by filling regulatory gaps.&#xA;Who is responsible?Dr Boutin addresses further questions in her blog, such as who should bear responsibility for the use of AI? And should advanced technological systems be granted legal personality? Read her full blog on International Law Under Construction, the blog of the Groningen Journal of International Law.&#xA;Learn more?The topic of advanced technologies and international law is a key concern of the Asser Institute&#x2019;s Strategic Research]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-2018-international-law-and-the-far-right-reflections-on-law-and-cynicism/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 23 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/annual-lecture-2018-international-law-and-the-far-right-reflections-on-law-and-cynicism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Professor&#xA0;Martti Koskenniemi&#xA0;will deliver the Fourth Annual T.M.C. Asser Lecture this year on&#xA0;International Law and the Far Right:&#xA0;Reflections on Law and Cynicism. In his lecture, Prof.&#xA0;Koskenniemi will address the role of international law in dealing with the rising far right, as the backlash against global rule and the international institutions of the liberal 1990s continues. Prof. Koskenniemi believes greater openness is needed, &#x201C;not to populist leaders, but to problems of global inequality&#x201D; to protect international law from &#x201C;falling into irrelevance.&#x201D;&#xA;Prof. Koskenniemi is one of the great critical minds in contemporary scholarship of international law with over 110 publications under his belt. From serving as a Finnish Diplomat to working as the legal adviser to the Finnish Delegation to the UN Security Council (at the time of the First Gulf War), he also has extensive experience in the field.&#xA;BiographyMartti Koskenniemi is Professor of International Law at the University of Helsinki and Director of the Erik Castr&#xE9;n Institute of International Law and Human Rights. He was a member of the Finnish diplomatic service in 1978-1994 and of the International Law Commission (UN) in 2002-2006. He has held visiting professorships in, among other places, New York University, Columbia University, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, and Universities of Brussels, Melbourne, Paris, Sao Paulo and Utrecht. He is a member of the&#xA0;Institut de droit international&#xA0;and a Fellow of the British Academy. He has a doctorate h.c. from the Universities of Uppsala, Frankfurt and McGill. His main publications include&#xA0;From Apology to Utopia; The Structure of International Legal Argument&#xA0;(1989/2005),&#xA0;The Gentle Civilizer of Nations: The Rise and Fall of International Law 1870-1960&#xA0;(2001) and&#xA0;The Politics of International Law&#xA0;(2011). He is currently working on a history of international legal thought from the late medieval period to the 19th&#xA0;century.&#xA;For more information and]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-terrorism-cases-and-working-papers-added-to-the-international-crimes-database/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-terrorism-cases-and-working-papers-added-to-the-international-crimes-database/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Twelve new case analyses have been added to the International Crimes Database, which offers an extensive online collection of international crimes broadly defined, such as genocide, war crimes, terrorism and piracy.&#xA;The International Crimes Database website of the Asser Institute aims to be the starting point for any online search in international crime. It provides access to a range of information, not just for scholars and practitioners (such as judges, prosecutors and defense counsel), but also for students, journalists, families and communities of victims of crimes.&#xA;In addition to case law on international crimes adjudicated by national and international courts, the website incorporates general background information about international crimes, scholarly as well as news articles, working papers (ICD Briefs) and relevant links to other useful databases/websites on this topic.&#xA;Twevle new cases on terrorismThe twelve summaries added are related to terrorism, attempted terrorism, and providing material support. Most of the cases are from the United States as well as England and Wales, and relate to (attemped) fighting in Syria and Iraq (foreign fighters). They give a good insight of common law approaches to prosecuting terrorism-related offences. An example of a new case analysis is United States of America v. Nader Elhuzayel and Muhanad Badawi. Both Mr. Elhuzayel and Mr. Badawi were convicted by a federal jury of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist group, the Islamic State (IS). The defendants had used social media accounts to support IS, and Mr. Badawi had filmed Mr. Elhuzayel pledging allegiance to IS&#xA0;and promising to travel to&#xA0;Syria to fight. Mr. Elhuzayel was arrested prior to boarding a flight to Israel via Turkey.&#xA0;They were also found guilty of financial fraud charges, the proceeds of which had been used to fund the travel.&#xA0;In the preparation of the US cases for the ICD database, the Asser Institute received assistance from students]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/citizenship-stripping-as-a-counter-terrorism-measure-is-inefficient/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/citizenship-stripping-as-a-counter-terrorism-measure-is-inefficient/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Several states have been revoking citizenships of their nationals as a way to fight terrorism. In Bahrain, for example, authorities have revoked hundreds of citizenships since 2012. Just today, the public prosecution in Bahrain ruled to revoke six additional citizenships bringing the total in 2018 alone to 243.&#xA;Asser senior researcher and ICCT research fellow Dr Christophe Paulussen&#xA0;has also referred to the Bahraini case in his recently published ICCT Perspective&#xA0;&#x201C;Countering Terrorism Through the Stripping of Citizenship: Ineffective and Counterproductive&#x201D;.&#xA;In the Perspective he examines the scope and nature of citizenship stripping as a counter-terrorism measure and argues that it stands out in comparison to other counter-terrorism measures. This is because of its highly symbolic nature, its far-reaching effects, as well as its emphasis on &#x2018;addressing&#x2019; the problem by making it the problem of other states. If people are expelled after they have been deprived of their citizenship, or if they can no longer enter their former country of nationality because they are no longer allowed in, that person becomes the problem of another state.&#xA;In fact, citizenship stripping is not only moving the problem around like a hot potato, but may even make the problem worse. In his paper, Dr Paulussen also argues that researchers should become more effective at engaging with politicians and policy makers in this discussion. At the same time, it is the task of politicians to explain to their voters that 100% security is simply unobtainable. Politicians are called upon to clearly assess the effectiveness of certain measures before they are adopted, thereby considering the international and long-term perspective, as well as all the norms and values that we stand for.&#xA;To read the full Perspective click here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/making-transnational-corporations-comply-with-human-rights-standards/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 16 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/making-transnational-corporations-comply-with-human-rights-standards/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[This week the&#xA0;zero draft of a treaty that seeks to hold countries and transnational corporations (TNCs) accountable for human rights violations&#xA0;is being discussed at the United Nations (UN) in Geneva.&#xA0;The Asser Institute&#x2019;s academic director Prof Janne Nijman and senior researcher Dr Antoine Duval wrote two op-eds on the topic, one for de Volkskrant and one for the EUObserver.&#xA;TNCs are undoubtedly amongst the winners of globalisation. They profit immensely from the freedom to conduct transnational economic activities enshrined in trade agreements and investment treaties. Unfortunately, they also often barely pay taxes in the countries in which they operate and exploit crucial resources such as land, water, and people.&#xA;TNCs are also linked to various human rights violations. While they can be very strict when negotiating prices or controlling the quality of their products, TNCs are generally happy to exercise lax oversight on the human rights effects of their subsidiaries or business partners. This &#x2018;don&#x2019;t ask, don&#x2019;t tell&#x2019; policy is bolstered by a widespread sense of impunity.&#xA;A new treaty, which is being negotiated this week (15-19 October) at the UN Human Rights Council, aims to make TNCs comply with human rights standards. In particular, the treaty intends to provide victims with better access to courts and thereby justice. Nijman and Duval call for the EU and its individual member states to actively engage in the negotiations, to stand by their commitment to human rights, and to finally start regulating the worst consequences of globalisation.&#xA;Read Prof Janne Nijman&#x2019;s full article as well as&#xA0;her op-ed in de Volkskrant&#xA0;in Dutch and&#xA0;Dr Antoine Duval&#x2019;s op-ed in the EUObserver in English. The Asser Institute is home to the &#x2018;Doing Business Right&#x2019; project within the strand Advancing Public Interests in International and European Law. The project focuses on investigating the role of law in securing the public interest in the context of transnational economic activities.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-winter-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 12 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/save-the-date-winter-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In February 2019, the Asser Institute is offering a new Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law. Over the course of one week, this innovative training programme will provide insights into the current and future issues raised by artificial intelligence (AI) from the perspective of international law.&#xA;The Winter Academy will be structured along five themes: Understanding AI, AI for good, AI and armed conflict, AI and responsibility, and AI governance. It will feature discussions on the opportunities and risks of using AI for international legal practice, address legal aspects of the use of AI in the context of law enforcement and armed conflict, explore individual and collective responsibility for the use of AI, and provide perspectives on the international governance of AI. The interactive training will include panel debates and technical workshops and demonstrations.&#xA;The Winter Academy will take place from 11 to 15 February 2019 at the Asser Institute in The Hague, and will be open to&#xA0;a limited number of participants. More information on the programme, registration details, and scholarship opportunities will soon be available on our website.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-athletes-case-results-in-more-transparency-in-sports/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 12 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-blog-athletes-case-results-in-more-transparency-in-sports/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser senior researcher Dr Antoine Duval&#xA0;believes that last week&#x2019;s ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in the joint cases of ice skater Claudia Pechstein and football player Adrian Mutu will lead to profound changes in international sports arbitration. Claudia Pechstein and Adrian Mutu were both challenging at the ECtHR the compatibility of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with the European Convention of Human Rights. While the ECtHR considered that the CAS is an independent and impartial court, it sided with Claudia Pechstein in finding that it should have held a public hearing. Antoine Duval argues in a new blog that the decision should trigger profound institutional changes in the way transnational sporting justice operates.&#xA;&#x2018;Radical change&#x2019;The European Court of Human Rights&#x2019; decision in the Pechstein case is a game-changer because it finds that the CAS has to comply with the right to a fair trial, as enshrined in Article 6 &#xA7;1 of the European Convention of Human Rights. This has immediate consequences for the transparency of proceedings at the CAS. According to Antoine Duval, &#x201C;this is a first important step towards imposing more transparency at the CAS&#x201D;, because so far, CAS&#x2019;s operations have been notoriously opaque. Duval claims that ECtHR&#x2019;s ruling puts this secrecy on notice and will force the Court to undergo a &#x201C;radical change&#x201D;.&#xA;The ruling furthermore discusses the voluntariness of CAS arbitration. There has been a longstanding debate over whether athletes freely consent to having their case heard by the CAS.The ECtHR&#x2019;s ruling authoritatively recognises that arbitration is &#x201C;forced&#x201D; upon athletes. Dr Duval argues that this is critical, since &#x201C;after this decision it will be very difficult to argue that disciplinary cases submitted to the CAS [&#x2026;] are grounded in free&#x201D;. In turn, it means CAS arbitration will have to comply with the same strict procedural requirements applied by the ECtHR to national courts.In this regard, Antoine Duval]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-court-of-justice-condemns-us-for-iran-sanctions/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-court-of-justice-condemns-us-for-iran-sanctions/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled in favour of provisional measures for Iran in Iran&#x2019;s case against the US concerning the unilateral re-imposition of sanctions. The judges unanimously found that the re-imposition of sanctions by the US following its withdrawal from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement are already causing hardship to a degree that demonstrates the possibility of irreparable harm and suffering. The ICJ ordered the US to lift restrictive measures linked to humanitarian goods such as food, medicine, and agricultural products, as well as parts and services for aviation to ensure safety. &quot;On humanitarian grounds, the US must remove by means of its choosing any impediment to the free exportation to Iran of goods involving humanitarian concerns,&quot; the ICJ said in its ruling on Wednesday.&#xA;Asser Institute senior researcher Dr Geoff Gordon comments on the ruling: &#x201C;The ICJ&#x2019;s decision was a bold and principled one by the Court, though it remains unclear how effective it will be. The US has already signalled its hostility to the ruling, and little can be expected at this stage with respect to the unilateral implementation of sanctions by the US. More important may be the reception of the ruling in Europe, where the decision may contribute to a political calculus that favours strengthening support for European businesses doing business with Iran in accordance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with which Iran continues to comply. By any measure, the episode underscores the difficulties for a system of international law that forbids the use of force but takes no position on economic warfare.&#x201D;&#xA;Dr Gordon further elaborated on the ruling in an interview with ABC Radio Australia, which can be found here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/publish-or-perish-why-legal-scholars-need-to-embrace-social-media/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/publish-or-perish-why-legal-scholars-need-to-embrace-social-media/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[As U.S. President Trump shows us every day, Twitter is a powerful megaphone to reach and move an audience. In a new article for the Tilburg Law Review, Dr Antoine Duval, senior researcher at T.M.C. Asser Instituut, argues that legal scholars should embrace social media and blogging to meet their readers.&#xA;Why blog and tweet?Many legal scholars are busy rethinking law to deal with the societal changes triggered by the Internet. But they have been slow in assessing its impact on their own communication and publishing practices. Drawing from his own experience, in his article, Duval highlights the advantages of blogging, the practical challenges faced by academic bloggers, and potential strategies to tackle them. He answers questions such as why, if at all, should a legal scholar blog? And what is the impact of blogging?&#xA;Duval is convinced that legal academics will have to embrace social media, if they wish to be read. Not all legal scholars understand the value of using blogs and Twitter to diffuse ideas and publications and to reach an audience. Duval: &#x201C;There is a need to wear off a rather common disdain vis-&#xE0;-vis these modes of communication, as social media and blogging are often perceived as of lesser academic value. But they should be viewed as an integral part of our academic pursuit. A &#x2018;good&#x2019; paper needs to be translated into a variety of formats for it to find its audience.&#x201D;&#xA;The responsibility of academic managers According to Duval, investing time and energy in blogging and tweeting is often considered a loss of time for individual academics - time that is barely rewarded by the academic management. He calls for academic managers and policy-makers to incentivise researchers to diffuse their work in such a way that it actually reaches their target audiences. Duval: &#x201C;If academic managers are serious about their push for impact, diffusion and public relevance, they need to change the mix of incentives that drive academics.&#x201D; Duval also calls on law faculties to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/european-court-dismisses-claims-by-speed-skater/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/european-court-dismisses-claims-by-speed-skater/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In 2009 Claudia Pechstein, a German speed skater, was accused of blood doping and banned from competition for two years. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the ban. Today, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) announced in its ruling in Mutu and Pechstein vs Switzerland that CAS did not decide unjustly.&#xA;Towards more transparency in sportsIn her case before the ECtHR, Pechstein maintained that CAS had violated its role to be impartial. In its ruling, the European Court of Human Rights, however, found no breach of impartiality. Still, it awareded Pechstein eight thousand euros of compensation for CAS&#x2019;s failure to grant Pechstein a public hearing, which violated her right to a fair trial. According to Asser senior researcher Dr Antoine Duval, the finding that such hearings should be public is a crucial step towards more transparency in international sports governance. Do you want to learn more about international sports law?The Asser Institute is holding its second ISLJ Sports Law conference on 25-26 October. This year&#x2019;s edition will touch upon many of the burning issues in international sports law and governance, such as the impact of human rights in sports, the role of science in the regulation of sports, and the increasingly important intersection between competition law and the private rules of sports governing bodies. For more details and registration click here. For impressions from last year&#x2019;s conference click here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-press-on-the-chagos-island-case/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 21 Sept 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-in-the-press-on-the-chagos-island-case/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Asser senior researcher and international law expert Dr Geoff Gordon is quoted in today&#x2019;s edition of the Spanish newspaper El Pais. He was interviewed for his analysis of the Chagos Archipelago case that is currently being deliberated upon by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The ICJ is considering an advisory opinion on the legality of Britain&#x2019;s claim to the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, which house a major U.S. military base. Forced removalIn 1965 Britain detached the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, a former British colony that became independent in 1968. Between 1960 and 1970 the British government created the so-called British Territory in the Indian Ocean. It then forced the removal of around fifteen hundred people from Diego Garcia, the biggest island of the archipelago, to make way for a US air base. Mauritius claims it was unfairly pressured to cede control of the islands. In 2015, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in Mauritius&#x2019;s favour in a related case, concerning the legality of a Marine Protected Area established by the UK in the waters around the Chagos Archipelago. Last year, over the objections of the UK, the US and others, the General Assembly of the United Nations asked the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion on the legality of Britain&#x2019;s possession of Chagos. The vote resulted in 94 votes in favour, 15 against and 65 abstentions. Last week several other media quoted Geoff Gordon on the case. &#x201C;These things come together now in a combination of historical accident and intense political and popular interest in questions of colonial legacy,&#x201D; Gordon said in an interview for Reuters.&#xA;Read more?&#xA;Reuters&#xA;Trouw&#xA;El Pais]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-who-is-responsible-for-the-war-crimes-of-killer-robots/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 21 Sept 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/blog-who-is-responsible-for-the-war-crimes-of-killer-robots/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The difficulty in determining who is responsible for war crimes committed with the use of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) has led to rising legal concerns over their development.&#xA;States are facing the daunting task of trying to assess the technical, legal, ethical and policy questions raised by the development and use of LAWS in armed conflicts. The principle of individual criminal responsibility for war crimes is one of the core principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). Punishing individuals for war crimes which are considered grave violations of the law of armed conflict is at the heart of the system of enforcement of IHL.&#xA;In making policy choices on how autonomy is developed, urgent questions of criminal responsibility for war crimes committed by LAWS must be considered, writes Asser researcher Dr. Marta Bo in a new blog for the Graduate Institute (Geneva), where she recently started to work in the LAWS and War Crimes Project.&#xA;Read more]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/using-technology-to-disrupt-land-grabbing/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 19 Sept 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/using-technology-to-disrupt-land-grabbing/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Land-grabbing is the acquisition of land by corporations or governments under conditions of uneven bargaining power, often without prior or informed consent of residents. It can leave affected communities hungry, homeless and with very little recourse. It can further lead to migration, conflict and environmental damage.&#xA;In cooperation with the municipality of The Hague, T.M.C. Asser Instituut is organising a Hackaton Challenge during which you are invited to build a tool that identifies patterns of past land grabs to mark areas which are vulnerable to future land grabs and provide them with a risk rating. This would inform communities that their land is vulnerable and allow them to prepare resistance.&#xA;The Hackaton Challenge is part of the Hackaton for Peace, Justice and Security, that takes place in The Hague on 17 and 18 November 2018. For more information and registration, click here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/how-to-remember-the-past-book-launch-and-workshop-on-memory-laws/</link>                <pubDate>Sat, 15 Sept 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/how-to-remember-the-past-book-launch-and-workshop-on-memory-laws/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Earlier this year, Poland adopted a notorious law that prohibits blaming Poles for crimes committed during the Holocaust. In the U.S., confederate monuments sparked a debate, similar to an uproar in the Netherlands on Dutch colonial history. How we remember the past is often subject to fierce debate. It is also subject to legal regulation in many parts of Europe, as so-called&#xA0;memory laws. On October 19, the Asser Institute is organising a book launch and a&#xA0;workshop&#xA0;on memory laws.&#xA;Genocide denialThese days, we prohibit genocide denial and the glorification of totalitarianism. We make historical claims in the preambles of constitutions. We prescribe how to teach history in school curricula, and more. So-called&#xA0;memory laws&#xA0;enshrine state-approved interpretations of historical events. They commemorate the victims of past atrocities as well as heroic individuals or events emblematic of national and social movements. They date back centuries and continue to spread throughout Europe and the world. Memory laws are found in both criminal and soft law. Examples in penal law are the criminal bans on Holocaust denial and the denial or trivialization of other genocides. The resolution by the European Parliament to commemorate the Armenian genocide is an example of soft law.&#xA;Academic radarDebates on law and memory have been on the academic radar for a while. In 2017 Asser Institute researcher, Dr. Uladzislau Belavusau and Dr. Aleksandra Gliszczy&#x144;ska-Grabias (Polish Academy of Sciences) published a book about memory laws, called &#x201C;Law and Memory: Towards Legal Governance of History&#x201D;, covering the widest number of jurisdictions so far. Apart from gaining increased academic attention, memory laws have recently catapulted to the top of international news. International media report a slow but steady decline of democracy and the rule of law in Central and Eastern Europe. The region has promoted several measures indicating the centralization and nationalistic transformation of local]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/three-asser-memory-law-researchers-will-speak-in-budapest/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 12 Sept 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/three-asser-memory-law-researchers-will-speak-in-budapest/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Two-thirds of the European Parliament voted on September 12 in favour of holding Hungary accountable for serious breaches of common values of the European Union, including respect for human rights, equality, and the rule of law.&#xA;These clashes with &#x2018;common values&#x2019; call into question the origins and importance of these values, both in Hungary and its wider region. Memory laws may in various cases codify, safeguard, or undermine these common values.&#xA;Workshop and Book PresentationThese are amongst the issues to be addressed at a workshop&#xA0;at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences on September 18, where three researchers from T.M.C. Asser Instituut and MELA Project will speak. This workshop and book presentation, featuring Dr. Uladzislau Belavusau, Le&#xF3;n Castellanos-Jankiewicz, and Marina B&#xE1;n, aims at contextualising the impact of memory laws in Hungary, Central and Eastern Europe, and the post-Soviet space. Dr. Belavusau will also present his recent book, Law and Memory: Towards Legal Governance of History, co-edited with Dr. Aleksandra Gliszczy&#x144;ska-Grabias.&#xA;Memory laws enshrine state-approved interpretations of historical events. Central and Eastern Europe have become a battleground in the legal governance of history, as the states in this region struggle with the memories of Nazi and communist regimes as well as ongoing local neighborhood disputes. This comes in the context of these new challenges in the area, such as those in Hungary. This backsliding has centralised memory politics that were previously localised.&#xA;This workshop is organized by the Institute for Legal Studies, Centre for Social Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in cooperation with the MELA Project (Memory Laws in European and Comparative Perspective).]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/we-re-hiring-three-vacancies-at-the-asser-institute/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/we-re-hiring-three-vacancies-at-the-asser-institute/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute is currently looking for a researcher in Private International Law and&#xA0;two interns. The institute invites applications for:&#xA;Researcher private international lawA full&#x2013;time researcher in Private International Law (38 hours a week) to strengthen our research capacity in the area of private international law. You will work within our research strand on adequate dispute settlement, and in the context of our strategic research agenda. Preferably available from 1 November 2018. For more info, click here. Intern private international law We also seek an intern who wishes to gain experience by working on projects in the private international law branch. You will need a Bachelor/Master&#x2019;s Degree with a private international law or comparative orientation (eg. Dutch law, European Law or another private law profile). Good command of the English language and preferably other Western European languages. 3 to 5 days a week; starting date 1 September. 2018. For more information, click&#xA0;here.&#xA;Communications &amp;amp; PR internThe communications department of the Asser Institute is looking for a creative communications &amp;amp; PR intern. You will have the opportunity to express and develop new ideas in a small but dedicated team. The starting date for this internship is October 1st, preferably before, if possible. For more information, click here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/countering-terrorism-within-the-rule-of-law/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/countering-terrorism-within-the-rule-of-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Two terrorist incidents took place yesterday, one in Russia and the other in Spain. Terrorism is here to stay, but it is becoming more and more difficult to combat global terrorism while protecting people&#x2019;s fundamental rights. In the past years, many states have rushed to implement laws and strategies to fight terrorists, which leads to a rising tension between ensuring national security and protecting people&#x2019;s rights and freedoms at the same time.&#xA;Professor of International Law and former UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, Martin Scheinin is a leading expert in the field of countering terrorism. He will deliver the keynote speech to kick-start our Countering Terrorism within a Rule of Law Framework summer programme next week. He will address the importance of respecting fundamental rights and freedoms, and discuss the rule of law in implementing counter-terrorism measures.&#xA;The programme covers a wide range of topics (including the definition of terrorism in international and domestic law, legal limits to military responses to terrorism, criminal justice responses to terrorism, evidentiary issues and other prosecutorial challenges, administrative and security measures), and comports various types of activities (including lectures, interactive sessions, study visits, group discussions, panel presentations).&#xA;&#x201C;Law itself is the balance&#x201D;Scheinin contributed to the Asser Institute in the &#x2018;Human Dignity and Human Security in Time of Terrorism Conference&#x2019; last December, where he said: &#x201C;Since 9/11, the emergence or growing importance of the &#x2018;security constitution&#x2019; has resulted in repetitious calls for establishing a &#x2018;new balance&#x2019; between security and human rights. This rhetoric, however, is flawed, as there is no need for a &#x2018;balance&#x2019; between the law and something else &#x2013; law itself is the balance.&#x201D;]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/disarmament-and-non-proliferation-training-in-times-of-new-nuclear-arms-race/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/disarmament-and-non-proliferation-training-in-times-of-new-nuclear-arms-race/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Thirty four chemical weapon attacks were documented in Syria since 2013. In one incident alone, in 2017, over eighty people were killed. As North Korea&#x2019;s nuclear programme is still developing, and the American-Iranian relations are tensed, concerns over international security increase. Having an in-depth look at disarmament and non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), is becoming more pressing.&#xA;The Asser Institute, in collaboration with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), is organising its ninth one-week training that provides a comprehensive overview of non-proliferation and disarmament of WMD efforts. The full programme includes high-level panels, study visits, and interactive sessions. For more details and registration click here.&#xA;Who is this programme for? Early-to mid-career professionals working for governments, for example national export control bodies, national authorities for the implementation of the CWC/BWC and national nuclear agencies.&#xA;Individuals working for non-governmental organisations&#xA;Think tanks addressing WMD concerns&#xA;Research centres in related disciplines Here&#x2019;s a glimpse into last year&#x2019;s training programme: Individuals who work towards achieving disarmament and non-proliferation, will have a hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from and discuss cross-cutting aspects with experts.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-researcher-new-editor-in-chief-of-the-security-and-human-rights-monitor/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Aug 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-researcher-new-editor-in-chief-of-the-security-and-human-rights-monitor/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Christophe Paulussen, senior researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and coordinator of its research strand on Human Dignity and Human Security in International and European Law, is the new Editor in Chief of the Security and Human Rights Monitor (SHRM).&#xA;The monitorChristophe takes over from Arie Bloed, who has led the SHRM for many years and who continues on the Editorial Board as a special advisor. The SHRM monitor provides analysis on the work of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and on security and human rights issues more generally. The SHRM monitor, successor of the Helsinki Monitor and later the journal Security and Human Rights, provides for a number of knowledge products, such as interviews, policy articles, news articles, as well as academic articles. The latter will be Christophe&#x2019;s main responsibility.&#xA;Peer reviewed journalThe academic articles will be peer-reviewed and published, via open access, on the SHRM website. The articles will thereafter be published in hard copy by the acclaimed academic publisher Brill.&#xA;Call for articles To further strengthen the academic profile of the SHRM, the Editorial Board invites authors to submit academic articles he challenge of building security through cooperation across the OSCE region, as well as on how this experience can be used in other parts of the world. For more details, please download the Call for Articles and the Submission Guidelines.&#xA;Please submit academic articles before 15 October 2018.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-asser-institute-successfully-wraps-up-its-first-international-lawyering-in-a-public-interest/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-asser-institute-successfully-wraps-up-its-first-international-lawyering-in-a-public-interest/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[We are pleased to have successfully wrapped up our first summer course on International Lawyering in a Public Interest (ILPI). The course attracted a diverse group of participants, from practitioners to academics, NGO workers to advocates, and students to seasoned professionals, coming from four continents. The course featured an intensive week of engaged learning, with exposure to the strategic choices made in real, current cases by leading practitioners.&#xA;Participants learned new opportunities for networking, novel means of pursuing public interests with international law, and the challenges faced by advocates for public interest projects with international law. Participants and lecturers alike also reflected critically on our own practices and the hazards of advocacy in situations of conflict.&#xA;Here are some participant testimonies highlighting what they took away from the programme: As we wrap up&#xA0;#AsserILPI18&#xA0;summer pogramme, some participants share their experience and learning outcomes.&#xA0;@joannaucd19&#xA0;from Ireland recognises the boundaries and opportunities in international law.&#xA0;#litigation&#xA0;#law&#xA0;#advocacy&#xA0;pic.twitter.com/W9XHPjMOxd&#xA;&#x2014; TMC Asser Instituut (@TMCAsser)&#xA0;13 July 2018 #AsserILPI18&#xA0;participants&#xA0;@zeenat_islam&#xA0;from the&#xA0;#UK&#xA0;and&#xA0;@SechiePhilip&#xA0;from&#xA0;#Nigeria&#xA0;talk about how the programme broadened their view on how&#xA0;#humanrights&#xA0;can be enforced &amp;amp; confirmed the idea that law can be a useful tool for social change.&#xA0;pic.twitter.com/yPQnE8dkml&#xA;&#x2014; TMC Asser Instituut (@TMCAsser)&#xA0;13 July 2018&#xA;The ILPI programme is part of the Asser Institute&#x27;s commitment to combining research and practice in support of public interests.&#xA0;We look forward to future programmes offering first-hand exposure, hands-on learning, and critical reflection on cutting-edge developments in international public interest advocacy.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-empirical-socio-legal-methods-in-international-law-masterclass/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-empirical-socio-legal-methods-in-international-law-masterclass/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[We are pleased to announce this call for early career researchers, including PhDs, post-docs, and junior faculty, for a masterclass with Dr. Veronika Fikfak (University of Cambridge) and Dr. Sara Dezalay (Cardiff University), on 20 November at The Asser Institute in The Hague.&#xA;The masterclass will focus on empirical and socio-legal research methods addressing practices and institutions of international law. We aim to bring together research projects in international law that use empirical and socio-legal methods to study institutional objectives, institutional effects, and day-to-day practices and experiences among its practitioners. The purpose of the masterclass is to explore the opportunities and limitations of diverse research methods for the study of law and legal practice while reflecting critically on our engagement as researchers with different methodological possibilities. In addition to exploring and interrogating methodological developments, we will consider fundamental questions such as: What are the limits to the sorts of insights and answers that the empirical study of law allows? Do socio-legal methods have politics? What is the relationship between empirical study and sociology-of-law methods?&#xA;As a possible subtheme, we encourage (but will not limit) attention to issues of reproduction versus transformation in international legal-institutional practices. For this subtheme, we propose to explore sites of potential institutional change by focusing empirical and socio-legal research on the networks and practices that constitute institutions of international law. We also invite attention to the structural conditions that favour reproduction of status quo conditions in institutions of international law.&#xA;In collaboration with the Dutch Socio-legal Society (VSR) and the Royal Dutch Society for International Law (KNVIR), we aim to contribute to the network for socio-legal research in international law in and around the Netherlands, and to foster]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/ai-and-blockchain-for-good-harnessing-technological-developments-to-foster-trust/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jul 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/ai-and-blockchain-for-good-harnessing-technological-developments-to-foster-trust/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 5 July 2018, the Asser Institute hosted an event on &#x2018;Artificial Intelligence &amp;amp; Blockchain for Good: Using Technology to Foster Trust&#x2019;, organised in cooperation with the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). Panellists discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies (BT), two of the most promising, complex and fast advancing current technological developments, can be harnessed in order to foster trust in the legal and political institutions and structures that govern our interconnected world and to advance social and economic development issues.&#xA;In their welcome addresses, Professor Janne Nijman (Academic Director, Asser Institute) and Irakli Beridze (UNICRI) both highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholders approaches when engaging with the promises and challenges of advanced technologies. Irakli Beridze, head of @UNICRI kicking off saying currently there is no concrete legal frame surrounding #AI &amp;amp; #Blockchain. The aim is to discuss how these technologies contribute to trust, maximize benefit &amp;amp; minimize distrust associated with it. #Trust #blockchaintechnology pic.twitter.com/KfrOHTLmNC&#xA;&#x2014; TMC Asser Instituut (@TMCAsser) 5 July 2018&#xA;Toufi Saliba (Global ACM Chair Practitioners Board CC and co-author of Toda Protocol) delivered the keynote lecture, in which he explained BT and the benefits of its implementation on a wider scale. He noted that centralised AI can lead to subjugation, while in combination with BT, decentralising technology, it can result in prosperity. In his presentation @toouufii says centralized #AI can be enslaving instead of liberating, combined with #Blockchain it can lead to prosperity. #ArtificialIntelligence #blockchaintechnology pic.twitter.com/EtbznC9WzW&#xA;&#x2014; TMC Asser Instituut (@TMCAsser) 5 July 2018&#xA;The keynote was followed by three cross-reflections. Catelijne Muller (EU High Level]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/expert-roundtable-on-citizenship-stripping-as-a-security-measure/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/expert-roundtable-on-citizenship-stripping-as-a-security-measure/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 25 and 26 June, the Asser Institute hosted an expert round-table on the topic of citizenship stripping as a security measure. The event, co-organised by the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion, Open Society Foundations and Ashurst, brought together a diverse group of some 30 international experts, both scholars and practitioners, in the field of both counter-terrorism &amp;amp; human rights and nationality law. The discussions focused on the rule of law, discrimination, the position of children and statelessness, among other things.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-long-term-risk-of-non-repatriation-of-dutch-children-in-syrian-camps/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-long-term-risk-of-non-repatriation-of-dutch-children-in-syrian-camps/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Dutch children currently detained in Syrian camps should be actively repatriated. That is the main message of an opinion piece co-authored by Asser senior researcher Christophe Paulussen that was published&#xA0;on the 26th of June in the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant. Willem Van Genugten, Bibi Van Ginkel and Paulussen believe that the only reason why there is not a massive outcry among the population and politicians is that these children were born form the &#x2018;wrong&#x2019; parents, that is: (former) IS fighters. They argue that legally speaking there is no doubt that the Dutch government has a duty of care towards these children &#x2013; after all: Dutch citizens &#x2013; and a task to bring them back to the Netherlands. Moreover, the government would first and foremost serve the long-term security interests of the Netherlands, now that the risk that the children, or their children, will settle a score later is many times bigger than the risks involved with active and monitored re-integration. The article was based on the 2018 Spring Meeting of the Royal Netherlands Society of International Law (KNVIR) that was dedicated to this topic.&#xA;For the original piece (in Dutch), see here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/tmc-asser-instituut-becomes-a-member-of-the-common-effort-community/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/tmc-asser-instituut-becomes-a-member-of-the-common-effort-community/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 7 June, the Asser Institute became a member of the Common Effort Community during a high-level ceremony that took place at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague.&#xA;Senior researcher Christophe Paulussen signed the Common Effort Community&#x2019;s statement on behalf of the Institute in which members pledge that contributing to a safe and secure world that protects universal human rights is a common responsibility, and that achieving sustainable solutions requires a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach, amongst other acknowledgements. The Common Effort Community is a platform of over 50 organisations coming from government, civil society, police, military and the private sector in Germany and the Netherlands, that &#x201C;share the idea of comprehensive consultation, cooperation and preparation&#x201D; and work together towards improving stability, safety and security in the world.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-interdisciplinary-doctoral-symposium-democracy-rule-of-law-and-human-rights-in/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-interdisciplinary-doctoral-symposium-democracy-rule-of-law-and-human-rights-in/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies (GGS), the Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER), the Geneva Centre d&#x27;&#xC9;tudes Juridiques Europ&#xE9;ennes and European Papers: A Journal on Law and Integration will organising an interdisciplinary Doctoral Symposium titled &#x27;Democracy, Rule of Law and Human Rights in Europe and the World in Times of Contestation&#x27; in Leuven on 20-21 September 2018.&#xA;The Doctoral Symposium will consist of one day and a half of presentations by, and discussions with, PhD researchers, in interaction with senior academic experts, and a half day public session with presentations and discussions between invited senior scholars and practitioners from the EU institutions.&#xA;Symposium Directors are Prof. Dr. Enzo Cannizzaro (Rome), Prof. Dr. Christine Kaddous (Geneva), Prof. Dr. Ramses Wessel (Twente) and Prof. Dr. Jan Wouters (Leuven).&#xA;Theme of the SymposiumThe European Union&#x2019;s (EU) commitment to the pursuit of a &#x2018;principled&#x2019; foreign policy is well-grounded in the provisions of the EU Treaties. The implementation of this commitment, however, has been found wanting in numerous instances, making scholars frequently question the way and the extent to which values and ideals, such as the promotion of the rule of law and human rights, clash with material interests in EU external relations. Faced with a hardening international environment and domestic crises, the EU appears to be adjusting some of its rhetoric and action: the 2016 Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy, for example, speaks of the &#x2018;principled pragmatism&#x2019; which should guide the EU&#x2019;s external action in the years ahead. The Symposium will address, in addition to the EU&#x2019;s acts and omissions abroad concerning the trinity of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, problems and challenges regarding the EU&#x2019;s internal capacity on safeguarding democracy, human rights and the rule of law within its own Member States, and relating to its promotion of these values and principles]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/tmc-asser-instituut-invites-researchers-to-jointly-submit-applications-for-a-marie-curie/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/tmc-asser-instituut-invites-researchers-to-jointly-submit-applications-for-a-marie-curie/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute is happy to welcome researchers who would like to apply for a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Individual Fellowship, a grant scheme within the European Commission&#x2019;s Horizon 2020 funding programme.&#xA;Proposals will be prepared jointly by the researcher and the Asser Institute as the future host institution. A successful application will allow experienced researchers, in possession of a doctoral degree, to spend a research period of 12 to 24 months at the Asser Institute. Potential applicants are advised to first check the Guide for Applicants, and to consider the eligibility conditions.&#xA;Research proposals should link to one of the research areas in one of the three Research Strands within the Asser Institute&#x2019;s Research Agenda &#x2018;International &amp;amp; European Law as a Source of Trust in a Hyper-Connected World&#x2019;. Information on the Research Agenda and Strands can be found here.&#xA;Interested candidates should send their CV and a short description of the envisaged research proposal by email to projects@asser.nl, mentioning &#x2018;Marie Curie Individual Fellowship&#x2019;. Emails should be sent before 1 August 2018.&#xA;The submission deadline for proposals is 12 September 2018, the evaluation outcome is expected in February 2019. In case of a successful application, the researcher will be appointed at the Asser Institute for the duration as indicated in the proposal. The earliest starting date would be 1 March 2019.&#xA;For further information, please contact Martine van Trigt, MA, Senior Project Officer (projects@asser.nl).]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/exploring-states-obligations-to-prevent-gross-human-rights-violations/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/exploring-states-obligations-to-prevent-gross-human-rights-violations/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[What legal obligations do states have to prevent gross human rights violations under international human rights law? What types of obligations do states have at different points in time? When are they triggered? What concrete measures may they require and how do they apply outside a state&#x2019;s territory? These are some of the questions explored at the launch event of the book &#x201C;The Prevention of Gross Human Rights Violations Under International Human Rights Law&#x201D;, organised on 4 June at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut.&#xA;Speakers of the evening included the author of the book, Dr. Nienke van der Have (Senior Legal Specialist, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands), Dr. Emma Irving (Assistant Professor, Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, Leiden University), and Ms. Audrey Fino (International Lawyer, Former OHCHR and ICTY staff member). The speakers offered not only a structural exploration of the topic and the main findings of the book, but also their perspectives on, and new developments in, the field of prevention. Following the opening remarks delivered by Dr. Christophe Paulussen (Senior Researcher, T.M.C. Asser Instituut), Dr. van der Have offered the audience a structural overview of the main findings of the book, whose main focus is to clarify and categorise states&#x2019; obligations to prevent gross human rights violations. Subsequently, Dr. Irving outlined the digital tools that could play a role in the prevention of gross human rights violations and discussed the connection with and the impact these tools could have on the legal framework. Finally, Ms. Fino took the audience further in the exploration of states&#x2019; obligations by discussing the particular subject of sanctioning hate speech to prevent genocide.&#xA;After the panel discussions and an engaging Q&amp;amp;A session, Mr. Frank Bakker (Publisher, T.M.C. Asser Press) delivered his remarks on the new book. He appreciated their cooperation in the publishing process and acclaimed the book]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/a-tale-of-two-cities-the-roles-of-geneva-and-the-hague-two-un-cities-in-driving-global-justice/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/a-tale-of-two-cities-the-roles-of-geneva-and-the-hague-two-un-cities-in-driving-global-justice/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[What role do Geneva and The Hague, two UN cities, and their professional communities play in contributing to peace, human rights and international justice? This question was discussed on June 7th, 2018, at a Hague Talks event in Geneva organised by the Dutch Permanent Mission in Geneva and the Municipality of The Hague.&#xA;The event brought together speakers from both Geneva and The Hague, to explore and highlight the role of these two UN Cities in linking research to policy in the areas of peace and justice.&#xA;Speakers list included Prof. Dr. Rolph van der Hoeven ( Professor of Employment and Development Economics at the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) and International Advisory Council (AIV) of the Dutch government), Prof. Em. Dr. Willem van Genugten (Tilburg University, North-West University South-Africa,), Chris Earney (Co-founder of UNHCR Innovation service), and Janne Nijman (Academic Director of T.M.C. Asser Instituut).&#xA;Janne Nijman,&#xA0;called for &#x201C;Innovative collaborations of Geneva and The Hague&#x201D; since &#x201C;the world&#x2019;s problems do not allow us to work in silos.&#x201D; Rather than rivalry between the cities of Geneva and The Hague and their (research) institutions, she argued there should be complementarity and collaboration to face humanity&#x2019;s global challenges. After all, international humanitarian law cannot do without the procedures and institutions that are part of the field of international criminal law, while international investment law and arbitration will have to take human rights law on board.&#xA;International law and governance cannot deliver when they operate into specialised silos. Nijman pointed to how today &#x2013; after many years in which this was different - the Hague-based International Court of Justice takes &#x201C;Geneva-generated&#x201D; international human rights and humanitarian law into account when implementing international law. To realize peace and justice in the world, we need more collaboration. Thank you @JanneNijman @HebaJournalist @ChrisEarney Rolph van der]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-brief-the-case-for-a-court-of-arbitration-for-business-and-human-rights/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-brief-the-case-for-a-court-of-arbitration-for-business-and-human-rights/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Last week, Asser Institute researchers Antoine Duval and Catherine Dunmore released a new policy brief entitled &#x2018;The Case for a Court of Arbitration for Business and Human Rights&#x2019;. In this short Q&amp;amp;A, Antoine Duval provides some background to the context and objectives of the brief.&#xA;What is the policy brief about and why did you decide to write on this topic? The policy brief is meant to contribute to the growing discussion on the use and usefulness of arbitration in the business and human rights context. Since the Human Rights Council adopted the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in June 2011, we have entered a complex and lengthy multilevel implementation phase. The third pillar of the UNGPs emphasizes the importance of providing victims of human rights violations with access to remedy. Yet, as we explain in the brief, access to remedy through national courts is still extremely limited due primarily to the existence of a multitude of procedural roadblocks in an extraterritorial context. The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Jesner case denying the application of the Alien Tort Statute to foreign corporations illustrates this point. Furthermore, other soft mechanisms, such as the OECD National Contact Points, are often too weak to offer an effective remedy to affected actors in the sense of Principle 31 UNGPs (Effectiveness Criteria for Non-judicial Grievance Mechanisms). It is in this context that arbitration has emerged as a credible candidate to fulfill the commitments enshrined in the third pillar of the UNGPs. We wanted to contribute to this discussion from our own perspective based on our experiences with international arbitration.&#xA;What is the core argument of the policy brief? The main point of the policy brief is that we need to think beyond the horizon of the ongoing work of the Working Group on International Arbitration of Business and Human Rights which is focused on devising a set of rules, and to also]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-federal-rainbow-dream-on-free-movement-of-gay-spouses-under-eu-law/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-federal-rainbow-dream-on-free-movement-of-gay-spouses-under-eu-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On the 5th of June, the Court of Justice of the European Union passed a long-awaited decision on the Coman case, unequivocally interpreting the word &#x201C;spouse&#x201D; in EU Citizenship Directive as covering also married same-sex partners. In practice, this means that same-sex partners who are married in an EU state where gay marriage is permitted (for example, in the Netherlands) can legally reside in another Member State where it is not (for example, in Latvia), even when one of them does not hold any EU nationality.&#xA;T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x2019;s Senior Researcher Dr.&#xA0;Ulad Belavusau, who previously advocated this litigation and interpretation path regarding EU Citizenship Directive in his academic publications (in particular, here and here) has written a commentary about this Court&#x2019;s decision in Luxembourg, explaining legal reasoning in this judgement. He also put the judgement in Coman into the broader context of federal constitutional thinking regarding free movement of married couples, building parallels to the judgement of US Supreme Court in Case Obergefell (2015), where a same-sex couple was also moving from a state (Maryland) where their marriage was recognized and concluded to a state that did not allow same-sex marriages (Ohio). The yesterday&#x2019;s decision in Coman is perhaps the most important judgement regarding LGBT rights in the last 20 years coming from the Court of Justice of the European Union.&#xA;Read his full commentary &#x201C;The Federal Rainbow Dream: On Free Movement of Gay Spouses Under EU Law&#x201D; on Verfassungsblog.&#xA;Background on The Coman Case:This case concerns Romanian-American citizen Adrian Coman and American citizen Clai Hamilton, who met in New York and later moved to Brussels where the couple got married in 2010. They later planned to move to Romania, where their Belgian marriage would not recognised since the country does not offer an institute of either marriage or partnership for same-sex couples. Romania eventually referred the case to the European Court of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/meeting-the-four-freedoms-award-laureates-in-the-hague/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/meeting-the-four-freedoms-award-laureates-in-the-hague/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The laureates of the four freedoms awards this year (a diplomat, a journalist, a Bishop, a conservationist, and an ardent human rights activist) are people fighting their battles on different fronts, but they all have one aim in common: to make the world a better place. After receiving their awards in a ceremony that took place on 16th of May in Middelburg, the laureates came together on the 17th of May with young people from various cities and universities in the Netherlands to share their experiences and brainstorm on possible future avenues of cooperation and action.&#xA;The event was organized in cooperation with the Roosevelt Foundation, T.M.C. Asser Instituut, Pro-Demos and Leiden University College (The Hague Campus). Han Polman (Chairman of the Roosevelt Foundation) and Prof. Ernst Hirsch Ballin (President of the Board of Asser Institute), kicked off the event with opening speeches, after which the laureates were introduced to the audience. @TMCAsser President Prof. Ernst Hirsch Ballin provides opening remarks at &#x201C;Roosevelt in The Hague&#x201D;, stressing the need to think of human rights and fundamental freedoms not only in selfish terms but also as a collective responsibility. #4FreedomsDH pic.twitter.com/7XXjhq5nlP&#xA;&#x2014; Joris Larik (@JorisLarik) May 17, 2018&#xA;The 2018 International Four Freedoms award was given to the Costa Rican diplomat Christiana Figueres for her dedicated work for the realisation of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The award on Freedom of Speech and Expression was given to the Turkish journalist Erol &#xD6;ndero&#x11F;lu, who has been working for Reporters Without Borders for more than twenty years. The award on Freedom of Worship was given to Bishop Paride Taban for his life-long efforts to bring peace to the people of South Sudan. The award on Freedom from Want was given to the Belgian conservationist Emmanuel de Merode on behalf of the Virunga Alliance for their efforts to protect the Virunga National Park in Congo. Last but not least, the award on]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-receives-funding-for-a-project-on-autonomous-military-technologies-and-state/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jun 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-researcher-receives-funding-for-a-project-on-autonomous-military-technologies-and-state/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In May 2018, Asser researcher Dr B&#xE9;r&#xE9;nice Boutin was awarded research funding by the Gerda Henkel Stiftung to conduct an eighteen-month research project on the &#x2018;Conceptual and Policy Implications of Increasingly Autonomous Military Technologies for State Responsibility Under International Law&#x2019;.&#xA;The main objectives of this research project are to explore the implications of current and future technological developments for the conceptual foundations of State responsibility in relation to the conduct of armed forces (in particular the notion of State-human agency), and to evaluate how these theoretical considerations translate in terms of policy and regulation on the development and use of autonomous military technologies.&#xA;The scope of the research focuses on the responsibility of States for the risks posed by autonomous military technologies, in particular with regards to accountability in case of harm done in violations of international obligations, and more generally in terms of compliance with core international principles regulating the conduct of military operations.&#xA;The project will run from June 2018 to December 2019.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/moving-forward-five-years-after-the-rana-plaza-collapse/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/moving-forward-five-years-after-the-rana-plaza-collapse/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The collapse of the Rana Plaza building on 24 April 2013 in Bangladesh, left at least 1,134 people dead and over 2,500 others wounded, while survivors and the families of the dead continue to suffer trauma in the aftermath of the disaster.&#xA;On 12 April, the eve of the fifth anniversary after the collapse, the Doing Business Right research team coordinated an event to appraise the legal and regulatory aftermath of the tragedy, including critical discussions of the innovations it triggered in the transnational regulation of the garment supply chain, processes intended to compensate victims, and, more generally, the various legal and non-legal initiatives that have emerged. The conference brought together key (trans)national policy-makers and civil society members involved in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza collapse. It was designed to serve as a platform for practitioners and academics to reflect on the steps taken to remedy the harm suffered by the victims of the Rana Plaza catastrophe and on the regulatory mechanisms introduced to ensure that it would never recur.&#xA;The discussion was divided into three panels, with each panel taking a broad theme. The first panel was dedicated to the victims: the injured and the families of those who died. It focused on the avenues available to hold individuals and companies legally accountable for the harm caused by the collapse. It was largely acknowledged that that many of the legal and &quot;soft&quot; avenues pursued have not dispensed any meaningful sense of justice, compensation for losses suffered or responsibility for the collapse, particularly as they have not brought the relevant garment industry actors &#x2013; whether global or local &#x2013; to account. While international solidarity in the form of the Rana Plaza Arrangement, has offered some (welcome and much-needed) financial compensation to the victims, this is a far cry from a full-fledged delineation of legal responsibility recognized in court.&#xA;The second panel discussed the transnational]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/last-surviving-nuremberg-prosecutor-benjamin-ferencz-visits-the-asser-institute/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/last-surviving-nuremberg-prosecutor-benjamin-ferencz-visits-the-asser-institute/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The last surviving Nuremberg prosecutor and international criminal law champion Benjamin Ferencz paid a surprise visit to the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, on 28 May, to kick off the 12th edition of the&#xA0;Annual Summer Law Programme on International Criminal Law and International Legal &amp;amp; Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism.&#xA;It was Ferencz&#x2019; third visit to the Asser Institute and like the previous times, he was able to inspire and move a new young generation of international lawyers through his incredible life story and inexorable energy to make the world a more peaceful place. Ferencz, now 98 years old and guided by his mottos &#x201C;Law, not war&#x201D; and &#x201C;Never give up!&#x201D;, stressed the importance of moving away from nationalistic thinking, to prevent war from occurring and to believe in the message that the impossible is in fact possible. The 12th edition of the Annual Summer Law Programme on International Criminal Law and International Legal &amp;amp; Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism takes places at the Asser Institute from 28 May - 21 June 2018. It is the product of a unique collaboration between the War Crimes Research Office of American University&#x2019;s Washington College of Law and the T.M.C. Asser Instituut. From right to left: Prof. Susana S&#xE1;Couto, Director of the War Crimes Research Office, American University Washington College of Law, Benjamin Ferencz, Former Nuremberg Prosecutor and advocate for global justice,and Dr. Christophe Paulussen, Senior Researcher, T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-yearbook-of-international-humanitarian-law-vol-21-2018/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 29 May 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-yearbook-of-international-humanitarian-law-vol-21-2018/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[General Theme: Weapons Law&#xA;In recent years numerous developments have again highlighted the importance of Weapons Law for preventing and regulating armed conflict. The use of chemical weapons in Syria, the ups-and-downs of the Iranian Nuclear Deal or the policies of the current US administration brought NBC weapons back to public attention. The conclusion of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons raised high hopes among civil society actors and numerous States but faces rejection by nuclear weapon States. Dual use questions in life-science research have provoked political and ethical debates in numerous member States of the Biological Weapons Convention.&#xA;Thus, Volume 21 of the Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law (YIHL) will focus on the general theme: &#x2018;Weapons Law&#x2019;. Submissions can address the use of weapons in contemporary and future armed conflicts, recent developments in the context of the Biological Weapons Convention and Rome Statute, and ongoing debates on technical developments in cyberspace and with regard to drones and autonomous weapons. The YIHL aims to look at this theme from a variety of perspectives and thus invites submissions from authors with a strict lex lata as well as a lex ferenda perspective, an operational or technical focus, as well as an ethical, philosophical or political science point of view.&#xA;Moreover, there is, of course, the possibility to submit articles on international humanitarian law topics not related to the general theme &#x2018;Weapons Law&#x2019;.&#xA;Interested authors should send their submission before 1 October 2018 to the Managing Editor of the YIHL, Dr. Christophe Paulussen (c.paulussen@asser.nl). Articles should be submitted in conformity with the YIHL guidelines. The Editorial Board aims to publish Vol. 21 (2018) at the end of the ensuing year, in December 2019 at the latest.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/seventh-annual-phd-day/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 28 May 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/seventh-annual-phd-day/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 25 May 2018, the International Humanitarian and Criminal Law (IHCL) Platform organised its seventh annual PhD Day at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, where PhD researchers on international humanitarian law and international criminal law presented their research and received feedback. Presentations were provided by: Hanna Bourgeois (Institute for International Law, KU Leuven): &#x2018;The Relationship between the International Law on the Use of Force and International Humanitarian Law in the Context of Protection of Civilians Mandates&#x2019;&#xA;Jackson Oldfield (University of Amsterdam): &#x2018;Smuggling in International Law. The 2000 Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air and its Relationship to other Anti-smuggling Treaties&#x2019;&#xA;Hendrik Vandekerckhove (Institute for International Law, KU Leuven): &#x2018;In Absentia Convictions and Reduced Penalties for Reconciliatory Reasons: Forms of Proper Justice?&#x2019;&#xA;Laura &#xCD;&#xF1;igo &#xC1;lvarez (Utrecht University): &#x2018;Attribution of IHL Violations to Armed Groups: Current Practice and Possible Rules&#x2019;&#xA;Thomas Van Poecke (Institute for International Law, KU Leuven): &#x2018;The Saving of the IHL Saving Clause&#x2019; For more information about the Platform, please visit the&#xA0;IHCL Platform website&#xA0;or contact its coordinator&#xA0;Christophe Paulussen.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/eu-trade-and-investment-policy/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/eu-trade-and-investment-policy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is a partner organisation in an ongoing research project on Transatlantic Trade and Investment (TTIP), entitled &#x2018;EU Trade and Investment Policy&#x2019;, an Innovative Training Network, funded by the European Commission within the framework of its Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions.&#xA;The EU is currently negotiating a controversial Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement with the US. TTIP could boost both the EU and US economy and lead to a framework of transatlantic economic cooperation and integration. At the same time, there are growing concerns about the impact of TTIP on law making and democracy, wages and labour rights, and the environment. Apart from economic and political dimensions, TTIP will lead to the evolution of an entirely new field of law, closely related to and developed from EU law and international trade law. The aim of the project is to foster interdisciplinary research into TTIP with a view to understanding and resolving its multiple legal issues.&#xA;The project consists of 15 PhD research projects which are supervised by academics of 11 beneficiaries with an interdisciplinary training programme covering the legal, political and economic foundations of TTIP and an interdisciplinary and intersectoral programme of secondments involving 22 partner organisations. The project is coordinated by the University of Birmingham, and runs for the duration of four years, from April 2017 onwards. The project website can be found here.&#xA;As a partner organisation in the project, the Asser Institute will host several early stage researchers in 2018 and 2019. In May and June 2018, the first visiting researcher,&#xA0;Cornelia Furculita is hosted at the institute. Cornelia is a PhD candidate at the German University of Administrative Sciences Speyer. Her research project is provisionally entitled &#x2018;The Relationship between State-to-State Dispute Settlement Mechanisms in EU FTAs and WTO&#x2019;.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-applications-fellowship-programme-for-human-rights-defenders-2018/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-applications-fellowship-programme-for-human-rights-defenders-2018/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Justice and Peace Netherlands and T.M.C. Asser Institute are launching a new call for applications for the Fellowship Prpgramme For Human Rights Defenders 2018. This opportunity, established by&#xA0;Justice and Peace Netherlands&#xA0;as&#xA0;part of the Shelter City initiative and in collaboration with T.M.C. Asser Institute, is available for International human rights defenders who want to conduct scientific research on human rights, international law or European law.&#xA;The Fellowship Programme for Human Rights Defenders will take place from September to December 2018 in The Hague, Netherlands.&#xA0;The fellow will carry out a research project during the relocation period and take part in other relevant research activities of the Asser Institute. In line with these activities the Fellow might also perform in public events like lectures or (panel) discussions.&#xA0;A monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, visa and flight tickets to The Netherlands are provided.&#xA;Justice and Peace and the Asser Institute have established a collaborative relationship to strengthen and support the capacity of local human rights defenders (HRDs) worldwide. In the context of the Institute&#x2019;s Visiting Researchers Programme, the Asser Institute hosts one fellow per year for a period of 3 months within the framework of the Justice and Peace Fellowship Programme for Human Rights Defenders in The Hague.&#xA;Criteria for Eligibility:&#xA;In order to be eligible for the Fellowship Programme for Human Rights Defenders, the applicant must meet the following conditions: The applicant must be a human rights defender. His/her work promotes Human Rights or he/she fights against Human Rights Violations in a non-violent way;&#xA;The HRD has a relevant degree in (international human rights) law and a few years of relevant experience in human rights law work, either in practice or in academia.&#xA;The HRD is threatened or otherwise under intense pressure due to their work and can benefit from a short period of time abroad;&#xA;The HRD has a]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/excesses-of-counter-terrorism-and-constitutional-review-in-france-the-example-of-the/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/excesses-of-counter-terrorism-and-constitutional-review-in-france-the-example-of-the/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In the span of three years, France has adopted no less than five new counter-terrorism laws in&#xA0;November 2014,&#xA0;November 2015,&#xA0;June 2016,&#xA0;February 2017, and&#xA0;October 2017. As in other countries, this surge in counter-terrorism legislation has been prompted by a rise and reconfiguration of the terrorist threat (notably with regards to Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs)), and in turn by the United Nations&#x2019; call for the adoption by states of new measures, in particular broad criminal offences. In order to address the threat of FTFs, impede radicalisation and recruitment, and pre-empt the commission of terrorist acts, Security Council&#xA0;Resolution 2178&#xA0;(2014) and other international&#xA0;instruments&#xA0;have pushed for the creation of new terrorist offences and the criminalisation of all sorts of preparatory acts. The adoption by states of extensive counter-terrorism legislation has inevitably given rise to tensions between far-reaching measures and constitutional and human rights standards, which&#xA0;are sometimes seen as hindering the fight against terrorism.&#xA;An illustrative example of these frictions is provided by the short-lived criminalisation by France of the mere consultation of online materials that promotes terrorism. Introduced in June 2016, the&#xA0;controversialprovision was declared unconstitutional in February 2017, immediately reintroduced with minimal modifications, and again invalidated by the Constitutional Council in December 2017. This provision, and its back and forth trajectory, are an illustrative example of the excesses to which can lead overly-restrictive counter-terrorism legislation, as well as of some shortfalls of the constitutional review of legislation in France.&#xA;Adoption and Invalidation of the Criminalisation of Websites Consultation: A Tale in Two Acts&#xA;In June 2016, the following&#xA0;provision&#xA0;was introduced in the French Penal Code:&#xA;&#x2018;The act of habitually accessing online public communication services that exhibit messages, images or representations that]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-right-to-fair-trial-and-the-rise-of-sensitive-intelligence-evidence-responses-from-the-dutch/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-right-to-fair-trial-and-the-rise-of-sensitive-intelligence-evidence-responses-from-the-dutch/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Writing extra-judicially, Lord Justice Brown once described the typical court approach on matters of national security as follows: &#x201C;the mere incantation of the phrase [national security] of itself instantly discourages the court from satisfactorily fulfilling its normal role of deciding where the balance of public interest lies.&#x201D;&#xA0;(1994 Public Law)Yet, in recent times, despite a traditional reluctance to engage with sensitive intelligence evidence &#x2013; cases such as&#xA0;Liversidge v Anderson&#xA0;and&#xA0;Cheblak,&#xA0;for example&#xA0;(Hans Born et al 2011)&#xA0;&#x2013; some national courts have become increasingly more at ease with assessing so-called secret evidence before reaching a conclusion on the appropriateness of imposing (a) particular counter-terrorism measure(s) on an individual or organisation.&#xA;In order to accommodate the complexity of such cases within the judicial framework &#x2013; the core concerns being the inherent reluctance of the Executive to disclose any sensitive information on the one hand and an individual&#x2019;s fair trial right protections on the other &#x2013; states such as the UK and the Netherlands have adopted conditional inclusion of intelligence models (for more detailed classification see Hans Born&#xA0;et al&#xA0;2015). Assessing the full impact of the relevant provisions on a) the scope of the rights most visibly impacted, b) the changing purview of judicial review and c) the overall constitutional (the Netherlands)/public law (the United Kingdom) frameworks is naturally a long term and sustained process. As such the following comments aim to address what is &#x2013; and certainly should be &#x2013; a vital societal concern in both of these countries, namely the limitations on the scope of the right to fair trial.&#xA;In the Netherlands, the&#xA0;2006 Act on Shielded Witnesses&#xA0;introduced a special procedure in which members of the two principal Dutch intelligence services (AIVD&#xA0;and&#xA0;MIVD) may be heard before a special examining magistrate at a pre-trial stage. The magistrate can then decide whether, in the interest]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/launch-of-second-asser-verfassungsblog-symposium-courts-and-counter-terrorism/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/launch-of-second-asser-verfassungsblog-symposium-courts-and-counter-terrorism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In the context of counter-terrorism, what is the role and responsibility of courts, and constitutional courts in particular? In many respects, courts are the last line of defence in upholding the rule of law during times when it&#xA0;really&#xA0;matters, when society is put to the test. The Asser Institute&#x2019;s symposium &#x2018;Courts and Counter-Terrorism&#x2019; analyses important judgments and legislative developments in several countries, namely the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Finland, Italy, Turkey, China, France, Germany and Spain.&#xA;We kick off this symposium with a&#xA0;blogpost&#xA0;by a Senior Researcher at the Asser Institute, Dr.&#xA0;Christophe Paulussen. Terrorism is all over the news these days but not always in the negative. For example, the&#xA0;Global Terrorism Index 2017&#xA0;has established that the number of deaths caused by terrorism has decreased in 2016. Nigeria has even witnessed an 80 per cent reduction in the number of people killed by Boko Haram. At the same time terrorism is spreading to more countries. For instance, no fewer than 106 nations experienced at least one terrorist attack in 2016. In Europe, an increase is visible. While in 2002 there were 129 attacks leading to 14 deaths, the year 2016 witnessed 630 attacks and 826 deaths. This security problem has led to what Amnesty International has recently&#xA0;called&#xA0;&#x201C;the ever-expanding national security state in Europe&#x201D;, as a result of which &#x201C;[b]rick by brick, the edifice of rights protection that was so carefully constructed after the Second World War, is being dismantled.&#x201D; Also the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra&#x2019;ad Al Hussein,&#xA0;warned&#xA0;in March 2015: I come to you at what may prove to be a turning-point in our young and troubled century. There is real danger that in their reaction to extremist violence, opinion-leaders and decision-makers will lose their grasp of the deeper principles that underpin the system for global security which States built 70 years ago to ward off the horror of war. [&#x2026;] Terrorist attacks cannot]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-brief-street-renaming-after-the-change-of-political-regime/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/policy-brief-street-renaming-after-the-change-of-political-regime/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In light of recent legislative developments in Poland, T.M.C. Asser Institute senior researcher Dr. Ulad Belavusau and a visiting researcher from the Polish Academy of Sciences, Ms. Anna Wojcik have published a policy brief on the practice of street re-naming. The policy brief unpacks the spreading phenomenon of re-naming streets as part of a mushrooming of so-called memory laws. A 2017 Polish law on street de-communization is taken as a case study which Ms. Wojcik and Dr. Belavusau scrutinize from the perspectives of subsidiarity of government, democratic participation, political pluralism, minority rights, and freedom of speech. Based on their research in the area of memory laws, the brief offers ten policy recommendations, followed by good practices for mitigating any negative effects of such street re-naming legislation.&#xA;While the brief is a practical guide for legal practitioners and policymakers alike, Dr. Belavusau and Ms. Wojcik also wrote an article on the renaming of streets in Poland, published in New Eastern Europe magazine. This piece takes a more current affairs perspective, providing details of the political climate in Poland regarding memory laws. Taking historical figures Bruno Jasie&#x144;ski, J&#xF3;zef Lewartowski and Branis&#x142;a&#x16D; Tara&#x161;kievi&#x10D; as examples, the authors elaborate on the implementation process of the Polish street de-communization rules.&#xA;Both&#xA0;scholars are part of the&#xA0;MELA project&#xA0;(Memory Laws in European and Comparative Perspective).]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-participates-in-the-closing-plenary-of-asil-s-112th-annual-meeting/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-participates-in-the-closing-plenary-of-asil-s-112th-annual-meeting/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute and the City of The Hague have together presented the closing plenary of the American Society of International Law&#x2019;s 2018 Annual Meeting in Washington D.C. on 7 April in Washington D.C.&#xA;This year&#x2019;s Annual Meeting theme was International Law in Practice, and the closing plenary addressed The Future of Multilateralism. The round table discussion for the plenary was introduced by the president of the Asser Institute and former Minister of Justice Ernst Hirsch Ballin, and ended with a closing speech from the mayor of The Hague Pauline Krikke. This plenary looked at the modern history of multilateralism to assess its future brought together leading experts to address the effectiveness and utility of multilateral institutions and approaches, and the prospects for their renewal.&#x201D;&#xA;The discussion was moderated by Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Secretary General of The Hague Academy of International Law. Other speakers at the round table included: Jutta Brunn&#xE9;e, Metcalf Chair in Environmental Law at the University of Toronto and recipient of the ASIL Certificate of Merit for her recent book (with Daniel Bodansky and Lavanya Rajamani) on International Climate Change Law; Edward Kwakwa, Senior Director, Department for Traditional Knowledge and Global Challenges, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); Steven Hill, Legal Advisor and Director of the Office of Legal Affairs at NATO; and Gabriela Ramos, OECD Chief of Staff and Sherpa to the G20.&#xA;Watch full video of the closing plenary here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-10th-anniversary-cleer-conference-eu-external-relations-tackling-global/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-10th-anniversary-cleer-conference-eu-external-relations-tackling-global/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, CLEER will organise a two-day academic conference at the T.M.C. Asser Institute on 6-7 December 2018. It will consist of several thematic panel sessions featuring presentations and discussions with senior and junior scholars as well practitioners, and keynote presentations from outstanding EU academics.Academic coordination of this Conference is provided by CLEER Executive Board. Conference Theme Unprecedented challenges to globalisation, trade, multilateralism and the global order have come from various internal and external sources over the past few years. From Trump to Brexit, from an assertive Russia to the continuing migrant crises, and from the public outcry towards multilateral trade to the rise of populism, hardly any policy area has been recently operating &#x2018;business as usual&#x2019;. Indeed, the European Union and its Member States have no option but to accept these unprecedented challenges and find the best ways forward in attaining the external objectives laid down in the EU Treaties. This Conference takes stock of the actions (and reactions) of the European Union through external action instruments in a number of substantive areas such as migration, trade, neighbouring policies, and security and defence. It aims to reflect on the appropriateness and effectiveness of the institutional structures underpinning EU external action in addressing these challenges and suggest possible ways forward. This Conference, therefore, welcomes contributions from different areas of EU external relations, potentially combining a legal with a theoretical or policy perspective.&#xA;Possible topics include: An evaluation 10 years after the constitutional and&#xA0;policy innovations introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon in the area of EU external relations&#xA;Legal and policy aspects of Brexit, the future settlement, and recent developments in light of the deadline of March 2019&#xA;Migration and asylum policies within the framework of the external dimension of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-s-first-winter-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-s-first-winter-academy-on-artificial-intelligence-and-international-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute in The Hague in collaboration with a number of partners will launch its first Winter Academy on Artificial Intelligence and International Law early 2019. Expert academic speakers will be offering perspectives on primarily legal but also ethical and technical aspects. The Winter Academy will provide a platform to engage in in-depth critical discussions on the conceptual and policy implications of AI for the international legal order.&#xA;For this first edition, the Winter Academy will include general sessions on legal and theoretical perspectives on AI (including on legal personality, collective agency, human control, responsibility), real-life case studies, and thematic sessions focusing on autonomous weapons systems and other uses of AI in the military as a case study, exploring issues of international humanitarian law, international criminal law, and other fields of international law in this context. A big thank you to @CityOfTheHague and its Mayor @PaulineKrikke for the scholarships enabling five #students to join @TMCAsser our Winter Academy on #ArtificialInteligence and #internationallaw early 2019 in The Hague. Follow @bereniceboutin on when to apply. pic.twitter.com/H7wFynZq4W&#xA;&#x2014; Janne Nijman (@JanneNijman) April 7, 2018]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/looking-back-at-the-book-launch-shifting-perspectives-on-the-european-public-prosecutor-s-office/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/looking-back-at-the-book-launch-shifting-perspectives-on-the-european-public-prosecutor-s-office/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On 9 March 2018, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut organised a book launch event for Shifting Perspectives on the European Public Prosecutor&#x2019;s Office, a volume providing in-depth analyses on the Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor&#x2019;s Office (&#x2018;the EPPO&#x2019;), published by the T.M.C. Asser Press. The volume was edited by Dr Willem Geelhoed (Assistant Professor, University of Groningen), Drs. Leendert Erkelens (Visiting Research Fellow, T.M.C. Asser Instituut), and Prof. Arjen Meij (Visiting Research Fellow, T.M.C. Asser Instituut) and comprises contributions written by well-known experts and practitioners in the field of European Union (EU) criminal law.&#xA;Co-editors Drs. Leendert Erkelens and Prof. Arjen Meij opened the book launch event. They drew a link between this event and the two previous conferences on EPPO organised by Asser in 2013 and 2016, respectively, and highlighted the emphasis of this event on new developments in the functioning of EPPO as well as its relations with other EU agencies and Member States. Then they introduced the panellists and the event&#x2019;s moderator, Mr. Jos Silvis (Procurator-General, Supreme Court of the Netherlands).&#xA;Ms. Elisa Sason, Policy Officer, Directorate-General Justice, Freedom and Security, European Commission, provided an overview of the key components of the regulation as well as the progress of establishing EPPO from the perspective of the European Commission. She also offered insight into the progress of setting up the office. So far, 20 Member States have committed to joining the EPPO enhanced cooperation and the Netherlands is discussing its own participation.&#xA;Prof. Katalin Ligeti, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance, Professor of European and International Criminal Law, University of Luxembourg, delivered a presentation on Institutional Design of EPPO and Its Relations with Other EU Criminal Justice Actors through which she examined]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-congo-tribunal-where-art-and-international-law-meet/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-congo-tribunal-where-art-and-international-law-meet/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[On Sunday 8 April, the art installation The Congo Tribunal exhibited at gallery Stroom in The Hague will close with a rich program on the interaction between law, politics and art. The program includes two screenings of the documentary The Congo Tribunal followed by a Q&amp;amp;A with artist Milo Rau and various guests including Asser researcher Sofia Stolk and art historian Sven L&#xFC;tticken.&#xA;With The Congo Tribunal, theatre director Milo Rau challenges the boundary between theatre and law, appealing to the common endeavour of artists and lawyers to expose the truth about injustices.&#xA;The ambitious project examines the causes and backgrounds of the enduring conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the project&#x2019;s website &#x2018;nowhere else in the world, the superposition of global interests of the great national economies, local power claims, the colonial past and the post-colonial present are more exemplary than in this crises region.&#x2019; Rau set up two fictional tribunals, one in Bukavu and one in Berlin, in order to expose the truth about the devastating battle for Congo&#x2019;s rich natural resources. For the hearings, he gathered victims, perpetrators, witnesses, government representatives, experts and other stakeholders that have in interest in the protracted conflict in East Congo. All parties have a chance to speak and listen during this unique civil tribunal.&#xA;But, what is it that we are looking at? Is it art? Is it law? Is it both? We recognize certain legal elements and procedures: A Chair with a gavel, a chief investigator in a court dress, a jury, a witness stand and pieces of evidence. The participants are not actors, but real people. The chief investigator is a Congolese lawyer, the Chairman, Jean-Louis Gilissen, is a well-known international lawyer, the victims are real victims, the experts are actual experts. However, there is no binding judgment, the trial only lasts for 3 days, and Rau keeps emphasising that this is a &#x2018;fictional tribunal&#x2019;. The]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/cleer-organises-its-4th-summer-school-in-brussels-on-the-law-of-eu-external-relations/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/cleer-organises-its-4th-summer-school-in-brussels-on-the-law-of-eu-external-relations/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[CLEER, the Centre for the Law of the EU External Relations based at the Asser Institute, will deliver its 4th intensive one-week summer school in EU External Relations Law. The course will be hosted by Maastricht University in its Brussels campus from 25 to 29 June 2018.&#xA;The programme will comprise interactive lectures delivered by renowned academic experts, workshops led by experienced practitioners and study visits to the EU institutions, enabling participants to glean first-hand experience of how theory is transformed into practice.&#xA;The programme is designed for advanced university students, civil servants or practitioners with an academic background or practical experience in law, political science or international relations.&#xA;Participants will gain extensive knowledge of the core actors and instruments forming the foundations of the EU&#x2019;s external action and a deep understanding of legal and policy issues in key fields including the&#xA0;Trade, Development, Environment, CFSP/CSDP and AFSJ.&#xA;Tuition fees range between 200 and 600 Euros. Six scholarships covering tuition are available to be awarded to students awarded on the basis of merit and financial need.&#xA;More information about registration and the program are available&#xA0;here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-international-legality-of-economic-activities-in-occupied-territories/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/call-for-papers-the-international-legality-of-economic-activities-in-occupied-territories/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The T.M.C. Asser Institute, the Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) and The Hague University of Applied Sciences, under the aegis of The Hague Academic Coalition (HAC), invite submissions of abstracts for a workshop on the &#x2018;International Legality of Economic Activities in Occupied Territories?&#x2019;. The workshop will take place at the Asser Institute in The Hague, on 17 October 2018.&#xA;Workshop Theme: Recent developments have brought to the fore the question of the lawfulness of economic activities in occupied territories. Many States, NGOs and scholars maintain that international law prohibits economic dealings with occupying States that extend to territories under their control. Still, the legal framework governing the lawfulness of such dealings remains unclear. In this light, this workshop aims to explore the legality of economic activities in occupied territories.&#xA;Abstracts are invited that address one or more of the following aspects: The duty of non-recognition and its application to occupied territories;&#xA;The legality of exploring and exploiting the natural resources of occupied territories;&#xA;The international responsibility of States and IOs for concluding trade agreements covering occupied territories;&#xA;The EU&#x2019;s approach towards occupied territories;&#xA;The legality of private actors&#x2019; economic activity in occupied territories;&#xA;The soft-law framework (e.g. UN Guiding Principles, corporate codes of conduct, certification schemes) affecting private actors&#x2019; economic activity in occupied territories;&#xA;The extent to which international law obliges home States to regulate the conduct of private actors doing business in occupied territories. The abstracts should contain a one-page (500 words max.) description of the proposed paper and are to be accompanied by a CV of the author/s. The abstracts are to be sent to the workshop organisers Antoine Duval (a.duval@asser.nl); Eva Kassoti (E.Kassoti@hhs.nl); Enrico Partiti (e.partiti@asser.nl) by 15 May 2018.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-asser-institute-co-organises-a-memory-laws-workshop-with-berkeley-law-school/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-asser-institute-co-organises-a-memory-laws-workshop-with-berkeley-law-school/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut and Berkeley Law School are co-organising a workshop on &#x201C;Legal Governance of Historical Memory in Comparative Perspective&#x201D; in Berkeley on 3 April 2018.&#xA;This one-day workshop held at Berkeley Law School focuses on&#xA0;the&#xA0;legal governance of historical memory often addressed in academic literature under the heading of&#xA0;memory laws. In recent years, such memory laws have spread throughout Europe and beyond, and these days encompass much more than just a prohibition of Holocaust denial &#x2013; as was common twenty years ago. Memory&#xA0;laws aim to establish &#x201C;proper&#x201D; ways of interpreting &#x2013; often dramatic &#x2013; historical events. While&#xA0;many non-European states also have such laws, their status in Europe remains, for&#xA0;historical and political reasons, hotly contested in terms of fundamental rights,&#xA0;the&#xA0;protection of minorities and rule of law. In particular last month, the Polish law regarding the country&#x2019;s 20th&#xA0;century history provoked an international outcry in Israel, Ukraine, USA and elsewhere.&#xA0;It is commonplace to argue that the United States does not have memory laws; but it does have memory&#xA0;politics. Debates&#xA0;around Ferguson and Charlottesville affairs have recently testified&#xA0;to this. The&#xA0;workshop will gather both Europe and US-based scholars, many of whom have contributed to the recent book &#x201C;Law and Memory: Towards Legal Governance of History&#x201D;, co-edited&#xA0;by Asser&#x2019;s researcher Uladzislau Belavusau and Aleksandra Gliszczy&#x144;ska-Grabias (Cambridge University Press, 2017). For more information and details on the workshop click here, and for the full programme click here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/cleer-lecture-on-the-brexit-conundrum-at-maastricht-university-in-brussels/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/cleer-lecture-on-the-brexit-conundrum-at-maastricht-university-in-brussels/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) is organising an academic lecture at Maastricht University&#x2019;s Brussels Campus on 4 April 2018.&#xA;The lecture will be delivered by Professor Andrea Ott and titled &#x201C;The Brexit conundrum: Stuck between Politics, EU and International Law&#x201D;. She will address the current state of play of the Brexit negotiations and sheds a light on the future EU-UK trade relations.&#xA;This CLEER lecture is a part of an event organised for Maastricht University&#x2019;s Alumni of European Law and International Laws schools. The event will include a netwrorking oportunity, the CLEER lecture and a Master class by Diane Fromage on &#x27;The ECB&#x2019;s accountability in the post-Banking Union era&#x2019;.&#xA;More information and a link for registration can be found on Maastricht University&#x2019;s website.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/back-home-action-plans-under-the-spotlight-in-tunis/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/back-home-action-plans-under-the-spotlight-in-tunis/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Judges, public prosecutors and civil servants from the MENA region participated in the follow-up to the Shiraka training programme in Tunis from 5&#x2013;7 March 2018. The first part of the training on the Administration of Justice took place in The Hague from 13-20 November 2017. Participants came from nine countries: Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia. Inspired by lectures on the Dutch judicial system and study visits to national and international courts during the first part of the programme, the participants prepared Back Home Action Plans (BHAPs) with a view to sharing the knowledge they acquired in the Netherlands with their counterparts in their home countries as well as triggering changes and reform.&#xA;The most important aim of the follow-up meeting, which is traditionally hosted by one of the participating countries, is to discuss the implementation process of the BHAPs; to share stories of success as well as challenges faced. The BHAPs covered a wide variety of topics: judicial time management, measuring the workload of courts, introducing a system of legal aid, resolving conflicts of jurisdiction between courts, and introducing an independent and private law enforcement agency. The presentations were followed by lively discussions commenting on how the respective issues are handled in different countries as well as suggestions for future actions.&#xA;A by-product of organising the follow-up meeting in the region is to learn about the constitutional history, institutions and judicial system of the host country. The meeting in Tunis was significant as Tunisia is considered the most successful example of democratisation in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. Participants had the privilege to attend a lecture on Tunisian constitutional history, learn about the establishment of Tunisia&#x2019;s Supreme Judicial Council (Conseil Sup&#xE9;rieur de la Magistrature) in 2015 - an institution indispensable for the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-researchers-participate-in-making-a-difference-conference-hosted-by-the-dutch/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 09 Mar 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-institute-researchers-participate-in-making-a-difference-conference-hosted-by-the-dutch/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Two researchers from the T.M.C. Asser Instituut participated in the Conference &#x201C;Making a Difference: Working Together for Sustainable Capacity Building in the Justice and Security Sector&#x201D; hosted by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security on 14 February 2018. The conference gathered together participants of diverse backgrounds and agencies, including those from the beneficiary countries, and covered a wide range of topics on capacity building with six parallel workshops.&#xA;Dr. Christophe Paulussen, senior researcher at the institute and research fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism &#x2013; The Hague (ICCT), moderated the workshop &#x201C;Youth &amp;amp; Radicalisation&#x201D; co-organised by the Asser Instituut and the ICCT. During the workshop, speakers presented the Dutch approach to tackle radicalisation amongst Dutch youth, the general situation of youth radicalisation in Tunisia, the project &#x201C;Building Youth Resilience in Tunisia and The Netherlands&#x201D;, and lessons learned from around the world on juvenile foreign fighters. Read the full report on this workshop here.&#xA;Dr. Narin Idriz, also a researcher at the institute, organised and moderated the workshop &#x201C;Capacity Building Activities in the Area of Migration: From Policy Making to Effective Implementation&#x201D;. The workshop brought together representatives from governmental, non-governmental and international organisations. It provided a picture of different types of capacity building projects along the migration route to Europe: from countries of origin and countries in the region to transit countries, as well as the country of destination and the country in which the capacity building projects in question are developed&#x2014;the Netherlands. Read the full report of this workshop here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-asser-institute-signed-a-new-agreement-with-the-university-of-amsterdam/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-asser-institute-signed-a-new-agreement-with-the-university-of-amsterdam/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the University of Amsterdam signed an interim covenant covering the period 2017-2020 on Monday&#xA0;February&#xA0;26th. The University of Amsterdam is, on behalf of the Dutch universities, responsible for the funding of the institute and its embedding in the academic organisation. The&#xA0;agreement secures the UvA&#x2019;s contribution at its current level for the next three years. The collaboration with the Amsterdam Center for International Law (ACIL) will continue and, if possible, be extended to other research centres of the Law Faculty. The possibility of joint course programmes for (executive) professionals will be explored. The new covenant is an interim covenant because in 2018 and 2019 the ongoing collaboration agreement between Asser and the UvA will be evaluated and, if necessary, amended. Both T.M.C. Asser and the UvA&#xA0;are confident this process will have a positive outcome. Two weeks earlier, The Asser Institute and the UvA also signed a loan facility agreement in order to partially finance the renovation of&#xA0;the Institute&#x27;s building. Both the covenant and the loan contribute to Asser&#x2019;s financial stability and confirm&#xA0;the close ties&#xA0;between the institute and the UvA.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/morality-and-responsibility-of-rulers/</link>                <pubDate>Sun, 04 Mar 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/morality-and-responsibility-of-rulers/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Prof. Janne Nijman, Asser&#x2019;s Academic Director, and Prof. Anthony Carty, Beijing Institute of Technology School of Law, have published the edited volume &#x201C;Morality and Responsibility of Rulers: European and Chinese Origins of a Rule of Law as Justice for World Order&#x201D; with Oxford University Press. The volume starts out as a comparative study of both Eastern and Western traditions of thought on world order. In an interview with the Bulletin de la Recherche of the Graduate Institute in Geneva, Nijman clarifies: the book first &#x2018;carves out histories of international thought that show how diverse the Chinese and Western traditions are in themselves.&#x2019; This then brings out &#x2018;rule of law as justice&#x2019; conceptions alternative to the positivist conceptions of the liberal internationalist rule of law today. As such, the book is highly relevant also for current developments in the organisation of a Europe&#x2013;China dialogue on peaceful world order. Nijman: &#x2018;professor Carty and I have [the hope] that it could serve as a basis for what we understand to be a much-needed transcultural humanist dialogue on international law and international relations.&#xA;You can find the book here, and read the full interview here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/launching-the-website-of-the-global-city-challenges-trust-and-the-role-of-law-project/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/launching-the-website-of-the-global-city-challenges-trust-and-the-role-of-law-project/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute is launching the website for its research project on &#x2018;The Global City: Challenges, Trust and the Role of Law&#x2019;. The project brings together four PhD researchers, who examine how important past and present legal developments took place in the context of global cities.&#xA;The project brings together four PhD researchers: Yehonatan Elazar-DeMota, Julia van der Krieke, Miha Marcenko and Lisa Roodenburg. It is divided into two components; one focusing on historical legal research and the other on present legal developments. Julia and Yehonatan are exploring the role of the Sephardic Jewish community in seventeenth-century Amsterdam on the development of the legal debates on citizenship and slavery. Lisa and Miha are exploring the connection of the modern global city to the global norms, such as international human rights.&#xA;Ets Haim and Identity within the Context of the Early Modern Amsterdam Debate on Citizenship&#xA;Julia van der Krieke is focusing on the evolution of the concept of citizenship arising out of the negotiations for legal recognition and rights of the Sephardic Community in seventeenth-century Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. Looking at sources from the municipal archives and the Ets Haim library, Julia is especially interested in the sometimes conflicting official legal demands and prescriptions placed on the Sephardim on one hand and the daily reality in the city, on the other hand.&#xA;Ets Haim and the Early Modern Amsterdam Debate on Trade and War with the non-European World&#xA;Yehonatan Elazar-DeMota is interested in revealing the contribution of the Sephardic Jewish Community in the Dutch Republic on the debate on slavery and the Atlantic Slave Trade. Their material contributions were invaluable to the slave-trading activities of the West Indies Company. Most important, they made a mark on the pan-European seventeenth-century Slave Trade Debate through their intellectual, legal and religious conceptions, which influenced the thinking of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/on-the-interaction-between-transnational-crimes-and-international-crimes/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 28 Feb 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/on-the-interaction-between-transnational-crimes-and-international-crimes/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[&#x201C;A fascinating reading about the state of affairs in international criminal law&#x201D;, was the description by Mr. Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust, of the newest book launched at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut: &#x2018;Legal Responses to Transnational and International Crimes. Towards an Integrative Approach&#x2019;. The book launch event on 7 February shed light on the interaction between transnational crimes and international crimes, a topic of growing international focus and increasingly the object of academic research and valorisation activities such as trainings, including at the Asser Institute. The event provided not only a general introduction of the content of the book from Dr. Christophe Paulussen, co-editor of the book and Senior Researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, but also a keynote speech on the importance of judicial cooperation by Mr. Hamran, as well as a specific case study on the crime of piracy based on a chapter of the new book from Dr. Marta Bo, Researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and one of the contributors to the book. Read the full report of the event here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/meet-the-world-join-the-asser-institute-at-the-movies-that-matter-festival-2018/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 26 Feb 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/meet-the-world-join-the-asser-institute-at-the-movies-that-matter-festival-2018/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Justice, violence, dignity, corruption, punishment, forgiveness, evidence, truth. Big themes that constantly need to be researched, discussed and visualized in order to be understood. Themes that are best explored together. To do so, the Asser Institute joins forces with the Movies that Matter festival, taking place from 23-31 March 2018, in The Hague. The Movies that Matter Festival annually presents a nine-day programme of around 70 films and documentaries about human rights and social justice, and serves as a platform for debate and discussion. Specifically, the Asser Institute supports the Camera Justitia programme. This is one of the festival&#x2019;s main competition programmes, and includes eight films (documentary and fiction) on international law and justice. During the festival, 34 film screenings and over 20 Q&amp;amp;A&#x2019;s with filmmakers and experts shed light on legal dilemmas, searches for justice, and the fight against impunity.&#xA;The Asser Institute and the Movies that Matter festival are both firmly rooted The Hague, city of Peace and Justice. Both organizations believe in the power of making connections, of reaching beyond one&#x2019;s own circle, and of meeting others. At the festival, we aim to create a space where filmmakers can meet lawyers, where politicians can meet artists, where activists can meet academics, and where students can meet judges. Unexpected encounters that can help us to gain new insights and mutual understanding.&#xA;Camera Justitia Masterclass&#xA;Most importantly, the Asser Institute co-organizes this year&#x2019;s Camera Justitia Masterclass, delivered by Kathryne Bomberger, Director-General van de International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), and presented by Asser&#x2019;s researcher Dr. Sofia Stolk. In this Masterclass, Ms. Bomberger will talk about her career and the work of the ICMP, illustrated by excerpts from this year&#x2019;s film selection. The Masterclass takes place on Thursday 29 March at 16:00h in the Foyer of Theater aan het Spui, and is free of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/icl-tcl-training-marks-successful-asser-antonio-cassese-initiative-collaboration/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/icl-tcl-training-marks-successful-asser-antonio-cassese-initiative-collaboration/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From 5 to 9 February 2018, the Asser Institute and the Antonio Cassese Initiative successfully hosted a training course on international criminal law (ICL) and transnational criminal law (TCL) for judges and prosecutors from francophone African countries (Mali, Cote d&#x2019;Ivoire, Congo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Democratic Republic of the Congo).&#xA;The training course, entitled &#x2018;Strengthening Domestic Capacity to Prosecute International and Transnational Crimes in Africa&#x2019;, offered a high-quality training on the prosecution and adjudication of international and transnational crimes. The week-long course delved into many relevant topics of international criminal law, such as the challenges to the domestic prosecutions of international crimes, the right of the defence or the cooperation with the International Criminal Court. The training course featured a number of top speakers coming from international courts and tribunals in The Hague and several academic and professional institutions and organisations focusing on ICL and TCL, including honoured guests such as Judge Abdulqawi A. Yusuf, the recently elected president of the International Court of Justice, and Judge Gu&#xE9;na&#xEB;l Mettraux from the Kosovo Specialists Chambers.&#xA;The training course was a success, characterised by many exchanges between the participants and the speakers, as well as among the participants themselves. The judges and prosecutors all attested that the training course had increased their knowledge of ICL and TCL and strengthened their competences in these fields. They were convinced that the (digital) tools acquired during the training course would prove very useful in their domestic judicial systems, hence strengthening the complementarity principle. Moreover, the positive atmosphere which prevailed throughout the training course allowed the participants to stimulate the cooperation between their respective countries.&#xA;This training course marked the beginning of increased cooperation between the Asser]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/inside-the-mladic-trial-a-report/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 08 Feb 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/inside-the-mladic-trial-a-report/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From a legal point of view, the most important value of the Mladi&#x107; case is its discussion surrounding the definition of genocide and the use of the concept of Joint Criminal Enterprise (JCE). This was the main message conveyed by Jonas Nilsson, team leader of the Mladi&#x107; case in ICTY Trial Chamber I, who gave a lecture on the topic at the Asser Institute on 31 January 2018. The full report, including a link to the video of the event, can be found here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/looking-back-at-human-dignity-and-human-security-in-times-of-terrorism-conference/</link>                <pubDate>Wed, 07 Feb 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/looking-back-at-human-dignity-and-human-security-in-times-of-terrorism-conference/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[&#x2018;Terrorist attacks cannot destroy the values on which our societies are grounded &#x2013; but laws and policies can.&#x2019; This quote by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra&#x2019;ad Al Hussein set up the paradigm for the conference &#x2018;Human Dignity and Human Security in Times of Terrorism&#x2019; held on 14 December 2017. The conference, organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and the International Association of Constitutional Law, explored the challenges terrorism poses to human rights and human dignity. How can law constitute a source of trust during times of continued terrorism in Europe and elsewhere? Established experts, providing thought-provoking keynotes, and upcoming talents confronted this topic during three sessions. The first session explored the prevention of terrorism and foreign fighters, and the impact of such prevention on human dignity. This session focused on the way in which states manage &#x2018;atypical&#x2019; foreign fighters, e.g. those who leave to fight against the Islamic State, the weakening of the causality requirement for terrorist offences in certain countries and the current criminalisation of foreign fighter travel. Researchers discussed national case studies in session two, and highlighted the legal frameworks for terrorism in the UK, the Netherlands, China and Turkey. Researchers compared the use of secret evidence in terrorism trials in the UK and the Netherlands, explored the intense transformation of the Chinese counter-terrorism legal framework, and analysed the particularities of Turkey&#x2019;s fight against terrorism. Session three focused on three topical &#x2018;capita selecta&#x2019;. The first addressed the European Court of Human Rights&#x2019; reliance on the margin of appreciation to examine anti-terrorism operations under Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights (the right to life). The second elaborated on the fact that, although there is a specific body of law for juvenile criminal justice, many juvenile terrorism suspects in the UK are not diverted to]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/highlights-contemporary-constraints-on-the-waging-of-war-a-tribute-to-prof-frits-kalshoven/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 06 Feb 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/highlights-contemporary-constraints-on-the-waging-of-war-a-tribute-to-prof-frits-kalshoven/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Over 80 people gathered at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut on 16 January 2018, to attend a lecture commemorating the work and life of late Prof. Frits Kalshoven, who passed away on 6 September 2017 at the age of 93.&#xA;Following the introductory remarks, Dr. Robert Heinsch, Associate Professor of Public International Law at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University and Director of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law, provided a general overview on the work and life of Prof. Kalshoven.&#xA;Prof. Liesbeth Zegveld, Professor of War Reparations at the University of Amsterdam, as well as a lawyer at Prakken d&#x2019;Oliveira Human Rights Lawyers, followed with a personal insight into her cooperation with Frits Kalshoven.&#xA;Finally, Prof. Christopher Greenwood, Judge at the International Court of Justice, began his speech by this powerful comment on Prof. Kalshoven&#x2019;s life and work: &#x201C;a real humanitarian who practised humanity&#x201D;. He spoke on the topic of belligerent reprisals and the influence of Prof. Kalshoven on this field of law.&#xA;Read the full report on this lecture here.&#xA;The lecture was organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x2019;s International Humanitarian and Criminal Law (IHCL) Platform, The Hague Initiative for Law and Armed Conflict (HILAC) and the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law (KGF Leiden).]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/restoring-trust-in-the-rule-of-law/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 05 Feb 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/restoring-trust-in-the-rule-of-law/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The goal of terrorism is to undermine trust in the rule of law, and unfortunately, this may also happen because of some political responses to terrorism. In his new SSRN ASSER research paper &#x2018;Restoring trust in the rule of law&#x2019;, Prof. Ernst Hirsch Ballin, President of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, argues that, notwithstanding the obvious need of law enforcement and effective prevention, the best possible, principled but also practical response to terrorism as well as to non-violent centrifugal forces can be clear: do not give up promoting the inclusive ideal of a constitution and rule of law for all.&#x201D; For the full paper, see here.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-s-academic-director-to-teach-history-of-the-idea-of-international-law-in-geneva/</link>                <pubDate>Fri, 02 Feb 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/asser-s-academic-director-to-teach-history-of-the-idea-of-international-law-in-geneva/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut&#x2019;s Board Member and Academic Director Prof. Dr. Janne Nijman, will be teaching a course at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva this spring.&#xA;Nijman, who is also a professor of History and Theory of International Law at the University of Amsterdam, will be teaching the 14 weeks course &#x2018;History of the Idea of International Law&#x2019; as a Visiting Professor for the 2018 Spring Term (February-June), and will participate in the research community at the Institute.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/new-foreign-fighters-tab-launched-on-the-international-crimes-database/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jan 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/new-foreign-fighters-tab-launched-on-the-international-crimes-database/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The Asser Institute&#x2019;s International Crimes Database (ICD) has just launched a new tab dedicated to the topic of foreign fighters. This tab contains a collection of cases of (individuals related to) (potential) foreign fighters, whether the suspects are charged with terrorist crimes, war crimes or other crimes.&#xA;The (analysis of) cases will allow policy makers, practitioners and scholars to get a better insight and understanding into how (individuals related to) (potential) foreign fighters are prosecuted and which lessons learned can be distilled from these prosecutions.&#xA;These lessons will also be incorporated in papers that will be published on the foreign fighters tab of the ICD and/or the ICCT website.&#xA;The first paper, based in part on the first batch of ICD case summaries, as well as other sources, is entitled &#x2018;Prosecuting (Potential) Foreign Fighters: Legislative and Practical Challenges&#x2019; and is authored by Christophe Paulussen and Kate Pitcher. It can be found here. The new tab will be maintained by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut and is sponsored by the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism &#x2013; The Hague (ICCT).]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/international-and-transnational-criminal-law-training-course-marks-new-asser-cassese-initiative/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jan 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/international-and-transnational-criminal-law-training-course-marks-new-asser-cassese-initiative/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[From 5 to 9 February 2018, the Asser Institute and the Antonio Cassese Initiative will host a training course on international and transnational criminal law (ICL and TCL) for judges and prosecutors from francophone African countries, including Mali, Cote d&#x2019;Ivoire, Congo, Burkina Faso, Niger and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.&#xA;The training course, entitled &#x2018;Strengthening Domestic Capacity to Prosecute International and Transnational Crimes in Africa&#x2019;, will offer a high-quality training on the prosecution and adjudication of international and transnational crimes. It will develop by means of thematic modules which delve into issues such as the element of crimes, the implementation of customary and treaty law in national contexts, international standards of due process and cooperation with international courts and tribunals.&#xA;By increasing knowledge of ICL and TCL and strengthening specialised competences in these fields, the course aims to contribute to the fight against impunity for international and transnational crimes, increase the standard of fairness in national proceedings and stimulate cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and among national authorities.&#xA;The language of instruction is French, aiming to fill a gap in the teaching of these subjects.&#xA;The training course will feature a number of high-level speakers coming from international courts and tribunals in The Hague and several academic and professional institutions and organisations focusing on ICL and TCL, international humanitarian law, as well as international human rights law.&#xA;The Asser Institute and the Cassese Initiative are grateful to The Hague Municipality, the International Nuremberg Principles Academy, the International Committee of the Red Cross for their financial support, and to the African Institute of International Law based in Arusha for their collaboration. This training course marks the beginning of increased cooperation between the Asser Institute and the]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/connecting-research-and-practice-at-the-doing-business-right-winter-academy/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/connecting-research-and-practice-at-the-doing-business-right-winter-academy/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Successful Conclusion of the Doing Business Right Winter AcademyThe first Doing Business Right Winter Academy on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Transnational Law and Practice took place during the week of 8-12 January. The Winter Academy examined some of the key legal and regulatory mechanisms in place to ensure multinational corporations act in the public interest and the principles and approaches that underpin these mechanisms.&#xA;It consisted of various interactive lectures and round-table discussions and offered participants a unique opportunity to learn from distinguished and influential practitioners and academic experts in the fields of CSR, business and human rights, and related aspects of transnational and international law. A Forum for Discussion between Researchers and PractitionersTwenty one participants took part in the Winter Academy, providing a close-knit forum for lively and passionate exchange between speakers, workshop leaders and fellow participants &#x2013; with discussion informed by diverse perspectives from a variety of fields. Participants and speakers came from around the globe and included advanced students, academic researchers and professionals (legal practitioners, industry, governmental and civil society representatives). The value of engaging such a diverse range of practitioners and researchers helped deepen the analysis of the issues covered, and provided for a rich experience for speakers and participants alike. Key areas examinedThe Winter Academy kicked off with an insightful exploration of the theoretical background to corporate responsibility, addressing a series of normative questions on the topic and situating CSR within the context of globalisation, before moving on to a discussion of binding unilateral measures with extraterritorial effect. Speakers also addressed the promotion of corporate responsibility at the international level, including under the aegis of the UN system and through bilateral and multilateral]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/concluding-asser-verfassungsblog-symposium-final-thoughts-on-mnemonic-constitutionalism/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jan 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/concluding-asser-verfassungsblog-symposium-final-thoughts-on-mnemonic-constitutionalism/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[Yesterday&#x2019;s essay by Ionna Tourkochoriti about recent memory politics in Greece marks the conclusion of our first online symposium on memory laws, jointly conducted by the T.M.C. Asser Institute (The Hague) and Verfassungsblog. Twelve scholars from eight countries have offered their critical perspectives on the legal governance of historical memory, categorised under the common heading of &#x201C;memory laws&#x201D;. One aspect crystalized by this symposium is that despite their multiple forms (punitive and declarative, constitutional and administrative, legislative and judicial, etc.), the adoption of such memory regulations has been on a tremendous rise in Europe. Furthermore, their mushrooming in Central and Eastern Europe, as vividly demonstrated by several of our authors (B&#xE1;n, Belavusau, Gliszczy&#x144;ska-Grabias, Halmai, Koncewicz, Koposov, P&#x159;ib&#xE1;&#x148;), has been intertwined with a certain decline of rule of law in the region. &#x201C;Illiberal democracies&#x201D; seem to be particularly eager to revert to populist identity-formation under the guise of memory politics, mainstreaming nationalist historiography while marginalizing and, at times, supressing alternative historical memories of minorities. Likewise, the controversial decision of the European Court of Human Rights in Perin&#xE7;ek (2015), an impressively voluminous judgement challenging the prohibition to deny Armenian genocide, has in recent years sparked an unprecedented attention to invoking law in the context of historical memory.&#xA;Evolution of Memory Laws: from &#x201C;German&#x201D; Legal Fashion to Memory WarsIt is nonetheless symbolic that this symposium is run on the German Verfassungsblog, since Germany has undoubtedly become a trend-maker in the world of comparative law regarding legal governance of memory and wider Erinnerungspolitik, being the first in Europe to introduce the crime of Holocaust denial into its Criminal Code in the 1980s. As is well described in recent literature (in particular, here and here), German criminal practices have]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/university-of-amsterdam-s-rector-underlines-the-importance-of-the-asser-institute-s-international/</link>                <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jan 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/university-of-amsterdam-s-rector-underlines-the-importance-of-the-asser-institute-s-international/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[In her recent speech The International Paradox on the occasion of the 386th Dies Natalis of the University of Amsterdam, Karen Maex, the Rector of the University of Amsterdam, mentioned the Asser institute as an example of a research programme with an international focus in its own right. Maex says this will assist in achieving the goals of the University of Amsterdam, which includes, among other things&#xA0;&quot;to be firmly rooted in society and to help shape it&quot;.&#xA;Read Maex&#x2019; full Speech here.&#xA;The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is an inter-university institute for international and European law. The University of Amsterdam is, on behalf of the Dutch universities, responsible for the funding of the institute and its embedding in the academic organisation.]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/memory-wars-of-commercial-worth-the-legal-status-of-the-red-star-in-hungary/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jan 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
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                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/memory-wars-of-commercial-worth-the-legal-status-of-the-red-star-in-hungary/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[With this blogpost for the T.M.C. Asser Institute &#x2013; Verfassungsblog joint symposium, I would like to draw attention to another facet in the legal governance of historical memory, that regarding the use of totalitarian symbols of the past. This issue remains particularly pertinent in the region of Central and Eastern Europe in parallel to the widely discussed decline in the rule of law. In March 2017, the Hungarian government introduced a proposition to expand the prohibition on the public display of totalitarian symbols. The public use of five symbols &#x2013; the swastika, the SS runes, the Arrow Cross, the hammer and the sickle and the five-pointed red star &#x2013; has been illegal in Hungary since 1993, with the exception of displays for artistic, scientific or educational reasons. The current proposal adds the prohibition on using these symbols for &#x2018;commercial gain&#x2019;. The proposal is supposed to aim at preventing the normalization of these symbols, as citizens may see them daily on commercial brands, and thus guarding Hungary&#x2019;s &#x2018;public order and public morals&#x2019;. Even though no business presents swastikas or other Nazi symbols on their logos, quite a few of them feature the red star, including companies such as Heineken, Converse, Milky Way and San Pellegrino.&#xA;Memory Laws for Commercial Wars?This proposition is significant as it shows the extent to which the Hungarian state is willing to interfere in transnational business affairs in defense of national historical memory. The proposition presents serious complications to one of the fundamental freedoms of the European single market &#x2013; the free movement of goods. Although the provision is not in force yet, if it ever makes it through parliament, its implementation will be problematic at best. Not only would several successful brands find it difficult to sell their products in Hungarian stores but what happens, for example, when the average Hungarian citizen watches a UEFA Champions League game on television? They will]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/rule-of-law-in-poland-memory-politics-and-belarusian-minority/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jan 2018 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/rule-of-law-in-poland-memory-politics-and-belarusian-minority/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[How we remember the past is&#xA0;subject to&#xA0;legal regulation in many parts of Europe. We prohibit genocide denial and&#xA0;the&#xA0;glorification of totalitarianism, make historical claims in&#xA0;the&#xA0;preambles&#xA0;of constitutions, prescribe&#xA0;how&#xA0;to teach history in school curricula,&#xA0;and more.&#xA0;How is this&#xA0;done, and which problems with fundamental rights and minority protection arise? A joint symposium of the T.C.M. Asser Instituut&#xA0;and Verfassungsblog explores these questions and their constitutional answers.&#x200B;&#xA;We kick off this symposium with a blogpost by a Senior Researcher at the Asser Institute, Dr.&#xA0;Ulad&#xA0;Belavusau, who unpacks how Polish memory law detrimentally affects&#xA0;national minorities&#xA;In recent years, the Verfassungsblog has commented extensively on the decline of the rule of law in Hungary and Poland. While most of the contributors have unfolded the dramatic changes regarding judicial independence in these countries, two facets of this decline, in my view, have not received sufficient attention in light of the ongoing constitutional discussion in Europe, namely regarding memory politics and protection of ethnic minorities. With this entry, I would like to initiate the discussion about &#x201C;mnemonic constitutionalism&#x201D; on Verfassungsblog, as Poland has recently supplied a paradigmatic example of how memory laws affect national minorities and symptomize the decline of liberal democracy. By virtue of the so-called &#x201C;de-communization law&#x201D; (Law No. 744 of April 2016), local administrations are obliged to identify public objects (e.g. street or building names) that glorify communist past or personalities. One of the recent targets for the local administration has become Branis&#x142;a&#x16D; Tara&#x161;kievi&#x10D; (or Bronis&#x142;aw Taraszkiewicz in Polish transliteration), a prominent Belarusian linguist, after whom a street and a school are named in eastern Poland, a region with a high concentration of the Belarusian minority. Ironically, Tara&#x161;kievi&#x10D; was tortured by the NKVD in the 1930s and died as a victim of]]></description>
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<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/the-eu-turkey-statement-or-the-refugee-deal-the-extra-legal-deal-of-extraordinary-times/</link>                <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2017 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/the-eu-turkey-statement-or-the-refugee-deal-the-extra-legal-deal-of-extraordinary-times/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[The process leading to the EU-Turkey &#x2018;refugee deal&#x2019; was in total disregard of the applicable Treaty procedure, and as such sidestepped the European Parliament, says Asser researcher Narin Idriz. The legal aspects of the EU-Turkey deal attracted fresh scholarly attention when the General Court of the EU dismissed three cases brought by asylum seekers who sought to challenge the deal. The General Court ruled it had no jurisdiction to review the deal, as it was not an act of an EU institution, but that of Member States. In her research paper, Idriz criticizes the Court&#x2019;s ruling and argues, with reference to the EU Treaties and case law of the Court of Justice on EU external relations, that Member States were pre-empted from acting on their own on the subject matter of re-admission of Third Country Nationals to Turkey, as the EU had already exercised its competence in the field by signing a Readmission Agreement with Turkey in 2013.&#xA;Internal Rules, Sincere Cooperation and the Rule of LawAccording to Idriz, the European Union could have had exclusive competence also by virtue of the fact that the commitments agreed upon in the deal affected existing internal rules and changed their scope. Idriz claims that by acting outside the appropriate procedure laid down in the Treaties, both Member States and the European Union institutions breached the principle of sincere cooperation and in more general, the rule of law.&#xA;Read the whole research paper.]]></description>
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                <title>[JurisDictions podcast] New episode dives into the externalisation of migration control</title>
<link>https://www.asser.nl/news/jurisdictions-podcast-new-episode-dives-into-the-externalisation-of-migration-control/</link>                <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jan 0001 12:00:00 &#x2B;00:00</pubDate>
                <dc:creator><![CDATA[T.M.C. Asser Instituut]]></dc:creator>
                <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.asser.nl/news/jurisdictions-podcast-new-episode-dives-into-the-externalisation-of-migration-control/</guid>
                <description><![CDATA[A new JurisDictions podcast episode brings together voices from across the legal and academic world to unpack the externalisation of migration controls, the practice of managing migration beyond a country&#x2019;s own borders.&#xA;Photo: @Shutterstock, Photo by stu.dio]]></description>
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