The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) wins ICC Moot Court Competition, Chinese version

Today, 10 June 2016, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) won the final round of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Moot Court Competition, Chinese version, held in ICC Courtroom I in The Hague (Netherlands). East China University of Political Science and Law and Shandong University, Weihai won, respectively, second and third place. The Best Speaker award went to Chen Peiwen of East China University of Political Science and Law. Members of the winning team are Fang Meng, You Zhongyuan, Qiu Yi, Jin Ziyan, Lin Siyi and Ruan Jing.

Sitting on the bench this year were ICC Judge Christine Baroness Van den Wyngaert (presiding), ICTY Judge Liu Daqun and ICC Legal Officer Ms Eleni Chaitidou. The teams competed on a fictitious case, presenting oral arguments during an appeals hearing in the roles of Prosecution, Legal Representatives of the Victims and Government Representatives. After a break for deliberations, the jury announced the bench's decision and an awards ceremony was held for all participants. The finalists' peers attended the event in the Court's public galleries and the event was web streamed live on the Court's website.

This year, 27 universities participated in the competition, where students put to the test their knowledge of the applicable law and jurisprudence of the ICC. After the main rounds and semi-final, the three top teams came to The Hague for a five-day study visit before the final competition at the ICC.

The study visit offered the students a unique opportunity to gather in an exciting setting and to meet with eminent personalities of the international law scene. The students visited several international institutions and organizations, such as the International Court of Justice, the Anne Frank House, Leiden University, and The Hague University of Applied Science. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs also arranged a half-day programme for the students including interactions with Ministry staff and a public event at the Humanity House.

This version of the ICC Moot Court Competition is organised by the Chinese Initiative on International Criminal Justice (CIICJ).

In the context of its Academic Programme, the ICC supports the organisation of ICC Moot Court Competitions in Chinese, English, Russian and Spanish, with a view to also support Arabic and French versions in the future. These initiatives play a critical role in galvanising interest in the Court's work with academic communities as well as in enhancing promotion and respect for international criminal law.

Photos of the competition and awards ceremony are here.

For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: [email protected].

You can also follow the Court's activities on YouTube and Twitter