The Sixteenth Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition is set to embrace a hybrid format, incorporating both in-person and virtual elements. The final rounds are slated to occur at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, spanning from 15 to 19 July 2024. Preceding these in-person sessions, the preliminary virtual rounds will take place online from 14 to 21 May 2024. This innovative approach allows for a dynamic and inclusive competition, combining the traditional on-site experience with the flexibility and accessibility afforded by virtual participation.
The Worldwide 16th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition represents a prestigious and globally recognized event that focuses on the promotion and application of international human rights law. The competition is named in honor of the iconic South African leader Nelson Mandela, who played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid and championed the cause of human rights.
In its sixteenth edition, this moot court competition distinguishes itself by adopting a hybrid format, blending both in-person and virtual elements. The final rounds are scheduled to take place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 15 to 19, 2024. This physical gathering provides participants with a unique opportunity to engage in face-to-face interactions, fostering a sense of camaraderie and intellectual exchange.
In addition to the in-person finals, the competition incorporates preliminary virtual rounds that will occur online from May 14 to 21, 2024. This innovative approach enhances the inclusivity of the event, enabling participants from diverse geographical locations to contribute to the discourse on human rights without the constraints of physical attendance.
The competition attracts law students, scholars, and legal practitioners from around the world, offering them a platform to showcase their expertise in international human rights law. Participants engage in moot court simulations, presenting oral arguments and legal analyses on hypothetical cases, thereby honing their advocacy skills and deepening their understanding of human rights principles.
By combining the traditional on-site experience with the flexibility of virtual participation, the 16th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition reflects a commitment to adaptability and accessibility in advancing the global dialogue on human rights. The event not only pays homage to Nelson Mandela’s legacy but also serves as a catalyst for the continued development and application of human rights principles in legal practice and academia worldwide.
Requirements For The Worldwide 16th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition
- The World Moot is open to undergraduate and masters students from all universities in the world.
- Teams of two students (gender diversity is encouraged) from every university in the world are invited to submit heads of argument for a hypothetical human rights case.
- The best 10 teams from each of the five UN region are then invited to participate in the online preliminary rounds.
- The 50 teams (with the highest memorial grades) have to argue the two sides of the hypothetical case, representing, alternatively, both the Applicant and the Respondent before a ‘bench’ of human rights experts and judges of international tribunals.
- The 16 best teams proceed to the in person Octo-final rounds, which is presided over by international human rights experts.
- The Competition is presented in English, French and in Spanish.
Venue of the Competition
- The ‘round of 24’, quarter-final, semi-final and final rounds – the ‘oral rounds’ – of the Competition are scheduled to be held at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Language
- The Competition is held in English, French and Spanish.
The Christof Heyns Memorial Commonwealth Scholarship
The amount of the Scholarship is 5000 British Pounds. The amount is divided between the two students (oralists) from commonwealth countries who successfully qualify to take part in the preliminary rounds of the World Moot.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of a commonwealth member state
- Be studying at a university within a commonwealth member state
- Demonstrate the need for economic support to participate in the world moot
Method of Application
Applications must consist of:
- A letter of motivation
- At least two letters of support, with referees’ contact details indicated
Submit applications to Dr. Eduardo Kapapelo at, eduardo.kapapelo@up.ac.za
Timeline:
- Faculty Registration
Faculty registration opens 15 December 2024
Registration closes 21 Apri 2024
- Release of the hypothetical case to be argued
15 January 2024
- Request for clarification of facts
Submit by 15 February 2024
- Response to requests for clarification of facts
Publicised by 11 March 2024 - Submission of memorials
Submit by 21 April 2024
- Announcement of the 50 qualifying teams
7 May 2024 - Preliminary Rounds (online)
14 to 21 May 2024 - Quarter-finals and Semi-finals and Final Round (in person)
15 – 19 July 2024
Application Deadline: 21 April 2024.
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