News

East African diplomats tackle International Law and Diplomacy
04 Sep 2018 - 11:01
Source: Clingendael

Last week, twelve diplomats from Eastern Africa and regional organisations concluded a one-week training programme in “Diplomacy and International Law”. The programme facilitated discussions on the complex interplay between diplomacy and international law.

The link between Diplomacy and International Law

An important point of discussion this week focused on the role that diplomats play in the creation, development and upholding of the international legal order. Throughout these five days, international human rights, the role of culture in law and justice, and transitional justice were discussed with a special focus on the various international courts and tribunals in The Hague. Different perspectives regarding international law in general and the international courts specifically were discussed with leading experts and policy makers. 

Transitional Justice

Next to visiting the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Peace Palace, the participants also analysed and reflected upon various transitional justice cases. In this core assignment, they looked at various mechanisms such as truth commissions and international criminal tribunals and discussed the impact that these mechanisms have on processes of reconciliation, fighting impunity and compensating victims for atrocities. Using the information that was provided throughout the course and through their own research, participants formulated and presented advice on how transitional justice efforts could be improved in future cases.