Haigazian University is proudly representing both the University and Lebanon at the prestigious International Bar Association (IBA) International Criminal Court (ICC) Moot Court Competition, currently taking place in The Hague, the global center of international justice and law.
The University’s delegation comprises Political Science students Aya Kaddoura, Mira Jabr, and Arev Kazanjian, under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Alexandra Adams, Coordinator of the Political Science Department. Their participation reflects Haigazian University’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, international engagement, and experiential learning.
The week-long competition officially commenced on Friday, 12 June, with its Opening Ceremony, bringing together students, academics, legal practitioners, and members of the judiciary from across the globe. This year’s edition underscores the truly international character of the event, with nearly 120 teams representing 48 countries and more than 100 judges and legal experts participating in the proceedings.
The Haigazian team has already completed its initial rounds, presenting oral arguments in the capacities of Government Counsel and Prosecution Counsel. Throughout these proceedings, the students demonstrated a commendable command of international criminal law, rigorous preparation, persuasive advocacy skills, and the ability to respond thoughtfully and effectively to questions posed by the judges.
The competition continues throughout the week with further rounds in which the team will appear as Defense Counsel and Government Counsel. In each role, participants are required to advance sophisticated legal arguments, defend their positions before panels of international judges, and engage directly with complex questions concerning contemporary issues in international criminal law.
Participation in the IBA ICC Moot Court Competition provides students with a unique opportunity to apply their academic training within a highly competitive international setting. It further enables them to interact with peers and legal professionals from diverse jurisdictions while developing advanced competencies in written and oral advocacy.
The Political Science Department’s involvement in this distinguished competition highlights Haigazian University’s dedication to preparing students for careers in international law, diplomacy, public service, and global affairs through meaningful engagement with real-world legal and policy challenges.
Haigazian University extends its congratulations to the team for representing the institution and Lebanon with professionalism, determination, and distinction on this important international stage, and wishes them continued success in the remaining stages of the competition.