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Theo van Boven Lecture 2026 - W. Schabas: A refresh of the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice?

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This Theo van Boven Lecture will be given by Prof. William. A. Schabas: A refresh of the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice?

Abstract

There have been more than 20 cases at the International Court of Justice  premised on the 1948 Genocide Convention. To date, none has led to a judgment condemning a State for committing genocide. But there are four pending cases before based on the Convention. Besides the eight States that are parties, some 46 States have intervened in these proceedings. There is great moment for the Court to refresh this rather aging treaty and make it a meaningful instrument in addressing atrocities. The lecture will review the four cases at the Court and consider the likely outcomes.

Biography

William A. Schabas is professor of international law at Middlesex University in London, emeritus professor at Leiden University and the University of Galway, distinguished visiting faculty at the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po, and an associate tenant at 9BR barristers’ chambers in London. The third edition of his book Genocide in International Law was published in February 2025. He has appeared as counsel before the International Court of Justice and the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights in cases involving the Genocide Convention. Professor Schabas is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Royal Irish Academy. In 2014 he served as chairman of the UN Commission of Inquiry into the Gaza conflict.

Drupal image William. A. Schabas

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