Peace through Justice

the role of international law in conflict transformation and peacebuilding in Africa

14 September 2001, conference report (0.3 MB)

African Students' Conference 2001

The ISS hosted the 3^rd African Students' Conference organised by The African Committee and The Hague Appeal for Peace. It was held partly in support for the Global Coalition for Africa. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided the funding for the conference. 220 participants from at least 40 countries were present. Two thirds were African students, representing 23 countries. Ambassadors and other diplomats from Africa, civil society representatives, European students, academics, lawyers and representatives from international organisations in The Hague also attended.

Working Group Overview

The following four Workshops were organised during the Conference:

African Cases before the International Court of Justice
Dr Erica de Wets paper was based on General Principles regarding the functioning of the ICJ. Mr Witteveen, First Secretary of the ICJ informed the participants about African cases that had been dealt with by the Court and their outcome.
Post-Conflict Justice in Africa
International Criminal Law, Truth and Reconciliation Committees and Other Institutions. Three speakers presented papers at this session.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa
presented by H.E Ms Priscilla Jana, Ambassador of The Republic of South Africa to the Netherlands.

Speakers

The welcome address was presented by Prof Hans Opschoor, Rector of the Institute of Social Studies. He remarked that the conference, holding in the wake of the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, provided an opportunity for reflection on the state of peace and security in the world against the background of increased terrorist activities. He also linked peace to poverty and noted that there can be no peace without justice.

The keynote address was presented by Mr Roel van der Veen from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs who delivered the opening speech on behalf of Mr Ould Abdallah, Executive Secretary, Global Coalition for Africa. He underlined the importance of the rule of law, separation of powers and the need to overcome impunity and corruption.