The European Neighbourhood Chair of the College of Europe in Natolin was pleased to organise seminar titled "International Criminal Justice and the Wars in Gaza and Ukraine", featuring Mr Piotr HOFMAŃSKI, former President of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Mr Andre STEMMET, Senior Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg, and Ms Kaja KOWALCZEWSKA, Assistant Professor at the Digital Justice Center, University of Wroclaw.
The seminar explored various perspectives on international criminal justice in the context of the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The speakers shared their insights into the challenges of prosecuting war crimes and upholding international law during times of conflict.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, offering students the opportunity to engage in discussion and gain a deeper understanding of these critical issues from an esteemed expert in the field.
All speakers joined the event virtually and Prof. Patrycja SASNAL, Professorial fellow at the European Neighbourhood Chair, served as the moderator.
About the speakers:
Mr Piotr HOFMAŃSKI, former President of the International Criminal Court in The Hague (2015–2021), has been actively involved in academia. He completed his second scientific degree (habilitation) in 1989 and was appointed Professor at the Chair of Criminal Law at the University of Białystok. Since 2000, he has been a Professor at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, where he leads the Chair of Criminal Procedure Law.
He is the author of more than 300 books, commentaries, and articles covering various aspects of criminal law, criminal procedure, international cooperation in criminal matters, and human rights protection.
Mr Andre STEMMET is Senior Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg, formerly with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa. He provides legal advice on issues relating to international criminal law, international humanitarian law, human rights law, diplomatic and consular law.
Ms Kaja KOWALCZEWSKA, is PhD, Assistant Professor at the Digital Justice Center, University of Wroclaw.
Since April 2024 she serves as a coordinator and contact person of the KOOS Coalition for victims, survivors and witnesses – Polish CSOs documenting international crimes committed in Ukraine and advocating for comprehensive reform of international criminal law in Poland, including creation of support system for victims and survivors.
Photo credits: ICC-CPI/Max Koot; LinkedIn profile, digitaljustice.uwr.edu.pl website respectively