Following our annual tradition, the Advanced Master in International and European Law (IERE) at the VUB opens the academic year with an inaugural lecture. This year, on 7 October, we are delighted to welcome Jean-Marie Henckaerts back to his alma mater.
Jean-Marie Henckaerts obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree at the VUB before embarking on an international career at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He currently heads the team responsible for updating the Commentaries on the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977.
In his lecture, entitled ‘Terug naar de bronnen van het internationaal recht: gewoonterecht en verdragen in het humanitair recht’ , Jean-Marie Henckaerts will explore the foundations of international (humanitarian) law. Drawing on his extensive experience at the ICRC, he will reflect on the role of treaties and customary international law, as well as the interplay between legal principles and the practice of international humanitarian law. He will also share insights into his professional journey and his work at the ICRC.
Following the lecture, all attendees are warmly invited to a reception to celebrate the start of the new academic year. This will provide an excellent opportunity for the incoming cohort of IERE students to get to know one another, meet faculty members, and become acquainted with the programme.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Please note that the inaugural lecture will be delivered in Dutch.