Conference and Launch of Discussion Paper
The University of Essex Human Rights Centre and Ulster University Transitional Justice Institute have been collaborating on a research initiative to improve knowledge and strengthen the opportunities to overcome obstacles to accountability for unlawful counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations perpetrated by major powers.
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REGISTRATION is mandatory by sending an email to accountabilitymeeting@aol.com by 24 of September.
(Due to limited space and security considerations, RSVP is compulsory).
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AGENDA
Full agenda:
https://www1.essex.ac.uk/hrc/documents/Agenda_6_Sep_2018.pdf
14:00 Registration
14:30 Welcome: Carla Ferstman, University of Essex
14:30 – 16:00 Domestic Accountability Processes
This panel considers the challenges which have arisen when seeking accountability for serious violations of human rights
and humanitarian law perpetrated by ‘major’ powers. The panelists address a series of country contexts, including e.g., the USA, the UK (including Northern Ireland), The Netherlands and elsewhere and will consider the strengths/weaknesses of
the models of accountability favoured by such countries, such as public inquiries and parliamentary processes; public
interest litigation (judicial review processes and civil claims against the government or other actors); claims against
corporate actors; criminal proceedings.
Chair: Carla Ferstman, University of Essex
• USA in Afghanistan and wider counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts: Katherine
Gallagher, Senior Staff Attorney, Center for Constitutional Rights
• Northern Ireland: Rory O’Connell, Director of the Transitional Justice Institute, Ulster University
• United Kingdom in Iraq: Rachel Kerr, Reader in International Relations and Contemporary War, King’s College London
• The Netherlands: Göran Sluiter, Professor of International Criminal Law, University of Amsterdam
16:00 – 16:15 Break
16:15 – 17:45: The Role of the ICC in Promoting the Accountability of Major Powers
This panel considers the role of the ICC in promoting accountability in the context of allegations involving ‘major’ powers.
In particular, the panel will consider the progress of preliminary examinations concerning Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine
and what impacts can be discerned domestically
Chair: Thomas Obel Hansen, Transitional Justice Institute, Ulster University
• Iraq and Palestine: Chantal Meloni, Legal Advisor, European Center for Constitutional and
Human Rights
• Ukraine: Wayne Jordash, QC, Managing Partner, Global Rights Compliance
• Georgia: Nika Jeiranashvili, Executive Director, Justice International
• Afghanistan: TBC
17:45 – 18:00: Launch of Discussion Paper: “The Accountability of UK military for Alleged Abuses in Iraq: Challenges
and Prospects” Carla Ferstman, Thomas Obel Hansen and Noora Arajärvi
18:00 – 19:30: Drinks Reception
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REGISTRATION is mandatory by sending an email to accountabilitymeeting@aol.com by 24 of September.
(Due to limited space and security considerations, RSVP is compulsory).
