International conference on peace from the perspectives of law and religion opens at YSU

Peace begins where human life is placed above political interests, the law applies equally to everyone, and dialogue among different peoples and religions replaces hostility. This vision of peace brought together scholars, legal experts and religious figures from various countries at the Second International Conference "Peace and a World Free from Violence: Perspectives of International Law and Monotheistic Religions," which opened at the YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies.

The conference is organized by the International Center for the Rapprochement of Cultures, in cooperation with Yerevan State University, the Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia, Iran's Center for Interreligious Dialogue, and the Faculty of Law of the University of Tehran.

YSU Vice-Rector for International Relations, Development and Innovation Mikayel Hovhannisyan delivered opening remarks. He emphasized that cooperation among representatives of different countries, cultures and religious traditions is essential to understanding the causes of violence and preventing it. He noted that constructive dialogue, mutual understanding and the exchange of experience are key conditions for sustainable peace and development.

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami addressed the equal application of international law and the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. He stressed that international legal standards must apply equally to all states, regardless of their political or economic power.

"International law should not be flexible toward major powers while being strict toward other countries. We have one law, and that law applies equally to everyone. A child's life must be equally protected throughout the world," the ambassador emphasized.

International law issues were also addressed by Dr. Seyed Mohammad Mahdi Ghamami, Legal and Parliamentary Deputy Minister of Justice of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He presented mechanisms for assessing potential violations during armed conflicts and establishing accountability, identifying three main areas: preventing violations, holding those responsible accountable, and compensating victims for the harm they have suffered.

Presentations also examined peace from spiritual and moral perspectives. Drawing comparisons among the value systems of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, speakers emphasized that protecting human life, upholding justice, respecting others and accepting responsibility are key principles of monotheistic religions. Discussions highlighted that religious beliefs cannot be used to justify violence or extremism, and religious differences should not become a cause of conflict.

The conference also featured the presentation of a collection of scholarly articles based on papers delivered at the previous conference. The book launch added continuity to the initiative by bringing together the outcomes of earlier discussions and laying the groundwork for new academic debates. In this context, the role of educational institutions was also highlighted: academic environments and the involvement of young people can help promote tolerance, humanism and respect for cultural diversity.

On the first day of the conference, November 5, the session on international law featured presentations by Hassan Jouni from Lebanon, Bernadette Zaydan from Australia, Ahmad Ali Mohsenzadeh and Elham Aminzadeh from Iran, Seyit Ali Avcu from Turkey, and Grigor Balasanyan from Armenia.

The conference continues today, November 6. The day's program includes a joint session featuring faculty members from the YSU Faculties of Law and Theology and international conference participants, as well as an interfaith dialogue involving representatives of monotheistic religions and intellectuals.