Professor Larissa van den Herik from Leiden University delivers lecture at YSU

Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Head of the "International Courts and Arbitration" master's program, noted that the Cleveringa Meetings organize lecture series worldwide, and this year, one of these lectures took place at YSU.

"Professor Larissa van den Herik's lecture is going to specifically address the International Criminal Court and international criminal justice more broadly," he added.

Prior to the lecture, students watched a short film on Professor Cleveringa's ideas and his significant role during the years of occupation in the Netherlands.  

At the beginning of the lecture, Professor Larissa van den Herik noted that she greatly appreciates the opportunity and is pleased to be in Yerevan, emphasizing that cooperation between countries is more important today than ever. 

During her presentation, she highlighted that in a world marked by growing uncertainty and the decline of international law, it is essential to maintain hope, "rebuild", and "sow the seeds of a brighter future". She highly praised Armenian legal professionals and Armenia's experience, noting that due to the country's historical and geographical position, Armenians possess a unique understanding of international relations and geopolitics. 

"One of the questions I, as a professor of international law, am reflecting on these days is what role international law has in a world dominated by geopolitics and the exercise of raw power. I ask myself: what am I teaching, what is international law, what is its purpose? I must say, I do not have a full and final answer to these questions, but I hope that together we can explore them. Of course, I have some tentative thoughts and would like to point out certain 'points of light' that continue to shine even as the world grows darker. We do not know whether they will continue to shine their light. The idea of this lecture is to underscore these enduring points of light and hope, focusing on the role of international justice, criminal justice, and international courts, as well as domestic courts," she stated.   

Professor van den Herik also discussed rising geopolitical tensions worldwide and their impact on international relations, addressed the challenges facing international law, reflected on the role of international courts, and touched on several other related topics.

She emphasized the importance of academic collaboration as a means of combining experiences from different countries and cultures, conducting joint discussions, and gaining mutual inspiration.

Students, experts in the field, and interested participants had the opportunity to ask questions on the topics discussed during the lecture.

The Cleveringa Meetings are held globally to commemorate Leiden University law professor Rudolph Cleveringa's historic 1940 speech, in which he publicly defended two Jewish colleagues who had been dismissed, upholding the principles of international law. In honor of Professor Cleveringa's legacy, numerous Cleveringa committees, in collaboration with the Leiden University Fund, organize thematic lectures worldwide to promote academic discussion on legal, societal, and political issues.