The 23rd Red Cross IHL Moot (Asia-Pacific Region) Championship goes to Singapore Management University

This year, 24 teams of law students from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Hong Kong to compete in multiple rounds. The participating teams acted as counsels for both the prosecution and the defense, conducting simulated trials based on a hypothetical case at the International Criminal Court. After several rounds of competition, the championship was awarded to Singapore Management University, with University of Adelaide taking the runner-up position. Mr Damien Heng-rui TEO from Singapore Management University was recognised as the Best Mooter of the Final Round. 

In recent years, the international development of various autonomous weapon systems has sparked controversy and raised concerns within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The simulated case centres on a conflict between two countries, highlighting the protests of a long-oppressed indigenous group. During the conflict, the state utilised advanced technologies, including cyberattacks and drones, resulting in significant loss of life and disruption of infrastructure, which further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Consequently, a key technology developer is facing charges of war crimes. The competition examines the complex issues of responsibility within the framework of IHL.

The competition invited Dr James DING, JP, Law Officer (International Law), International Law Division, Department of Justice as Guest of Honor. At the award ceremony, he emphasised the importance of IHL, and encouraged participants to continue their efforts in the dissemination of IHL and protecting people’s lives and safety. Dr DING also indicated that the competition can strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a capacity building hub for international legal talents in the region and thanked the organiser for the contribution made.

The competition invited around 50 judges from various sectors, including military officers, government officials, practicing lawyers, academics, and professionals from international organisations in the Asia-Pacific region. This group included legal advisors from the International Committee of the Red Cross. The judges provided insightful questions and feedback to the participants, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the controversies and impacts related to IHL.

Dr James DING, JP, Law Officer (International Law), International Law Division, Department of Justice (forth from right), The Hon Madam Justice Carlye CHU, Vice President of the Court of Appeal of the High Court (forth from left), Ms Marwa SHABBAR, Head of Legal Department, East Asia Regional Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross (middle), Dr LAU Chor-chiu, GMSM, MH, JP, Chairperson of Hong Kong Red Cross (first from left), Mr Ambrose HO, SBS, SC, JP, Chairperson of the 23rd Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot (Asia-Pacific Region) Organising Committee (second from left), and all final round judges, capture a moment together.

The award ceremony was held following by the finishing of competition. Other than Guest of Honor, Dr James DING, JP, Law Officer (International Law), International Law Division, Department of Justice, Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) also invited The Hon Madam Justice Carlye CHU, Vice President of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, Ms Marwa SHABBAR, Head of Legal Department, East Asia Regional Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross, Dr LAU Chor-chiu, GMSM, MH, JP, Chairperson of HKRC, Mr Ambrose HO, SBS, SC, JP, Chairperson of the 23rd Red Cross IHL Moot (Asia-Pacific Region) Organising Committee, Mr Derek NG, Council Member of HKRC, Mr Gilbert MO, BBS, Member of the Governance Nomination and Development Committee of HKRC, to presence.