UZ law student wins ICRC International Humanitarian Law essay competition
The University of Zimbabwe’s Lincoln Majogo has scooped the top prize in the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) International Humanitarian Law (IHL) competition.
The competition was rolled out to four academic institutions in the country including, Midlands State University, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University and the University of Zimbabwe.
Fifteen applications were received but it was Lincoln’s analysis and discussion on the challenges posed to IHL on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas that saw him come in first place.
“I am happy that the IHL Essay Competition introduced me to the core issues of armed conflict and the importance of IHL,” said Lincoln. “As an author, I intend to write articles on how rules can be made to complement modern warfare. Civilians will be better protected in armed conflicts through the strengthening of the existing IHL jurisprudence.”
Coming in second place was 3rd year student, Thomas Kanyimo of the Great Zimbabwe University. While his fellow classmate, Artwell Maradza closed off the top three.
“It has always been my desire to participate in an ICRC competition to augment my IHL knowledge. I am passionate about IHL and I can confidently say that the more one embarks on a research in this field of law the more one discovers that there are various themes which remain unlocked by students, academics and other stakeholders, said Artwell. “I look forward to a future of research and writing articles on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.”
The competition aimed at promoting better awareness of IHL among law students at universities in Zimbabwe, encouraging students and academics to carry out research that addresses challenges facing IHL and developing student advocacy skills in an environment of friendly competition.
“The IHL Essay competition provides students interested in IHL with an opportunity to firstly develop their knowledge and analytical skills and secondly to gain insight into contemporary issues of IHL as well as the work of the ICRC,” Legal Advisor Tamalin Bolus said.
The prize giving handover ceremony took place at the ICRC office in Harare, observing the necessary COVID-19 health guidelines.
