For the fourth consecutive year the Foundation is sponsoring a Palestinian team to participate in the International Criminal Court ‘Moot Court Competition’. Over 60 universities from all over the world come together in The Hague for a large scale moot court simulating the proceedings of the ICC. The Competition consists of an extensive six-day educational and social program, which brings together students of diverse backgrounds and cultures to The Hague to challenge their skills as future international lawyers. This year the Foundation is sponsoring 5 law students and their coach from Birzeit University. You can read the stories of the participating students down below.
Amjad Abu Lafi
‘My name is Amjad Abu Lafi, I’m a third year law student at the Faculty of Law and Public Administration in Birzeit university, I’m 20 years old, I was born in Jerusalem, besides studying Law I have many hobbies like playing chess and darts and hiking.
I want to participate in the International Criminal Court Moot Court competition because it’s one of the most productive competitions which gives us the chance to practice all the theoretical knowledge we learn in classes, Also, in the past year, The State of Palestine accedes the Rome Statute, and the Prosecutor of the ICC started a preliminary examination of the situation in Palestine which encourage me to learn more about the International Criminal Court.
In my trip to the Hague, besides gaining experience in the field of International Criminal Law, I’m looking forward to meet and share cultures with the elite law professors and students in the world, I’m also looking forward to see the International Courts and Tribunals which are located in the Hague and nearby it.’
Elias Al-Hihi
‘My name is Elias Al-Hihi, I’m 20 years old, I was born in 1995 in Bethlehem, I’m a third year Law student at Birzeit University, other than my field of study, I’m interested in sports, especially fitness and bodybuilding.
I’m interested in participating in the ICC moot court competition due to the fact that it is one of the finest moot court competitions in the world, it gives me the chance to refine my capacities through writing, reading, practicing pronunciation and articulation. Also it concerns me as a Palestinian as the ICC could play a crucial part in our ongoing conflict.
In this competition I’m looking forward to meet new people, take a closer look at other cultures, benefit from other people experiences, and most importantly enjoy myself while doing so.’
Milena Ansari
‘My name is Milena Ansari, and I’m a 21 year old Palestinian. This year I’ll be graduating from Birzeit University with a bachelor’s degree in Law. Other than studying to become a lawyer, I am part of Oushaq Arts Center in Jerusalem. Where I am part of a contemporary dance group, and a dabkeh group.
When I heard about the ICC moot court competition I was very interested and excited to apply. I believe this moot court competition would be a great learning experience, one that would benefit my academic, social and personal growth. It is a way to better understand the role of the International Criminal Court, and the implementation of the international criminal law. Moreover, it felt like a big challenge, one that I was eager to accept, as I very much enjoy challenges!
I’m looking forward to being able to represent my country and my university in an international moot court competition. Also, to meet law students from different parts of the world, to exchange views and connect.’
Salem Zarir
‘My name is Salem Zarir, I am twenty years old a am originally from Hebron(south of Palestine) but I was born and lived my entire life in Ramallah, I really enjoy sports, whether it’s Football, Tennis or even Formula one, I can’t get enough of it!.
I am also very much into books, I like and have read a wide variety of them, from novels and plays to philosophy and history, I read mostly in English and Arabic but I’ve read a couple of French books as well, I really appreciate movies as well, classics from Hitchcock, carpenter and Kubrick Stanley are among my favourites.
The ICC moot court competition is a perfect chance for me to learn more about international criminal law, the things I’ve learned are really amazing and am sure I’ll still learn more, I also believe that the competition will help me in the future since I intend to complete my future studies in international law.
Finally I am looking forward to seeing the historical buildings in the Hague and to get to know how other teams have handled the legal issues in our case.’
Kareen Husary
‘My name is Kareen Husary from the City of Ramallah, born on 24 August 1994. I am a graduate of summer 2012 from the Friends School in Ramallah with an IB (International Bacholarette) in Science and currently a student at the Faculty of Law and Public Administration at the University of Birzeit in the West Bank. My major is in Law with special emphasis on public prosecution and will be graduating on 20 May 2016 with a BA in Law.
Since childhood, I have been interested in movies, stories and TV programs which addressed subjects such as crimes and criminal investigation. I have also been a lover of books and a good reader. My mother always reminds me that I always wanted to have my own library.
I was extremely interested in participating in the ICC moot court competition for which I have applied when it was advertised at the Faculty, as this special experience will provide me with a great opportunity to represent Birzeit University and will expose me to the work of the International Criminal Court at the Hauge. I am pretty confident that this experience will enrich my knowledge and will help me in the development of my career.’
The ICC Moot Court Competition takes place from 22-27 May 2016. You can find more information on the website.
If you would like to partner with us as well, please contact us via info@rabbanifoundation.org
