2026 Advanced Course on International Criminal Law

International criminal law is a young—and therefore dynamic—field of law that, due to its rapidly evolving nature, requires constant consolidation of knowledge. This can be achieved through continuing education, as emphasized by the Independent Experts and the Review Committee regarding the staff of the International Criminal Court, and as more broadly encouraged by the Paris Declaration on the Effectiveness of International Criminal Justice (2017). In practice, the field is experiencing undeniable momentum—procedurally, normatively, and institutionally. Case law is expanding, major trials have reached completion. Complementarity and cooperation are being re‑examined, an ecosystem involving multiple actors is taking shape, the role of artificial intelligence is under debate, the elements of crimes and modes of liability are being clarified through several recent cases, and post‑trial challenges are becoming fully visible. Yet, 80 years after Nuremberg, the advances of international criminal justice, in an environment marked by renewed strategic competition, have triggered unprecedented attacks that threaten the integrity—if not the very existence—of certain institutions.

In light of all these considerations, The Hague Academy of International Law, with financial support from the French Embassy in The Hague, is offering a new enhanced training programme on international criminal law, from 26 to 30 October 2026, in The Hague.

The programme includes advanced courses with a strong focus on judicial practice, as well as seminars structured around debates and practical exercises addressing major contemporary issues for international criminal justice. The course is intended primarily for high‑level legal professionals (judges, lawyers, legal advisers from various institutions, investigators, doctoral researchers, etc.) seeking to strengthen their expertise in this field. Online participation is open to everyone. Registration is subject to a fee. Lectures and seminars will be conducted mainly in French.

Simultaneous interpretation from French to English will be provided daily (except for seminars, which will not have simultaneous interpretation and will not be streamed for online participants). Courses delivered in English will also be interpreted simultaneously into French.

The session is designed and led by Professor Julian Fernandez (Assas, France) and will bring together 18 of the leading experts in international criminal justice.

The registration form will open on 5 May 2026. 

BROCHURE

Selected candidates for the on‑site programme will be invited to pay the fee within two weeks to confirm their participation. There will be no selection process for online participation.

A certificate of attendance will be issued to participants attending the on‑site programme, and a certificate of enrolment will be issued to online participants.

For more information or questions, you may write to: advancedcourses@hagueacademy.nl