Debate
Space for Academic Dialogue: on the concept of genocide, the right to protest and academic boycotts
- Date
- Friday 14 June 2024
- Time
- Address
- Kamerlingh Onnes Gebouw
Steenschuur 25
2311ES Leiden - Room
- C1.31
The situation in Gaza and the broader developments in Israel/Palestine have led to numerous questions and disagreements about how to understand and define the Middle Eastern conflict, and how third states, including the Netherlands, should respond. Additionally, there is ongoing debate about the role of the academic community in these matters. It is crucial to maintain and nurture the space for academic debate, especially on these complex and sensitive issues, and for us as legal scholars to exchange thoughts based on our scientific and legal expertise. We hope this debate will mark the beginning of a series of academic conversations within our faculty.
For whom?
This event is organized for staff and students of Leiden Law School. The event allows a maximum of 300 participants. Registration is required.
When?
The event takes place on Friday 14 June, from 10.00-13.00 in room C.1.31, Kamerlingh Onnes Building.
Format
The first part of the event is informative in nature. Two issues are discussed. Larissa van den Herik will set out the legal framework and recent developments regarding the concept of genocide; Marloes van Noorloos will likewise discuss the right to protest. After both interventions, there will be room for questions and discussion.
In the second part, Jannemieke Ouwerkerk en Nadia Sonneveld will offer reflections about academic freedom and academic boycotts as regards the situation in Israel/Palestine and more generally, with a view to engaging in an open discussion on these issues. This part of the meeting will also be used to gather input about subjects for next meetings, academic conversations or lectures at our Law School, either specifically regarding Israel/Palestine or about other relevant topics for which our legal knowledge is relevant and useful.
The session will be bilingual: most presentations will be in Dutch, but with written information in English. Comments and questions can be both in Dutch and English.