Announcements: EIUC Training for International Electoral Observers; Call for papers, The United Nations at 70 – Key Challenges for International Law

1. EIUC Training for International Electoral Observers. The European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC) is running a training seminar for International Electoral Observers from 23-28 November 2015. The course, structured in two modules, provides an introduction for civilian staff to the profession of election observers, with a complete theoretical and practical basic knowledge delivered to those considering election observation as a possible professional step in their career.

The first module, held from 23-25 November 2015, provides an introduction to international observation theory and legal standards and highlights the quantitative observation of the short term observers (STOs). The second module, held from 26-28 November 2015, introduces the participants to long-term election observation by analysing in depth some of the aspects related to an international observation mission, such as working relations, team-building, interviewing techniques and coordination of the STOs.

Lectures are intended for an audience of graduates mainly in law, political sciences, economics, sociology, philosophy, anthropology or similar, and will be held in English. It is therefore essential that all participants understand and speak English fluently. The seminar will take place at the Monastery of San Nicolò, at the Lido of Venice. The deadline for applications is 30 October 2015.

2. The United Nations at 70: Key Challenges for International Law. The United Nations is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The world continues to grapple with challenges posed by violent conflicts, terrorism, human migration, environmental disasters, and severe human rights violations. In addition, recent financial crises and technological advances pose growing threats to the international community. Against this background, the 70th anniversary of the most important international organisation presents an opportunity to reflect on the role of international law in addressing these problems, and to evaluate the need for reform in the UN and its institutions.

This international conference, jointly organised by Fudan Law School and Deakin Law School, will focus on current international law issues on the following themes: human rights, international criminal law, natural resources law, trade, international conflict, and international dispute resolution. We invite papers from academics and researchers on any topic under these themes for presentation at the conference. Details for submissions of an abstract can be found here. The closing date for submissions is 1 October 2015.

The conference will take place in Shanghai on 9-10 November 2015. The conference directors are Professor Sandeep Gopalan, Dean of Law and Head of Deakin Law School and Professor Zhang Naigen, Fudan Law School.