International Humanitarian Law Journal Launched

History was made on Thursday November 9, 2021 as the  University of Nairobi faculty of law signed an MOU with The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to launch the first ever International Humanitarian Law Journal (IHL).

Chief Guest, Justice (Rtd) Joyce Aluoch graced the colourful occassion and gave her invaluable insights, “I consider the Journal as a platform for promoting discourse and discussions on IHL problems from an African perspective.  I encourage the editorial team to involve young African Intellectuals in the conversations”

On his part, Former Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai commended the launch of the journal. He also noted that he had mentored many legal scholars and was proud of the achievement. He welcomed the developments of the journal and he assured he would be available for any consultations.

ICRC Head of Regional Delegation, Mr. Olivier Dubois appreciated the role the academic community plays in supporting the implementation of international humanitarian law. He noted investing in students’ lives today will shape the society’s tomorrow.

In her opening remarks, the Dean Prof. Winfred Kamau noted that the Journal will serve as a platform for contemporary legal discussions. ‘’It will promote Intellectual discourse and provide an avenue for homegrown solutions to legal problems. She further noted the journal places a special focus on a sphere of law that is under-researched by Kenyan students and by extension Africa’s youth. The IHL Journal will provide a platform for home grown perspectives which will be of immense benefit in the search for solutions for most of Africa’s conflicts.

The Faculty of Law has a sizeable number of students from the larger Eastern African region, some from countries which have unfortunately been affected by unending armed conflict. I am hopeful that the IHL journal will grant a chance to scholars with such backgrounds to explore and broadcast their perspectives on various issues touching on the application and enforcement of IHL,” Prof Winfred said

The journal also contributes towards safeguarding a future generation of public officials who value the observance of international humanitarian law and are able to innovate solutions to IHL problems in their continent.

 ‘’We want to promote the idea of mentorship in the context of scholarship. We want to attract new voices, new thoughts, and new ideas.’’  Dr. Ken Mutuma, a faculty member at the Faculty of Law reacts to the launch of the Journal.

Also present during the launch was advisory board of the journal and academia from different Universities in Kenya.