The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Indian Society of International Law (ISIL) are pleased to announce the opening of registration for teams for the 25th Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition (“Moot Court”) on International Humanitarian Law (“IHL”). This silver jubilee edition national rounds for India will be held at ISIL from 20th November to 22nd November, 2026.
This year’s Competition marks a significant milestone as the Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition celebrates its 25th edition. Over the years, the Competition has become one of India’s leading platforms for the study and application of international humanitarian law, bringing together generations of law students, academics, practitioners, and judges. The silver jubilee edition provides an opportunity to reflect on this enduring legacy while reaffirming the shared commitment of the ICRC and ISIL to fostering excellence in IHL education and advocacy among the next generation of legal professionals.
The ICRC and ISIL have jointly organized the Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition in India since 2001, when the ICRC’s Regional Delegation in New Delhi initiated the Moot Court as part of its efforts to improve awareness of IHL among law students and law faculties throughout India. Since its inception, the Moot Court’s primary objective has been to continue developing an increased awareness and interest in IHL in academic institutions in India. Additionally, it aims to utilize IHL to foster academic excellence among the student community and to develop their advocacy skills in a friendly, competitive environment.
In 2026, the national rounds of the Moot Court shall consist of written submissions and oral pleading rounds. As in 2025, there will be no preliminary rounds in the oral pleadings. The top 16 teams, based on the total scores obtained in the written submission rounds for their Prosecution and Defence memorials combined, will be invited to participate in the oral pleading rounds of the Competition, which will begin with the quarter-final rounds.
The moot problem and rules for the Competition can be downloaded from the ISIL Website.
- The Registration Form is to be sent by email (isilmootcourt@gmail.com) or by post (to ISIL) by 17th August 2026.
- Any clarifications on the moot problem should also be received by 17th August 2026.
- The deadline for submission of memorials in soft copy is24th September 2026.
- Teams will be notified of their qualification for the oral rounds via email on 21st October 2026.
We strongly encourage Universities to nominate their respective teams to participate in the 25th edition of the Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition.
