Benjamin Ferencz Lecture Series

The Benjamin Ferencz Lecture Series on International Criminal Justice, previously known as the Supranational Criminal Law (SCL) Lectures Series, has been organised by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut since 2003, in cooperation with the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University (Campus The Hague) and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. The lectures are public and free of charge.

The lecture series has welcomed the biggest names in the field of international criminal justice, such as former ASP Presidents Christian Wenaweser and Tiina Intelmann, former ICC Prosecutor Mr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, former Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone Mr. David Crane, former Registrar of the ICC Ms. Silvana Arbia, former Prosecutor of the ICTY Serge Brammertz, former Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Norman Farrell, the late Prof. Cherif Bassiouni of DePaul University, Prof. John Dugard of Leiden University, former President of the ICC Philippe Kirsch, former Ombudsperson of the Security Council’s 1267 Committee Ms. Kimberly Prost, as well as Benjamin Ferencz.

Tireless advocate for international criminal justice
Benjamin Ferencz was a tireless advocate for international criminal justice, who sadly passed away in 2023 at the age of 103. Ferencz rose to prominence for his role in prosecuting Nazi war crimes at Nuremberg after World War II. As a young lawyer, he served as the chief prosecutor in the Einsatzgruppen trial and later helped establish the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

On 2 June 2024, the SCL Lecture Series was rebranded the Benjamin Ferencz Lecture Series on International Criminal Justice, in recognition of Ferencz's immense contribution to international criminal justice. The rebranding of the lecture series ensures that Ferencz's legacy continues to inspire future generations dedicated to upholding international criminal justice.

Stay up to date on upcoming lectures by subscribing to the International Humanitarian & Criminal Law (IHCL) News Service.

Most lectures are recorded and can be viewed afterwards at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut YouTube Channel.

The views and opinions expressed in or during the Benjamin Ferencz Lecture Series on International Criminal Justice are not necessarily those of the host and/or participating organisations, namely the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court.