Please read the registration terms & conditions carefully before registration
Dive into the fascinating worlds of international criminal law and counter-terrorism this summer during the celebrative 20th edition of our Annual Summer Law Programme on International Criminal Law and International Legal & Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism, co-organised with the War Crimes Research Office of American University’s Washington College of Law.
This unique four-week programme, which you can follow in its entirety or for two weeks (either the international criminal law module or the counter-terrorism module), will give you the opportunity to join a cohort of 20 to 30 U.S. Juris Doctor (J.D.) law students. We welcome ambitious law students and early-career professionals from Dutch institutions and beyond.
Learn from internationally renowned legal practitioners and scholars, gaining invaluable insights into:
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Core principles of international criminal law: Explore the legal framework surrounding war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
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Complexities of counter-terrorism: Understand the legal challenges and ethical considerations related to past and current counter-terrorism efforts.
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Current issues and debates: Engage with leading experts on critical topics shaping the fields of international criminal law and counter-terrorism.
Whether you are an ambitious student or an early-career professional seeking expertise, this programme is for you. Gain practical skills, deepen your knowledge, and network with a diverse community from around the world!
For whom?
Students and early-career professionals passionate about (further) pursuing a career in international criminal law and/or counter-terrorism, or international law and security more broadly.
Speakers
This course brings together high-profile experts and practitioners from international organisations and tribunals, as well as from leading law faculties and other organisations. Have a look at the 2025 programme to find out about last year's speakers.
Study visits
The Hague Municipality is home to over 150 international organisations, courts, and tribunals. You will have the opportunity to meet and spend time with practitioners and to observe hearings or proceedings when scheduled. Institutions visited in 2025 included:
About the programme
The Summer Programme consists of two consecutive two-week modules that can be taken separately or combined into a full four-week experience. Module one focuses on International Criminal Law, while Module two addresses International Legal & Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism. A detailed overview of the lectures can be found in the draft programme.
Module one: International Criminal Law (26 May– 05 June 2026)
"In a world that may seem more uncertain and dangerous with each passing day, justice must remain our guiding light. And for the rule of law to thrive, we need fearless lawyers. We need advocates who will represent victims with heart and soul, lawyers who will defend their clients tooth and nail, independent of prejudice and public opinion. We need lawyers who are not afraid to do the right thing, even when it is unpopular, controversial, or difficult." - President of the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA) Marie-Hélène Proulx, 19 January 2024
In today’s world, conflict and instability are on the rise, increasing the likelihood that the most serious crimes under international law – genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes – will be carried out. Recent developments, such as in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, have evidenced this. There is therefore a pressing need for practitioners and academics to be able to navigate this field, for example, to ensure criminal accountability. This is valid not only at the international level, such as at the International Criminal Court, but also increasingly at the domestic level, where the bulk of the work needs to be carried out. Since 2016, investigations and prosecutions of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes have risen with a staggering 44 % within the European Union (EU), according to a Eurojust report from May 2022.
During the two weeks, you will explore the past, present, and future of international criminal law (ICL). ICL helps to ensure accountability for the most serious international crimes, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. These crimes have a profound impact on individuals, communities, and entire societies, and it is crucial to hold those who commit them accountable for their actions.
Our programme provides a comprehensive overview of international crimes, criminal responsibility, immunities, and amnesties. We also cover practical matters in ICL, such as victim participation and defence issues. You will thoroughly analyse these topics in the context of both the international and national levels, with sessions dedicated to the mixed and hybrid tribunals, as well as the International Criminal Court. During these two weeks, you will moreover experience the law in practice, by visiting international and national courts and international organisations in The Hague.
Topics include:
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Definition and evolution of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide;
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Victim participation and reparations;
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State responsibility in international criminal law;
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Role of the International Criminal Court and other tribunals;
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Modes of liability, including individual criminal and command responsibility;
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Universal jurisdiction and prosecuting international crimes domestically.
Module two: International Legal & Comparative Approaches to Counter-Terrorism (08 June - 18 June)
"Terrorism represents a denial of human rights. We cannot fight it by repeating the same denial. Too often, counter-terrorism measures are misused or have unintended outcomes when put into practice, and lead to human rights abuses. This is a recipe for resentment, deep grievances, and further death and destruction. Our collective response to terrorism must be grounded in the principles that define our shared humanity — respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the pursuit of peace." - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, 24 January 2024
Since 9/11, the world has witnessed and continues to witness a large expansion of the approaches and measures used to counter terrorism. Studying the applicable legal frameworks and analysing how these are implemented in different countries can help to ensure that counter-terrorism measures are taken in accordance with international law and respect for human rights.
The second module of the summer programme focuses on various international legal and comparative approaches to counter-terrorism. The course will begin by looking into the definitions of terrorism and counter-terrorism, and their evolution since 9/11. You will delve into the legal questions surrounding both when force can be used to fight terrorism (jus ad bellum) and how that force must be used in the context of armed conflict (jus in bello). We will also look at the role of human rights law, including case studies on the use of armed drones and extraordinary renditions.
Other topics include: (inter)national prosecution, foreign fighters, the crime-terror nexus, countering violent extremism, and rehabilitation and reintegration of foreign fighters. Study visits will complement the programme.
Topics:
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When and how military force can be legally used to counter terrorism;
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Human rights issues raised in the context of terrorism and counter-terrorism;
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National and international prosecution of terrorist crimes;
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The foreign terrorist fighters phenomenon.
Limited spots available. Apply now!
Interested?
Registration for this course is now open.
Please read the registration terms & conditions carefully before registration. The tuition fee for the programme is 1895 for the full programme or € 995 for either module 1 or 2.
If you are interested in this course but cannot join us this year, please fill out this form to stay informed about future editions and upcoming enrollment dates.
Contact
For more information or questions, please contact educationtraining@asser.nl. We will respond to you within two working days.
