The Independent University of Kigali (UNILAK), through its law school, emerged victorious in a competition organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This competition brought together law students from five universities in Rwanda, focusing on key knowledge of international humanitarian law and refugee law.
This was the 8th edition of the competition, with participants from Rwandan law universities including the University of Rwanda (UR), UNILAK, INES-Ruhengeri, ULK, and the University of Kigali (UK). The first round involved drafting written submissions, which were used to select participants for the second round, where students argued their cases in front of a panel of judges. The second phase was critical as it tested participants’ ability to present and defend their written arguments in a courtroom-like setting, demonstrating their understanding beyond the written word.
UNILAK law students expressed their joy in an interview with Panorama, sharing how the competition was a valuable learning experience. They were especially proud of securing a spot in the upcoming international competition in Kenya, where they will compete at the African level.
One of the top performers, Shema Aimé, a law student at UNILAK, highlighted that these competitions serve as excellent preparation for those aspiring to play significant roles in advancing justice in Rwanda.
He said, “I was thrilled to win two trophies in a single competition, especially with so many other participants. It’s something to be proud of, and we owe it to our teachers. I encourage my peers to embrace these opportunities because they provide practical experience. Being a lawyer means you can’t be afraid. Starting here gives you a glimpse of the future as you prepare for your career.”
He continued, “This requires a lot of reading and overcoming laziness to achieve success. You gather information and piece it together. As a student, it can be challenging, but if you do it well, it works. Knowing the benefits that can come from it, I encourage my peers to participate, as it is an opportunity to train for the profession we are preparing to enter.”
Jean Damascene Karinda, a legal officer at UNHCR and one of the competition’s organizers, emphasized that the event is designed to assess students’ knowledge in international humanitarian law, a key subject in their studies.
He explained, “Our goal is to help them deepen their understanding beyond what they learn in class. By participating in these competitions, they engage in thorough research, reading books and case laws, which helps them grasp the topic even more. It’s a significant boost in their learning journey.”
Karinda added that the competition prepares students for the international stage, allowing them to compare their knowledge with students from other countries. Many of those who participate gain new opportunities and develop a deeper understanding of international law.
He noted, “This helps students move beyond just the classroom, pushing them to the international arena. Many find that this opens doors, giving them a stronger desire to learn more about the law.”
Karinda concluded by encouraging students not to be intimidated by law, saying, “Life requires continuous learning. For those who fear studying law, they should embrace it. If you study something challenging, you become strong. We shouldn’t fear tough subjects but should tackle them head-on to prepare for a strong future. These competitions are aimed at building confidence.”
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is committed to educating and promoting the laws of war and ensuring they are respected globally, as outlined in the Geneva Conventions, first signed by 164 countries.
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