By: Marie Rose
Eighteen law students from six universities competed in Rwanda’s 10th National Moot Court Competition on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), held on 15 and 16 October 2026. This year’s competition focused on protecting medical facilities and medical staff during armed conflict.
Organised by Rwanda’s judiciary and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the competition brought together six teams of three students. They prepared written memorials, took part in role-play and presented oral arguments. The first day was held at the ICRC office in Rwanda. Proceedings moved to the Supreme Court courtroom on 16 October, where the two strongest teams met in the final.
Justice Kalihangabo Isabelle of the Supreme Court of Rwanda said the competition helps prepare future lawyers to understand and apply international humanitarian law, uphold the law, and promote accountability and justice in Rwanda. “The competition gives students legal knowledge, but it also helps them think through difficult issues, make arguments based on the law and understand why international humanitarian law matters and how to apply it,” she said.
Helen Obregon, a legal adviser with the ICRC in Nairobi, said law students will go on to serve in different parts of the country. That is why, she said, they should start learning these laws while they are still at university.
Competition judge and lawyer Muhammed Mahdy Elserafy said the students had shown strong legal skills, especially in applying the law to practical situations. “That is what we want to see in future lawyers: the ability to understand and analyse legal problems,” he said.
Law student Gloria Nshutinziza said the competition helped her understand how court proceedings work and gave her a chance to use what she had learned. She also said students need to understand that everyone deserves humane treatment and respect for their dignity.
“Even if someone is a prisoner of war, a terrorist or a rebel, they should still be treated humanely and with dignity,” she said. “A person’s actions do not take away their humanity.”
Organisers designed the competition to deepen students’ understanding of IHL and help them build the skills to speak up for its application.
