After editions organized by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2019 and the University of Ghent in 2022 (link), we are looking forward to organizing the next edition of the moot court competition in Antwerp (Belgium). With its international seaport, Antwerp has been the place of embarkation for transatlantic sea travel since the 15th century.

This international competition aims to bring together students interested in international migration and asylum law from around the globe. It provides them with an ideal opportunity to sharpen their analytical, drafting and pleading skills, as well as to broaden their network with colleagues from other universities and judges who are experts in the field.

Moot Court Structure

The moot court competition consists of a written round and a two-day oral round in Antwerp (Belgium). Each team will plead a fictitious case between a State and a migrant before a judicial body. A particular and challenging characteristic of the International Migration and Refugee Law Moot Court Competition is that the case develops throughout the competition. Particular attention will also be paid to a debriefing of the case and feedback to the teams.

Moot Court Case, Rules and Booklet

The 2023-2024 International Migration and Refugee Law Moot Court Competition case concerns a young Afghan woman, who applies for asylum in the Grand Duchy of Taurasia, a fictitious country, after the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

You can find the Case on this link.

The Competition’s Rules, can be consulted on this link.

The Clarifications are accessible via this link.

The Legal materials that can be consulted can be found on this link.

More information about the competition, including the finalized program, information about main and side events, the names of the judges and practical information for the participants will be made available in a program booklet via this link.