Second edition of the Arab Human Rights Moot Court Competition begins on October 20

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 13, 2026

The Arab Human Rights Moot Court Competition will be held in Doha, Qatar, from October 20 to 22, 2026, bringing together 48 law and human rights students from 15 universities across 11 Arab countries. This event provides a regional platform for students to develop practical advocacy skills and deepen their understanding of international human rights law through simulated judicial hearings.

The second edition of the Arab Human Rights Moot Court Competition is scheduled to take place from October 20 to 22, 2026, in Doha, Qatar. The event is organised by the United Nations Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region, which operates under the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This year, the competition is hosted by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.

The competition aims to bring together law and human rights students from across the Arab region to enhance their understanding of human rights issues while developing practical skills in advocacy and moot court proceedings. Participants simulate real judicial hearings, allowing them to apply international human rights law in a training environment that mirrors actual legal processes.

Eligibility is limited to third- and fourth-year undergraduate students as well as master’s students enrolled in law faculties or human rights programs. Teams must consist of between two and four members. This edition features 15 universities representing 11 Arab countries: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. A total of 48 students, both male and female, are participating.

The competition culminates with a final round and closing ceremony, during which the winning team will be announced and all participants will receive certificates. The initiative is designed to blend academic knowledge with practical legal skills, reflecting broader efforts to prepare future human rights advocates in the region.

Moot court contests focusing on human rights have long been established in European universities, serving as valuable training grounds for students to hone comparative law expertise, advocacy strategies, and strategic litigation skills. The Arab Human Rights Moot Court Competition builds on this tradition by offering a regional platform for emerging legal professionals to engage deeply with international human rights standards.

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