NEWS

The 24th Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot (Asia-Pacific Region), organized by the Hong Kong Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), was held in Hong Kong from March 11 to 14, 2026. The APU student team achieved an impressive runner-up finish at the competition. The team had earned the right to compete in the Asia-Pacific Regional Round by winning the national competition held in November 2025, which was organized by the ICRC Japan Office. This runner-up finish represents one of the highest placements ever achieved by a Japanese university team.

A total of 22 student teams that had prevailed in national rounds across the Asia-Pacific region participated in the moot, presenting sophisticated legal arguments from both the prosecution and defense perspectives based on the case facts. In this International Humanitarian Law moot court, participants were required not only to demonstrate a strong command of theoretical knowledge of IHL as applied in armed conflicts, but also to show the ability to effectively apply that knowledge to complex and practical legal scenarios.

This year’s moot problem examined an armed conflict arising from resource-related disputes between two nations. The case addressed military measures attributed to one party’s leader, including forced conscription, the use of starvation, and the deployment of explosive weapons without sufficient distinction between civilians and combatants. These elements served as the main subject of legal discussion during the competition.

Following the competition, judges highlighted the team’s strong composure and overall calmness during questioning, as well as the clarity and effectiveness of their speech style.

Team Members

• Do Dai Duc（College of Asia Pacific Studies, 3rd year, Vietnam）
• Jayaweera Devni Neha（College of Asia Pacific Studies, 3rd year, Sri Lanka）
• Shaikh Zujajah（College of Asia Pacific Studies, 4th year, Pakistan）
• Daub Cattleya Avery Eunice（College of Asia Pacific Studies, 4th year, Philippines）

Comment from Jayaweera Devni Neha:

It was an honor to represent both APU and Japan at the Regional level. After six months of hard work and preparation on International Humanitarian Law, we are truly proud to have emerged runner-up. This would not have been possible if not for the support we received from our senpais, APU faculty, and ICRC Japan. In the current global climate, principles of humanitarian law are important now more than ever. We hope that the next generation will continue to join Moot Court Competitions but more importantly play a part in upholding humanitarian values.