NEWS

The APU team reached the Top 16 at the international competition Nuremberg Moot Court 2026, held in Nuremberg, Germany, from July 22 to 25, 2026. APU was the only university from Japan to advance to the oral rounds after passing the written submission stage. In addition, team member Jayaweera Devni Neha, a third-year student in the College of Asia Pacific Studies, Sri Lanka, received a Second Best Speakers Award.

The Nuremberg Moot Court is an international competition held in the historic Courtroom 600, where the trials of Nazi leaders took place following World War II. In this competition, 137 teams from around the world submitted written memorials presenting their legal arguments. Only the top 40 teams selected through the written evaluation advanced to the oral rounds. The APU team's memorial was highly praised for its clear and persuasive legal reasoning.

This year's moot problem examined an internal armed conflict wherein child soldiers were conscripted, enlisted or used to participate actively in hostilities. The case also addressed questions of individual criminal responsibility through co-perpetration and the exclusion of evidence allegedly obtained under coercive conditions.

Team Members:

• Animesh Regmi (third-year student in the College of Asia Pacific Studies, Nepal)
• Do Dai Duc (third-year student in the College of Asia Pacific Studies, Vietnam)
• Francis Miguel Tisbe Gregorio (fourth-year student in the College of Asia Pacific Studies, Philippines)
• Jayaweera Devni Neha
• Nathan Hill (fourth-year student in the College of Asia Pacific Studies, Japan)

Comment from Jayaweera Devni Neha:

Speaking on behalf of the Prosecution in the Palace of Justice where the first international criminal tribunal was held, allowed me to understand more deeply the importance of accountability and justice especially in the growing unrest of the world. I am truly grateful to have been honored as recipient of the Second Best Speakers Award, and especially grateful for the opportunity to speak before the esteemed judges of the International Criminal Court and other tribunals.

Progressing far in the Oral rounds while unexpected was also incredibly rewarding. I hope that future APU students will not hesitate to participate in moot court competitions and see this as an opportunity to challenge themselves and contribute to upholding principles of international justice.

Comment from Do Dai Duc:

This competition was an experience that we will carry with us for a long time: standing in the historic Courtroom 600, pleading before International Criminal Court judges and distinguished lawyers, exchanging ideas with brilliant minds, and forming friendships with peers from across the world.

As non-law students, this journey challenged us to step out of my comfort zone and deepen our understanding of international law. It was a rare and deeply rewarding opportunity to grow, explore a side of international relations that we might otherwise never have encountered. We wholeheartedly encourage APU students to take that leap.