27/07/2010

Judge Thomas Buergenthal to give live broadcast on IBA website

The life of the renowned world court Judge Thomas Buergenthal is to form the subject of the next International Bar Association (IBA) interactive webcast on Wednesday, 28 July at 14h30 (London Time). The hour-long interview, to be conducted by the award-winning former CNN journalist Todd Benjamin, will focus primarily on Judge Buergenthal’s experiences as a young child during the Holocaust; his incarceration in the labour camps of Auschwitz and Sachsenhausen; the Auschwitz Death March from one camp to the other; his subsequent liberation; and how his experiences shaped the man and ultimately the upholder of justice that he became.

Dr Mark Ellis, IBA Executive Director, said ‘Judge Buergenthal’s life story and notable contributions to the area of international law makes him a compelling choice for an IBA webcast. He is a man of distinction who reminds us all that it is important in life to retain one’s moral compass – even when the odds are overwhelming.’ He added, ‘By example and through his life-long dedication to the global promotion of human rights and justice, Judge Buergenthal has deservingly won admirers from around the world. I am one of them.’

Currently serving as a Judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, Judge Buergenthal was among the ICJ judges who ruled last week that Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia did not violate international law. This non-binding ruling delivered on 22 July is the last ruling Judge Buergenthal will make at the ICJ as it has been announced that he is set to retire in early September.

As well as being the author of a large number of articles on international law, human rights law and comparative law, Judge Buergenthal has also written more than a dozen books. His recent acclaimed autobiography, ‘A Lucky Child’, documents his experiences as a young boy and will be discussed during the webcast. Questions from the interviewer, Todd Benjamin, the online audience and Judge Buergenthal’s responses will provide an insight in to the life of an individual who has dedicated himself to the promotion of human rights around the world.

The live interview can be watched free of charge and questions can be submitted to Judge Buergenthal by completing the online registration form at the IBA website.

An automatic reminder to the submitted email address will be sent two hours prior to the beginning of the interview.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Romana St. Matthew - Daniel
International Bar Association
Press Office
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1 Stephen Street
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Direct Line: +44 (0)20 7691 6837
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