Opening ceremony of the 2022-23 edition of the Master of Laws (LL.M.) in transnational crime and justice

UNICRI and the University for Peace (UPEACE) hosted the Opening Ceremony to welcome the selected 34 participants from 21 countries, embarking on their unique learning journey: the new edition of the Master in Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Crime and Justice 2022-2023.

Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical exercises, the LL.M. in Transnational Crime and Justice will equip the students with knowledge and tools to support international justice and contribute to promote the rule of law and human rights protection, and contribute to the global fight against transnational crimes. The Master's programme will prepare them to advocate for criminal justice and accountability as key factors to achieve peace, security, human rights, and development for all.

The Ceremony took place at the United Nations Campus in Turin (Italy), a global crossroad for training and knowledge sharing.

The participants were welcomed by Mr. Leif Villadsen, Deputy Director of UNICRI, who reiterated the importance of this advanced training to empower the next generation of professionals in the field of crime prevention and justice, able to respond to the evolving challenges of our times.

Key keynote speaker at the ceremony was Ms. Fatou Bensouda, an International Human Rights Lawyer who served as the first female Prosecutor and Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) between 2012 and 2021. Ms. Bensouda explained the ICC's crucial mandate by presenting its history of successful convictions and cases investigated across four continents.

Concluding her keynote address, Ms Bensouda said: "The universal values of human rights and the cause for ending impunity for mass crimes will increasingly define this century. And I am confident that with the strong, consistent, and vocal support of all those dedicated to these important aims, we can usher in a world that is less conflict-prone and more respectful of the fundamental human rights of its inhabitants in all four corners of the globe. This is not too much to ask. This is a necessity."

Ms Bensouda then addressed the LL.M students: " I urge you all to continue our efforts in our collective fight for human rights, to pool our efforts and work jointly to send a firm but consistent message that humanity stands united in the fight against impunity and perpetrators will be held accountable. This is a challenge that no state law, institution or individual can face alone. Our responsibilities remain great, but our resolve must endure. I wish you a successful academic year ahead."

Other contributing panellists and experts were:

• Ms. Mariateresa Garrido, Coordinator Doctoral Programme, UPEACE
• Ms. Michela Favaro, Deputy Mayor, City of Turin
• Mr. Roberto Ruscello, Judge, Tribunal of Turin
• Mr. Emilio Gatti, Deputy Prosecutor, Tribunal of Turin
• Ms. Barbara Porta, Attorney-at-Law and Representative of the Turin Bar Association
• Col. Antonio Del Gaudio, Director of the Post Conflict Operations Study Centre, Italian Army Training Command and Application School

The Graduation Ceremony of the LL.M will take place on 7 July 2023.

About the Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Crime and Justice

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Crime and Justice is designed for professionals and university graduates wishing to specialize in the fields of international law dimensions of peace and conflicts, transnational crimes and transitional justice, humanitarian law, international criminal law and procedure, and international human rights law.

Depending on each student's background and interest, the programme is functional for careers in the legal and political sectors both at a national and international level as well in further academic studies.

To know more about the LL.M. please visit our website.

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