The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Indian Society of International Law (ISIL) are pleased to announce the opening of registration for teams for the 24th Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition (“Moot Court”) on International Humanitarian Law (“IHL”). The national rounds for India will be held at ISIL from 31st October to 2nd November, 2025.

The ICRC and ISIL have jointly organized the Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition in India since 2001, when the ICRC’s Regional Delegation in New Delhi initiated the Moot Court as part of its efforts to improve awareness of IHL among law students and law faculties throughout India. Since its inception, the Moot Court’s primary objective has been to continue developing an increased awareness and interest in IHL in academic institutions in India. Additionally, it aims to utilize IHL to foster academic excellence among the student community and to develop their advocacy skills in a friendly, competitive environment.

Participation in the Moot Court engages teams in thorough research of IHL treaties, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols, and the applicable rules of customary law.

In 2025, the national rounds of the Moot Court shall consist of written submissions and oral pleading rounds. As in 2024, there will be no preliminary rounds in the oral pleadings. The top 16 teams, based on the total scores obtained in the written submission rounds for their Prosecution and Defence memorials combined, will be invited to participate in the oral rounds of the Competition, which will begin with the quarter-final rounds.

The moot problem and rules for the Competition can be downloaded from the ISIL Website.

Important Dates

  • The Registration Form is to be sent by email (isilmootcourt@gmail.com) or by post (to ISIL) by 14th August 2025.
  • Any clarifications on the moot problem should also be received by 14th August 2025.
  • The deadline for submission of memorials in soft copy is Monday, 22nd September 2025.
  • Teams will be notified of their qualification for the oral rounds via email on 13th October 2025.

We strongly encourage Universities to nominate their respective teams to participate in the 24th edition of the Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition.