An international judge and legal scholar celebrated for his contribution to global justice and legal education will deliver a free public talk at the University of Lincoln next week.
H.E. Judge Christopher Gregory Weeramantry will speak at 11am on Wednesday 5 August 2015 on Enriching international law through global religious wisdom.
Open to the public and free to attend, the lecture will address one of the most urgent problems facing humanity in this age of nuclear weaponry – the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prevention of wars.
Judge Weeramantry, the former Vice-President of the International Court of Justice, will suggest that a revitalised international law could help to avert the devastation of nuclear war.
Judge Weeramantry said: “Today there is a crucial need to re-establish the connection between international law and religion. Its inspirational value can bring enormous benefits through teachings on duties towards our neighbours, the sanctity of treaties, protection of the environment, duties towards future generations, peaceful resolution of disputes, humanitarian conduct and other principles forming the bedrock of international law, on which the teachings of world religions are identical.
“Revitalised in this fashion, international law can save the present generation from numerous conflicts and future generations from the destruction of their birth right to an environment free of pollution and devastation.”
During his celebrated legal career, Judge Weeramantry delivered the judgement which prevails today as the leading exposition of the illegality of nuclear weapons under international law.
Hosted by Lincoln Law School and the Lincoln Centre for Environmental Law & Justice at the University of Lincoln, Judge Weeramantry’s lecture will be followed by a response from Professor Duncan French, Head of Lincoln Law School and author of The Heroic Undertaking? The Separate and Dissenting Opinions of Judge Weeramantry during his time on the Bench of the International Court of Justice.
Professor French said: “It is a huge honour, both academically and personally, to welcome Judge Weeramantry to Lincoln – it will be a truly excellent occasion.”
The event is free to attend but places are limited. To book your place, contact Alison Wilson in the University of Lincoln’s College of Social Sciences on cossres@lincoln.ac.uk or phone 01522 835509.