The F.F. Martens Competition is a unique training competition on international humanitarian law organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). You can take part in it only once in your life. During the competition, students acquire skills in applying IHL in simulated, yet realistic, situations of fictional armed conflict.
In 2024, the XXV Anniversary Competition named after F.F. Martens took place, at the same time the largest in the history of the competition in terms of the number of teams. This year, 26 teams took part in the competition and over 50 applications were submitted
The qualifying stage of the competition took place from January 9th to February 20th, 2024. Based on the results of the qualifying stage, two teams from KazUIR & WL University were invited to participate in the competition
For the first time, the team from the Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages named after Abai Khan participated in the main stage of the competition
The team was represented by 3rd year students of the Faculty of International Relations, Law and Business specializing in «International Law»:
Kuanyshpekov Alibek
Doskhanova Kuralai
Asylbekov Beksultan
Coach: Associate Professor of the Department of International Law: Meermanova Zhuldyz Bazarbekovna
The main stage of the competition took place from April 22nd to April 26th in Moscow.
The competition program consisted of the following events:
from the presentation by all competition participants; various lectures on International Humanitarian Law and the principles of work of the ICRC; team competitions of 6 rounds; final and meeting with the leadership of the ICRC.
The rounds for the teams were scheduled from morning until evening, with breaks for lunch and short rest periods. Each round was different from the other with a role and tasks for each team. Since the students from KazUIR & WL named after Abai Khan were participating in this competition for the first time, everything was unexpected and new for our team. There was no one to share their experience with us or tell us what would happen throughout the week. Surprisingly, what unfolded exceeded all our boldest expectations! We had to take on a variety of roles: from representatives of the ICRC to the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The competitions included diverse tasks, ranging from analyzing situations on the ground to preparing documents and presenting before the competition jury. Each team demonstrated not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to work in a team, make informed decisions under conditions of limited time and information. Teamwork and coach support play a key role in the successful performance at the competition.
Judges, in turn, amazed us with their acting talents – sometimes they appeared before us as ruthless politicians and generals, and sometimes they genuinely shed tears, portraying war victims. We were very impressed by the fact that during the competition, academic knowledge was not the only thing being tested, nor the ability to memorize something by heart, but rather the ability to apply legal norms to practical situations, to defend one's point of view based on legal principles. Participation in such an event not only develops professional skills but also instills in students an understanding of the importance of adhering to rules and norms aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of individuals in armed conflicts.
The end of the competition does not mean the end of the work of the participants. Communication turned out to be very valuable.
Communication with the judges – experienced lawyers, yet at the same time open and friendly individuals – and with participants from different countries who share our passion for international humanitarian law and the desire to improve the world, was invaluable. The competition featured a diversity of ages, creating a conducive atmosphere for exchanging life and professional experiences. Discussions, exchanging views, sharing knowledge, and cultural peculiarities – all these moments made our stay in Moscow unforgettable.
Moreover, participation in such events contributes to the development of personal qualities such as responsibility, organization, and the ability to work in a team, which are important in any professional activity.
On behalf of the Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages named after Abai Khan, we would like to express our deep gratitude to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and all the organizers of the XXV Anniversary Competition on International Humanitarian Law named after F.F. Martens. Thank you for this unforgettable experience, and we hope for further cooperation and interaction in the future.
Special thanks are extended to the ICRC Kazakhstan, the Faculty of International Relations, Law, and Business (FIRLB), and the Department of International Law.
We are deeply convinced that participating in this prestigious event will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for further achievements in the field of international law.