SOAS Inaugural Lecture: Professors Emilia Onyema & Lutz Oette

Join us to celebrate a special milestone for our new professors and hear about their innovative research. Doors for this event will open on 5:15 PM with the lectures to commence at 5:30 PM. A post drinks reception will be held at 6:45 PM immediately after the lecture.

Professor Emilia Onyema, Professor of International Commercial Law

Lecture title: Africa and International Arbitration: Friend or Foe

Lecture abstract: This lecture will explore the evolutionary changes and transformations in the role of Africans in international arbitration, as parties and participants. It will argue that the international arbitration community is slowly embracing African practitioners as equals, while Africans as parties, appear to be turning away from the process of arbitration.

Professor Lutz Oette, Professor of International Human Rights Law

Lecture title: Human Rights in Crisis

Lecture abstract: This lecture explores the notion of human rights crisis. After charting the evolution of pertinent debates, it situates the contemporary moment in a fundamental polycrisis of and for humanity that brings into sharp focus the nature, role and effectiveness of human rights (law). In so doing, the lecture pays tribute to visions and revolutionary spirits that inspire if not represent counter-hegemonic approaches to human rights.