Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition: FAQ

35th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition
hosted by
Institut Universitaire d’Abidjan and Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Yamoussoukro
in
Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire
25 July - 02 August 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently asked questions and answers for the Moot Court Competition:

Preparation for the competition
Travel related matters
During the Moot week
Leaving the host country
After the competition
Final Reminders

A. PREPARATION FOR THE COMPETITION

1. REGISTRATION

How and when should universities register?

Universities must complete TWO stages of registration:

STAGE 1: Faculty Registration

Period: 15 January - 15 April 2026

How: Via Google Form link on www.chr.up.ac.za/moot

Who registers: The university/faculty and one faculty representative

Important: Registration is FREE of charge

Deadline is firm: Late registrations will NOT be accepted

STAGE 2: Individual Registration

Period: 15 April - 15 June 2026

How: Via Google Form link on www.chr.up.ac.za/moot

Who registers: The 2 competing students + up to 2 observers (optional)

Why these deadlines matter: More than 200 participants attend the moot. Late registrations complicate accommodation, transport, and meal arrangements. Past experience shows that last-minute registrations create significant operational challenges.

When will we receive our team identification number?

Your Unique Team Identification Number will be generated and sent to you via email after you submit your memorials(20 June, 2026). This number must be used on your memorial cover pages to ensure anonymity. Do not include any university names or identifying information on your memorials.

2. TEAM COMPOSITION

What should be the composition of teams?

Each team consists of:

2 students(the competing team members)
1 faculty representative (supervisor/coach)
Up to 2 observers(optional - can be faculty, non-competing students, or alumni)

Critical requirement: The same 2 students registered in Individual Registration (April-June) must compete throughout the entire competition. No substitutions are permitted after the competition starts.

Gender representation: The organisers strongly encourage faculties to select preferably one man and one woman to ensure equal gender representation at this event.

3. THE HYPOTHETICAL CASE

When and where is the case released?

Release date: 12 January 2026

Where to access: https://www.chr.up.ac.za/african-moot-documents

The hypothetical case and all supporting documents will be uploaded to the moot website.

All teams must regularly check the website for the case, clarifications, and other important documents.

How do we request clarification of facts?

If there are points in the hypothetical case that are manifestly unclear and must be clarified to develop your pleadings:

Submission deadline: 15 April 2026
How to submit: Email your clarification request to: yusuf.sayaad@up.ac.za

Guidelines:

Only submit requests for genuinely unclear facts necessary for argument development
Avoid frivolous, verbose, or ill-conceived requests.
Be concise and specific

Clarifications posted on 15 May 2026 on the moot website

CRITICAL: Check the website for clarifications before submitting your memorials (June 20 deadline). It is each team's responsibility to ensure they have reviewed all clarifications.

4. READING THE RULES

Is it important to read the Rules of the competition?

Yes, absolutely. All registered teams must carefully read the Official Rules, even if they are regular participants. Amendments are made to the rules every year based on experience from previous competitions. The Rules document contains detailed requirements for:

Memorial structure, format, and word limits
Oral pleading procedures and time limits
Competition rounds structure (preliminary, quarterfinals, semifinals, finals)
Penalties and disqualification grounds
Scoring criteria

Failure to comply with the Rules may result in point deductions or disqualification.

5. MEMORIAL PREPARATION

Who should prepare and draft the memorials?

The memorials must be written by the students themselves under the supervision of the faculty representative.

Prohibited: Under no circumstances should the faculty representative be directly involved in the actual writing of memorials. Faculty assistance must be limited to:

General discussion of issues
Suggestions for research sources
Guidance on decision-making approaches

Assistance that interferes with the memorial being substantially the original work of the students is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.

What are the memorial requirements?

Check the rules for detailed information.

How do we submit memorials?

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION (Primary submission)

Start date: 20 May 2026
Deadline: 20 June 2026

How: Email both memorials (Applicant + Respondent) as Word document attachments to: yusuf.sayaad@up.ac.za

Subject line: "Memorial Submission - [Your University Name]"

Confirmation: Request confirmation of receipt. If you do not receive confirmation within 48 hours, follow up immediately.

Critical: Teams that fail to submit by 20 June may be disqualified

HARDCOPY SUBMISSION

When: Upon registration on 25 July 2026 in Yamoussoukro
What to bring: 2 copies total (1 Applicant memorial, 1 Respondent memorial)

IMPORTANT: Pages stapled together - no spiral binding, no covers, no university identification. Only include your team number (received after electronic submission) on the cover page.

6. ORAL PRESENTATION PREPARATION

How should students prepare their oral presentation?

Both students must be thoroughly prepared to argue all aspects of the case for both the Applicant and Respondent sides.

Why this matters: In the event that one student suddenly falls ill or cannot participate, the other student must be able to make the full argument on an ex parte basis (arguing alone).

Faculty representatives should ensure:

Both students understand all legal arguments thoroughly
Both students have practiced presenting all sections
Students are prepared to answer questions from judges on any aspect of the case

B. TRAVEL-RELATED MATTERS

1. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Why do students need travel documents long in advance?

All travelling participants must have valid passports at least two months before the competition(by late May 2026).

Past problems: Students selected for the moot could not travel because they:

Did not have any travel documents
Applied for passports too late
Resulted in last-minute withdrawals that disrupted arrangements

Administrative preparation is key to successful participation. Do not underestimate how long passport processing takes in your country.

2. VISA REQUIREMENTS

Why must the visa process start early?

It is the responsibility of universities to ensure smooth preparation of all travel arrangements, including visas.

Timeline:

Invitation letters provided by organisers after individual registration
Visa applications must be completed at least two weeks before the start of moot
Start the process as soon as you receive invitation letters

Past problems: Faculties that applied for visas at the last minute were unable to attend the Moot.

3. IVORY COAST VISA & ENTRY INFORMATION

What do we need to know about traveling to Ivory Coast?

Visa Requirements:

- Check with the embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in your country and find out if your nationality requires a visa

4. TRAVEL CONFIRMATION

When must we submit our travel details?

Deadline: 15 July 2026 (10 days before arrival)

Information required:

Full names of all travellers (students, faculty rep, observers)
Flight numbers for arrival and departure
Arrival date, time, and airport
Departure date, time, and airport
Any special requirements or assistance needed

Where to submit: yusuf.sayaad@up.ac.za

Why this is critical: The organisers use this information to arrange:

Airport pickups and drop-offs
Accommodation logistics
Meal planning and dietary accommodations
Room assignments
Name badges and registration materials

If your flight changes: Contact organisers immediately with updated information. If you miss your original flight, notify organisers right away and provide new itinerary as soon as possible.

5. COMMUNICATION

How will we communicate with organisers?

Before the Moot:

Moot website: www.chr.up.ac.za/moot (check regularly for updates, documents, and announcements)

Email: yusuf.sayaad@up.ac.za (for general inquiries, memorial submission, clarifications)

All logistical details will be sent to registered participants a few weeks before the competition

During the Moot Week:

Emergency contact numbers: Will be provided in pre-departure briefing [approximately 2 weeks before]

WhatsApp group: All participants will receive a link to join the group a week before the start of the Moot.

Key organisers contacts(names and numbers provided closer to event)

Important: Save all emergency contact numbers in your phone before traveling. Read logistical information carefully and keep a copy with you during travel.

6. BUDGET & FUNDRAISING

What are the costs involved in participating?

Participating in the Moot Competition has financial implications. Universities should start fundraising immediately after registration.

COVERED BY ORGANISERS (FREE TO PARTICIPANTS):

Local transport: Airport pickups on arrival
Transport between venues during moot week
Airport drop-offs for departures
All meals during official program
Conference and excursions
Competition materials, certificates, and awards
First aid medical assistance

COSTS TEAMS MUST COVER:

International/Regional Flights
Accommodation
Visa Fees

C. DURING THE MOOT WEEK

1. COMPETITION WEEK OVERVIEW

What is the schedule for moot week?

Check the calendar on our website for details

2. WHAT TO BRING

What materials and items should we bring?

DOCUMENTS & IDENTIFICATION

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Côte d’Ivoire visa (if required)
Prescription medications with doctor's letters/prescriptions
Emergency contact information
Copies of important documents (keep separate from originals)

COMPETITION MATERIALS

2 hardcopy memorials (1 Applicant, 1 Respondent) - stapled, no binding, no covers, team number only
Extra copies of your memorials for team reference during rounds
Laptop or tablet (for preparation between rounds)
USB drives/cloud storage with backup documents
Notebooks, legal pads for notes
Multiple pens, highlighters, sticky notes
Timer or watch for tracking oral argument time

IMPORTANT: The organisers do NOT provide printing or photocopying facilities during the competition. Bring all materials pre-printed from home.

ATTIRE

Formal court attire for oral arguments:
Business/professional/ traditional attire for conference and ceremonies
Casual comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes for excursions and free time
Light rain jacket or umbrella (rainy season)

TECHNOLOGY

Mobile phone (unlocked for local SIM if needed)
Phone chargers and power banks
Laptop/tablet chargers
Power adapters: Type C/E (European two-round-pin) for Ivory Coast outlets

PERSONAL & HEALTH ITEMS

Prescription medications (bring full supply plus extra)
Over-the-counter medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrhea, antihistamines
First aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, blister treatment
Sunscreen (high SPF)
Insect repellent (for malaria-endemic region)
Personal hygiene items

3. ACCOMMODATION

What are the accommodation arrangements?

TEAM RESPONSIBILITY: As stated in the Rules faculties assume full responsibility for the cost of accommodation during the competition.

ORGANISER SUPPORT: The Centre for Human Rights and host universities negotiate with hotels on behalf of participating teams to obtain reduced rates.

Details of the accommodation venues and rates will be provided at the beginning of March 2026

4. MEALS & LOCAL TRANSPORT

What meals and transport are provided?

MEALS PROVIDED BY ORGANISERS:

Participants should indicate food preferences during individual registration (normal, halal, vegetarian, vegan, allergies, etc.). ALL MEALS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS DURING THE OFFICIAL PERIOD OF THE COMPETITION

Important: The organisers make every effort to satisfy dietary preferences. However, challenges in the host country may make satisfying everyone difficult. Participants are requested to be understanding if some meals do not fully meet expectations.

LOCAL TRANSPORT PROVIDED:

Airport pickups on the day of arrival.
Daily transport between accommodation and competition venues
Transport to conference and excursions
Airport drop-offs on the day of departures

Teams arrange their own:

Transport for personal activities during free time
Any additional sightseeing beyond organised excursions

5. JUDGING & PROCEDURES

Can organisers intervene during preliminary rounds?

During moot week, a Steering Committee is established to deal with all matters related to the competition itself, including complaints, procedural issues, and substantive matters.

Preliminary Round Judges: Faculty representatives judge the preliminary rounds. They receive a briefing on the first day about:

Rules of the competition
Assessment criteria for students
Scoring procedures

Judges are trusted to apply these criteria in good faith and are independent in their assessment.

Organiser Limitations:

The organisers are unable to intervene in judging decisions unless there is a case of obvious and undisputable bad faith
Judges are independent in their scoring
The organisers cannot change marks unless there is a calculation error
All marks are verified and certified by recognized auditors

Complaints:

Any complaint about judging must be submitted to the Steering Committee
Complaints about oral pleadings must be submitted within 30 minutes of round completion
The Steering Committee will investigate and make a final decision
All Steering Committee decisions are final and dispositive

Score Sheets:

Judges complete detailed score sheets for memorials and oral arguments
Teams will receive copies of their score sheets.

6. HEALTH & SAFETY

What health arrangements should we make?

BEFORE TRAVEL:

Medical insurance: ensure coverage for international travel and emergency medical care
Vaccinations [Yellow fever required, malaria prophylaxis recommended - verify current requirements]
Medications: Bring full supply of prescription medications plus extra, with doctor's prescriptions
Medical conditions: If you have any medical conditions, inform organisers in advance

ORGANISER RESPONSIBILITIES:

First aid assistance available during moot week
Information about local medical facilities will be provided
Emergency contacts for medical assistance

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES:

The organisers are NOT able to take responsibility for health problems. Participants must:

Have valid medical insurance with international coverage
Bring all necessary medications
Take malaria prophylaxis if recommended by doctor
Practice good hygiene (hand washing, sanitiser)
Be aware of food safety
Report any health issues immediately to organisers

DURING THE MOOT

Keep emergency contacts saved in your phone
Know the location of nearest hospital/clinic [information provided on arrival]

If you fall ill:

Notify organisers immediately
Seek medical attention if needed
The other team member may need to argue ex parte

7. WHAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?

Common contingency scenarios

Q: What if one of our registered students cannot attend after July 25?

A: The Official Rules require that the same 2 students who registered must compete throughout the entire competition. Late substitutions are not permitted as they severely impact organiser planning (accommodation, meals, materials, registration).

If a student truly cannot attend due to unavoidable circumstances (serious illness, family emergency, visa denial):

Contact organisers immediately
Explain the situation in detail
The Steering Committee will consider the case

Options may include:

The other student arguing ex parte (alone) throughout the competition
Withdrawal from the competition (if replacement is impossible)

This is why Section A.6 emphasises that both students must be prepared to argue all aspects of the case.

Q: What if we miss our flight or face travel delays?

A: Contact organisers IMMEDIATELY using the emergency numbers provided:

Explain the situation (missed connection, flight cancellation, delay)
Provide your new itinerary as soon as you have confirmed rebooking
Organisers will adjust pickup arrangements accordingly

If you miss the registration, this is especially critical - contact the Moot Coordinator urgently. Depending on timing, you may still be able to participate in preliminary rounds.

The organisers are not responsible for flight delays, cancellations, or associated costs. Teams must handle rebooking with airlines directly.

Q: What if our memorial email doesn't get delivered by 20 June?

A: To avoid this problem:

Submit your memorials a few days before the deadline
Request confirmation of receipt in your email
If you do not receive confirmation within 48 hours, follow up immediately
Consider sending from a reliable email service (not just university email which may have issues)

Important: Late memorial submission may result in disqualification. The deadline is firm, and technical difficulties are not typically accepted as valid excuses.

Q: What if we can't print/photocopy materials during the moot?

A: The organisers do NOT provide printing or photocopying facilities. This is stated clearly in the Official Rules.

You must bring all materials pre-printed from home:

Hardcopy memorials (2 copies)
Complete compilation of all authorities cited
Extra copies of memorials for your reference
Blank paper for notes

There is no alternative if you forget materials. Plan and pack carefully.

Q: What if a student falls ill during the competition?

A: Notify organisers immediately:

Contact the moot coordinator
Seek medical attention if needed (organisers can assist with directions and transportation to facilities)
First aid is available on-site for minor issues

For competition purposes:

The other student may argue ex parte (alone) if necessary
The absent student forfeits their individual oral scores
This is why both students must be prepared for all arguments (Section A.6)

The organisers are not responsible for medical costs. Participants must have medical insurance.

Q: What if we need to reconfirm our return flights?

A: It is your responsibility to reconfirm return flights.

D. LEAVING THE HOST COUNTRY

1. DEPARTURE ARRANGEMENTS

Who is responsible for reconfirming return flights?

Team responsibility: Participating teams must make arrangements with airlines for both arrival and return flights.

Organisers role:

Provide airport drop-off

If problems arise the organisers are not responsible for:

Flight delays or cancellations
Failure to reconfirm flights
Additional costs from rebooking
Contact airlines directly to resolve issues
If costs are incurred, teams take full responsibility

E. AFTER THE COMPETITION

1. RESULTS & AWARDS

When and how are results announced?

Preliminary Round Results:

Announced after the conclusion of the preliminary rounds
Top teams in each language group advancing to quarterfinals/semifinals will be named

Final Results:

Announced during the Closing Ceremony on August 1, 2026

Certificates

Distributed electronically to all participants soon after the competition concludes

2. FEEDBACK & SCORE SHEETS

Can we access our scores and get feedback?

During the competition:

Scoresheets will be made available just before the results of the preliminary rounds are announced.
Judges' written feedback will be available on the scoresheets
Marks are verified by recognised auditors and are final

Complaints about marking

Must be submitted to Steering Committee within 30 minutes of round completion
Marks cannot be changed unless there is a calculation error
Steering Committee decisions are final

3. MEMORIES & DOCUMENTATION

What about photos and videos?

Official Documentation:

Official photos and videos taken during the competition will be shared via: website/social media soon after the competition

Publication of Memorials:

Winning memorials will be published on the moot website soon after the competition

F. FINAL REMINDERS

SUCCESS AT THE MOOT REQUIRES:

1. Early preparation: Start immediately after registration
2. Attention to deadlines: All deadlines are firm and strictly enforced
3. Reading the Rules: Thoroughly understand all competition requirements
4. Financial planning: Budget and fundraise well in advance
5. Travel preparation: Passports, visas, insurance, bookings
6. Team coordination: Both students prepared for all arguments
7. Professional conduct: Respect for opponents, judges, and organisers

REMEMBER:

Registration is FREE but participation has costs (flights, accommodation)
More than 200 participants attend - organisers need accurate information and timely compliance
Late registrations, submissions, or preparations may result in disqualification or inability to participate
The competition is as much about the experience and networking as winning
Enjoy the cultural exchange, make connections across Africa, and represent your faculty with pride

FOR QUESTIONS NOT COVERED IN THIS FAQ:

- Check the Official Rules document on www.chr.up.ac.za/moot

- Check the moot website regularly for updates

- Email yusuf.sayaad@up.ac.za for specific inquiries

- Read all communications from organisers carefully

We look forward to welcoming you to the 35th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition in Yamoussoukro and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire!