Official Communiqué 35th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, 26 July – 2 August 2026
Date: 22 April 2026
To: All partners, participating universities, judges, and stakeholders
Re: Logistical Updates 35th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition
The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, permanent organiser of the Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, wishes to inform all partners, participating universities, judges, and stakeholders of important updates to the logistical arrangements for the 35th edition, scheduled in Côte d'Ivoire from 26 July to 2 August 2026.
Due to unforeseen logistical challenges, the organisers have taken the decision to revise the initial plan in order to ensure the smooth delivery of this landmark continental event under the best possible conditions. These adjustments have been made in full consultation with our Ivorian co-host, the Institut Universitaire d'Abidjan (IUA), with whom a formal partnership agreement was signed on 17 April 2026. We wish to commend the IUA for its remarkable commitment and swift response during this period of transition.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
- Host City and Event Format
The Competition will now take place in a single-site format entirely in Abidjan. The previously planned two-city format with preliminary rounds in Yamoussoukro and final rounds in Abidjan has been consolidated. This change strengthens logistical coherence and simplifies travel arrangements for all delegations.
- Opening Date
The opening date of the Competition has been updated from 25 July to 26 July 2026. All programmes, invitations, and travel arrangements should be updated accordingly.
- Co-Hosting Institution
The Competition will now be co-hosted exclusively by the Institut Universitaire d'Abidjan (IUA). The previously planned joint co-hosting arrangement involving INP-HB (Yamoussoukro) no longer applies. The IUA assumes full responsibility for local hosting and on-the-ground logistics.
ACTIONS REQUIRED
- Update travel arrangements (flights, accommodation) to reflect the new venue and arrival date: 26 July 2026, Abidjan
- Check the official Competition website regularly for further updates: www.chr.up.ac.za/moot
- Contact the organisers directly with any questions arising from these changes
The organisers remain fully committed to making this 35th edition an exceptional event for Africa's legal community. We thank all our partners for their understanding, flexibility, and unwavering support for this pan-African initiative.
