IG on International Human Rights Law | Monthly Breakfast Session | 24 September 2026
The ESIL Interest Group on International Human Rights Law
in cooperation with
The Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law (ANZSIL) International Human Rights Law Interest Group
is hosting
Online Series
Monthly Breakfast Sessions
Aruni Jayakody
on
Truth vs Justice? The Duty to Coordinate the Search and Criminal Investigation into
Missing and Disappeared Persons
Thursday 24 September 2026 (9AM CET/5PM AEST/7PM NZST), Online
ABOUT THE SESSION
International law imposes parallel but distinct obligations on states in relation to missing and disappeared persons: a duty to search and clarify their fate and whereabouts and return their remains to their families, and where the disappearance is connected to a crime such as an enforced disappearance, a war crime or a crime against humanity a duty to carry out a criminal investigation.
The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance imposes a duty to coordinate the search and criminal investigation, yet in practice this coordination is difficult to achieve. In addition, the duty to prosecute requires states to investigate and prosecute violations of human rights and humanitarian law, in particular international crimes and other gross violations of human rights.
Aruni Jayakody will examine how the duty to prosecute informs and shapes the implementation of the duty to coordinate. Drawing on the practice of existing missing persons mechanisms, her paper argues that states have significant freedom to design coordination mechanisms, provided they have a dedicated prosecuting authority that addresses past human rights violations, and a well-crafted prosecutorial strategy.
MORE ABOUT THE MONTHLY BREAKFAST SESSIONS
Looking for a low-pressure way to discuss the latest in International Human Rights Law? The ESIL IG on International Human Rights Law is excited to announce a new initiative designed to foster an informal, constructive space for our community. Starting in April, we will host monthly “breakfast” sessions on the last Wednesday of every month to support research development and encourage open debate.
These one-hour sessions offer a relaxed environment for members to share ongoing work—even at the earliest stages—and receive valuable feedback. We particularly encourage early-career researchers (broadly understood) to use this platform to showcase their ideas. Since these meetings are intended to fit into your morning routine, feel free to join us while you start your day; there is no need to stay tethered to your desk!
IN A NUTSHELL
The Vibe: Informal and constructive. Join us while you commute, grab coffee, or start your daily routine—no desk required!
The Goal: To share ongoing research, debate current issues, and support our members’ ideas.
Who is this for? While everyone is welcome, we especially invite early-career researchers to present their unfinished work and gather insights from the broader IG community.
How will it work? Presenters will have up to 30 minutes to present, followed by questions and comments from the IG community.
How to sign up? If you are interested in presenting, send an email at esilighumanrightslaw@gmail.com, specifying the topic of your presentation and your availability.
