International Criminal Law Conference — Call for Papers (February–March 2026)
The GNLU Centre for Research in Criminal Justice Sciences (GCRCJS) is organizing the International Conference on International Criminal Law (ICL) on 28 February – 1 March 2026 at Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar.
This flagship conference is themed around:
“Reinvigorating International Criminal Law by Innovation, Inclusivity, and Global Accountability.”
Researchers, academicians, students, practitioners, and experts from allied disciplines are invited to submit abstracts and present their research.
About the Conference
Organised by GCRCJS, Gujarat National Law University, this international conference focuses on the evolving challenges of international criminal law amid rising conflicts, geopolitical tensions, digital warfare, gendered violence, and cross-border criminality.
GNLU, a premier National Law University, hosts multiple academic and research initiatives and is known for its interdisciplinary approach.
Conference Objectives
The conference aims to:
- Address emerging and underexamined challenges in International Criminal Law
- Propose reforms for strengthening ICL institutions
- Encourage interdisciplinary research
- Facilitate dialogue among academics, practitioners, and policymakers
- Promote evidence-based research to shape global justice
- Build collaborative research networks
Conference Themes
A. Institutional Challenges & Reforms in ICL
- ICC credibility crisis
- Sovereignty vs international intervention
- Selective justice and political bias
- Convergence of domestic laws with ICL
- Rights of the accused, evidentiary standards, trial legitimacy
B. War Crimes, Victim-Centric Justice & Innovation in Evidence
- War crimes in Russia–Ukraine, Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan
- Autonomous weapons and modern warfare
- Child victims of war
- Emerging technologies in evidence—AI forensics, OSINT, satellite imagery
- Cross-border collaboration for war crime investigations
C. Gender, Identity & Reproductive Justice in ICL
- Sexual and reproductive violence
- LGBTQ+ identities and gender-based crimes
- Gender justice in ICL institutions
D. Emerging Issues in International Criminal Law
- Corporate liability for international crimes
- Terror financing
- Cyber warfare, AI, digital aggression
- Ecocide and environmental harm
- Transnational organised crime
- Maritime piracy
E. Anti-Money Laundering Regimes & ICL
- FATF, UN sanctions, Egmont Group cooperation
- AML–CFT enforcement in India (PMLA, FIU-IND)
- Human rights implications
- Comparative AML standards
F. White-Collar Crimes & Transnational Financial Accountability
- Corporate misconduct
- Cross-border financial crimes
- Global compliance frameworks (FCPA, UK Bribery Act)
- Comparative enforcement
Who Can Participate
Open to:
- Students
- Researchers
- Academicians
- Criminal justice professionals
- NGO practitioners
- Advocates and legal experts
- Scholars from IR, Sociology, Gender Studies, Technology, Environmental Studies, and allied disciplines
Structure of the Conference
- Plenary Sessions
- Panel Discussions
- Paper Presentations
- Interactive Sessions
- Networking Dinner & Cultural Activities
Prizes & Certification
🏆 1st Prize: ₹15,000
🏆 2nd Prize: ₹10,000
🏆 3rd Prize: ₹5,000
- Top three papers published in SCC Times
- Certificate of Participation for all presenters
- Certificates of Merit for winners
Mode
📍 Offline at GNLU, Gandhinagar
Foreign participants may be allowed limited virtual participation upon request.
Abstract Submission Guidelines
- Word Limit: 300 words
- File: MS Word + PDF
- Font: Times New Roman (12, italics)
- Spacing: 1.5
- Keywords: Max 5
- Must include objectives, methodology, and implications
- Blind review process
Important Deadlines
- Abstract Submission: 5 December 2025
- Acceptance Notification: 10 December 2025
- Full Paper Submission: 31 January 2026
- Fee Payment Deadline: 31 January 2026
Observer Registration Deadline: 31 January 2026
Participation Fees
Indian Participants
- Students – ₹2500
- GNLU Students – ₹1500
- Professionals/Academicians – ₹4500
- Observers – ₹1000
Foreign Participants
- Students – USD 65
- Professionals – USD 100
- Observers – USD 20
SAARC participants receive discounted fees (with proof).
How to Apply
Submit Abstract:
Observer Registration:
Queries:
A payment link and submission form will be provided after acceptance of the abstract.
Contact Details
Student Convenors:
📞 Shivam Agrawal – +91 94130 29413
📞 Vatshal Raval – +91 92653 84215
Student Co-Convenors:
📞 Durlabhya Singh – +91 78500 73174
📞 Sonia Dhawan – +91 73077 91958