A leading figure from the world of international law visited the University of Aberdeen last week, as the Law School’s Legal Research Society (LRS) hosted a seminar at New King’s.
Professor Rahmat Mohamed, Secretary-General of the Asian African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), was the key speaker at the seminar entitled The United Nations and the Rule of Law: The take for Africa and Asia.
Staff and students heard Professor Mohamed talk about his role in AALCO, an organisation that provides legal advice to governments of developing countries on important issues such as climate change and human rights.
A major theme of his talk was the importance of smaller nations engaging in and contributing to the development of international law, an area in which western powers are perceived to be dominant.
He also urged students and academics to take an active role in issues surrounding international law by reading and providing feedback to reports from the International Law Commission.
Eddy Wifa, who recently succeeded Buba Bojang as President of the LRS, helped organise the event along with the support of other newly elected executive committee members.
He said: “Professor Mohamed provided a unique perspective on the world of international law, and his insights helped students and staff understand the issues that smaller countries in Africa and Asia have to contend with when it comes to their relationship with the United Nations
“I’d like to thank him for travelling to Aberdeen to provide us with this informative and interesting talk.”
Remarking on his appointment as President of the LRS, Eddy added: “I have been active in the society since I arrived in Aberdeen, and so it was a great honour to accept the nomination as President from my peers.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Buba Bojang for everything he achieved in his time as President, and I’m looking forward to building on Buba’s excellent track record during my own tenure.”
