What we do
International peace and security are in an enduring crisis. The Russian aggression against Ukraine, the conflicts in Israel-Palestine and Yemen, other conflicts and terrorism are only some of the challenges that call into question the effectiveness of collective security mechanisms, enforcement of norms on accountability of States and non-State actors, and the future of a rule of law-based world order. The future of peace and security is also to be considered in light of new and less traditional threats, including climate change, pandemics and artificial intelligence.
These are difficult times that call for critical reflection on how to understand and address international peace and security threats that impact international stability as well as human rights.
Addressing these complex and inter-connected issues requires specific expertise on a range of topics, including armed conflicts, transitional justice, armed groups, sanctions, peacekeeping and peace-making, arms trade, collective security mechanisms, ceasefires, and protection of human rights in times of crisis, to name a few.
The Platform on Peace, Security and Human Rights aims to create a horizontal space for research collaboration at the School of Law. It aims to combine concepts, principles and legal instruments from international law, EU law and domestic private, constitutional, administrative and criminal law to develop a coherent and effective framework that enhances international peace, security and human rights, and ensures accountability for those that engage in international crimes and wrongful acts.
The Platform collaborates closely with other Utrecht University research entities working on peace, security and human rights.
