Call for Papers: International Organisations, Non-State Actors, Customary International Law

The Manchester International Law Centre has issued a call for papers for a workshop on "International Organisations, Non-State Actors, Customary International Law," to take place January 26-27, 2017. Here's the call:

The Role of International Organizations and Non-State Actors
in the Formation of Customary International Law

Although customary international law has continuously been on the agenda of international legal scholars, it seems uncontested that debates on custom have been reinvigorated by the work of the International Law Commission on the topic. Under the rapporteurship of Sir Michael Wood, the work of the Commission has fueled much interest within and outside academic circles. It is noteworthy that Sir Michael has personally encouraged input from academics over the past few years.

As the work of the Commission reaches the stage of consultation with States and other actors in late 2016, the Commission will be open to receiving additional comments on its Draft Conclusions on the identification of customary international law. In this context, the Manchester International Law Centre will organize a workshop with a view to generating new reflections on the role of international organizations and non-State actors in the formation of customary international law. Its objective is to bring scholars together and promote an exchange with the Commission with respect to these specific topics which are still under-researched and under-theorized.

Specific topics for discussion

The Manchester International Law Centre invites the submission of abstracts from scholars interested in the subject, with an emphasis on one of the following specific topics:

(i) The International Law Commission and Formation of CIL
(ii) The Theory of Formation of CIL
(iii) The Role of International Organizations in the Formation of CIL
(iv) The Role of Non-State Actors in the Formation of CIL.

In writing their contributions, authors are encouraged to engage directly with the positions of Sir Michael and those of the International Law Commission on the topic.

Guidance for the Submission of Abstracts

Abstracts must be between 750 and 1,000 words and be received by October 15, 2016. Authors selected for the workshop must submit a draft paper that must be between 6,000 and 8,000 words prior to the workshop. Authors of selected abstracts will be notified by October 25, 2016. Papers must be received by December 31, 2016. Abstracts and papers must be submitted to the following email address [milc@manchester.ac.uk]. Submissions by early career researchers, that is those currently engaged in PhD research and those within five years of the award of their PhD, are especially welcome, but more senior colleagues are also encouraged to apply.

Venue and Expenses

The workshop will be held at the University of Manchester. The Manchester International Law Centre will provide one night accommodation to all speakers and reimburse travel expenses up to £150.00.

Participation and registration

Participation is open for non-speakers too but a limited number of places is available. All participants, whether prospective speakers or not, must register through Eventbrite.

Important Dates

01 September 2016 Call for abstracts
15 October 2016 Deadline for the submission of abstracts
25 October 2016 Notification of authors
31 December 2016 Deadline for submission of papers
26, 27 January 2017 Workshop

Output

It is envisaged that the selected papers will published either as an edited volume or as a special edition of a journal.