Shankarrao Chavan Law College, Pune To Host International Conference On “Human Rights In Armed Conflict: Asian-European Perspectives”

The conference seeks to bring together academicians, legal practitioners, policymakers, researchers, defence personnel, and civil society actors to engage in meaningful dialogue on the protection of human rights during armed conflicts from comparative Asian and European perspectives.

In recent years, the global community has witnessed a sharp rise in both international and non-international armed conflicts, resulting in widespread human rights violations including unlawful killings, forced displacement, torture, and erosion of civilian protections. These situations raise complex questions at the intersection of International Human Rights Law (IHRL), International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Criminal Law, Refugee Law, and Domestic Legal Frameworks.

The conference addresses the growing concern that despite robust normative frameworks, the implementation of humanitarian law remains weak, often due to lack of international cooperation, ineffective domestic enforcement mechanisms, and evolving forms of warfare such as autonomous weapon systems, cyber warfare, and digitalised battlefields. The conference aims to critically examine these challenges while exploring pathways for strengthening accountability and humanitarian protections.

Theme and Objectives

The central theme of the conference is:

“Human Rights in Armed Conflict: Asian-European Perspectives”

The conference aims to:

• Critically analyse evolving human rights norms during armed conflicts from Asian and European viewpoints.
• Examine protection of civilians, refugees, women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
• Discuss accountability mechanisms for war crimes and crimes against humanity
• Explore the legal implications of emerging technologies, cyber warfare, and autonomous weapons.
• Foster sustained Indo-European academic and policy dialogue.
• Encourage institutional, legal, and civil society engagement in humanitarian law compliance.
• Lay the foundation for future collaborative research and policy recommendations.

Sub-Themes

Participants may engage with, inter alia:

• Convergence and divergence between IHL and Human Rights Law
• Asian and European contributions to humanitarian protection
• Gender dimensions of armed conflict
• Protection of refugees and displaced persons
• Enforcement mechanisms under IHL
• Role of international and regional organisations
• Civil society's role in humanitarian compliance
• Technology-driven challenges in modern warfare
• Human rights education and advocacy in conflict-affected regions

(The sub-themes are indicative and not exhaustive.)

Call for Papers and Participation

The conference invites original, unpublished research papers. Submissions must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Abstract: 250–300 words
• Full Paper Length: 3000–5000 words
• Font: Times New Roman, Size 12, Line spacing 1.5
• Citation Style: ILI / Bluebook (21st Edition)
• Language: English
• Co-authorship: Maximum one co-author (separate registration required)

Selected papers will be presented during the conference, and high-quality submissions are proposed to be published as an edited book with ISBN, subject to academic review

Who May Participate

The conference is open to:

• Law students
• Research scholars
• Academicians
• Legal professionals
• Defence personnel
• Policymakers
• NGO and civil society representatives

This diversity ensures interdisciplinary engagement and practical relevance.

Key Dates

• Abstract Submission: 5 January 2026
• Abstract Acceptance Notification: 8 January 2026
• Full Paper Submission: 22 January 2026
• Last Date for Registration & Fee Payment: 22 January 2026
• Conference Dates: 6–7 February 2026

Registration and Fees

Registration is mandatory for all participants and presenters. Fees vary based on category:

Indian Delegates:

• SCLC Students / Research Scholars:
• Participation: No fee
• Paper Presentation: ₹500
• Non-SCLC Students:
• Participation: ₹500
• Paper Presentation: ₹1000
• Academicians & Professionals:
• Participation: ₹1000
• Paper Presentation: ₹1500

Foreign Delegates

• Participation: USD 50
• Paper Presentation: USD 80

A composite accommodation package (including registration) is available at ₹2500, applicable only for 6th and 7th February, 2026

Academic Significance of this Conference

This event offers participants a coveted platform to engage with contemporary humanitarian challenges through a comparative, global lens. It blends academic rigour with policy relevance and international collaboration—qualities increasingly valued in legal research, advocacy, and academic careers.

For students and researchers, the conference provides exposure to international scholarship, publication opportunities, and cross-border academic networks. For practitioners and policymakers, it offers a space to reflect on evolving norms and real-world implementation challenges in humanitarian law.

The International Conference on “Human Rights in Armed Conflict: Asian-European Perspectives” stands as a timely and intellectually significant initiative, responding to urgent global realities while fostering meaningful Indo-European academic collaboration. It presents an important opportunity for the legal and academic community to contribute to the discourse on humanitarian protection in an era of rapidly transforming conflict dynamics.