British Institute of International and Comparative Law Overview

Summary

The British Institute of International and Comparative Law addresses contemporary challenges in international law, including AI, big data, and human rights. It offers interdisciplinary advice to governments, NGOs, and law firms, fostering high-quality research and independence. The institute also focuses on local rule of law, citizenship education, and global impact through human rights due diligence in supply chains. With a mission to advance the rule of law worldwide, it engages in debates like Brexit and produces principles to guide judicial institutions, aiming to leave a lasting real-world impact.

Takeaways

• 🌐 International law is facing significant challenges due to factors like AI, big data, and geopolitical events like Brexit and trade wars.
• 🏛 The British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) is a notable organization offering advice on international law to various entities.
• 🔍 BIICL operates in an interdisciplinary manner, combining legal academia with social science, politics, and education to distill best practices.
• 🏅 BIICL is recognized for its high-quality research and its independence, aiming to make its impact global.
• 🛡️ International law is crucial for maintaining peace and security, and BIICL works with international organizations and local communities.
• 📚 BIICL is interested in law's impact on everyday life, focusing on citizenship education and public awareness.
• 🌟 BIICL hosts a variety of cutting-edge events and has a broad range of training and engagement activities.
• 💡 There's a need for an international framework to regulate companies' human rights impacts, which BIICL aims to address.
• 🇪🇺 Brexit has serious implications for the rule of law, and BIICL has been actively involved in related debates and discussions.
• 🏛️ The Bingham Centre, part of BIICL, is dedicated to advancing the rule of law worldwide, emphasizing that no one is above the law.

Q & A

What challenges are currently affecting the concept of international law?

The challenges affecting international law include developments in artificial intelligence, big data, and fake news, as well as political issues like Brexit and trade wars. Additionally, there are global concerns such as displacement of migrants and refugees, human rights, modern slavery, and peace and security.

What is the role of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL)?

BIICL provides advice on international law matters to governments, international organizations, NGOs, and law firms. It operates in an interdisciplinary manner, combining legal academia with innovations in social science, politics, and education to distill best practices for other countries and international organizations.

How does BIICL contribute to the global legal landscape?

BIICL contributes by producing high-quality research, offering advice on international law matters, and working with various entities including the UN. It also influences law changes through its research and offers training and events to educate on the rule of law and citizenship.

What is unique about BIICL's approach to international law?

BIICL's approach is unique due to its interdisciplinary nature, independence, and focus on providing practical advice and frameworks for legal issues. It also has a broad package of training and events and works closely with international organizations and local communities.

How does BIICL engage with the issue of human rights in corporate conduct?

BIICL can provide analysis and frameworks necessary to drive the human rights agenda forward, especially concerning multinational brands with large supply chains. It aims to help these companies undertake human rights due diligence to have a global impact.

What is the mission of the Bingham Centre, part of BIICL?

The mission of the Bingham Centre is to advance the rule of law worldwide, emphasizing the principle that nobody is above the law, regardless of their power or status.

How has BIICL been involved in the discussions around Brexit?

BIICL has been engaged in debates about the EU Withdrawal Bill, with its discussions being useful and informing the parliamentary debates on the implications of Brexit for the rule of law.

What does BIICL do to support judicial independence and the quality of laws?

BIICL produces principles to guide countries in building their judicial institutions and strengthening judicial independence. It also emphasizes the importance of not just having the right laws but also ensuring access to enforce them through fair and impartial courts.

What are the Bigco Forums and their significance?

Bigco Forums are working groups consisting of law firms, practitioners, policymakers, government officials, and academics who work in specific areas of law. They are part of BIICL's strategy to advance the rule of law and engage with key stakeholders in the legal field.

How does BIICL plan to grow and adapt to technological influences on the legal environment?

BIICL plans to grow by considering how technology influences the legal environment, marking its 60th anniversary as a moment to reflect on this. It aims to stay independent and rely on the steady income from sponsors to fund its research.

What is the ultimate goal of BIICL's work in advancing the rule of law?

The ultimate goal of BIICL's work is to have a real-world impact and leave a trace through its research and advocacy for the rule of law. It seeks to influence legal practices and policies globally to ensure fairness and justice.