AUWCL established the WCRO as part of its commitment to promoting and enforcing human rights and humanitarian law. For 30 years, the WCRO has served as a critical resource for tribunals and other organizations promoting accountability for atrocity crimes at the international, regional and domestic level. At the same time, it has offered students an unparalleled opportunity to engage in projects promoting accountability for these crimes, helping students build essential legal and advocacy skills and establish connections critical to practicing in the fields of international criminal law and international justice. The WCRO complements this work through educational and advocacy initiatives, including the Hague Summer Program, its War Crimes Speaker Series, participation in conferences and workshops, research and publications.
Please click "Learn More" below to find out how to enroll in this year's program.
In-person anniversary events in Washington, DC:
April 21 — Keynote discussion, followed by a reception
April 22 — Conference
Register for the in-person events here.
WCRO is pleased to invite you to two pre-conference online panels as part of our 30th Anniversary programming at American University Washington College of Law.
📅 April 7 | 12:00–1:00 pm ET
Justice in the Digital Age: Challenges & Opportunities for Accountability in Syria
📅 April 8 | 12:00–1:00 pm ET
Artificial Intelligence in High-Risk Contexts: Implications for Atrocity Prevention & Accountability
Register for the online person events here.
In March, WCRO Director Susana SáCouto participated in the hybrid town hall “Feminist Mobilization to Ensure Gender Justice in the Crimes Against Humanity Convention” at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City. The event brought together feminist experts, activists, and advocates to discuss strategies to ensure that the proposed Crimes Against Humanity Convention is gender-sensitive, intersectional, and survivor-centered. Participants reflected on key considerations for the treaty and explored opportunities for broad, cross-regional feminist mobilization to strengthen international law’s response to crimes against women
Read more about the WCRO's accomplishments this year.
Read more about the WCRO's accomplishments this year.
In 2026, AUWCL students Delisha Thompson, Nikola Jaksic, and Anjali Narayanan represented American University Washington College of Law in two leading international humanitarian law competitions: the Jean-Pictet International Humanitarian Law Competition and the Clara Barton International Humanitarian Law Competition.
In February, the team competed in the English-language session of the Jean-Pictet Competition, a globally recognized simulation-based competition that immerses participants in the real-world application of international humanitarian law through intensive role-playing exercises. The team also represented AUWCL at the Clara Barton International Humanitarian Law Competition, hosted by the American Red Cross, where students are challenged to apply IHL to complex legal, policy, and humanitarian scenarios arising in armed conflict and crisis situations.
Throughout both competitions, the AUWCL team demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to international humanitarian law. Their participation reflects WCL’s continued engagement in preparing students to analyze and respond to contemporary challenges in armed conflict and humanitarian protection.
The team was coached by Professor Susana SáCouto, Director of AUWCL’s War Crimes Research Office (WCRO), together with Olivia Kaempf and Paige Carter, who previously represented AUWCL in international humanitarian law competitions.
