Renowned author and academic, Professor Simon Chesterman, Global Professor and Director of the New York University School of Law Singapore Programme will open a conference co-hosted by The Irish Centre for Human Rights and The Geneva Academy for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. The event, entitled Corporations and Armed Conflict: The Role of International Humanitarian Law will take place from 9-10 April in the IT Building, NUI Galway. The conference aims to explore the extent to which International Human Rights Law, Humanitarian Law and Criminal Law are adequate to deal with the role of businesses operating in conflict zones, given existing gaps in the law, evolving norms, and attempts in various fora to hold private sector actors accountable. Delegates will be addressed by a diverse range of prominent speakers, scholars and practitioners including: Professor William Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway; Professor Doug Cassel of The University of Notre Dame; Andrew Clapham, Director of The Geneva Academy for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights; Tricia Feeney, Rights and Accountability in Development (RAID); Seema Joshi, GlobalWitness; Dr Olga Martin Ortega, University of East London; Doug Brooks, President of The International Peace Operations Association (IPOA); Mark Taylor, FaFO; Professor Larissa van den Herik, Leiden University; and Professor Celia Wells, University of Bristol. Commenting on the upcoming event, Professor William Schabas, OC MRIA, and Director of the NUI Galway Irish Centre for Human Rights, said: "Businesses play an important but somewhat neglected role in human rights violations, and it is essential that new strategies be found to address the relevant issues. We are proud to host this conference, which brings together specialists who are at the cutting edge of research in this important field.' The Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway supports the study and promotion of human rights and humanitarian law at undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral level. Since its establishment in January 2000, the Centre has developed a global reputation for excellence in the field of human rights teaching, research and advocacy. The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights conducts and promotes scientific research, organises training courses and expert meetings and provides legal expertise in the branches of international law relating to situations of armed conflicts. Corporations and Armed Conflict: The Role of International Humanitarian Law will be of interest to human rights practitioners, academics, legal professionals and those working in the private sector. For further information, contact the conference organiser, Alexis Bushnell in the Irish Centre for Human Rights at a.bushnell1@nuigalway.ie. To reserve a place please register online at www.conference.ie -Ends-