On November 22, 2024, the Charles University Research Centre for Conflict and Post-Conflict Studies (UNCE CPS Prague) hosted a workshop focusing on the United Nations’ (UN) role in Middle Eastern conflicts.

The event, introduced by Prof. Veronika Bílková, the Head of the Department of Public International Law at the Faculty of Law, Charles University in Prague and Michal Broža, the Head of the office of the UN Information Centre Prague (UNIC) sought to clarify misconceptions about international law and examined critical legal challenges through three focused panels.

The first panel, moderated by Dr. Federica Cristani, examined the UN’s involvement in statehood issues in Palestine. Speakers, Dr. Cecilie Hellestveit discussed legal dilemmas in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Mgr. Sára Handlová analysed Jerusalem’s contested legal status, and Dr. Veronika D’Evereux assessed the impact of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) on Palestinian refugees. Discussions included the definition of statehood, perceived double standards in human rights protection, and the influence of UN resolutions on Jerusalem.

The second panel, led by Prof. Veronika Bílková, focused on international courts’ roles in the region. Speakers, Prof. Dr. Gentian Zyberi analysed Palestine’s legal engagement with the ICC and ICJ, Dr. Ivana Hrdličková highlighted the intersection of justice and diplomacy, and Dr. Kristýna Urbanová examined the ICC’s investigations in Palestine, including challenges related to its jurisdiction over Israeli nationals.

The final panel, chaired by Dr. Veronika D’Evereux, addressed the UN’s role in long-term Middle Eastern issues. Mgr. Daniel Arbet explored the legal implications of belligerent occupation, Dr. Antal Berkes analysed Palestine’s jurisdiction under human rights treaties, and Louis Charbonneau reviewed the roles of the UN General Assembly and Security Council (SC). Key debates covered the legal status of Gaza and the West Bank, Palestine’s human rights obligations, and the implications of SC vetoes on conflict resolution.

Prof. Veronika Bílková concluded the workshop by emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and rigorous legal analysis to address these challenges.

The event was supported by Charles University Research Centre program No. UNCE24/SSH/039.