Chuo-Strasbourg Joint Symposium Held in September 2026

Faculty of Law, University of Strasbourg

From September 16 to 18, 2026, the Chuo-Strasbourg Joint Symposium was held at the University of Strasbourg in France, one of Chuo University's international partner institutions.

The symposium was organized under the theme, “Exploring Human Rights Law Developments: The Role of Civil Society, Business, Government and International Organisations.” Participants from both universities exchanged views on current issues and developments in human rights law, with particular attention to the roles played by civil society, businesses, governments, and international organizations.

Participants from Chuo University were Professors Hitoshi USHIJIMA, Shiro IKAWA, and Chie KOJIMA of the Faculty of Law; Hiroyuki OHNUKI and Yuko OSAKADA (online) of the Law School; and Maki KUNIMATSU of the Faculty of Global Management.

Participants from the University of Strasbourg were Professors Peggy DUCOULOMBIER, Louis de FOURNOUX, Jean-François LAVAIX, Ivan BOEV, Aude BOUVERESSE, Linxin HE, Syméon KARAGIANNIS, and Edoardo STOPPIONI.

Over the three-day symposium, Chuo Professors presented on a wide range of topics, including the right to the environment, nuclear power plant regulation, indigenous peoples' rights, the protection of migrant workers, business and human rights, and the law of the sea. The event also featured lively discussions among researchers, legal professionals, and graduate students specializing in human rights law. Through these exchanges, participants gained a deeper and more multifaceted understanding of the role and potential of human rights law in addressing the challenges faced by contemporary society.

Welcome remarks from representatives of relevant institutions

The symposium opened on the afternoon of the first day with welcome remarks from representatives of relevant institutions. Speakers included Ambassador Shigeta OEDA, Consul-General of Japan in Strasbourg; Ms. Florence THÉPOT, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law, Political Science and Management at the University of Strasbourg; Professor Delphine PORCHERON, Deputy Head of the Research Federation “L'Europe en mutation” (Europe in Motion); and Professor Toshiyuki TAKAGI, Director of the JSPS Strasbourg Office. The speakers highlighted the significance of academic cooperation between Japan and France.

Following the welcome remarks, Professor Hitoshi USHIJIMA of Chuo University and Professor Peggy DUCOULOMBIER, Deputy Director of the Institut Carré de Malberg at the University of Strasbourg, introduced the symposium and provided an overview of the history of research collaboration between the two universities.

Judge Mateja ĐUROVIC of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) then delivered a keynote lecture. The lecture explored the evolution of the Court's case law and its contemporary relevance, which led to a lively and insightful exchange with participants.

On the morning of the third day, Professor Kuniko OZAKI, former Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and former Specially Appointed Professor at Chuo University's Faculty of Law, delivered a keynote online lecture. The lecture provided clear explanations ranging from theoretical foundations to practical applications at the ICC. Participants showed great interest in the highly specialized and thought-provoking presentation.