Harry Houndonougbo, Year 11

Unless you haven’t watched Law and Order, the Model International Court of Justice is quite an easy concept to grasp. It is a simulation that mimics the International Court of Justice, where members of a delegation represent their respective nation in a court hearing against another nation. On the 21st of February, I participated in my first MICJ event, representing Russia.

There were 4 pairs of countries pitted against each other, with 2 court cases per pair. The United States went first against China, followed by Russia and Ukraine, then Cameroon and Nigeria, and finally North Korea and South Korea. The United States started off as the prosecutor, accusing China of genocide. It was interesting to see how many pieces of evidence the US had against China, and how quickly China was able to rebut against them. The second half of the case however, was not as interesting on the side of the United States. I had the opportunity of being part of the jury for that round, and we voted in favor of China.

My delegation was now up next, debating against Ukraine. I was worried that I would lose due to the support Ukraine has from the media, but surprisingly we were able to pull through, despite having missing members of our delegation, and some of them not cooperating. We even managed to acquire Ukraine's delegates as our own, which would later help us win the case.

Nigeria had beaten Cameroon in its case surrounding the Bakassi region. We could all see it coming, though, as they seemed to lack order within their own delegation. North Korea and South Korea had the best debate by far. Even though most of South Korea’s delegates were quiet, one of them was able to withstand North Korea’s relentless accusations. It was the closest debate out of all of them, but North Korea still won in the end.

The MICJ was an insightful way of demonstrating how international disputes are resolved. The event forced me to put a lot of effort into finding evidence in favor of Russia, despite how little there was, and that made me realize that there is always a solution to a problem, no matter how desperate it may seem. I urge more students to participate in events like these. It’ll force you to develop essential skills such as critical thinking and teamwork, as well as the ability to adapt to any unplanned situation.

Nousra Ba, Year 11

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Model International Court of Justice (MICJ), a simulation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)—the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The MICJ allows students to take on the roles of judges, lawyers, and jury members as they debate real-world legal disputes. This experience helps develop critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills, while providing valuable insights into international law and diplomacy.

Students from Years 10 to 13 were divided into eight teams, each representing a country. Each team was further split into two groups—one defending their country and the other challenging the opposition.

My role in defending China was incredibly challenging, as our country faced numerous accusations. In preparation, I spent countless hours researching, gathering evidence, and constructing strong arguments to present during the trial.

A particularly nerve-wracking moment was when I had to deliver the opening speech—something I hadn’t initially expected. Standing before the judges and audience, I felt overwhelmed with anxiety, but I took a deep breath and pushed through. Thankfully, it went well, and China ultimately won the case.

Beyond debating, I also had the opportunity to serve as a jury member for the Nigeria vs Cameroon case. It was fascinating to analyze both sides’ arguments, assess their reasoning, and make an objective decision.

Another unique aspect of the MICJ was the use of special cards, which added an unpredictable twist to the proceedings. Teams could swap a judge with a debater, silence an opposing delegate, or request the assistance of a judge. These elements made the event even more engaging and dynamic.

Participating in MICJ is not only a great learning experience but also a strong addition to university applications. Universities value students who engage in academic simulations and debate programmes, as they showcase skills in critical thinking, research, leadership, and adaptability. MICJ provides an opportunity to develop these essential skills, preparing students for future academic and professional challenges.

This experience taught me the importance of thorough research, teamwork, and self-reliance. It is crucial to know your case like the palm of your hand and anticipate counterarguments. Additionally, I realised that having access to shared information within a team is essential, so that if an emergency arises, anyone can step up when needed.

Participating in MICJ also deepened my understanding of how international disputes are handled and the complexities of the legal proceedings. It’s not just about presenting arguments but also about strategizing, adapting under pressure, and thinking critically.

I highly recommend MICJ to other students. It’s not only a great learning experience, but also an opportunity to develop key life skills in a dynamic and competitive setting. MICJ fosters confidence, public speaking skills, and logical reasoning while making international law more accessible and engaging. Additionally, it sharpens essential skills that can be applied in business and other professional fields.