On 23 and 29 September 2020, a University of Pretoria (UP) Moot Society team in the Faculty of Law (UP Law) participated in the preliminary rounds of the 29^th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition (AHRMCC).

For the first time in its history, the AHRMCC took place virtually as a result of the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions, however, did not compromise the standard of the competition, nor have they minimised the dedication continuously presented by the UP Law team.

The hypothetical case, NGO Liberty and Others and the State of Donamistan, presents issues regarding data protection and cyber security, social media regulation, freedom of speech, and corruption. These issues do not only engage with this year’s topic of ‘Human Rights in the Digital Age’, but have also become increasingly relevant to the current circumstances faced by many African countries. With the emergence of COVID-19 and the rise of human rights violations perpetuated through government, this competition has definitely challenged teams to not only engage with the law, but to also consider the practical application of laws surrounding cyberspace, freedom of expression and the issues surrounding terrorism and corruption.

The many months which have been dedicated towards drafting memorials and preparing for the oral rounds by the UP Law team have been definitely paid off. I am proud to announce that the team was awarded the second highest marks for the memorials and was ranked as overall winners of the preliminary rounds. The speakers were also ranked amongst the top five speakers on the African continent, with Thuwaybah Moses (BCom Law II) ranking 4^th and Dinendri Pillay (LLB II) ranking 3^rd in the Anglophone category. 

A significant amount of time, commitment and sacrifice has gone into preparing for this Moot. Notably, the quality of work presented by the UP Law team and its opponents confirms that the future of legal research and litigation surrounding African human rights is indeed bright and promising. In addition to the speakers, a special vote of thanks is extended to Kiranteba Coetzee (assistant coach) and Antonie Ackerman (researcher) for their continued assistance and contributions towards the team’s success. The continued support from the Dean’s Office has been invaluable and is also greatly appreciated.

This year’s competition was hosted by the Université Virtuelle de Sénégal (UVS) and Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD). The preliminary rounds took place virtually and all participating teams were tasked with arguing the hypothetical case twice; once as agents for the Applicant and once as agents for the Respondent. The participating teams presented their oral arguments before a panel of judges comprised of human rights law lecturers and practicing human rights lawyers.

The UP Law team will particpate in the virtual semi-final round during the second week of November.

-  Phenyo Sekati (Coach and Faculty Representative)

Proud Dean Professor Elsabe Schoeman responded to the news, extending 'UP Law's hearty congratulations to the team for their performance to date.  The hard work and dedication of the UP Moot Society team members in this and other moots never go unnoticed and are highly appreciated.  UP Law remains proud of the sterling peer-training and skill-transfer, and the dedication of the UP Moot Society teams to keep UP Law on the international map!'. 

-  UP Law