About us

About the South African Research Chair in International Constitutional Law:

The South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) is an initiative of the National Research Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology. Its main function is to attract and retain excellence in research innovation at South African public universities.

As part of this initiative, the University of Pretoria was awarded a Research Chair in International Constitutional Law in its Department of Public Law. The Research Chair has as its primary focus governance in International Law and the work of the Chair is guided by three main pillars:

(i) The law of International Organisations, including the United Nations and the African Union

This theme covers rules governing international organisations and the contributions that international organisations, such as the UN and AU, make to the governance of International Law. It covers both substantive and institutional rules. The inter-relationship between different international organisations is also of particular interest.

(ii) Hierarchy in International Law

This theme covers questions of hierarchy in the governance of International Law, including peremptory norms/jus cogens and erga omnes obligations. Under this theme, issues of values and International Law play a prominent role. Topics such as solidarity, the “international community”, poverty and environmental protection may be addressed.

(iii) International Law making

This theme will address the process of law-making in international law. Relevant topics under this theme will include, in addition to sources, the actors that play a role in the making of International Law, including non-State actors and courts.