The Centre for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (CHRHL), ICFAI Law School, The ICFAI University, Dehradun, invites registrations for its Inter-University Debate Competition 2026.
The competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from any discipline. Online rounds will take place on November 18, 2026, followed by on-campus rounds on November 27, 2026. Registration closes on November 16, 2026.
About ICFAI Law School, Dehradun
ICFAI Law School is a constituent of The ICFAI University, Dehradun. It provides legal education through undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes, combining the study of law with interdisciplinary learning.
The School promotes professional development through academic activities and practical engagement.
About the Centre for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
The Centre for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (CHRHL) promotes research, awareness and engagement in human rights and humanitarian law.
Its initiatives include workshops, lectures, competitions and community activities addressing contemporary rights concerns.
About the Competition
The competition encourages students to examine the relationship between human rights, armed conflict, sovereignty and accountability.
It follows an Oxford-style debate format, providing opportunities to develop research, public speaking, argumentation and rebuttal skills.
Theme
“Can Human Rights Survive War? Sovereignty, Power Politics, and Accountability in Today’s Conflicts”
Eligibility and Team Composition
- Open to UG and PG students in any discipline at UGC-recognised institutions.
- Each team must comprise two speakers from the same institution.
- Multiple teams from an institution may participate.
Competition Structure
| Round | Mode | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary and Quarter-final | Online | November 18, 2026 |
| Semi-final and Final | On campus | November 27, 2026 |
Debate Topics
The rounds address:
- Preliminary: Whether state sovereignty should take precedence over international human rights duties during armed conflict.
- Quarter-final: Political motivations behind humanitarian intervention.
- Semi-final: The effectiveness of institutions such as the ICC in deterring war crimes.
- Final: The motion will be disclosed after the Semi-final results.
Participants should consult the brochure for the exact motions.
Registration Fee
| Team Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| External institutions | ₹1,500 |
| ICFAI University, Dehradun departments other than Law | ₹800 |
Prizes
| Award | Cash Prize |
|---|---|
| Winner | ₹8,000 |
| Runner-up | ₹6,000 |
| Best Speaker | ₹3,000 |
Award recipients also receive trophies and merit certificates. All participants receive an e-certificate.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration deadline | November 16, 2026 |
| Online rounds | November 18, 2026 |
| On-campus rounds | November 27, 2026 |
Registration Procedure
Complete the registration form with both speakers’ details, institutional identity documents and payment proof. Registration is confirmed through an email and Team Code issued by the organisers.
Click here to access the university’s payment portal
Venue
The ICFAI University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, for the on-campus rounds.
Competition Brochure
Click here to download the brochure and rules
Contact Details
- Shreyas Rastogi: +91 9219326969.
- Rupesh Kumar: +91 8002969628.
Email: chrhl@iudehradun.edu.in
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