Istanbul to Host International Justice Summit with Participation from More Than 70 Countries

The Turkish city of Istanbul will host the International Justice Summit tomorrow, Thursday, bringing together justice ministers, judges and legal scholars from more than 70 countries to discuss a range of international legal and human rights issues, with accountability for Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip among the key topics.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Turkish Ministry of Justice said the summit will be held over Thursday and Friday, with the participation of around 600 senior officials, experts and legal professionals.

The summit will address several major issues, including human rights, international law, international arbitration, artificial intelligence and cybercrime, with particular attention to mechanisms for ensuring accountability for violations committed in Gaza.

According to the ministry, the program features eight sessions with 40 speakers. One of the main sessions is titled “Applying International Humanitarian Law: Universal Principles and Accountability – The Case of Gaza.” Other sessions will focus on international arbitration and courts, human rights, social media and accountability, the energy transition, migration and human dignity.

The event will also bring together 18 bar associations and more than 30 international organizations, while participating justice ministers are expected to hold diplomatic and bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gürlek is scheduled to deliver the opening address, while President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to attend the second day of the summit and address the participants.