College of Law Holds Public Lecture on How Apartheid Can Inform the Palestinian Struggle

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law invited Dr. Mia Swart, Visiting Professor, School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand, to conduct a public lecture on the potential utility of the term ‘apartheid’ for advancing Palestinian liberation and statehood.

In her lecture, Dr. Swart outlined that while a consensus has been established among the human rights sector and international community that the term 'apartheid' could be utilized to describe the realities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, it could potentially have more than symbolic or rhetorical use. She then delved into the potential utility of the term for advancing Palestinian liberation and statehood.

Drawing from her expertise consulting with the United Nations Development Programme in Palestine and Amnesty International in Southern Africa, she analyzed the historical context, legal implications, and broader significance of using the term 'apartheid' in the Palestinian context. She also drew parallels between the Palestinian and South African experiences and addressed skepticism arising from the lack of successful prosecution of South African apartheid.

Commenting on the lecture, Susan L. Karamanian, Dean, College of Law, said: “Dr. Swart’s insights provided vital context into the utilization of the term ‘apartheid’ and furthered our perspective and understanding of the Gaza crisis. As a hub for promoting an understanding of the importance of the rule of law across the world, we welcome every opportunity to invite esteemed experts who bring a wealth of knowledge on critical and prominent topics.”

Situated at a global crossroad of culture, business, and geopolitics, the College of Law hosts internationally recognized faculty that bring substantial expertise to contemporary legal issues of profound relevance to Qatar, the region, and beyond.