University of Queensland law students will tackle issues concerning organised crime, migrant smuggling and human trafficking this week at a United Nation’s (UN) conference in Vienna, Austria.
Seven students will attend the Conference of States Parties to the Convention against Transnational Organised Crime from 6 to 10 October, as well as participate in a joint UQ and University of Vienna course.
The course, conducted by the University of Vienna’s Professor Susanne Reindl-Krauskopf and UQ’s Professor Andreas Schloenhardt, encourages students to research topics from the UN conference and how they would apply in Australian law.
“The course allows Australian students to study in an international environment and learn how European nations and international law prevent and combat organised crime,” Professor Schloenhardt said.
The course opening was marked by a reception at the Australian embassy in Vienna and students also visited the UN Vienna office.
Students will also have the opportunity to hear from several conference delegates during the course.
The course is part of the ongoing research and teaching collaboration between Professors Reindl-Krauskopf and Schloenhardt.
The pair have led an international initiative examining topics relating to organised crime, migrant smuggling and people trafficking since 2013.
“This course is the first teaching component of this initiative,” Professor Reindl-Krauskopf said.
“It invites students to critically reflect on the nature and limitations of international and domestic law relating to transnational organised crime, and understand the rationale of policies, legislation and law enforcement measures in this area.”
A similar course will be offered to UQ and University of Vienna students in Brisbane in September 2015.
