Stefaan Smis

Stefaan Smis is a Professor at the Faculty of Law and Criminology of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. He is also a part-time Reader at the University of Westminster, where he teaches International Criminal Law and related courses. His research focuses on International Law, Human Rights, and International Humanitarian Law, with a particular emphasis on the prosecution of grave human rights violations and regional integration in Africa.

He has been actively involved in academic cooperation, including founding the Centre régional des droits de l’homme et de droit international humanitaire in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His editorial roles include serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Human Rights & International Legal Discourse journal and a member of the editorial board of the Revue de droit africain.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the International Law Association's Committee on Indigenous Peoples (2008)
• Fellow of International Legal Materials (1998)
• Founding member of VORMEN (Vlaamse Organisatie voor Mensenrechteneducatie) (2000)

Research Trends: His recent publications address transnational ecological conflicts, climate litigation, and regional African courts tackling global challenges. He often bridges human rights law with environmental and climate justice frameworks.

Teaching and Supervision: He has supervised PhD candidates such as Holvoet, M. and taught at institutions including the University of Georgia, University of Ghent, and Université Catholique de Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo.