On 15 October 2026, at the Nobel Peace Center, partner of the Institut français de Norvège for the event, a Law Day will be held in partnership with the René Cassin Foundation, the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) and the French National Commission for UNESCO (CNFU).
This event is organized on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the death of René Cassin, commemorated in association with UNESCO.
A day in tribute to René Cassin
Every year, Law Days are organised across the French diplomatic and cultural network. Their aim is to make law and its principles more accessible to the general public through a wide range of events.
The 2026 edition in Oslo will pay tribute to René Cassin, a leading figure in international law. One of the principal drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1968, René Cassin – whose name was given to the French Lycée in Oslo – embodies values that are more essential than ever, in a global context marked by declining respect for human rights in many parts of the world and growing threats to peace.
Public conferences exploring contemporary human rights challenges
Thursday 15 October 2026 | 10:15–12:10
Nobel Peace Center – Brynjulf Bulls plass 1, 0250 Oslo
Event in English | Free upon registration
We are pleased to invite you to two panel discussions bringing together experts and engaged actors to explore the major challenges currently facing human rights and peace.
The event will be introduced by Pierre-Alexandre Miquel, designated Ambassador of France to Norway, and Michèle Ramis, President of the French National Commission for UNESCO.
The first panel will address the theme: Human Rights and Peace: Building a Legacy for Future Generations.
The discussion will bring together:
- Kjersti Fløgstad, Director of the Nobel Peace Center;
- Emmanuel Decaux, President of the René Cassin Foundation – International Institute of Human Rights;
- Kristoffer Lidén, Researcher at PRIO.
The discussion will be moderated by Maria Gabrielsen Jumbert, Researcher at PRIO.
The second panel will focus on UNESCO Procedure 104, a unique and little-known mechanism for the protection of human rights within the multilateral organisation, whose use could be further encouraged.
The speakers will be:
- Hélène De Pooter, researcher in public international law and professor at Marie and Louis Pasteur University;
- Alexandre Navarro, Secretary-General of the CNFU;
- Isabelle Desvignes, Director of the Institut français de Norvège and former Deputy Permanent Delegate of France to UNESCO.
A day also dedicated to younger generations
Alongside these public conferences, students from the Lycée français René Cassin d’Oslo will be welcomed at the Nobel Peace Center for a tribute to the figure after whom their school is named, as well as a presentation on the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for world peace. They will also visit the museum, whose exhibitions invite visitors to reflect on peace and promote dialogue.
The 2026 Law Day will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the Lycée français René Cassin d’Oslo’s admission to the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).
The network brings together nearly 10,000 schools in 167 countries around a shared objective: to build the defences of peace in the minds of children and young people. Joining the network opens up new opportunities for cooperation with member schools in Norway, France and internationally.
For more information: UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet)