Statement by Professor LING Yan

The Forum for International Criminal and Humanitarian Law has informed me that it has established the LI Haopei Lecture Series to honour the service to international law of the late LI Haopei. He was my father. It was a positive surprise for me to learn that the Lecture Series has been named to honour my father's long life of international law activity.

I can confirm that LI Haopei was truly dedicated to international law. He worked tirelessly as a judge, legal adviser, teacher, scholar and translator to increase respect for international law. It was his life. He took delight in immersing himself in the books, materials and sources of international law. He carefully drafted his texts. He did not take any issue lightly. He worked long hours, patiently and persistently.

My father wanted international organizations to succeed. They can promote the common interests of all states and peoples. He was very supportive of the mandate given to the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the Former Yugoslavia by the United Nations Security Council. He followed the renaissance of international criminal justice with great interest. He contributed to the work of the Tribunals to the utmost of his ability and health. And so he passed away in The Hague.

I remember my father as a curious man. I hope the LI Haopei Lecture Series will consistently place on the agenda cutting-edge topics and always seek to contribute to the broadening of our understanding of international law and its role. If it does, the Series could serve as a meeting ground for open-minded international lawyers and students from East and West.