Hannah Woolaver
About/Bio
Dr Hannah Woolaver is an Associate Professor of Public International Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Cape Town, and a Visiting Fellow at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, Australia. Her research focuses on the use of force in international law, international criminal law, and the relationship between international and domestic law.
Recently Published
Apartheid on Trial: The COSAS 4 Prosecution and the Direct Application of Customary International Law in South Africa
On 14 April 2025, the High Court in South Africa handed down judgment in a challenge by two accused to charges brought against them by South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The charges concern an attack on 15 February 1982 by the South African Police on the COSAS 4—Eustice Madikela, Peter Matabane, Fanyana Nhlapo and…
South Africa and the ICC Arrest Warrant for Vladimir Putin: Déjà Vu All Over Again?
April 5, 2023
Hannah Woolaver
1. Introduction South Africa is again at the centre of controversy regarding the obligation to arrest a sitting head of state pursuant to an arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court. Previously, the South African government was held by both the ICC and domestic courts to have violated its international and domestic…
Could International Law Stop a No-Deal Brexit?
October 16, 2019
Hannah Woolaver
At the time of writing – less than 3 weeks until the current ‘Brexit day’ of 31 October 2019 - all options relating to the UK’s departure from the European Union appear to be on the table. Leaving with a deal, ‘crashing out’, not leaving at all, or anything in between seem equally possible. Much attention has been…
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Popular articles by Hannah Woolaver
South Africa and the ICC Arrest Warrant for Vladimir Putin: Déjà Vu All Over Again?
April 5, 2023
Hannah Woolaver
1. Introduction South Africa is again at the centre of controversy regarding the obligation to arrest a sitting head of state pursuant to an arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court. Previously, the South African government was held by both the ICC and domestic courts to have violated its international and domestic…
International and Domestic Implications of South Africa’s Withdrawal from the ICC
October 24, 2016
Hannah Woolaver
In the early hours of Friday 21 October 2016, it was revealed that the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation had issued official notification of South Africa’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (a copy of the instrument of withdrawal can be seen here). This was received by the UN Secretary-General, starting the prescribed 12-month…
Unconstitutional and Invalid: South Africa’s Withdrawal from the ICC Barred (For Now)
February 27, 2017
Hannah Woolaver
On 22 February 2017, the South African High Court handed down a significant decision invalidating South Africa’s notice of withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The case was brought by the official opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, and joined by a number of civil society actors. The court’s conclusion that prior parliamentary approval was necessary before…