The "'Research Society of International Law'" (RSIL) is a private sector, non-partisan, non-political international law think tank based in Pakistan. The President, former interim law minister, Ahmer Bilal Soofi guides the society with the objective of promoting institutional awareness of international law in Pakistan, and abroad.
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History
The idea for the Research Society of International Law originated in the late 1980s while its founder and President, Ahmer Bilal Soofi, completed his studies at the University of Cambridge. Upon his return, Mr. Soofi registered the society in 1993. In March 2003, the Research Society acquired permanent premises, which became fully operational by 2004 through a private grant.
Work
RSIL provides a perspective on both theoretical and practical applications of international law as it manifests within domestic law. The Society works with domestic and international stakeholders including, but not limited to the Government of Pakistan, the European Union, domestic and international non-governmental organizations, etc.
Research
This division of RSIL carries out research that is commissioned by stakeholders including the Government of Pakistan, statutory bodies, international, non-governmental and regional organizations. Research work completed by RSIL is utilized at policymaking level and by the institutions such as the Federal Ministry of Law, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
RSIL’s research work includes:
1. Drafting legislation that served to domestically implement an international convention 2. A review of existing legislation and its compatibility with an international treaty or convention 3. Monitoring of domestic law to determine continued compliance with an international instruments 4. Interpretation of compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions 5. Rendering assistance in negotiations of bilateral and multilateral conventions
The research division is further divided into specialized divisions such as trade & investment, intellectual property rights, environment, nuclear law etc.
Capacity Building
Training and capacity building are an integral part of the RSIL vision for enhancing the understanding and recognition of international law.
Capacity building consists of a combination of informative and practical exercises designed to impart an in depth understanding of the nature and scope of international law. Participants are given training seminars and workshops that incorporate purely legal lectures with a heavy emphasis on critical analysis and the practical application of international law in Pakistan
Annual Events
Routinely, RSIL conducts capacity building workshops and seminars. Annually, the Society conducts an internship program for law students and lawyers at the early stages of their career as well as a Fellowship program for more experienced individuals from both the government and private sectors seeking to further their knowledge of international law.