Multiculturalism and international law, 2007

The Institute of International Public Law and International Relations of Thessaloniki was founded in 1966. It is a training and research institution subsi¬dized by the Greek State.

According to its statute, the Institute consists of four departments: De¬partment of Public International Law, Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Department of International and European Organisations and Department of Greek Foreign Policy.

The activities of the Institute aim at the advancement of International studies. The Institute also provides Τribunals, law preparing commissions of the Ministry of Justice and Parliamentary Committees with legal counsel οn questions of in¬ternational law.

The Institute contributes to the promotion of knowledge in all subjects οf intemational studies through its publications, which include the following series:
1. “Thesaurus Acroastum” - 31 volumes containing lectures delivered during the annual sessions of courses organized by the Institute; as well as research papers by participants in these courses.
2. “International Frendship” - 13 volumes including doctoral theses and monographs written mainly by young foreign researchers.
3. “Research Publications” - collection of 17 volumes, consisting of doctoral theses dealing with Public International Law, International Relations and History of International Relations.
4. “Jus Gentium” - 20 volumes about the theory and practice of International Law, European Law and the Law of International Organisations.
5. “Jus Publicum” - 6 volumes including studies focusing on Constitutional and Administrative Law.
6. “Hellenic Review of International Relations” - This series of 6 volumes covers developments οn contemporary issues of International Relations.

The Institute intends to launch the Greek Journal of International Law and Policy. This Journal will be published twice a year and will include cοntributions related to International Law, European Community Law, International Relations, International Politics and Diplomacy. The Journal is designed to provide a source of authoritative and up-to-date information οn cuπeηt international issues and will be an essential reading for academics, researchers, International lawyers, experts in International affairs and diplomats.

Since 1973, the Institute organizes summer sessions of courses with the participation of eminent academics, diplomats, experts, International judges and officers of International organizations. The purpose of these annual courses is to encourage a thorough and impartial examination of theoretical and practical problems arising from International relations in the field of law, such as: “Peace and Human Rights”, “East-West Relations”, “Universalism and Regionalism in the established International system”, “The evolution of International Law since the creation of the United Nations”, “The Law of the Sea”, “International Respon¬sibility”, “Might and Right in International Relations” etc.

Moreover, the Institute organizes conferences, seminars, round table dis¬cussions and lectures. The Institute has the only Depository Library of the United Nations in Northern Greece and also possesses an excellent library and documen¬tation centre which are open to all those interested in International studies.
Ιn recognition of its significant contribution to the promotion of peace as set forth by the General Assembly of the United Nations in the Proclamation of the International Year of Peace, the Secretary-General of the Organization designated the Institute as a “Peace Messenger”.