The University of Prishtina in Kosovo conveyed an honorary degree upon GW Law's Manatt/Ahn Professor of International Law Sean D. Murphy. The degree of Doctor Honoris Causa was awarded for "the advancement of peace and justice through international law, including in relation to the International Court of Justice's Opinion on Kosovo."
Professor Murphy represented Kosovo in 2008-2010 before the International Court of Justice for a proceeding in which Serbia sought to challenge the legality of Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence. After receiving the written and oral views of Kosovo, Serbia, and some thirty other States, the Court concluded that the declaration did not violate international law. Kosovo today is recognized as a State by more than 100 nations, including the United States, and has been admitted to several international organizations, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Some nations, however, such as Serbia and Russia do not recognize Kosovo.
"I was delighted to return to Kosovo for this ceremony," said Murphy. "Not only was it a great honor to receive this degree, but it was a wonderful opportunity to see old friends and to learn how much progress Kosovo has made as an independent State." In addition to the degree ceremony at the University of Prishtina, which was attended by faculty, students, and staff, Professor Murphy met with the University's Rector, the Dean of its Law School, Kosovo's President, and Kosovo's Prime Minister.