Event information

25 October 2021, 19:00-20:30

A Tale of Two Cities: Humanitarian Affairs and Multilateralism in New York and Geneva

IHL Talks

UNSC Session on Yemen UNSC Session on Yemen

19:00–20:30 (CET), 13:00–14:30 (EST)

This IHL Talk co-organized with the International Peace Institute (IPI) will take place on the first day of the International Law Week of the 76th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. It will aim at contrasting approaches to, and decision-making on, humanitarian affairs in the relevant multilateral fora in New York and Geneva.

UN headquarters and other significant international organizations in Geneva and New York have each developed their own multilateral DNA. Each organization influences different – and sometimes concentric – (geo)political and humanitarian spheres. While diplomatic work in New York is focused on the maintenance of international peace and security, in Geneva it appears to be more focused on the promotion of human rights. However, there is more than meets the eye – especially when it comes to international humanitarian law, humanitarian policy, and humanitarian action.

This IHL Talk aims at building bridges between sometimes disconnected multilateral fora in the area of humanitarian affairs. It will highlight convergent interests and identify opportunities for better collaboration between agencies and organizations in light of ever-increasing humanitarian needs.

Opening Remarks

  • Emilie Max, Researcher, Geneva Academy

Moderator

  • Agathe Sarfati, Policy Analyst, International Peace Institute

Panelists

  • Verity Robson, International Legal Adviser, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom
  • Diarra Dime-Labille, Legal Adviser, Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations in New York
  • Ezequiel Heffes, Senior Policy and Legal Adviser, Geneva Call
  • Akshaya Kumar, Crisis Advocacy Director, Human Rights Watch

About IHL Talks

The IHL Talks are a series of events, hosted by the Geneva Academy, on international humanitarian law and current humanitarian topics. Every two months, academic experts, practitioners, policymakers and journalists discuss burning humanitarian issues and their regulation under international law.

Video

A Tale of Two Cities: Humanitarian Affairs and Multilateralism in New York and Geneva

in this IHL Talk co-organized with the International Peace Institute (IPI) took place on the first day of the International Law Week of the 76th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. It aimed at contrasting approaches to, and decision-making on, humanitarian affairs in the relevant multilateral fora in New York and Geneva.

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