29 September 2020, 18:30-20:00
Event
Anja
In order to prevent and combat terrorism and violent extremism, a number of European States have adopted far-reaching laws to criminalize participation in or support to terrorist organizations. Some have also adopted administrative measures, such as control orders, with a view to preventing terrorism.
The Swiss Parliament adopted on 25 September 2020 two controversial laws along these lines (see here and here). A number of international lawyers and human rights activists have voiced their concerns in relation to the potential impact of those laws on human rights and humanitarian action notably. Some of these concerns have been taken on board by the Parliament – notably regarding an exemption for humanitarian activities in relation to the criminalization of support to terrorist organizations. Others, such as the vague definition of terrorism or the risk of violating the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to drastic control orders for potential ‘terrorists’ have remained unheeded.
This panel will discuss the legal and policy challenges of the new Swiss laws in light of international law.
This event will take place both at Villa Moynier in Geneva and online on the platform Zoom.
Those wishing to attend the meeting in Geneva at our headquarters (Villa Moynier) must announce themselves (events[at]geneva-academy.ch). As the capacity of the conference room is limited to 20 participants to respect current regulations regarding social distancing, places will be allocated on a ‘first-come-first-served’ basis. The wearing of a mask inside the premises is required.
To follow the meeting online, register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Panelists discussed the legal and policy challenges of the new Swiss counter-terrorism laws in light of international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
News
Tijana Kukanjac is enrolled in our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. She tells about her background, the programme and what it will bring to her career.
News
Geneva Academy
The Geneva Academy team at the 2022 Mandea Moot Court – Helmer Jonelid and Edward Millett – qualified for the final rounds of the competition that will take place in Geneva from 18 to 21 July 2022.
Short Course
ICRC
This short course, which can be followed in Geneva or online, discusses the protection offered by international humanitarian law (IHL) in non-international armed conflicts (NIACs) and addresses some problems and controversies specific to IHL of NIACs, including the difficulty to ensure the respect of IHL by armed non-state actors.
Short Course
ICRC
This short course, which can be followed in Geneva or online, will provide participants with an introduction to substantive human rights law. It will start with an introduction to the nature and sources of international human rights law and its place in the international legal system. The course will then provide a presentation of the main principles applicable to substantive rights (jurisdiction, obligation and limitations).
Project
Project
Olivier Chamard/Geneva Academy
Publication