Event information

29 September 2020, 18:30-20:00

Swiss Counter-Terrorism Laws: What are the Legal and Policy Challenges?

Event

Policeofficer from the back Policeofficer from the back

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.

Moderation

  • Gloria Gaggioli, Director, Geneva Academy and Associate Professor, University of Geneva

Panelists

  • Dr iur. Roberta Arnold, Attorney
  • Dr Sandra Krähenmann, Thematic Legal Adviser, Geneva Call
  • Nils Melzer, Swiss Human Rights Chair, Geneva Academy, Professor of International Law, University of Glasgow and UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
  • Ilya Sobol, PhD candidate, University of Geneva, Counter-Terror Pro LegEm project
  • Françoise Bouchet-Saulnier, International Legal Director, Doctors without Borders (MSF)

In Geneva and Online

This event will take place both at Villa Moynier in Geneva and online on the platform Zoom.

At Villa Moynier

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.

Online

To follow the meeting online, register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Video

Swiss Counter-Terrorism Laws: What are the Legal and Policy Challenges?

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.

 

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

News

The Jean-Pictet Competition: Learning Beyond the Classroom

10 December 2024

Each year, the Geneva Academy sends a team of students to the Jean-Pictet Competition. Participating in this leading moot court is a life-changing experience and an integral part of our programmes.

Read more

GHRP in Davos News

AI and Human Rights in the Intelligent Age: GHRP in Davos

3 February 2025

The Geneva Human Rights Platform contributed to key discussions on AI, human rights, and sustainable digital governance at the World Economic Forum 2025.

Read more

Event

Strengths and Challenges of Inter-State Applications Before the European Court of Human Rights

22 May 2025, 18:30-20:00

In this Geneva Academy Talk Judge Lətif Hüseynov will discuss the challenges of inter-State cases under the ECHR, especially amid rising conflict-related applications.

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

Training

Human Rights and the Environment: Introducing Legal Regimes and Key Issues

1-8 September 2025

Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

Read more

Panel Discussion: Project

Treaty Body Members’ Platform

Started in January 2014

The Treaty Body Members’ Platform connects experts in UN treaty bodies with each other as well as with Geneva-based practitioners, academics and diplomats to share expertise, exchange views on topical questions and develop synergies.

Read more

Computer screen with warning: civilian infrastucture: do not attack Project

The Digitalization of Armed Conflict

Started in September 2020

This project will explore humanitarian consequences and protection needs caused by the digitalization of armed conflicts and the extent to which these needs are addressed by international law, especially international humanitarian law.

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Briefing N° 25: Localizing Multilateralism

published on March 2025

Domenico Zipoli, Ludovica Chiussi Curzi, Kamelia Kemileva

Read more

Cover page of the working paper Publication

AI Decoded: Key Concepts and Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Human Rights and SDG Monitoring

published on January 2025

Milica Mirkovic, Jennifer Victoria Scurrell

Read more