30 April - 21 May 2021
Application start 23 July 2020
Application end 16 April 2021
Fee: 1250 Swiss Francs
UN Photo
Who is a refugee? What is the legal framework currently applicable to those fleeing countries affected by armed conflicts and violations of human rights? What are the related obligations of host states?
This short course analyses the main international and regional legal norms governing refugee protection. It examines the sources of international refugee law, including the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, and their interaction with human rights law and international humanitarian law. It also analyses the definition of a refugee, the principle of non-refoulement as well as asylum procedures. Particular attention is dedicated to the case-law of State Parties to the 1951 Geneva Convention.
The course can be followed in Geneva or online. Please note that the number of places to follow the course in Geneva is limited.
This short course forms part of the Geneva Academy Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict. It is open to professionals – diplomats, lawyers, legal advisers, judges, NGO staff, human rights advocates, media specialists, professionals working in emergency situations, UN staff and staff from other international organizations – who are not enrolled in the Executive Master and who want to deepen their expertise in this specific issue.
Classes take place on:
The fee for this short course is 1,250 Swiss Francs. In case of cancellation by the participants, CHF 200 won't be returned.
Participants obtain a certificate at the end of the course (no ECTS credits are gained).
Applications for this short course must be submitted via the online form. If you encounter problems with your application, do not hesitate to contact us.
Once admitted to the course, participants receive instructions on how to pay. Proof of payment is required before you begin the course.
Vincent Chetail's areas of research relate to refugee and migrant law, humanitarian law and human rights, international criminal law, collective security and peacekeeping.
Tram 15, Direction Nations - tram stop Butini
Bus 1 or 25, Direction Jardin Botanique - bus stop Sécheron
Villa Moynier is accessible to people with disabilities. If you have a disability or any additional needs and require assistance in order to participate fully, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The course will be conducted online using the ZOOM platform.
Geneva Academy
At a meeting co-organized with the permanent missions of Costa Rica and Japan to the United Nations in Geneva, Geneva-based diplomats discussed the current status of the 2020 review of UN treaty bodies.
Olivier Chamard/Geneva Academy
Dr Christophe Golay is Senior Research Fellow and Strategic Adviser on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) at the Geneva Academy. He is involved in several research projects on the right to food, the rights of peasants, as well as ESCR and the SDGs
Geneva Academy
Join us for our open house to learn more about this part-time programme designed professionals, meet staff, students and alumni, and discuss career opportunities.
ICRC
This short course, which can be followed in Geneva or online, examines the sources of international humanitarian law (IHL). It provides an introduction to the key principles and terminology of IHL.
Francisco Proner / Farpa/ CIDH
This short course, which can be followed in Geneva or online, aims at presenting the institutions and procedures in charge of the implementation of international human rights law.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Sandra Pointet / Geneva Academy
The digital age offers unique opportunities to strengthen human rights implementation and monitoring and has transformed the means through which human rights are exercised. Equally, the digital age poses unique challenges in ensuring that states and businesses respect and protect our rights in the digital forum. The full extent of the human rights implications of the digital age remain unknown.
Our teaching enables specialists to apply legal frameworks to complex situations and challenging processes.
We provide training and short courses for professionals who want to deepen their expertise in a specific issue.
Our research examines issues that are under-explored, need clarification, or are unconventional, experimental or challenging.
Our events provide a critical and scholarly forum for experts and practitioners to debate topical humanitarian, human rights and transitional justice issues.