Information

1 March - 18 April 2023
Application start 31 August 2022
Application end 15 February 2023
Fee: 1250 Swiss Francs

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International Refugee Law

An aerial view of camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which have appeared following latest attacks by M23 rebels and other armed groups in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). An aerial view of camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which have appeared following latest attacks by M23 rebels and other armed groups in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Descriptive

Who is a refugee? What is the legal framework protecting those fleeing armed conflicts, persecution and human rights abuses? What are the international obligations of states?

This online 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 its interaction with human rights law and international humanitarian law. It also analyses the central notions of international protection such as the principle of non-refoulement, interception at sea, the refugee definition as well as asylum procedures. Particular attention is dedicated to the case law of State Parties to the 1951 Geneva Convention.

Online

This is an online short course.

Audience

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.

Schedule

Courses take place during lunchtime on:

  • Wednesday 1st March 2023, 10:00 – 12:00
  • Wednesday  8 March 2023, 12:00 – 14:00
  • Wednesday 15 March 2023, 12:00 – 14:00
  • Wednesday 22 March 2023, 12:00 – 14:00
  • Wednesday 29 March 2023, 12:00 – 14:00
  • Wednesday 5 April 2023, 12:00 – 14:00
  • Tuesday 18 April 2023, 12:00 – 14:00 (tutorial)

Fee

The fee for this short course is 1,250 Swiss Francs. In case of cancellation by the participants, CHF 200 won't be returned.

Certificate

Participants obtain a certificate at the end of the course (no ECTS credits are gained).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via this online form.

Your application will have to include:

  • A short motivation letter (no more than one page)
  • Your curriculum vitae
  • Proof of your competence in English (a certificate or statement highlighting your solid background in English)
  • Once admitted to the course, participants receive instructions on how to pay. Proof of payment is required before you begin the course.

Professor and Lecturer

Picture of Vincent Chetail

Vincent Chetail

President of the Board and Professor of International Law at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

Vincent Chetail's areas of research relate to refugee and migrant law, humanitarian law and human rights, international criminal law, collective security and peacekeeping.

Location

Online course

Access

The course will be conducted online using the ZOOM platform.

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Our research examines issues that are under-explored, need clarification, or are unconventional, experimental or challenging.

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