Fall 2022
UN Photo
This short course dwells on the means of international law-making (treaties, customary international law, unilateral acts, general principles of law etc.). In other words, the course looks at the sources from which public international law rules stem and at the entities that are empowered with the capacity of law-making in the international legal order. It aims at enabling participants to develop a global perception of the international normative system.
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.
We can admit a maximum of five participants to this short course (in addition to students enrolled in our Executive Master).
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 will open in September 2022.
Once admitted to the course, participants receive instructions on how to pay. Proof of payment is required before you begin the course.
Giovanni Distefano's areas of research and expertise include public international law, the law of treaties, state responsibility and use of force.
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.
News
UNMISS
The UN Security Council and Common Article 1: Understanding the Role of Peacekeeping Operations in Ensuring Respect for IHL examines the applicability of article 1 common to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 – on the obligation to respect and ensure respect for IHL – to the UN, with a specific focus on peacekeeping operations.
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Geneva Academy
Joshua Niyo is the first recipient of this new prize for his paper ‘Legal Obligations for Armed Non-State Actors: Can IHL and IHRL Learn from Each Other?’.
Short Course
ICRC
This short course, which can be followed in Geneva or online, focuses on the specific issues that arise in times of armed conflict regarding the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights. It addresses key issues like the applicability of human rights in times of armed conflict; the possibilities of restricting human rights under systems of limitations and derogations; and the extraterritorial application of human rights law.
Short Course
ICRC
This short course, which can be followed in Geneva or online, discusses the extent to which states may limit and/or derogate from their international human rights obligations in order to prevent and counter-terrorism and thus protect persons under their jurisdiction.
Project
MSF
This research aims at building a common understanding and vision as to how states and the relevant parts of the UN system can provide a concrete and practical framework to address human rights responsibilities of armed non-state actors.
Project
Shutterstock
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.
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.