The Geneva Academy Team Reaches the Semi-Finals of the 2018 Jean-Pictet Competition

Geneva Academy

10 April 2018

The Geneva Academy, represented by three LLM students – Yasmin Afina from Indonesia, Guillem Puri Plana from Spain and Noa Schreuer from Israel/Germany – reached the semi-finals of the prestigious 2018 Jean-Pictet Competition.

47 teams from all over the globe were selected to participate in the 2018 edition of this leading international humanitarian law (IHL) competition, held in Ohrid, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, from 24 to 31 March 2018.

‘During Pictet, we were given the opportunity to learn many things which, I believe, we would have never been able to learn otherwise in such a short period of time and in such an enjoyable manner’ underlines Yasmin Afina. ‘Meeting and discussing with more than a hundred bright-minded people from across the globe was truly inspiring’ she adds.

Burning Issues in International Humanitarian Law

'I warmly recommend it to every international law enthusiast and feel privileged for the opportunity to engage in fascinating questions relating to IHL, while getting to know extremely professional practitioners, scholars and students from all around the world' underlines Noa Schreuer.

During one week, the Geneva Academy team played different roles including the Ministry of Justice; the communications department of an NGO; an armed non-state actor (ANSA); the International Committee of the Red Cross (legal advisers and delegates negotiating access to a territory controlled by an ANSA); members of a country's Red Crystal (during the 'field' simulation); individual members of an International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission; the Political Division of a UN Mission; as well as judge,  prosecutor, and defense.

'Participating in the Jean-Pictet Competition has been a unique experience that will always stay with me. Since we started our preparation, we have not only grown personally but the team spirit made us go beyond our preconceived limits' stresses Guillem Puri Plana.

Part of the LLM Curriculum

Participation in this major IHL competition forms part of the LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights curriculum.

The three LLM students were selected following a competitive process and were coached by George Dvalaze, Teaching Assistant at the Geneva Academy. Their participation in the Jean-Pictet Competition replaces two optional courses (6 ECTS credits).

‘Our LLM students have been participating in the Jean-Pictet competition since the beginning of the programme as it gives them exposure to concrete cases and allows them to put into practice what they are learning in class’ underlines Robert Roth, Director of the Geneva Academy.

The Jean-Pictet Competition

The Jean-Pictet Competition is recognized as the leading international humanitarian law (IHL) competition and one of the most innovative training programmes for students in public international law. It is a week-long event that tests students on their knowledge of and ability to implement IHL, as well as other branches of international law, through role-playing exercises based on a hypothetical armed conflict scenario. The dynamic structure of the competition encourages participants to consider IHL issues from various perspectives while allowing the jury to evaluate each team's theoretical knowledge, practical understanding, and presentation style.

In 2016, the Geneva Academy team won this prominent IHL moot.