LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights: What our Students Say

Alexis Comninos, LLM student at the Geneva Academy, in front of the Bains des Pâquis Alexis Comninos, LLM student at the Geneva Academy, in front of the Bains des Pâquis

11 January 2017

In this interview, Alexis Comninos, currently enrolled in the LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, tells us about the programme and life in Geneva.

Before studying at the Geneva Academy, Alexis completed an MA in Human Rights Studies at Columbia University, in New York, where he focused on the interaction and intersection of Human Rights and Humanitarian law and discourse.

Does the programme respond to your expectations?

Yes, the programme definitely meets my expectation. I particularly appreciate the opportunity we get to learn directly from leading experts in their respective fields. In addition, the internships allow us to apply some of the knowledge we build, by working with an NGO or an international organization for a few months.

How is life in Geneva?

Geneva is not exactly a vibrant city, but it is really not as bad as some make it to be – except maybe on Sundays. More seriously, it is full of interesting people from all horizons, and the Academy’s incredibly diverse student body reflects that.

Why did you choose to be photographed in front of the Bains des Pâquis?

The Bains des Pâquis hold a special place in the heart of all Genevans, and most Academy students love it. Whether it is in summer to swim in the lake and relax, or in winter to indulge in one of the best fondues in town or even in a sauna; spending time at the Bains des Pâquis always cheers me up.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

News

New Working Paper Explores AI for Human Rights and SDG Monitoring

30 January 2025

A new working paper, 'AI Decoded: Key Concepts and Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Human Rights and SDG Monitoring', has been published by the Geneva Human Rights Platform.

Read more

GHRP Annual Conference 2024 News

GHRP Annual Conference 2024 Strengthens Connectivity in a Pressured Human Rights System

25 November 2024

The 2024 Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform (GHRP), held on 5 November at Maison de la Paix, focused on the theme Human Rights System Under Pressure: A Reason to Expand Connectivity.

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

Open dump Training

Protecting Human Rights and the Environment

15-19 September 2025

Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.

Read more

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Booklet Training

The International Human Rights Standards and System: Monitoring and Implementation Strategies at the National Level

7-11 July 2025

This training course will delve into the means and mechanisms through which national actors can best coordinate their human rights monitoring and implementation efforts, enabling them to strategically navigate the UN human rights system and use the various mechanisms available in their day-to-day work.

Read more

Plastic pollution on an Italian shore Project

Unpacking the Human Right to a Healthy Environment: Definition, Implementation and Impact

Started in January 2022

This research aims at mainstreaming the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the protection it affords in the work of the UN Human Rights Council, its Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review, as well as in the work of the UN General Assembly and UN treaty bodies.

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

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