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

16 December 2019

In this interview, Melina Fidelis-Tzourou, who is enrolled in our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (LLM), tells us about the programme and life in Geneva.

About Me

I’m Melina and I come from Greece. I have a Law Degree and before coming to Geneva I was working as a legal trainee at a military law firm. My favourite thing in the world is coffee.

Why did you choose the LLM at the Geneva Academy?

I have always wanted to study international humanitarian law (IHL) and my professors told me that the LLM at the Geneva Academy is unparalleled in this field, especially because I was interested in a career in the humanitarian field.

What are you particularly enjoying about this programme?

I think the strength of the programme lies in its multidisciplinary approach to international law in armed conflict via an in-depth study of public international law, IHL, international criminal law, international human rights law and international refugee law in our core courses. This particular structure has definitely given me a more comprehensive and far-reaching understanding of IHL, which I believe is extremely useful for my professional development.

What are you planning to do next?

After completing this programme I would like to work in the field of IHL, either with an NGO or with some other institution. Human rights litigation is also an interesting option. The good thing with the LLM at the Geneva Academy is that it opens the door to various professional opportunities, so I intend to explore my options and hope for the best!

Why did you choose to be photographed in front of the lake?

This is the first spot I reach on the lake when walking from my house. All of a sudden this beautiful lakeside scenery appears, while just seconds before you were surrounded by cement and concrete. From specific angles, you even forget you are in a city at all. I like this momentary escapism.