The Updated Commentary on the Third Geneva Convention: The Geneva Academy’s Contribution

View of Baidoa central prison in Somalia. View of Baidoa central prison in Somalia.

2 June 2020

In 2011, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and a team of renowned experts embarked on a major project: updating the Commentaries on the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977.

The updated Commentary on the Third Geneva Convention will be launched online on 16 June where an expert panel, including our Director Professor Marco Sassòli and our LLM alumna Helena Sunnegårdh, Legal Adviser with the Swedish Red Cross, will discuss the Commentary's main findings and will examine how international humanitarian law (IHL) protects prisoners of war.

Contribution by Geneva Academy’s Experts and Alumni

This publication presents, in the form of an article-by-article commentary, developments in how the Third Geneva Convention has been applied and interpreted in practice.

‘Besides my participation in the Editorial Committee of the updated Commentary, several Geneva Academy’s professors and lecturers have been involved in this exercise, including the Head of the Project Team at the ICRC, Jean-Marie-Henckaerts, Professor Gloria Gaggioli and our new Swiss IHL Chair Professor Robin Geiß’ underlines Marco Sassòli, Director of the Geneva Academy.

‘Several alumni, including Lindsey Cameron, Heleen Hiemstra, Yvette Yssar, Jemma Arman and Kvitoslava Krotiuk have also contributed to this important exercise’ he adds.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

IHL in Focus Spot Report News

Water Wars: How Sudan’s Conflict Weaponizes a Basic Human Need

4 August 2025

Our latest spot report explores how the targeting of water infrastructure is contributing to what is now considered the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, affecting 30 million people.

Read more

soldiers News

New Publication Examines the Effects of Private Military and Security Companies

12 March 2025

Our latest research brief examines how Private Military and Security Companies have reshaped warfare, international law, and global stability.

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

Computer screen with warning: civilian infrastucture: do not attack Project

The Digitalization of Armed Conflict

Started in September 2020

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.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more