New Research Project Focuses on How the United Nations Security Council deals with IHL

A man enters the room of the UN Security Council A man enters the room of the UN Security Council

2 April 2020

In the past years, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been increasingly dealing with international humanitarian law (IHL) via either specific debates or thematic and/or country resolutions.

‘Compared to other thematic issues such as the rule of law or individual criminal accountability, little attention has been paid to the consistency – or lack thereof – of the UNSC’s practice in relation to this legal framework’ underlines Emilie Max, former Researcher at the Geneva Academy.

‘Similarly, the prevailing discourse on the UNSC's dynamics tends to only focus on the organ’s five permanent members to the exclusion of the other members, the so-called ‘E10’’ she adds.

Our new research project precisely aims at critically assessing this trend. Resulting from traditional legal research and informal interviews with over 30 experts (scholars, diplomats, as well as representatives of the United Nations, NGOs and relevant international organizations), it will analyse how the UNSC has recently dealt with IHL and formulate a series of recommendations to policy-makers working with this organ to ensure consistency in addressing IHL issues.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

News

Apply to Our Online Executive Master - MAS in International Law in Armed Conflict

4 February 2025

Applications for the upcoming academic year of our Online Executive Master – MAS in International Law in Armed Conflict - are now open. They will remain open until 30 May 2025, with courses starting at the end of September 2025.

Read more

bombed building News

Expert Consultation on CESCR’s General Comment on ICESCR in Armed Conflict

8 May 2025

The Geneva Academy convened an expert consultation on the CESCR’s General Comment on the Application of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Situations of Armed Conflict.

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

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

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

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2023

published on July 2024

Read more