9 February 2021
Virginia Raffaeli graduated from our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in 2020. She works now as Research Officer for the Geopolitics and Global Futures Programme at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP). As part of her work, she conducts research and publishes articles and policy papers on the security challenges of ‘tomorrow’ for the global order, which include the impact of new technologies – such as artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons – or the 21st-century‘ space race’.
I believe there are two key ones.
First, the teaching: we had a number of amazing experts in their respective fields and most of them combine teaching with fieldwork or previous or contemporary experience practising as lawyers and legal advisers.
Second, and in my opinion equally important, the people. From the incredible teachers to the Geneva Academy staff and an amazing and diverse class, the community of people you become a part of is truly a strength of this programme. I genuinely feel like my learning experience would not have been even half as good if I had not met all these people. In fact, I learnt just as much from my classmates as I did from my teachers, due to their different experiences, interests and passions. I also could not have asked to make better friends and cannot wait to see what the future holds for us all.
As I previously mentioned, teaching is one of the fortes of this LLM. The professors and teaching assistants do not just bring academic expertise to the table, they offered us their experiences working in this field and shared their passion and commitment to improving the lives of people worldwide.
I think my best memories of the LLM are for me and my classmates’ memories only!
Despite the insane amounts of studying we had to do to stay on top of the programme and the difficult situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have so many incredible memories from both in and outside of class. The February 2020 study trip to Belgrade, Sarajevo and Budapest probably tops them all. Not only did we learn so much about the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, but we also had so much fun together and really bonded as a class.
Despite the fact that I am not currently working on something that is strictly human rights or IHL related, my LLM at the Geneva Academy has definitely played a huge part in this step in my career and I believe it will equally in all the years to come.
From the Geneva Academy’s reputation to all the skills and knowledge it left me, the LLM definitely gave me the tools to be an excellent researcher and human rights advocate.
Yes absolutely! Although a large part of my current research focuses on the disruptive impact of technology on the world as we know it, my understanding of its interplay with global peace and security stems from my human rights and IHL law background at the Geneva Academy. From understanding privacy rights and accountability issues to rules and regulations governing warfare and weapons, I am definitely putting my knowledge and experience to good use!
I would absolutely recommend this programme! It was an incredible opportunity, which I would not have exchanged for any other. Despite the disruption brought to our lives and to the teaching by the COVID-19 pandemic, I still firmly believe that this will be an experience that I will never forget and which taught me more than I could ever have asked for.
Kyryl Savin/Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Discover our resources and what our experts say about the situation in Ukraine, with regular updates to include new events, articles and comments!
Mikita Karasiou, Unsplash
At the request of the Fund's Council on Ethics, the Geneva Academy provided background information – in the form of a report – on current armed conflicts and international humanitarian law.
ICRC
This short course, which can be followed in Geneva or online, focuses on the specific issues that arise in times of armed conflict regarding the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights. It addresses key issues like the applicability of human rights in times of armed conflict; the possibilities of restricting human rights under systems of limitations and derogations; and the extraterritorial application of human rights law.
ICRC
This short course, which can be followed in Geneva or online, discusses the extent to which states may limit and/or derogate from their international human rights obligations in order to prevent and counter-terrorism and thus protect persons under their jurisdiction.
Shutterstock
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.
Victoria Pickering
This project aims at providing support to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clément Voulé by addressing emerging issues affecting civic space and eveloping tools and materials allowing various stakeholders to promote and defend civic space.