Event information

1 December 2021, 17:30-19:00

Book Launch: Rebel Courts

Geneva Academy Talks

Cover page of the book Cover page of the book

The new book Rebel Courts (Oxford University Press) by Professor René Provost, discusses the administration of justice by armed groups. Based on extensive fieldwork, it offers a unique insight into the judicial governance of armed groups, a phenomenon never studied comprehensively until now.

Using a series of detailed case studies of non-state armed groups in a diverse range of conflict situations, including the FARC (Colombia), Islamic State (Syria and Iraq), Taliban (Afghanistan), Tamil Tigers (Sri Lanka), PKK (Turkey), PYD (Syria), and KRG (Iraq), the book argues that it is possible for armed groups to legally establish and operate a system of courts to administer justice.

In this online book launch – part of our IHL Talk series –, Professor René Provost will discuss with leading scholars in international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law the legal and practical challenges related to the administration of justice by armed groups.

Moderation

  • Annyssa Bellal, Senior Research Fellow and Strategic Adviser on IHL, Geneva Academy

Panelists

  • René Provost, Professor, McGill University
  • Marco Sassòli, Professor of International Law, University of Geneva
  • Mara Revkin, Fellow, Georgetown’s Center on National Security and the Law
  • Helen Duffy, International Lawyer, Human Rights in Practice and Professor of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Leiden University
  • Ezequiel Heffes, Senior Policy and Legal Advisor, Geneva Call
  • Mina Radondic, Former LLM Student, Geneva Academy

About IHL Talks

The IHL Talks are a series of events, hosted by the Geneva Academy, on international humanitarian law and current humanitarian topics. Every two months, academic experts, practitioners, policymakers and journalists discuss burning humanitarian issues and their regulation under international law.

Video

Book Launch: Rebel Courts

In this online book launch – part of our IHL Talk series – Professor René Provost discussed with leading scholars in IHL and human rights the legal and practical challenges related to the administration of justice by armed groups.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

News

The Jean-Pictet Competition: Learning Beyond the Classroom

10 December 2024

Each year, the Geneva Academy sends a team of students to the Jean-Pictet Competition. Participating in this leading moot court is a life-changing experience and an integral part of our programmes.

Read more

Geneva Academy at the EU DElegation in Geneva News

Spotlight on IHL: Geneva Academy Briefs EU Delegation on Alarming Conflict Trends

10 April 2025

Alarming conflict trends from the IHL in Focus report were presented to members of the UN at the EU Delegation in Geneva by members of the Geneva Academy.

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

A destroyed camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Khor Abeche, South Darfur, Project

Understanding the Relationship between Conflict, Security and the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment

Started in May 2023

This project will develop guidance to inform security, human rights and environmental debates on the linkages between environmental rights and conflict, and how their better management can serve as a tool in conflict prevention, resilience and early warning.

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 2023

published on July 2024

Read more