28 August - 1 September 2023
Application start 1 February 2023
Application end 15 June 2023
Fee: 500 Swiss Francs
ICRC
What are the key ongoing legal debates around contemporary IHL issues? Why does that matter for academics and policymakers? How can professionals from those sectors support each other in addressing ongoing legal and policy challenges?
Organized by the Geneva Academy and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Advanced IHL seminar for academics and humanitarian policymakers aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law (IHL) and contemporary issues arising during armed conflict, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates and their relevance to decision-making.
Its 15th edition will take place in person in Geneva, at the ICRC HQ and Geneva Academy (Villa Moynier) from 28 August to 1st September 2023.
The seminar is addressed to both academics and policymakers. It is therefore open to lecturers, researchers, legal and policy advisers in governmental agencies, representatives from the judicial sector and donor agencies representatives. Key selection criteria will include:
Current involvement in the practice or teaching of IHL or in decision-making in relation to situations of armed conflict;
As the seminar will be held in English, proficiency in this language is recommended.
After the seminar, participants should be able to:
The seminar will address specific issues related to the application of IHL in current armed conflicts, but also related to IHL teaching and research in general. To get a better sense of topics addressed in the past, interested candidates are welcome to watch videos and listen to podcasts.
In addition, as this seminar will bring together audiences drawn from academia and from policymaking, the methodology will also be adapted to the specific needs of each target group. The seminar's methodology is enhanced through peer-to-peer interactions and knowledge sharing. Lecturers and other academic participants will be able to bring a wide perspective in existing debates regarding key thematic issues presented during the seminar, while participants with a policymaking position will be able to share their hands-on experience and concrete questions regarding the applicability, application of, and respect for IHL in contemporary armed conflicts.
The Advanced Seminar will include preparatory work using an e-learning platform three months ahead of the in-person event in Geneva. Participants are then expected to attend the Seminar in Geneva from 28 August to 1st September 2023. No online attendance is foreseen. Time to dedicate to the seminar should amount to up to 3 hours per week for the e-learning from June 2023 on. During the week in Geneva, participants are expected to take part in all sessions actively (between 6 and 8 hours per day).
Sessions will be managed by leading academics and professionals, including Geneva Academy experts and ICRC legal advisers. Side events may also provide participants with opportunities for further discussions with experts. Participants will be invited to keep in touch for further academic exchanges.
Applications are now open for the 15th Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers. Interested applicants fulfilling the abovementioned criteria are invited to apply before 15 June 2023 by registering here.
A fee of 500 Swiss Francs, to be paid in advance, is required as a contribution for the total cost of the seminar. This covers the lectures, seminar materials as well as a cocktail on the first day and dinner on the last day of the seminar. Participants are also expected to cover their travel costs to and from Geneva as well as their lunches, dinner, accommodation and transportation during their stay.
Participants are required to have valid health and accident insurance before travelling to Geneva.
Please be informed that the number of seats should not exceed 40 participants. Attendance will be determined based on the quality and diversity of applications. Please be also aware that dates and format of this event may change due to prevailing circumstances at the time.
For any questions or queries, please send your email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Participants will receive access information prior to the seminar.
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