LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights: What our Students Say

Alexis Comninos, LLM student at the Geneva Academy, in front of the Bains des Pâquis Alexis Comninos, LLM student at the Geneva Academy, in front of the Bains des Pâquis

11 January 2017

In this interview, Alexis Comninos, currently enrolled in the LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, tells us about the programme and life in Geneva.

Before studying at the Geneva Academy, Alexis completed an MA in Human Rights Studies at Columbia University, in New York, where he focused on the interaction and intersection of Human Rights and Humanitarian law and discourse.

Does the programme respond to your expectations?

Yes, the programme definitely meets my expectation. I particularly appreciate the opportunity we get to learn directly from leading experts in their respective fields. In addition, the internships allow us to apply some of the knowledge we build, by working with an NGO or an international organization for a few months.

How is life in Geneva?

Geneva is not exactly a vibrant city, but it is really not as bad as some make it to be – except maybe on Sundays. More seriously, it is full of interesting people from all horizons, and the Academy’s incredibly diverse student body reflects that.

Why did you choose to be photographed in front of the Bains des Pâquis?

The Bains des Pâquis hold a special place in the heart of all Genevans, and most Academy students love it. Whether it is in summer to swim in the lake and relax, or in winter to indulge in one of the best fondues in town or even in a sauna; spending time at the Bains des Pâquis always cheers me up.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

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

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

Town Hall Meeting Training

Localizing International Human Rights

8-10 October 2025

This training course, specifically designed for staff of city and regional governments, will explore the means and mechanisms through which local and regional governments can interact with and integrate the recommendations of international human rights bodies in their concrete work at the local level.

Read more

Open dump Training

Protecting Human Rights and the Environment

15-19 September 2025

Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.

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

First annual conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Project

The Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

Started in June 2019

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more