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

Portrait of Melina Fuidelis in front of the Geneva Lake Portrait of Melina Fuidelis in front of the Geneva Lake

16 December 2019

In this interview, Melina Fidelis-Tzourou, who is enrolled in our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (LLM), tells us about the programme and life in Geneva.

About Me

I’m Melina and I come from Greece. I have a Law Degree and before coming to Geneva I was working as a legal trainee at a military law firm. My favourite thing in the world is coffee.

Why did you choose the LLM at the Geneva Academy?

I have always wanted to study international humanitarian law (IHL) and my professors told me that the LLM at the Geneva Academy is unparalleled in this field, especially because I was interested in a career in the humanitarian field.

What are you particularly enjoying about this programme?

I think the strength of the programme lies in its multidisciplinary approach to international law in armed conflict via an in-depth study of public international law, IHL, international criminal law, international human rights law and international refugee law in our core courses. This particular structure has definitely given me a more comprehensive and far-reaching understanding of IHL, which I believe is extremely useful for my professional development.

What are you planning to do next?

After completing this programme I would like to work in the field of IHL, either with an NGO or with some other institution. Human rights litigation is also an interesting option. The good thing with the LLM at the Geneva Academy is that it opens the door to various professional opportunities, so I intend to explore my options and hope for the best!

Why did you choose to be photographed in front of the lake?

This is the first spot I reach on the lake when walking from my house. All of a sudden this beautiful lakeside scenery appears, while just seconds before you were surrounded by cement and concrete. From specific angles, you even forget you are in a city at all. I like this momentary escapism.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

A session of the PhD Forum News

The PhD Forum: Promoting Exchanges Among Peers

18 April 2024

The Geneva Academy PhD Forum is a space that gathers PhD researchers and experts – in Geneva and beyond – who work in the scientific focus area of the Geneva Academy.

Read more

News

New Series of 'In and Around War(s) Podcast Coming Soon

17 April 2024

Our podcast In and Around War(s) returns for a third season.

Read more

Cover page of the book Event

Book Launch - International Law and the Principle of Non-Intervention: History, Theory, and Interactions with Other Principles

7 October 2024, 18:30-20:00

In this book launch our Swiss IHL Chair, Professor Marco Roscini, will discuss the main findings of his new book on the principle of non-intervention with leading experts.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

11-15 November 2024

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

Yemen,  Sana'a, Faj Attan district. Destruction. Short Course

The Rules Governing the Use of Force in International Law

14-23 May 2025

This online short course provides an overview of the content and evolution of the rules governing the use of unilateral force in international law, including military intervention on humanitarian grounds and the fight against international terrorism. It focuses on the practice of states and international organizations.

Read more

Online folders Project

Digital Human Rights Tracking Tools and Databases

Started in March 2023

This initiative wishes to contribute to better and more coordinated implementation, reporting and follow-up of international human rights recommendations through a global study on digital human rights tracking tools and databases.

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 Page of Research Brief Publication

Beyond Power and Politics: Engaging Russia in a Fractured Multilateral Order

published on September 2024

Robin van der Lugt, Chhime Sherpa

Read more