4 April 2023
Giada Rubino follows our online Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict while working as a Human Rights Associate at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Colombia.
In this position, she monitors violations of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL) – with a specific focus on the rule of law – in the department of Arauca which borders Venezuela. She also provides technical assistance to the Colombian Government, in particular to the National Army and National Police to strengthen the application of IHL and IHRL in their operations.
Previously, Giada worked as a Human Rights Officer in the Civic Space Unit at OHCHR in Honduras, as a Human Rights Adviser with APRODEH in Perú, and as a Gender Advisor and a Project Manager coordinating EU projects on gender and migration in both Italy and France. In Perú, she coordinated capacity-building programmes for indigenous human rights defenders and the communities they represent, monitored the implementation of the Integral Reparations Programme (PIR) and provided support to the families of the victims of enforced disappearance.
I studied political science and international relations, but I have always been interested in international law.
Since I started working in Colombia, a complex context affected by more than 58 years of conflict, I realized that I needed to acquire academic knowledge in the international law of armed conflict to do in-depth analysis and conduct legal discussions with key interlocutors.
I particularly enjoy when we work in groups as this allows me to interact with other participants and debate specific cases. In addition, understanding the interplay of public international law, IHL, IHRL, and international criminal law is fascinating and expands my understanding of the legal frameworks applying to armed conflicts.
Although I prefer in-person classes to know other colleagues and establish strong relationships, distance learning is very functional for professionals like me. I was able to attend most of the classes, and when I was on missions, I could, upon my return, easily access all the courses recordings. Another important aspect that I would like to underline is the high professionalism and kindness of the Teaching Assistants who are always available to help me.
Studying and working at the same time is a challenge. Although I had done it in the past, this time, I found it very difficult due to my workload and the different time zone. To facilitate the learning process, it would be ideal to practice more case analysis, instead of readings.
I can already observe the benefit it brings to my current position, since it has enhanced my understanding of the interplay between IHRL and IHL in armed conflict, and above all my confidence when I must apply it in my daily work. I am also excited to write a paper.
I expect that the next contributions will be new opportunities at the professional level.
Yes, I recommend this programme to anyone wishing to broaden or acquire legal knowledge of international law and work in conflict and post-conflict situations, as well as to those interested in the subjects covered by the programme.
Geneva Academy
At the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, we hosted a booth with Geneva Call and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.
ICRC
Our latest research brief, 'Navigating Pathways Toward Transitional Justice in Ukraine' examines the initiatives currently unfolding in Ukraine and assesses how they can lead to a holistic transitional justice process.
ICRC
This IHL Talk will explore the intersection of armed conflict and food insecurity, through the lens of international humanitarian and human rights law.
ICRC
After having followed this online short course, participants will know who the protected persons and goods are and what rules of IHL can be used for their protection in an international armed conflict. An overview of the rules applicable in non-international armed conflicts will also be given.
ICRC
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.
The Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts project (RULAC) is a unique online portal that identifies and classifies all situations of armed violence that amount to an armed conflict under international humanitarian law (IHL). It is primarily a legal reference source for a broad audience, including non-specialists, interested in issues surrounding the classification of armed conflicts under IHL.
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.
Geneva Academy ICRC