Exploring IHL and Human Rights: Our LLM Students' Journey to Armenia

13 October 2023

In July, students enrolled in our LLM in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Human Rights embarked on a week-long study trip to Armenia. This study trip, organized by our dedicated students offered a unique opportunity to witness the practical application of legal principles discussed in class and engage with professionals working in the fields of IHL and human rights.

Learning More about the Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

During their visit, the LLM students held meaningful discussions with prominent figures in Armenia, such as the General Prosecutor and the Human Rights Defender. They also met with local non-governmental organizations and foundations, the Swiss Ambassador to Armenia, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. These encounters provided invaluable insights into the region's challenges, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the related cases before the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights.

‘In light of today’s situation, this study trip must have a particular resonance with our students who are now much better placed to understand the situation and the protection frameworks that apply in this context’ explains our Head of Education Dr Clotilde Pégorier.

‘This is a very strong reminder that the legal concepts we examine in classes are not abstract and have very concrete implications’ she adds.

Immersing in the Rich Culture of Armenia

The study trip also served as a remarkable opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in Armenian culture and explore historical landmarks, including visits to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and the Armenian Genocide Museum.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Natasha Floodgate, Geeta Mahapatra, and Thijs van der Horst News

Our 2025 Pictet Team

20 January 2025

Natasha Floodgate, Geeta Mahapatra, and Thijs van der Horst will represent the Geneva Academy at the 47th edition of the Jean-Pictet Competition that will take place in Denpasar, Indonesia, from 22 February to 1 March 2025.

Read more

GHRP in Davos News

AI and Human Rights in the Intelligent Age: GHRP in Davos

3 February 2025

The Geneva Human Rights Platform contributed to key discussions on AI, human rights, and sustainable digital governance at the World Economic Forum 2025.

Read more

Event

Strengths and Challenges of Inter-State Applications Before the European Court of Human Rights

22 May 2025, 18:30-20:00

In this Geneva Academy Talk Judge Lətif Hüseynov will discuss the challenges of inter-State cases under the ECHR, especially amid rising conflict-related applications.

Read more

Asian workers working at technology production factory with industrial machines Training

Business and Human Rights

19-23 May 2025

This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.

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

10-14 November 2025

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

Project

Follow-up Review Pilot Series

Started in November 2021

Read more

Sign: National Human Rights Commission of Nepal Project

Local Implementation of Global Human Rights

Started in May 2020

The Geneva Human Rights Platform collaborates with a series of actors to reflect on the implementation of international human rights norms at the local level and propose solutions to improve uptake of recommendations and decisions taken by Geneva-based human rights bodies at the local level.

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

War on Minorities’ Under the Guise of Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism

published on December 2024

Beatrice Meretti

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Navigating Pathways Toward Transitional Justice in Ukraine

published on October 2024

Robin van der Lugt, Chhime Namdol Sherpa

Read more