13 November 2024
At the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, we recently hosted a booth in the Humanitarian Village together with Geneva Call and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.
Through an interactive quiz titled ‘Universality in Question(s),’ we invited participants to reflect on their understanding of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), particularly its unique universal nature.
IHL is framed as an international legal framework embodying values recognized by the global community. The rules, aimed at limiting the effects of armed conflict, are fundamental. However, their universality is sometimes debated. This quiz highlighted how the principles of IHL, while formalised in modern times, trace back to the practices of ancient civilizations. By presenting historical facts and similar wartime rules across cultures, we illustrated the universal resonance of IHL principles. The goal was to emphasise that these foundational ideas predate the Geneva Conventions and foster broader adherence through shared human values of refraining from atrocities in wartime.
This activity opened discussions between attendees and representatives from our two organisations present at the booth. It allowed the Academy to showcase its work in both research and education, through which it supports the humanitarian community and promotes greater respect for international humanitarian law.
Organized with the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, the Quaker United Nations Office in Geneva, and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, this event explored legal gaps and accountability failures in global arms transfers.
Adobe
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.
ICRC
Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.
Adobe Stock
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.
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.