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Geneva Academy>
28 July 2025
The Geneva Academy of International Law and Human Rights has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting significant achievements in international humanitarian law education and research during a year marked by deepening global humanitarian crises.
The year 2024 witnessed escalating humanitarian crises and widespread violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Armed conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine generated massive civilian suffering while exposing critical gaps in enforcement and accountability mechanisms. Fundamental protections - including prohibitions against targeting civilians, using starvation as warfare, and restricting humanitarian aid - faced repeated violations.
‘In this context, the role of the Geneva Academy remains essential,’ said professor Paola Gaeta, Director of the Academy, in the report's foreword. As a joint center of the University of Geneva's Faculty of Law and the Geneva Graduate Institute, the Academy continues its mission to advance understanding of international humanitarian law, human rights, and transitional justice through rigorous teaching, independent research, and critical policy engagement.
The Academy launched its ‘IHL in Focus’ research project in early 2024, designed to provide crucial legal analysis supporting advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy efforts. The initiative aims to strengthen respect for international humanitarian law through targeted research and policy recommendations.
Following a two-day expert meeting in Geneva to establish methodological frameworks, the project gained international attention at the 2024 European Humanitarian Forum in February and during a high-level side event at the 79th UN General Assembly in September.
In October, the project published its first major output: ‘Food Insecurity in Armed Conflict and the Use of Siege-like Tactics.’ This critical report examines how siege warfare creates humanitarian crises and explores legal mechanisms to protect civilian populations from starvation tactics.
The Academy's internship program continued expanding in 2024, offering students hands-on experience with over 50 partner organizations. This year introduced new opportunities, including partnerships with Amnesty International's Digital Verification Corps for Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice students.
The newly launched Geneva IHL Lab brought together students from the Academy, Geneva Graduate Institute, and University of Geneva, creating a practice-oriented learning experience that prepares future legal professionals for real-world challenges.
Responding to growing concerns about AI in warfare, Anna Rosalie Greipl – researcher at the Academy – authored a comprehensive report examining ‘Artificial Intelligence and Related Technologies in Military Decision-Making on the Use of Force in Armed Conflicts.’ Developed with contributions from the International Committee of the Red Cross, the report identifies potential risks and proposes mitigation measures as military AI applications become increasingly sophisticated.
Dr. Christophe Golay, Senior Research Fellow at the Academy, expanded the Academy's research into the intersection of human rights, sustainable development, and environmental protection. This work examined the right to food in Geneva and explored connections between environmental rights and climate change mitigation, addressing growing concerns about environmental degradation and economic inequality.
Dr. Domenico Zipoli, Senior Research Fellow at the Academy, looked into digital human rights tracking tools and databases highlighting how technology is revolutionizing human rights monitoring globally. This Academy Briefing explores emerging digital platforms that enhance implementation, reporting, and follow-up mechanisms for human rights protection worldwide.
The research initiative included international roundtables, expert briefings, and presentations at major international events, demonstrating the Academy's commitment to innovation in human rights advocacy.
The Geneva Human Rights Platform Training Hub achieved unprecedented success in 2024, delivering 11 training sessions both in Geneva and online. Partnerships with organizations including the World Wildlife Fund and International Organization for Migration, supported by the Canton of Geneva, enabled seven customized training programs alongside four regular courses planned to continue in 2025.
54 staff members and 47 professors and lecturers delivering world-class education
3 advanced master's programs serving 126 students from 54 countries
29 scholarships supporting international students
More than 1,300 alumni working globally in humanitarian law and human rights
38 training and short courses reaching over 200 participants
12 active research projects producing 31 publications
10 Geneva Human Rights Platform initiatives
More than 90 events and over 60 partnerships
As global conflicts continue challenging international legal frameworks, the Geneva Academy remains committed to advancing legal education, research, and policy development. The institution's expansion of digital innovation, practical training opportunities, and international partnerships positions it to address emerging humanitarian challenges in 2025 and beyond.
Read the 2024 Annual Report here.
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The Geneva Human Rights Platform has taken its work on strengthening the international human rights system to the heart of European policymaking.
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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.
Event
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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.
Training
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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.
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Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.
Project
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.
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As a yearly publication, it keeps decision-makers, practitioners and scholars up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges in IHL implementation in over 100 armed conflicts worldwide – both international and non-international.
Publication
