Shima Esmailian

Shima Esmailian (she/her) is a Teaching Assistant and PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva. Her doctoral research examines the implications of codifying ‘gender apartheid’ as an international crime. More broadly, her research interests include feminist and queer approaches to international law, as well as theories of international law with a gendered perspective. She also works as an advisor and consultant on transitional justice issues with civil society organizations working on Iran and serves as an editor at Völkerrechtsblog.

Before joining the Geneva Academy, Shima interned and worked with a range of international organizations, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, initiatives, and law firms. Her experience includes positions with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Collaborative Social Change in Canada, and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.

Shima holds a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Transitional Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law from the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, as well as a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Human Rights from Shahid Beheshti University.