IHL in Focus

Assessing Compliance in Contemporary Armed Conflicts

Started in January 2024

This project aims to become the world’s leading source of data and analysis on current armed conflicts and related IHL violations and implementation challenges.

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. Spot reports produced throughout the year complement this global analysis by shedding light on specific situations, trends or IHL violations that deserve immediate attention.

The first global report is scheduled for release in the fall of 2024 and will be followed by a series of spot reports before the publication of the subsequent edition.

This project builds on our Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts (RULAC) online database that qualifies situations of armed violence using the definition of armed conflict under international humanitarian law.

NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

IHL in Focus Launch Meeting News

Opening Expert Meeting For 'IHL in Focus' Project

22 April 2024

To kick-start the activities of the 'IHL in Focus' project and refine its approach, a two-day expert meeting of representative practitioners and scholars from different disciplines was convened.

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Panel panel ‘(Dis)respecting International Humanitarian Law in today’s armed conflicts: monitoring and reporting’ at the 2024 European Humanitarian Forum News

IHL in Focus Featured at the 2024 European Humanitarian Forum

25 March 2024

Our new research project IHL in Focus – launched at the beginning of the year – has been presented and discussed at the 2024 European Humanitarian Forum, a major yearly event convened by the European Union focusing on prominent humanitarian issues and challenges.

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Yemen,  Sana'a, Faj Attan. Damages to civilian buildings following the fighting. News

A Yearly Global Assessment of IHL Compliance

8 February 2024

We are excited to announce the launch of a new project consisting of the publication of a yearly global annual report assessing compliance with international humanitarian law in contemporary armed conflicts.

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RESEARCHERS

Picture of Gloria Gaggioli

Gloria Gaggioli

Former Director of the Geneva Academy and Associate/SNF Professor at the Law Faculty, University of Geneva

Gloria Gaggioli is a renowned scholar in international humanitarian law and human rights and has published widely in various fields of public international law.

Portrait of Maud Bonnet

Maud Bonnet

Executive Director

Maud Bonnet is the Executive Director at the Geneva Academy.

Portrait of Dr Erica Harper

Erica Harper

Head of Research and Policy Studies

Erica Harper is a practitioner-academic specializing in international criminal law, human rights law and post-conflict governance.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Artwork: ‘PɇaceMaker’ by Goin News

Our 2023 Annual Report

8 July 2024

Our Annual Report provides an overview of the activity of the Geneva Academy in 2023.

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News

Third Season of ‘In and Around War(s)’ Launches with Episode on Weaponizing of Water

2 May 2024

Our podcast In and Around War(s) returns for a third season with the first episode discussing the weaponization of water.

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Cover page of the book Event

Book Launch - International Law and the Principle of Non-Intervention: History, Theory, and Interactions with Other Principles

7 October 2024, 18:30-20:00

In this book launch our Swiss IHL Chair, Professor Marco Roscini, will discuss the main findings of his new book on the principle of non-intervention with leading experts.

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The UN Security Council Short Course

Introduction to Public International Law and Subjects of the International Legal Order

25 September - 16 October 2024

This online short course focuses on the role of public international law in international relations and on international legal persons.

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Short Course

The Law of Non-International Armed Conflicts

6-21 February 2025

This online short course discusses the protection offered by international humanitarian law (IHL) in non-international armed conflicts (NIACs) and addresses some problems and controversies specific to IHL of NIACs, including the difficulty to ensure the respect of IHL by armed non-state actors.

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A destroyed camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Khor Abeche, South Darfur, Project

Understanding the Relationship between Conflict, Security and the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment

Started in May 2023

This project will develop guidance to inform security, human rights and environmental debates on the linkages between environmental rights and conflict, and how their better management can serve as a tool in conflict prevention, resilience and early warning.

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Computer screen with warning: civilian infrastucture: do not attack Project

The Digitalization of Armed Conflict

Started in September 2020

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.

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Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2023

published on July 2024

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