Organization: International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
Registration deadline: 30 Jun 2017
Starting date: 25 Sep 2017
Ending date: 29 Sep 2017
How does the current humanitarian landscape look like? What specific sources can be relied upon to interpret IHL provisions today? Where do the ICRC and the academic community stand in the current IHL debates? On which topics is academic research focusing? How can university lecturers teach IHL in an original, interactive and practice-oriented fashion?
Organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, the 12th edition of this Advanced Seminar aims to enhance the capacity of lecturers and researchers to teach and research IHL contemporary issues, addressing both substantive and pedagogical aspects. Most of the seminar will take place at the ICRC conference centre, the Humanitarium, while some sessions will be organized at the Geneva Academy.
Profile of candidates
The seminar is addressed to academics holding a teaching/research position at a university or an academic institute. Candidates should have a very good knowledge of IHL and related fields of international law, and be motivated to improve and update their teaching skills in these subjects. As the seminar will be held in English, proficiency in this language is required.
Content
The seminar will address specific topics, such as recent trends in the classification of armed conflicts, foreign fighters, counterterrorism and IHL, challenges in the conduct of hostilities in today's armed conflicts, sexual violence and detention-related issues, implementation of IHL in courts, but also IHL teaching and research methodology.
In the evening, participants will be invited to conferences reflecting on humanitarian issues currently faced in situations of armed conflicts and violence, as well as relating to the implementation of IHL. Several visits are also planned to help participants grasp the historical origins of IHL and how it is implemented in armed conflicts today.
To get a better sense of the content and format of seminar sessions, interested candidates are welcome to watch videos from the 2015 edition here and listen to podcasts from the 2013 edition here.
Format
IHL substance, research and teaching methodology will be explored through panel discussions, debates, case studies, workshops, readings, research and visits. Sessions will be given by leading academics from Geneva and beyond, ICRC legal advisers and various experts. To foster interactions and debate amongst participants, sessions will be chaired by several speakers, who will provide different perspectives. Side events will also provide participants with informal opportunities for discussions with senior ICRC staff. Participants will be invited to keep in touch for further academic exchanges through a specific social media group.
How to register:
Interested candidates should submit:
• a completed application form (see attachment)
• a curriculum vitae including a updated list of academic publications
• a cover letter explaining the applicant's motivation and expectations
• a letter of recommendation
• a short abstract (max 150 words) about a humanitarian/legal issue or theme they are currently working on
Completed applications should be sent electronically to the following email address: ihlcourse@icrc.org. Any applications received after 30th June 2017 will not be considered by the selection committee. The number of participants is limited to 35. Candidates will be notified of the selection committee's decision by Monday, 31st July 2017.