Organization: International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
Registration deadline: 15 Sep 2015
Starting date: 19 Oct 2015
Ending date: 23 Oct 2015
This 11th edition of the seminar, which is organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, aims to help lecturers teach and research contemporary IHL issues more effectively. The seminar will take place at the new ICRC conference centre, the Humanitarium, from Monday, 19 October to Friday, 23 October 2015 (participants are expected to arrive in Geneva on 18 October).
Profile of candidates: academics desirous to improve IHL teaching skills
The seminar is intended for academics holding a teaching/research position at a university or other academic institution. Candidates should have a sound knowledge of international humanitarian law (IHL) and related fields of international law, and should be motivated to become more skilful teachers of these subjects. Proficiency in English is required, as that will be the language of the seminar.
Seminar topics: Contemporary challenges to IHL and teaching methodologies
The seminar will address recent debates on specific IHL issues through workshops, debates, case studies, visits to places of scholarly interest and explore the use of various tools dedicated to IHL teaching.
Sessions will focus on IHL teaching methodologies and on recent substantive challenges, such as: the scope of application of the law in armed conflicts; multinational operations; developments in the interaction between IHL and international human rights law; the use of explosive weapons in populated areas; cyber-warfare; and developments in IHL implementation; among others. A panel conference on questions related to 'Generating respect for the law' will take place on Thursday evening. Participants may also expect to visit IHL libraries and academic institutions in Geneva.
To get a better sense of this forthcoming edition of the seminar, interested candidates may listen to podcasts of the 2013 edition on this page.
Format: co-chaired interactive sessions offering different perspectives
Lectures will be given by leading academics from Geneva and beyond, ICRC legal advisers and various experts. To foster interaction and debate amongst participants, some sessions will be chaired by two speakers, who will provide different perspectives. Side events will give participants opportunities for informal discussions with senior ICRC staff. Participants will be able to keep in touch after the seminar, for academic purposes, through the LinkedIN Network of IHL Professors.
How to register:
Interested candidates should submit:
- a completed application form
- a curriculum vitae containing an updated list of academic publications
- a cover letter explaining the applicant's motivation and expectations
- a letter of recommendation
- a short abstract on a humanitarian/legal issue or subject that the applicant is working on
Completed applications should be sent electronically to Margherita D'Ascanio at the following address: ihlcourse@icrc.org. Applications received after 15 September 2015 will not be considered. The number of participants is limited to 35. Candidates will be notified of the selection committee's decision by Friday, 30 September 2015.
Cost and expenses
A fee of 800 Swiss francs is required as a contribution to the total cost of the seminar. This will pay for accommodation for six nights, meals and seminar materials. Participants are expected to cover the expenses of their travel to and from Geneva.