Information

24 April - 13 May 2025
Application start 5 August 2024
Application end 10 April 2025
Fee: 1250 Swiss Francs

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Preventing and Combating Terrorism

Afghanistan, Parwan detention facility. Inside a room where detainees of the prison, separated by an acrylic glass, are allowed to meet with their families a couple of times per year with the help of the ICRC employees who facilitate the programme. Afghanistan, Parwan detention facility. Inside a room where detainees of the prison, separated by an acrylic glass, are allowed to meet with their families a couple of times per year with the help of the ICRC employees who facilitate the programme.

Descriptive

Since the 9.11 attacks, and with the multiplication of terrorist attacks on European soil, terrorism is considered one of the most important security threats the international community has to face. To what extent may states limit and/or derogate from their international human rights obligations in order to prevent and counter terrorism and thus protect persons under their jurisdiction? Which and whose human rights are at risk when states fight terrorism? What are the human rights challenges posed by the United Nations counter-terrorist sanctions regime? In which circumstances may lethal force – including drone strikes – be used against alleged members of terrorist groups or so-called ‘lone wolves’? Which international law rules apply in relation to the internment/detention and interrogation of persons accused of terrorism?

These are some of the key issues discussed in this short course, addressing several rights including the right to life, the right to liberty, the prohibition of torture, the right to property, and freedom of movement. Although the course is mainly human rights oriented, other international legal frameworks such as jus ad bellum and international humanitarian law will be touched upon. Recent trends in counter-terrorism, such as the preventing and countering violent extremism agenda, will be discussed in light of their human rights impact.

Online

This is an online short course.

Schedule

Classes will take place online during lunchtime on:

  • Thursday, 24 April 2025, 12:00-14:00h (CET)
  • Friday, 25 April 2025, 12:00-14:00h (CET)
  • Friday, 2 May 2025, 15:00-17:00h (CET)
  • Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 15:00-17:00h (CET)
  • Thursday, 8 May 2025, 15:00-17:00h (CET)
  • Tuesday, 13 May 2025, 15:00-17:00h (CET)

Audience

This short course forms part of the Geneva Academy Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict. It is open to professionals – diplomats, lawyers, legal advisers, judges, NGO staff, human rights advocates, media specialists, professionals working in emergency situations, UN staff and staff from other international organizations – who are not enrolled in the Executive Master and who want to deepen their expertise in this specific issue.

Fee

The fee for this online short course is 1,250 Swiss Francs. In case of cancellation by the participants, CHF 200 won't be returned.

Certificate

Participants obtain a certificate at the end of the course (no ECTS credits are gained).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via this online form.

If you encounter problems with your application, do not hesitate to contact us.

Your application will need to include:

  • A short motivation letter (no more than one page)
  • Your curriculum vitae
  • Proof of your competence in English (a certificate or statement highlighting your solid background in English)

Once admitted to the course, participants receive instructions on how to pay. Proof of payment is required before you begin the course.

Professors and Lecturers

Picture of Fionnuala Ní Aoláin

Fionnuala Ní Aoláin

Regents Professor and Robina Professor of Law, Public Policy and Society, University of Minnesota Law School and Professor of Law, Queens University

Professor Ní Aoláin is Professor of Law at The Queens University Belfast, and was the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism from 2017-2023.

Picture of Ben Saul

Ben Saul

Challis Chair of International Law at The University of Sydney and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism

Professor Ben Saul is Challis Chair of International Law at The University of Sydney and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism.

Location

Online course

Access

Online

The course will be conducted online using the ZOOM platform.

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