‘The 1949 Geneva Conventions: A Commentary’ is Now Available in Paperback!

Cover page of the book Cover page of the book

27 February 2018

‘The 1949 Geneva Conventions: A Commentary’, edited by Professors Andrew Clapham, Paola Gaeta, and Marco Sassòli is now available in Paperback .

An Up-To-Date Explanation of the Meaning and Application of the Geneva Conventions

The four Geneva Conventions, adopted in 1949, remain the fundamental basis of contemporary international humanitarian law. In this ground-breaking commentary, over sixty international law experts investigate the application of the Geneva Conventions and explain how they should be interpreted today. Particular attention is paid to the changing nature of armed conflicts and questions related to the threshold for armed conflict, the beginning and end of occupations, the geographical scope of conflicts and the complex interactions between the Geneva Conventions and branches of international law such as international criminal law, refugee law and human rights law.

A Project Conducted under the Auspices of the Geneva Academy

This publication is the result of a collaboration between the Faculty from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and the Law Faculty of the University of Geneva, co-ordinated and facilitated by the Geneva Academy.

Besides, the three editors, several Geneva Academy’s researchers, alumni, lecturers and professors contributed to this volume, including Annyssa Bellal, Vincent Chetail, Jérôme de Hemptinne, Giovanni Distefano, Iris van der Heijden, Robert Kolb and Nishat Nishat.

2017 Certificate of Merit by the American Society of International Law

The American Society of International Law has awarded their 2017 Certificate of Merit for ‘High Technical Craftsmanship and Utility to Practicing Lawyers and Scholars’ to the book.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

GTI Logo News

In Highlight: Global Torture Index

26 June 2025

Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the current highlight of the directory: Global Torture Index

Read more

ECOSOC Panel United Nations News

Dr Erica Harper Warns of Dangerous Global Conflict Surge at UN ECOSOC Panel

23 June 2025

Our Head of Research and Policy Studies, Dr Erica Harper, spoke at a United Nations Economic and Social Council panel on June 16th, focused on Humanitarian Aid Under Siege.

Read more

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.

Read more

surveillance image of people Project

Human Rights in a Digitalized World: Mapping Risk, Strengthening Regulation and Promoting the Development of International Human Rights Law

Started in August 2023

To unpack the challenges raised by artificial intelligence, this project will target two emerging and under-researched areas: digital military technologies and neurotechnology.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more