MAS in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law: What our Students Say

19 December 2019

In this interview, Nana Kruashvili, who is enrolled in our Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law (MTJ), tells us about the programme and life in Geneva.

About Me

I’m Nana and I come from Georgia, a beautiful little country which sits along the coast of the Black Sea. Prior to coming to Geneva, I completed my LLB and LLM degrees in Public International Law with honours at the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. During that time, I participated in many projects, including moot courts, which led me, in order to give back the knowledge and experience I acquired, to co-found the Tbilisi State University Moot Court Society to assist students in their professional development. During my studies, I also worked in the field of migration and refugee law at the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia on several projects funded by international organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Most recently, I worked as a project coordinator at the NGO implementing a UNHCR project on the socio-economic integration of asylum seekers and refugees.

I enjoy travelling and discovering new cultures, I love cooking and baking, and I am passionate about swimming since my childhood. I speak Georgian, English and Russian.

Why did you choose the MTJ at the Geneva Academy?

One of the things that prompted me to choose the MTJ at the Geneva Academy was the unique opportunity to study mechanisms of transitional justice and to be exposed to different viewpoints and interdisciplinary approaches. I also wanted to explore the interplay between transitional justice and international law in various contexts worldwide, including in Georgia, which has seen its share of war and loss and where the implementation of transitional justice mechanisms would be relevant.

What are you particularly enjoying about this programme?

One of the things that I enjoy the most is the fact that students have the opportunity to get a close insight into various disciplines connected to transitional justice. Moreover, these disciplines are introduced by leading academics who help us understand how the law, practice and other fields interact with each other. Finally, I enjoy learning alongside 25 bright individuals from all around the world. The diverse student body, highly supportive staff, diversified curriculum and teamwork tasks help me to learn new skills and gain valuable knowledge.

What are you planning to do next?

Throughout my studies, I have taken particular interest in matters of international security and human rights. After graduating from the Geneva Academy my goal is, therefore, to get involved with international organizations and/or civil society actors working in the fields of transitional justice, migration and international security.

Why did you choose to be photographed in front of the Place du Marché in Carouge?

Place du Marché is located in a beautiful little neighbourhood in Geneva called Carouge. This spot, much like the entire district, has warm and cosy feel to it. From the moment I saw it, I felt the sense of community and tranquil lifestyle, which has kept me positive through every small bit of the struggle and stress of the studies.