LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights: What our Students Say

31 January 2019

In this interview, Naureen Rahim, currently enrolled in our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (LLM), tells us about the programme and life in Geneva.

About Me

I am Naureen from Bangladesh, a beautiful riverine country with a rich culture and diversity. I completed my LLB (Hons.) from the Eastern University in Bangladesh in 2014 and then did at the University of Dhaka a Postgraduate Diploma in Genocide Studies in 2015 and a Master of Social Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2017.

I also worked as a Research Associate at the Center for the Study of Genocide and Justice, a sister institution of the Liberation War Museum in Bangladesh. In this position, I was involved in various research projects (e.g. Bangladesh Genocide, Genocide against Rohingyas), organizing events and engaging the youths in learning issues related to international crimes and genocide prevention mechanisms.

I am passionate about research and I am interested in international crimes and cultural heritage law. I love solo travelling and experiencing cultural diversity. I speak Bangla, English and a little Spanish, and I am now learning French.

Why did you choose the LLM at the Geneva Academy?

For me, coming from a country which has experienced a nine-month-long war with a horrific genocide in 1971, it was very important to learn international humanitarian law issues. The Geneva Academy is the best institution which offers this LLM, also with a full scholarship, which was the main reason for me to apply for this master’s programme.

What are you enjoying in your studies?

I simply love the diverse group of students in the class. The teaching assistants are highly skilled and they try to help us in every possible way. This programme also offers a variety of internships and a study trip which would make this learning even more practical.

How is teaching?

The professors are well-renowned experts and practitioners in their own fields. The assignments and tutorials help us to critically think about the limitations and dimensions of each situation or case we study and the extent to which they can be solved.

What are you planning to do next?

After completing this programme I will return to my country and join academia. I will continue my research work with this extensive learning and transfer the knowledge I will acquire here to students in Bangladesh.

Why did you choose to be photographed in front of the Old Town?

Whenever I feel exhausted with the study loads or miss my family, I come here to release my stress. Old Town is the place where the First Geneva Convention was enacted, and I am thrilled to learn the Conventions here in Geneva!