Event information

29 September 2020, 18:30-20:00

Swiss Counter-Terrorism Laws: What are the Legal and Policy Challenges?

Event

Policeofficer from the back Policeofficer from the back

In order to prevent and combat terrorism and violent extremism, a number of European States have adopted far-reaching laws to criminalize participation in or support to terrorist organizations. Some have also adopted administrative measures, such as control orders, with a view to preventing terrorism.

The Swiss Parliament adopted on 25 September 2020 two controversial laws along these lines (see here and here). A number of international lawyers and human rights activists have voiced their concerns in relation to the potential impact of those laws on human rights and humanitarian action notably. Some of these concerns have been taken on board by the Parliament – notably regarding an exemption for humanitarian activities in relation to the criminalization of support to terrorist organizations. Others, such as the vague definition of terrorism or the risk of violating the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to drastic control orders for potential ‘terrorists’ have remained unheeded.

This panel will discuss the legal and policy challenges of the new Swiss laws in light of international law.

Moderation

  • Gloria Gaggioli, Director, Geneva Academy and Associate Professor, University of Geneva

Panelists

  • Dr iur. Roberta Arnold, Attorney
  • Dr Sandra Krähenmann, Thematic Legal Adviser, Geneva Call
  • Nils Melzer, Swiss Human Rights Chair, Geneva Academy, Professor of International Law, University of Glasgow and UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
  • Ilya Sobol, PhD candidate, University of Geneva, Counter-Terror Pro LegEm project
  • Françoise Bouchet-Saulnier, International Legal Director, Doctors without Borders (MSF)

In Geneva and Online

This event will take place both at Villa Moynier in Geneva and online on the platform Zoom.

At Villa Moynier

Those wishing to attend the meeting in Geneva at our headquarters (Villa Moynier) must announce themselves (events[at]geneva-academy.ch). As the capacity of the conference room is limited to 20 participants to respect current regulations regarding social distancing, places will be allocated on a ‘first-come-first-served’ basis. The wearing of a mask inside the premises is required.

Online

To follow the meeting online, register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Video

Swiss Counter-Terrorism Laws: What are the Legal and Policy Challenges?

Panelists discussed the legal and policy challenges of the new Swiss counter-terrorism laws in light of international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

 

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Group photo of participants to the pilot review News

Successful Final UN Human Rights Treaty Body Pilot Took Place in Fiji

18 December 2023

In November, our Geneva Human Rights Platform – in partnership with the Pacific Community and the Commonwealth Secretariat – conducted its third and final UN human rights treaty body follow-up review pilot in Nadi, Fiji.

Read more

Keyboard with helpdesk News

New Paper Discusses the Establishment of a Global Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights

11 December 2023

Our new Research Brief discusses the proposal to establish a global helpdesk on business and human rights at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

11-15 November 2024

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

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. Short Course

Preventing and Combating Terrorism

25 April - 17 May 2024

This online short course discusses the extent to which states may limit and/or derogate from their international human rights obligations in order to prevent and counter-terrorism and thus protect persons under their jurisdiction.

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

Plastic pollution on an Italian shore Project

Unpacking the Human Right to a Healthy Environment: Definition, Implementation and Impact

Started in January 2022

This research aims at mainstreaming the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the protection it affords in the work of the UN Human Rights Council, its Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review, as well as in the work of the UN General Assembly and UN treaty bodies.

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Unpacking the Burgeoning Challenge of Environmental Protection and the Right to Food in the Context of Armed Conflict

published on April 2024

Erica Harper, Junli Lim

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Briefing N° 23: The Human Rights Data Revolution

published on April 2024

Domenico Zipoli

Read more