New Podcast: The Geneva Conventions on Trial

21 November 2024

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. Do they address the realities of modern warfare? Are they to blame when violations occur? And do they really justify killing? In the latest episode of our podcast series ‘In and Around War(s)’, we delve into these frequently formulated questions by putting the Geneva Conventions on trial.

‘One of the worst things I saw written in a national newspaper was by a former general, who claimed the Geneva Conventions entitle you to kill people,’ says Andrew Clapham. ‘The Geneva Conventions provide protection—protection for prisoners of war, protection for civilians in occupied territory, and so on. Nowhere do they state you are entitled to kill combatants. That is a misperception that people overlay onto them to justify their behaviour.’

This episode was co-produced with Janet H. Anderson and Stephanie van den Berg from the Asymmetrical Haircuts podcast, who lead the discussion by presenting three charges against the Geneva Conventions. Acting as defenders are Andrew Clapham, Professor of International Law at the Graduate Institute, and Gloria Gaggioli, Associate Professor and Vice-Dean of the Law Faculty at the University of Geneva. The verdict is ultimately delivered by Francesco Romani, Research Fellow at the Geneva Academy.

All previous episodes, along with those from the current season can be found on the podcast page of the Geneva Academy website, as well as Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

News

The Jean-Pictet Competition: Learning Beyond the Classroom

10 December 2024

Each year, the Geneva Academy sends a team of students to the Jean-Pictet Competition. Participating in this leading moot court is a life-changing experience and an integral part of our programmes.

Read more

News

New Podcast: The Geneva Conventions on Trial

21 November 2024

A new episode of our podcast 'In and Around War(s)' with the theme 'The Geneva Conventions on Trial' has just been released.

Read more

Event

Strengths and Challenges of Inter-State Applications Before the European Court of Human Rights

22 May 2025, 18:30-20:00

In this Geneva Academy Talk Judge Lətif Hüseynov will discuss the challenges of inter-State cases under the ECHR, especially amid rising conflict-related applications.

Read more

Training

Human Rights and the Environment: Introducing Legal Regimes and Key Issues

1-8 September 2025

Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

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

10-14 November 2025

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

Un plate with Rapporteur Spécial written on it Project

Support to UN Special Procedures

Started in June 2020

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

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

War on Minorities’ Under the Guise of Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism

published on December 2024

Beatrice Meretti

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Navigating Pathways Toward Transitional Justice in Ukraine

published on October 2024

Robin van der Lugt, Chhime Namdol Sherpa

Read more