International Law & International Humanitarian Law
Bachelor and Masters students, PhD candidates, as well as junior professionals from all walks of life who are interested in international law and/or international humanitarian law.
BACKGROUND
Geneva has long been one of the world’s capitals of international law. The presence of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and many other international organizations and NGOs make it a buzzing place in the field. This breeding ground naturally led to the focus and strength of the University of Geneva in international law. This summer course provides one of the easiest ways to have access to that world.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is made for students and junior professionals who are intrigued by international law or marvel at its day-to-day interactions with international politics, affairs and business. This is the opportunity for such learners to get a crash course to introduce them to this fast moving, intellectually thrilling and profoundly humane field of the law.
The course is shaped so as to bring out the best of current issues in international law, while remaining accessible to non-specialists and seeking to broach the main principles of “International Law 101”, so as to allow enthusiasts to go further.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this course, participants will have a general understanding of some of the cutting-edge issues in international law today. This will allow them to either orient their future studies or refresh and extend existing knowledge.
ADMISSION
Due to the high number of applications for this course, admission can take up to 4 weeks and is subject to availability.
Please note that it is the student’s own responsibility to validate this course for credit at their home university prior to the summer school, as specified in our Terms & Conditions.
1 week (International Humanitarian Law) 07.07.2025 - 11.07.2025
UNIGE students: CHF 250
External students (*): CHF 900
Junior professionals (*): CHF 1,100
2 weeks (International Law) 23.06.2025 - 04.07.2025
UNIGE students: CHF 300
External students (*): CHF 1,400
Junior professionals (*): CHF 1,700
3 weeks (International Law & International Humanitarian Law) 23.06.2025 - 11.07.2025
UNIGE students : CHF 350
External students (*): CHF 1,800
Junior professionals (*): CHF 2,200
(*) Bachelor and master’s degree-seeking students only. The tuition fees for lifelong learning students are subject to employment status.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 April 2025
Course Director:
Dr. Elena Cima
Elena Cima is a Senior Lecturer in International Law at the University of Geneva, where she teaches courses on international environmental law, energy law, and investment law.
She holds a PhD in International Law from the Geneva Graduate Institute, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Milan and an LL.M degree from Yale Law School, where she was editor of the Yale Journal of International Law. She also supervises several international environmental and economic law clinic projects at the LLM Program in Public International Law at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
She has published in several peer-reviewed journals on international environmental law, as well as on the interface between international environmental law and trade, investment, human rights and energy law, and has recently published a monograph with Brill entitled From Exception to Promotion: Rethinking the Relationship between International Trade and Environmental Law.
Elena often participates in international treaty negotiations and arbitrations in relation to climate change, water, trade and investment law.
Océane Reuse
Océane Reuse is the Course Coordinator of the Geneva Summer School in International Law and International Humanitarian Law. With a robust academic foundation in international law, including a Master’s degree from the University of Geneva and an exchange program at Seoul National University, Océane specializes in Business and Human Rights. After completing her studies, she worked as a trainee for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs at the Permanent Representation of Switzerland to the Council of Europe. She is currently conducting research for an NGO focused on North Korean human rights.
Lecturers and guest speakers
The program features a range of esteemed lecturers guest speakers, including private legal practitioners, renowned academics, members of international organizations, public legal practitioners from international courts and tribunals, and ambassadors. Participants benefit from engaging lectures and discussions with experts in various fields, offering deep insights into the most pressing issues in international law today.
Program Structure
The Summer School consists of three weekly modules. Below is an outline of the program based on previous years. Please note that the content is subject to change and the final schedule will be provided closer to the event.
- Week One – 23 June to 27 June 2025
- Theme: The Spirit and Functioning of International Law
- Possible topics: General International Law, Courts and Tribunals, International Organizations, Jus Cogens, Responsibility and Reparations in International Judicial Practice
- Field trip: United Nations
- Week Two – 30 June to 4 July 2025
- Theme: Current Challenges in International Law
- Possible topics: Law of the Sea, International Trade Law, Global Health, International Investment Law, Climate Change and Governance, Water Governance, International Environmental Law
- Field trip: World Trade Organization
- Week Three – 7 July to 11 July 2025
- Theme: Humanitarian Dimensions of International Law
- Possible Topics: Use of Force, Transitional Justice, International Humanitarian Law, International Terrorism, Business and Human Rights, Migration law
- Field trip: ICRC Museum
Additionally, the program includes networking events and a roundtable discussion on career opportunities in international law, providing valuable opportunities for participants to connect with professionals in the field.
Certificate of Attendance
Upon successful completion of the Summer School, participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance, reflecting their active participation in the program.
Credits
Subsequently to the in-person program in Geneva, participants have the opportunity to write an academic paper on a topic related to International Law or International Humanitarian Law of their choice. Depending on the policy of their home university or institution, successful completion of the paper may earn academic credits.
- 3 ECTS credits for one week of attendance
- 6 ECTS credits for two weeks of attendance
- 9 ECTS credits for the completion of the full three-week program
Luzhen Gong, University of Vienna, Austria - 2024 Edition
I can confidently say that my horizons in this academic area have not only widened, but also pushed me to pursue my objectives and goals in order to step back into this world.
Three weeks in the lovely city of Geneva presented the chance for me to engage in the University of Geneva Summer School Programme about International Law and International Humanitarian Law.
Geneva is not only well-known for its magnificent, clear blue lake but also for its international organisation hub. This course of study helped me gain insight into many different facets of the relevance of international regulation and implementation. I have not only deepened my knowledge but also made some amazing memories with my fellow colleagues (we were having lunch together, took many pictures, and explored the city at the weekend).
Thankfully, the course director, Prof. Dr. Elena Sima, and the course coordinator, Océane Reuse, didn't just focus on theory; we also diligently investigated field excursions to the headquarters of the UN, the WTO, and the museum of the ICRC, where officials showed us the daily itinerary with its practical side. After savoring this summer school, I can confidently say that my horizons in this academic area have not only widened, but also pushed me to pursue my objectives and goals in order to step back into this world.
Seeing everyone once more excites me.
Margaux Descheemaeker, Ghent University, Belgium - 2022 Edition
I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the Geneva Summer Schools, participating in the course "International Law" hosted by the University of Geneva.
It was a pleasure learning about a broad range of interesting and important topics such as global health, the politics of international law, climate change, artificial intelligence in war, and ocean governance.I am looking forward to implementing all the valuable information I have gained into practice!
Sabina Dalipova - 2015 Edition
I participated in 2015 and it I got my first international law experience out of if from Prof Makane Mbengue who let me help him as a student assistant during the summer school.