Training Seminar on International Humanitarian Law for Journalists, Geneva, 28-29 September 2006

Applications are invited for a training seminar on international humanitarian law for journalists, organized by the Crimes of War Project and the University Centre for International Humanitarian Law (UCIHL), to be held in Geneva on 28-29 September 2006.

An understanding of the basic principles of the laws of armed conflict is an essential tool for journalists reporting on conflict, detention or war crimes trials.  The spreading reach of military operations associated with the fight against terrorism, and the increasing use of international tribunals to hold people accountable for mass atrocities, have made it more important than ever for reporters to have some knowledge of the essential rules of international humanitarian law.

This training workshop will provide an introduction to the essential elements of the law and look at the way they apply in real-world conflicts.  No previous knowledge of the subject is necessary.

The seminar will build on the experience of the Crimes of War Project in presenting the central principles of international humanitarian law in a clear and accessible way, and the knowledge and expertise of the University Centre for International Humanitarian Law.

The co-directors of the seminar will be Professor Louise Doswald-Beck, Director of the UCIHL, and Anthony Dworkin, Director of the Crimes of War Project.  Instructors will be journalists, professors and practitioners of law.  The language of instruction will be English.

Topics covered will include detention, disappearances, reporting on armed conflict and war crimes trials.  For further details of the workshop agenda, see our draft programme.

The tuition fee for the course is CHF 540 (Approx. Euro 350), not including travel costs or accommodation.  

Applications for the training seminar, including full CV’s and a statement explaining the candidate’s interest, should be sent by 15 August 2006 to:

Ms. Pauline Cernaix
University Centre for International Humanitarian Law
Tel: +41 22 379 85 71
E-mail: [email protected]

Places are limited to 20 participants. Applicants will be notified of the result of their applications by 31 August 2006.

For further information about the seminar, please contact Ms. Cernaix at the adddress and telephone number given above.