These Congress events seek to explore these intersections and bring forward the stories and expertise of those frequently left unheard. By addressing key themes such as the rights of women and children, the protection of humanitarian workers, and the lives of people with disabilities in conflict, this Congress aims to foster meaningful dialogue, inspire action, and propose innovative pathways toward inclusivity in human rights and humanitarian practices.
Day 1 – April 3rd
Panel: Rights of the Child in Conflict
At 12:15 – 14:00 in Auditorium A2 | Maison de la paix, Geneva
This panel will delve into the complex challenges faced by children and adolescents in conflict zones and migration journeys. We aim to discuss the multifaceted issues these vulnerable groups face, including the trauma of war, the disruption of education, and the barriers to accessing essential support services. The panel will feature experts and practitioners with extensive experience in the field.
Discussion:
- Rob Grace, Lead Researcher, Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict (in videoconference),
- Alex Kamarotos, Executive Director, Defence for Children International,
- Siobhan Sparkes Mcnamara, ICRC’s Global Adviser on Child Protection,
- Dr. Mikiko Otani, International human rights lawyer and President of Child Rights Connect (in videoconference)
Moderated by Prathit Singh, Advocate for Child and Youth Rights and Master Student at the Geneva Graduate Institute
Panel: Gender-Based Violence in Conflict
At 16:15 – 18:00 in Auditorium A2 | Maison de la paix, Geneva
How does gendered violence become a weapon of war?
In the complex landscape of conflict, gender plays a pivotal role—shaping the roots
of social unrest and the dynamics of violence. This event explores the connections between gender insecurity and armed conflict, highlighting the importance of including a gender perspective in conflicts.
Discussion:
- Nelly Standerini, Head of MSF unit of women and children’s health
- Callum Watson, Gender coordinator at Small Arms Survey
- Catrin Schulte-Hillen, Midwife and SRHie specialist in emergencies UNFPA
Moderated by Sara Magrotto, International Law Master Student at the Geneva Graduate Institute
Film Screening for Women’s Rights : Writing Hawa
At 18:15 – 20:30 in Auditorium A2 | Maison de la paix, Geneva
Writing Hawa
Afghanistan, 2023. After being married off at 13 and raising six now-adult children, Hawa embarks on a journey to liberate herself from her role as a housewife by learning to read and write. Determined to rebuild her life despite countless obstacles, she has the support of her daughter, filmmaker Najiba Noori. Yet when the Taliban recaptures power, Hawa’s dreams, like those of many other women, fall apart. Najiba flees to France while Hawa remains, resolved to preserve hope despite the severe new restrictions on women’s freedoms. This film honours Hawa’s resilience and the unwavering courage of Afghan women confronting oppression.
Awards: FiPRESCI at IDFA, Youth Jury Award at FIFDH Geneva, Audience Award at the One World Film Festival.
With a video message from the director, Najiba Noori, for the students of the IHEID.
If you would like to know more about the film and the project.
Networking Apéro
At 20:30 – 21:30 in Hall Interpétale | Maison de la paix, Geneva
We warmly welcome you to join us for a networking apéro to conclude the first day of Congress and to connect with fellow panellists, students, and professionals.
Day 2 – April 4th
Panel: Disability in Conflict
At 12:15 – 14:00 in S12, FAB | Maison de la paix, Geneva
This panel will examine the legal frameworks and policies, the lived experiences, and rights of persons with disabilities (PWD), in conflict and humanitarian crisis settings. It will explore the existing protection frameworks for PWD, as well as the challenges disability communities face, the importance of inclusive policies, and practical strategies for empowerment and resilience.
This event is complemented by a photo exhibition by Giles Duley, showcasing stories of individuals overcoming adversity in Petal 1 at Maison de la Paix.
Discussion:
- Alexander Breitegger, Legal adviser at the International Committee of the Red Cross
- William Pons, Associated Member at Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) - Former Senior Legal Advisor, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- Veronica Ngum Ndi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Community Association for Vulnerable Persons (CAVP), Cameroon (in videoconference)
Moderator Helena Nygren Krug, Senior Adviser at UNAIDS and visiting professor and the Geneva Graduate Institute
Panel: Protection of Humanitarian Workers
At 16:15 – 18:00 in Auditorium A2 | Maison de la paix, Geneva
What does it take to serve on the frontlines of crises?
This event offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges faced by humanitarian workers, from navigating security risks and ensuring personal safety to grappling with complex ethical dilemmas in conflict zones and disaster settings. Unfortunately, this issue is becoming increasingly pertinent, forcing us to question the efficiency and diminishing respect for humanitarian law.
Discussion:
- Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah, Renowned Reconstructive and War Surgeon, Rector of Glasgow University, and Protagonist of A State Of Passion (in videoconference)
- Lisa Anouk Müller-Dormann, Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding Coordinator at the Danish Refugee Council
- Olivier Vandecasteele, Founder and Director of Protect Humanitarians (in videoconference)
- Christina Wille, Director of Insecurity Insight
Moderated by Triya Roy and Alice Boschetti, Co-presidents of the HRCP Initiative and Master’s Student at the Geneva Graduate Institute
Closing Networking Apéro
At 18:00 – 19:00 in Hall Interpétale | Maison de la paix, Geneva
We warmly welcome you to join us for a networking apéro to conclude our Congress and to connect with fellow panellists, students, and professionals.
