UNITAR Launches New Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice with a Briefing on International Human Rights Protection and Promotion

UNITAR Launches New Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice

September, Geneva, Switzerland - The Briefing on International Human Rights Protection and Promotion kick-started the first edition of UNITAR’s Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools required to handle the complexities of Human Rights Law during international and peace negotiations. Participants greatly appreciated the timeliness of the briefing, given that the 30^th Session of the Human Rights Council was being held concomitantly.

Drawing on the extensive experience of two experts: Mr. Alain Sigg, a senior lecturer on International Negotiation and Policy-Making at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, as well as a member of the Swiss expert pool for Peace Building at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Cynthia Gervais, a specialist in UN human rights mechanisms, participants were able to gain a global understanding of the concept of Human Rights.

As a scholar and an academic, Mr. Sigg was well-placed to provide an in-depth overview of Human Rights theory, including their historical origins and the complementarity and convergence of International Human Rights Law, Humanitarian Law and Refugee Law. For her part, Ms. Gervais provided a thorough analysis of the various mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, ensuring that participants were suitably equipped to take part in ongoing Human Rights-related negotiations, talks and meetings.

Participants greatly appreciated this briefing, with one commenting: “we have explored vast areas of international law and Human Rights mechanisms these two days of workshop. The interpreters knew how to emphasise their points and the substantial expectations during their presentations.” Furthermore, 100% of participants stated that they would recommend the briefing to a colleague.

With the first activity of the Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice on the books as a resounding success, UNITAR looks forward to the upcoming Orientation Briefing on Geneva’s International Working Environment to be held on the 12^th of October 2015.

Photo: The trainer, Ms. Cynthia Gervais (in front), with the participants

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