Swiss Centre for International Humanitarian Law

The primary purpose of the Swiss Center for International Humanitarian Law (SCIHL) is to promote international humanitarian law. To achieve this goal, the SCIHL organizes events and activities of a practical and multidisciplinary nature, including: a) Organizing courses, training sessions, and continuing education in the fields of: international humanitarian law; human rights; refugee law and all related topics; b) Promoting dialogue with a view to increasing acceptance and improving the implementation of laws in the areas of law mentioned in paragraph a); c) Organizing international conferences, meetings, and seminars related to the areas of law mentioned in paragraph a); d) Promoting discussion and exchange between research and practice; e) Conducting research activities in the areas mentioned in paragraph a); f) Maintaining and fostering close cooperation with governments, international organizations, academic bodies, and other public or private institutions dealing with humanitarian issues, particularly the institutions of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; g) Awarding scholarships and prizes for research; h) Promoting the publication of books and journals, as well as the production of electronic materials in the areas mentioned in paragraph a); i) Compiling a collection of relevant literature and documentation. Furthermore, the SCIHL organizes and supports initiatives aimed at influencing public opinion in favor of a greater dissemination of knowledge and more efficient application of international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles. All activities of the SCIHL can be carried out in collaboration with other like-minded institutions. The Institute may not engage in any activities other than those mentioned in this purpose statement or those related to them.