Geneva Summer Schools 2014, Université de Genève
Understanding Humanitarian Action
23 June - 4 July 2014
Deadline for application: 1 May 2014

This summer school provides participants with an understanding of the main stakes and questions in Humanitarian Action (HA) and contributes to building one’s own critical thinking.

The first week introduces the main concepts of this type of aid – including elements to be considered (or not) for a definition of Humanitarian Action – and presents the humanitarian principles and framework in which interventions take place. As we look at the history, law and geopolitics of Humanitarian Action, we also analyse the causes of humanitarian crises and types of responses.
Through case studies on contexts such as the Philippines, Syria, Haiti or Afghanistan, the main operational challenges faced by international and local organisations will be identified during the second week. Finally, working on a concrete scenario during two days, participants will partially experience the tasks undertaken by humanitarian workers and get the opportunity to practically apply their newly acquired knowledge.

Overall, the two weeks allow participants to capture the complexity and diversity of Humanitarian Action.

Assessment of the participants is based on active participation and an assignment carried out during the 2 days scenario.

Target audience
The course is aimed at non-humanitarian professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, who have the desire to learn and understand more about Humanitarian Action, to study this field and/or to become part of a humanitarian organisation. CERAH encourages applications of participants coming from a large variety of disciplines – social sciences, humanities, arts, medicine… The course is taught in English.

The full programme, information on fees and how to apply, can be found here.