Research Partners

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is a world-class research institution with a broad mandate in international affairs, and an interdisciplinary focus on international law, history, economics and political science. Moreover, ideally located in Geneva, it benefits from the environment of international, governmental and non-governmental organisations as well as diplomatic missions and contributes to intellectual debate and prospective reflection on all international and global issues. www.graduateinstitute.ch

Within the Graduate Institute, the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding (CCDP) administers the Project on "Transnational and Non-State Armed Groups". The CCDP conducts academic research on the general phenomenon of armed violence (“conflict”), on efforts to foster the conditions that prevent the outbreak or recurrence of such violence (“development”), as well as on comprehensive and/or targeted strategies to promote peaceful relations on the communal, national and international level (“peacebuilding”). Research projects elaborate on the link between security and development in war-torn areas, and on the tensions and synergies among international actors involved in humanitarian, security, and socio-economic reconstruction efforts. The CCDP offers expert support and policy-oriented research to the international community in Geneva, Switzerland, and beyond, and provides a platform for dialogue and networking through the organisation of conferences and workshops.www.ccdp.ch

HPCR

The Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR) is an international research and policy program based at the Harvard School of Public Health. The Program offers a multidisciplinary approach to new challenges in the field of humanitarian affairs. Key sectors of activity include human security, conflict management, and International Humanitarian Law. HPCR provides technical assistance and information support for international organizations engaged in conflict prevention and management. The Program was established in August 2000 as a collaborative effort of the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General, and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. www.hpcr.org

Geneva Call

Geneva Call is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to engaging armed non-state actors (NSAs) to respect and to adhere to humanitarian norms, starting with the ban on anti-personnel (AP) mines. Geneva Call is committed to the universal application of the principles of international humanitarian law and conducts its activities based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. The leading role of Geneva Call in the field of mine ban advocacy and mine action with “armed non-state actors” has been recognized by many governments and international organizations. It has been engaging with NSAGs for the last seven years, during which it has been in dialogue with some 60 NSAGs. www.genevacall.org

Small Arms Survey

The Small Arms Survey is an independent research project located at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. It serves as the principal international source of public information on all aspects of small arms and as a resource for governments, policy-makers, researchers, and activists.The Small Arms Survey is an independent research project located at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. It serves as the principal international source of public information on all aspects of small arms and as a resource for governments, policy-makers, researchers, and activists. www.smallarmssurvey.org 

Acknowledgements

This project is made possible  through the generous funding of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

We would like to acknowledge the following individuals for reviewing and providing thoughtful comments on the primers: Arild Birkenes, James Bevan, Prof. Riccardo Bocco, Armin Köhli, Jennifer Hazen, Jalal Al Husseini, Pamela Scholey, Anki Sjoeberg.

We would also like to acknowledge the valuable help of our interns: Mamadou Hebie, Dörte Hempfing, Jérôme Drevon, Sébastien Malo, Suzanne Roset.