The Geneva School of Diplomacy is proud to announce that Dr Jelena Aparac, Professor of International Law and Senior Academic Programme Coordinator at GSD, has been nominated by the Republic of Croatia as its candidate for election to the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission for the 2026–2031 term.
The election will take place on 20 November 2026 in Bern, with representatives of the 78 eligible Member States voting to elect the Commission’s members.
EXPERIENCE ACROSS INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS
Dr Aparac’s professional experience spans humanitarian operations in the field, humanitarian diplomacy, United Nations policy, multilateral negotiations, investigations and adjudication, as well as academic research and institutional leadership.
This breadth of experience allows her to connect rigorous international legal analysis with the operational realities of humanitarian action, civilian protection and international decision-making.
Her work includes humanitarian field and operational experience with Médecins Sans Frontières, contributions to United Nations reporting and international legal processes, and experience as a UNHCR-appointed judge assessor evaluating evidence in international protection cases.
THEMATIC EXPERTISE RELEVANT TO THE IHFFC MANDATE
Dr Aparac’s thematic expertise focuses on several areas directly relevant to contemporary armed conflict and the protection of affected populations:
- Protection of civilians in armed conflict
- Protection of healthcare in armed conflict
- Refugee and international protection
- Non-State armed actors in armed conflict
Her candidacy reflects a strong commitment to independent, impartial and rigorous fact-finding. It brings together legal expertise, humanitarian insight, operational understanding and institutional responsibility in the service of international humanitarian law.
The Geneva School of Diplomacy warmly congratulates Dr Aparac on this important nomination and wishes her every success in the election.
Further information about her candidacy is available at https://aparac.com.
