India-China Relations Seminar Excursion to Geneva
In the summer semester of 2026, the seminar India–China Relations, taught by Dr. Dieter Reinhardt, organized an insightful excursion to Geneva. A delegation of 25 students participated in the study trip.
1. Meeting with the Chief of the Asia-Pacific Section at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
The delegation departed on Monday, 13 July 2026, and held its first meeting later that day at 4:00 p.m. at the historic Palais Wilson with Mr. Rory Mungoven, Chief of the Asia-Pacific Section at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and Ms. Aida Martirous-Nejad.
Prior to the meeting, the delegates had prepared several questions, primarily focusing on India and China. However, the discussion was not limited to these two countries. The delegates also raised questions concerning human rights issues in other parts of Asia, including the 2024 student protests in Bangladesh and the violence in Manipur, India.
2. Visit to the Permanent Mission of Germany in Geneva
On the second day of the excursion, the delegation began the day with a visit to the Permanent Mission of Germany in Geneva at 9:15 a.m., where they met with Mr. Gunnar Berkemeier, Minister-Counsellor for Political Affairs.
During the discussion, the delegates asked a wide range of questions concerning Germany's foreign policy. The topics included Germany's relations with China and India, the different strategies Germany employs to maintain constructive relationships with both countries, Germany's relations with Israel, its position on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, issues of disarmament and arms control, and Germany's role within the United Nations Human Rights Council.
3. Meeting with Professor Miloon Kothari at the Geneva Graduate Institute
Following the visit to the Permanent Mission of Germany, the delegation proceeded to the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung office at 10:45 a.m. for a meeting with Professor Miloon Kothari, an independent expert on human rights and social policy.
Professor Kothari, who has extensive experience in United Nations human rights mechanisms and standards, delivered an insightful presentation on the various bodies of the United Nations and the role of Special Rapporteurs. Drawing on his own professional experience, he also spoke about his tenure as the first United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. His personal reflections provided the delegates with valuable insights into the practical work of the UN human rights system.
4.The Permanent Mission of India in Geneva
At 2pm the student delegation had a meeting at the Permanent Mission of India, where they were first welcomed by three officers, who started taking questions from the delegates and after a short while, the Ambassador Arindam Bagchi joined in the discussion and had a Q&A session with the delegates. Many topics were discussed, such as India’s relations with China concerning border disputes, exports and imports and their cooperation in international organizations. Not only were India and China relations discussed but also press freedom in India and other human rights concerns.
5. Meeting with Ms. Orsolya Toth, Human Rights Officer
Immediately following the visit to the Permanent Mission of India, the delegation returned to the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung office for its final meeting of the day, which began at 4:00 p.m. There, the delegates met with Ms. Orsolya Toth, a Human Rights Officer.
Ms. Toth explained the procedures through which victims of human rights violations, or their family members, can bring their concerns before the United Nations. She also outlined the responsibilities and scope of work of Human Rights Officers within the UN system. During the subsequent question-and-answer session, the delegates asked about the emotional challenges associated with working in the field of human rights. Drawing on her own professional experience, Ms. Toth described the work as emotionally demanding and, at times, overwhelming. She also explained that the United Nations provides psychological support for staff members working in this field, recognizing the emotional burden that such work can entail.
6. The Permanent Mission of Pakistan in Geneva
On the third day of the excursion, the delegates started their day at the Permanent Mission of Pakistan in Geneva at 9:15am. They were welcomed by Deputy Permanent Representative Jawad Ali and Counsellor Husham Ahmed with a short presentation on Pakistan and the mission’s tasks in Geneva. They emphasized that global problems can’t be tackled by a single country, thus the importance of multilateral bodies and the importance of protecting multilateralism in a world full of challenges. The delegates had prepared questions about human rights concerns in Pakistan, Pakistan’s relations with China and Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the US-Iran war. The discussion provided valuable insights into Pakistan's foreign policy priorities and its approach to international cooperation.
7. Visit to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in Geneva
At 11:00 a.m., the delegation visited the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in Geneva, where they were welcomed by Ambassador Nahida Sobhan and several counsellors. The meeting began with a question-and-answer session during which the delegates discussed a range of topics with the Ambassador, including Bangladesh's garment industry, child labour, climate change and its impact on the country's river systems, as well as the student-led protests that took place in Bangladesh in 2024.
Following the discussion, the delegates had the honour of sharing a home-cooked lunch with Ambassador Sobhan. The menu had been personally selected by the Ambassador, reflecting her warm hospitality and generosity. This memorable meeting provided an opportunity for informal exchange and cultural engagement, bringing the excursion to a fitting and enjoyable conclusion.
