International Humanitarian Law from edX

Armed conflicts have always existed around the world. Unfortunately, recent events have shown that this phenomenon is becoming increasingly complex, especially with respect to some legal issues, such as:

- The definition of combatants and the protection of detainees when terrorists are involved in the hostilities.- The detention by rebels of State armed forces.- The involvement and status of UN peacekeepers in armed conflicts.

This course will help you understand these complex legal issues by teaching you the law of armed conflict , a branch of public international law also known as ‘International Humanitarian Law’ (‘IHL’).We will address these issues in light of recent practice, including counter-terrorism, such as the fight against non-state actors like ISIS and Al-Qaeda in different regions of the world, as well as other recent and older conflicts, such as those in Armenia, Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, and the Israeli-Palestinian one.

The course will provide essential theoretical and practical knowledge for students, researchers and academics who wish to specialize in International Humanitarian Law as well as professionals, including members of NGOs, involved in armed conflict situations, or even members of armed forces.

In this course, you can choose between an audit (free) track and a verified track ($199 fee).

The audit track

Proposes a general approach to International Humanitarian Law (it’s a master level law course so learners with poor knowledge on this subject may have to work harder to understand the materials).
Assesses your mastery of the relevant concepts through multiple choice questions that avoid complex and controversial issues.
Implies a workload of about 4-7 hours/chapter

The verified track

Offers a deeper and more complex learning experience: detailed considerations and developments on controversial issues, additional videos and readings.
Assesses your mastery of complex and controversial issues through more complex MCQ, case studies and peer review assignments.
Offers a staff graded final exam.
Implies a workload of about 8-12 hours/chapter.
Delivers a verified certificate (in case of passing final grade) and allows you to pursue the International Law MicroMasters credentials.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Decode and analyze in depth complex issues related to armed conflicts.
Understand the philosophy and logic underlying international humanitarian law norms.

Be able to propose constructive solutions in light of the evolution of the nature of armed conflicts and the legal norms applicable to them.

Decode and analyze in depth complex issues related to armed conflicts.
Understand the philosophy and logic underlying international humanitarian law norms.
Be able to propose constructive solutions in light of the evolution of the nature of armed conflicts and the legal norms applicable to them.

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction

Introductory remarks about International Humanitarian Law, including the relationships between law and armed conflicts, a brief history of that Law and its relations with other branches of International Law, such as international human rights law.

Week 2: Sources and subjects

Analysis of the sources (treaty, including the four 1949 Geneva Conventions, custom and jus cogens) as well as subjects (States, international organizations like the United Nations and armed groups) of International Humanitarian Law.

Week 3: Scope of application

Qualification of situations of violence as armed conflicts and analysis of the temporal and geographical scope of application of International Humanitarian Law.

Week 4: Conduct of hostilities

Analysis of the norms regulating the conduct of hostilities, including the prohibitions to target persons and objects, the prohibitions to use weapons and methods of warfare and the obligation of precaution.

Week 5: Protection of persons

Analysis of the norms regulating the protection of persons in time of war, notably the wounded and sick people, the captured combatants and the civilians, including in time of occupation.

Week 6: State responsibility

Introductory remarks on the implementation means of International Humanitarian Law and analysis of State responsibility mechanisms in case of violations of that Law.

Week 7: Individual responsibility

Analysis of the relevant rules of international criminal law, including the national/international/hybrid mechanisms for the punishing of individuals responsible of war crimes.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the law of armed conflicts, which is essential knowledge in law and international relations

Taught by Raphaël Van Steenberghe, a recognized expert in International Humanitarian Law

Offers a verified track with a final exam and a verified certificate

Covers complex issues related to armed conflicts, including terrorism and UN peacekeeping

Suitable for students, researchers, academics, and professionals interested in International Humanitarian Law

Reviews summary

Engaging yet rigorous

According to students, International Humanitarian Law offers an in-depth exploration of complex legal topics, providing valuable insights into the field. However, students should be prepared for rigorous content and extensive reading.

Gain valuable insights into the complexities of international humanitarian law.

"I found it very worthwhile to understand the benefits and limits of the current system"

Prepare for in-depth study of complex legal topics.

"Fascinating but hard; prepare to do some intense reading"

"Get ready to make some very fine distinctions between subtle points"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in International Humanitarian Law with these activities:

Review prior knowledge on the law of armed conflict

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Bring existing knowledge up to par on the basics of law of armed conflict before starting the course.

Browse courses on Armed Conflict

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Review notes and materials from previous courses on international law
Read introductory articles or books on the law of armed conflict
Attend a refresher workshop or online course

Connect with professionals working in the field of international law and humanitarian aid

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Gain insights, guidance, and potential networking opportunities from experienced professionals.

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Attend industry events and conferences
Reach out to professionals through LinkedIn or email
Seek guidance and advice on career paths

Read 'The Law of Armed Conflict: An Introduction' by Louise Doswald-Beck

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and rules of international humanitarian law.

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes
Summarize the key concepts and principles
Identify and analyze the major cases and precedents

Five other activities

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Solve case studies and practice multiple-choice questions on the law of armed conflict

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Improve analytical and decision-making skills by applying law of armed conflict principles to real-world scenarios.

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Gather case studies and practice questions
Analyze the scenarios and apply relevant principles
Evaluate your answers and identify areas for improvement

Participate in study groups or online forums to discuss and analyze key concepts

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Engage with fellow learners to share perspectives, clarify understanding, and enhance critical thinking.

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Join or form study groups
Attend online meetings or discussions
Actively participate in discussions and share insights

Attend a workshop on international law and armed conflict

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Engage with experts and practitioners to gain insights and practical knowledge on the application of law of armed conflict.

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Actively participate in discussions and activities

Develop a presentation on a specific topic related to the law of armed conflict

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Deepen understanding and enhance communication skills on a chosen aspect of the law of armed conflict.

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Choose a specific topic and conduct research
Prepare an outline and gather supporting materials
Develop the presentation slides and content
Practice delivering the presentation

Volunteer with organizations providing humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas

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Gain practical experience working with victims of armed conflict and learn about the challenges and complexities faced by humanitarian organizations.

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Research and identify volunteer opportunities
Apply for and secure a volunteer position
Engage in humanitarian activities and learn from field experts
Reflect on your experiences and how they relate to the course

Career center

Learners who complete International Humanitarian Law will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Lawyer

As a Lawyer specializing in International Law, you will be responsible for providing legal advice on issues of international law, including the law of armed conflict. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, including the Geneva Conventions and the Hague Conventions. You will also learn about the role of international organizations, such as the United Nations, in the implementation of international humanitarian law.

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Legal Adviser

Legal Advisers provide legal advice to governments, international organizations, and other entities on a variety of legal issues, including international humanitarian law. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for providing sound legal advice in this area.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies on a variety of issues, including international humanitarian law. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for developing and analyzing policies in this area.

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Humanitarian Aid Worker

Humanitarian Aid Workers provide assistance to victims of armed conflict and other humanitarian crises. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for understanding the legal framework in which humanitarian aid is provided.

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Journalist

Journalists report on news and events from around the world, including armed conflict. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for understanding the legal issues involved in reporting on armed conflict.

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Academic

Academics teach and research in a variety of fields, including international humanitarian law. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for teaching and research in this area.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries' interests abroad, including in negotiations on international humanitarian law. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for representing your country's interests in this area.

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Military Officer

Military Officers plan and lead military operations, including in armed conflict. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for planning and leading military operations in accordance with the law.

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Police Officer

Police Officers enforce the law, including in armed conflict. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for enforcing the law in accordance with the law.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to people in need, including victims of armed conflict. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for understanding the legal framework in which social work is provided.

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Psychologist

Psychologists provide mental health care to people in need, including victims of armed conflict. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for understanding the legal framework in which psychological care is provided.

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Doctor

Doctors provide medical care to people in need, including victims of armed conflict. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for understanding the legal framework in which medical care is provided.

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Nurse

Nurses provide nursing care to people in need, including victims of armed conflict. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for understanding the legal framework in which nursing care is provided.

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Teacher

Teachers teach students about a variety of subjects, including international humanitarian law. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for teaching about this topic in the classroom.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find information, including information about international humanitarian law. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the law of armed conflict, which will be essential for helping people find information about this topic.

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