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International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice

Approx. 19 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course covers the basics of International Humanitarian Law, including the rules and regulations governing armed conflicts, as well as the roles and responsibilities of humanitarian actors.

Key Learning Points

Learn the different types of conflicts and their legal implications
Understand the rules of war and the protection of civilians
Explore the roles and responsibilities of humanitarian actors

Learning Outcomes

Understand the basic principles and regulations of International Humanitarian Law
Gain insight into the roles and responsibilities of humanitarian actors
Develop the skills to effectively address legal and humanitarian challenges in conflict zones

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of international law and human rights
Familiarity with the legal and political landscape of conflict zones

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

International Human Rights Law
International Criminal Law
International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

President of the International Committee of the Red Cross
Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Related Books

Description

“International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice” is the first MOOC of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law, which is the platform within the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University for the research, teaching and dissemination of international humanitarian law (IHL).

In this course, Prof. Robert Heinsch, Dr. Giulia Pinzauti and Dr. Emma Irving will give you a deep insight into the rules that govern armed conflict, and aim to mitigate human suffering on the battlefield. You will explore the why and how of IHL, followed by the different types of conflict. In no time you will find out which rules apply to the civil war in Syria, the military intervention in Ukraine and the occupation of the West Bank. During this course, you will learn how hostilities should be waged: Which weapons can be used by combatants and other fighters? And, who should never be a target during military operations? We will also look into the concept of protected persons, and you will find out how IHL affords protection to the sick and wounded, medical personal, detainees, children, journalists and other persons who are not - or not anymore - fighting. At the end of this course, you are introduced to the different implementation and enforcement mechanisms that aim to increase respect for IHL. Here, you are invited to think critically whether IHL works! Throughout this course you will benefit from a mix of theory and practice, which is at the heart of the vision and mandate of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum. You can participate for instance in an ongoing case study where drones are flying over the fictitious country Arfula, and detainees are locked up in tiny cells. Or, you can join our discussions about IHL success stories and the major IHL challenges we face today, with distinguished speakers from the International Committee of the Red Cross and US Naval War College! This course is free to join and to participate in. There is the possibility to get a verified certificate for the course, which is a paid option. If you want a certificate, but are unable to pay for it, you can request financial aid via Coursera.

Outline

Welcome to this course!
Trailer and course introduction
How to succeed in your online class?
Meet the instructor and his team
Leiden University: Facts & Figures
Welcome to Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum and the respective partners
Overview legal texts and abbreviations
Copyright note
Community Guidelines

Introduction to International Humanitarian Law
Basic concepts and history of IHL
Welcome to the Arfula case study
Textbook and introduction podcast interview
Introduction case study and further readings
Test your IHL knowledge

Conflict classification
Conflicts in Syria, Ukraine & Yemen
International armed conflicts
Non-international armed conflicts
Military interventions, NIAC spill-over and situations below armed conflict
Arfula case study
Legal sources and textbook
Legal sources and textbook
Textbook and introduction podcast interview
Test your IHL knowledge
Arfula case study

Conduct of hostilities
Drone strikes in Pakistan, cyber warfare in Georgia and the development of "killer robots"
Distinction
Proportionality and precautions
Military operations in civil wars
Lawful weapons
Arfula case study
Textbook
Textbook and introduction podcast interview
Combatant status
Test your IHL knowledge
Arfula case study

Protection of persons
Guantanamo, hospital attack Afghanistan and child soldiers Colombia
The sick and wounded
Prisoners of war and other detainees
Civilians in the hands of the enemy
Protection of women, children and journalists
Arfula case study
Textbook
Textbook
Legal sources and textbook
Women and children affected by war share their story
Introduction podcast interview
ICRC's access to detainees
Your contribution to the "IHL in Action" platform
Test your IHL knowledge
Arfula case study

Implementation and enforcement
Ethiopia Eritrea Claims Commission and prosecutions before the ICTY and ICC
Demands for compensation
Prosecuting war crimes
Arfula case study
Legal sources and textbook
Textbook
Introduction podcast interview
Test your IHL knowledge
Arfula case study

Summary of User Reviews

Discover International Humanitarian Law through a comprehensive online course. Students give this course high praise for its engaging and informative content.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course is praised for its engaging and informative content.

Pros from User Reviews

In-depth coverage of International Humanitarian Law
Engaging and informative content
Well-structured and organized course material
Interactive quizzes and assignments that reinforce learning
High-quality video lectures and presentations

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course challenging and time-consuming
Limited opportunities for interaction with instructors and peers
Some users felt that the course lacked practical application

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