International Humanitarian Law [2620]

General Information

• Credits: 3 ECTS
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's or Licence level (or equivalent); proficiency in English
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: English
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle 

Course Overview

The course seeks to explain the concept, nature and history of International Humanitarian Law (“IHL”) in such a manner that the student will become familiar with its operations in international law. Some concrete case studies will be included to assist the student to fully understand the core concept of IHL. Wars have been waged from time immemorial and its practice continues to change over time. Our interest in this module is the law regulating conflicts.

Course Objectives

This course enables you to:

• define International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and explain its nature, purpose and historical development;
• identify the scope of application of IHL and distinguish between international and non-international armed conflicts;
• explain and apply the fundamental principles governing the conduct of hostilities;
• analyse the rules protecting civilians, combatants, detainees, the wounded and sick, and other persons affected by armed conflict; and
• understand the mechanisms for implementing and enforcing IHL and apply relevant legal sources and principles to contemporary armed conflicts.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Analyse a situation of armed conflict in the light of humanitarian law and international criminal law.

Course Outline

Section 1:  Introduction and Contemporary Challenges

Section 2:  Scope and Application of IHL

Section 3:  The Conduct of Hostilities

Section 4:  Protection of persons under IHL

Section 5:  Implementation and Enforcement of IHL 

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade; and
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises); and
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites 

This course is open to anyone holding a Master 1 / Master of Arts 1 (or an equivalent qualification) in law, the humanities, social sciences, theology, or a related field connected to human rights, or with significant personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written French is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Nils Melzer, International Humanitarian Law: A Comprehensive Introduction, Geneva, International Committee of the Red Cross, 2016.
• Marco Sassòli, International Humanitarian Law: Rules, Controversies, and Solutions to Problems Arising in Warfare, Cheltenham, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019.
• Yoram Dinstein, The Conduct of Hostilities under the Law of International Armed Conflict, 4th ed., Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2022.
• Dieter Fleck (ed.), The Handbook of International Humanitarian Law, 4th ed., Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2021.
• Emily Crawford and Alison Pert, International Humanitarian Law, 2nd ed., Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2020.