International Humanitarian Law

Advanced Course by LouvainX

Course Description

The "International Humanitarian Law" course, offered by LouvainX, is an advanced-level exploration of the legal framework governing armed conflicts. This comprehensive course delves into the complexities of modern warfare, addressing crucial legal issues such as the definition of combatants, protection of detainees, and the involvement of UN peacekeepers in armed conflicts. Students will gain a deep understanding of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the law of armed conflict, a branch of public international law.

What Students Will Learn

  • Decode and analyze complex issues related to armed conflicts
  • Understand the philosophy and logic underlying International Humanitarian Law norms
  • Propose constructive solutions considering the evolution of armed conflicts and applicable legal norms
  • Gain essential theoretical and practical knowledge in International Humanitarian Law
  • Apply IHL principles to real-world scenarios, including counter-terrorism efforts and conflicts involving non-state actors

Pre-requisites

  • Knowledge of the fundamentals of International Law (subjects, sources, and principles governing international responsibility)
  • Familiarity with graduate-level course requirements
  • Previous experience with law courses and legal concepts is preferred
  • Completion of the "International Law" course on edX is recommended

Course Coverage

  • Introduction to International Humanitarian Law and its relationship with other branches of International Law
  • Sources and subjects of IHL, including Geneva Conventions and customary law
  • Scope of application: qualifying situations of violence as armed conflicts
  • Conduct of hostilities: norms regulating warfare and protection of persons and objects
  • Protection of persons in times of war, including wounded, sick, captured combatants, and civilians
  • State responsibility mechanisms for IHL violations
  • Individual responsibility and international criminal law for war crimes

Who This Course Is For

  • Students, researchers, and academics specializing in International Humanitarian Law
  • Professionals working in NGOs involved in armed conflict situations
  • Members of armed forces seeking to enhance their understanding of IHL
  • Legal practitioners interested in international law and armed conflicts
  • Individuals passionate about human rights and international relations

Real-World Applications

Graduates of this course will be equipped to:

  • Advise on legal issues in armed conflict situations
  • Contribute to policy-making in counter-terrorism efforts
  • Assist in the protection of civilians and detainees in conflict zones
  • Participate in international criminal investigations and prosecutions
  • Develop strategies for NGOs working in conflict-affected areas
  • Enhance military operations' compliance with international humanitarian law
  • Analyze and report on complex legal issues in modern warfare

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction

  • Relationships between law and armed conflicts
  • Brief history of International Humanitarian Law
  • Relations with other branches of International Law

Week 2: Sources and subjects

  • Treaty sources, including the four 1949 Geneva Conventions
  • Customary law and jus cogens
  • States, international organizations, and armed groups as subjects of IHL

Week 3: Scope of application

  • Qualification of situations of violence as armed conflicts
  • Temporal and geographical scope of IHL application

Week 4: Conduct of hostilities

  • Norms regulating the conduct of hostilities
  • Prohibitions on targeting persons and objects
  • Prohibitions on weapons and methods of warfare
  • Obligation of precaution

Week 5: Protection of persons

  • Protection of wounded and sick people
  • Protection of captured combatants
  • Protection of civilians, including during occupation

Week 6: State responsibility

  • Implementation means of International Humanitarian Law
  • State responsibility mechanisms for IHL violations

Week 7: Individual responsibility

  • International criminal law
  • National, international, and hybrid mechanisms for punishing war crimes

This comprehensive course offers a unique opportunity to gain expertise in the rapidly evolving field of International Humanitarian Law, preparing students for careers in international organizations, NGOs, military, and legal practice focused on armed conflicts and counter-terrorism efforts.