International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/international-humanitarian-law

Introduction

**Course Review: International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice** **Platform:** Coursera **Offered by:** Leiden University, Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law **Instructors:** Prof. Robert Heinsch, Dr. Giulia Pinzauti, Dr. Emma Irving --- **Overview** The course "International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice" is a meticulously designed MOOC that delves deep into the essential framework governing armed conflict and the inherent rights of victims according to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This course is the inaugural initiative of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum, a dedicated platform at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, Leiden University, where legal scholarship meets humanitarian principles. Designed for learners from diverse backgrounds, this course offers a structured yet flexible way to explore topics essential to understanding the laws of war, providing students with insights not only from academic perspectives but also from practicing professionals. --- **Course Content and Structure** The course is thoughtfully organized into five comprehensive modules, each addressing key aspects of IHL: 1. **Introduction to International Humanitarian Law** The first module lays the groundwork by introducing core concepts of IHL, its historical context, and its significance within the international legal framework. Students will explore both “Hague law” and “Geneva law,” along with a discussion on the protection of war victims through a human rights lens. 2. **Conflict Classification** The second module tackles the scope of IHL, distinguishing between International and Non-International Armed Conflicts (IACs and NIACs). This week includes critical discussions on conflict characteristics, especially in the context of occupations and foreign interventions, as well as considerations under the “global war on terror.” 3. **Conduct of Hostilities** This segment focuses on the operational principles governing military conduct, such as distinction and proportionality. The importance of safeguarding civilians and humane treatment in warfare is emphasized, with contemporary issues such as drone usage and cyber warfare examined through expert insights. 4. **Protection of Persons** Here, learners are introduced to the protections afforded to non-combatants, including the sick, wounded, detainees, and vulnerable populations like children and women. This module emphasizes humane treatment and engages learners with real-world challenges faced in protecting these individuals. 5. **Implementation and Enforcement** The final module discusses how IHL is implemented and enforced, addressing mechanisms for accountability. Key topics include compensation for war victims and the role of international courts and the Red Cross in promoting compliance with IHL norms. --- **Course Highlights** - **Expert Instruction**: Each module features contributions from highly regarded scholars and practitioners in IHL, ensuring that students receive well-rounded insights from multiple viewpoints. - **Interactive Format**: Engaging discussion forums and opportunities for interaction with instructors and peers enhance the learning experience, encouraging the exchange of ideas and clarifying complex topics. - **Practical Relevance**: The course’s focus on real-world applications of IHL makes it particularly relevant for professionals working in international relations, humanitarian aid, or law. --- **Recommendation** I highly recommend "International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice" for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of humanitarian law, particularly those pursuing careers in law, international relations, or humanitarian work. The course strikes a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making it suitable for both beginners and those with prior knowledge of IHL. Whether you are an academic, a policymaker, or simply someone passionate about global justice and humanitarian efforts, this course provides invaluable perspectives that are crucial in today’s volatile international landscape. Enroll today and engage with the principles that govern armed conflicts globally while contributing to a more humane and just world.

Syllabus

Welcome to this course!

It is great that you are joining us! In this course you will get a deep insight into the law that governs armed conflict. Before you start with “International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice”, we invite you to first take a look around the course content. As you will notice, this MOOC starts with an introduction module in order to help you study successfully in an online environment, and to familiarize you with international humanitarian law. If you encounter any difficulties while studying, please let us know in the forum. For technical difficulties or questions regarding the course certificate, you can always contact the Coursera Learner Helpdesk. We truly hope that you will enjoy this course. Good luck!

In the first week, we will introduce you to the basic concepts of IHL, its history and place in the international legal order. We will discuss two different areas of IHL, “Hague law” and “Geneva law” respectively, and its main legal instruments. At the end, we will look at armed conflict and the protection of war victims from a human rights law perspective, in an engaging discussion with Prof. Helen Duffy.

In this second week, we will study the scope of application of IHL. IHL regulates armed conflict, and therefore we will start by exploring the two different types of armed conflicts: international and non-international armed conflicts (IACs and NIACs). We will also look at the different rules that apply to each type of conflict. In this module, we will furthermore discover special situations of conflict, like belligerent occupation, foreign intervention and NIAC-spill over, which can impact the character of a conflict. At the end of this week we will touch upon situations below the armed conflict threshold, and Prof. Robin Geiss will tell us all about the so-called “global war on terror”.

In this week, we will look through the eyes of combatants and other fighters, and learn how military operations should be conducted. We will familiarize ourselves with the most important principles that need to be applied on the battlefield including those of distinction, proportionality, precautions and the prohibition of unnecessary suffering. We will discover that civilians who refrain from hostilities should never be targeted. At the end of this module we will see that IHL also sets limits to the weapons that can be used by combatants, and Prof. Michael Schmitt will share his viewpoint on whether armed drones and other modern technologies like cyber warfare are lawful under IHL.

In this module we will look through the eyes of sick and wounded soldiers, detainees, enemy civilians and vulnerable persons in conflict, including children and women. We will discover how IHL safeguards persons who are not - or not anymore - fighting. Together, we will find out that each person should be treated humanely; that detainees should receive water and food; and that young children should never be recruited by the military. At the end of this module, Vincent Bernard from the ICRC will discuss with us the biggest challenges to protect persons who refrain from fighting, and will give us an insight into various IHL success stories across the globe.

In this final module, we will look into the implementation and enforcement of IHL, which is crucial to increase respect for IHL. After discussing different enforcement methods, we will highlight two methods: Demands for compensation and criminal prosecutions. Here, we will learn how war victims can claim compensation and how States and International Courts and Tribunals can initiate criminal prosecutions for war crimes when serious violations of IHL have been committed. At the end of this module, Jeroen van den Boogaard from the Netherlands Defense Academy will explain what the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as the military can do in order to make wars more humane. He will also inform us what everyone can do to increase respect for IHL.