International Humanitarian Law

Module 1 — Foundations of International Humanitarian Law

Students are introduced to international humanitarian law, its purpose and scope, and its relationship with other areas of international law. The course examines the distinction between the law governing the resort to force and the law governing conduct during armed conflict.

Module 2 — Classification of Armed Conflicts

Students examine the principal legal distinctions between international and non-international armed conflicts and consider why classification matters for determining which humanitarian rules apply.

Module 3 — Distinction and Proportionality

Students examine the principles of distinction and proportionality and their role in limiting the effects of armed conflict. The course considers the protection of civilians and civilian objects and the restrictions applicable to attacks.

Module 4 — Protection of Civilians and Persons Hors de Combat

Students study protections afforded to civilians and persons who are no longer participating directly in hostilities, including the wounded, sick and detained persons, subject to the applicable legal framework.

Module 5 — Prohibited Conduct and Treatment

Students examine fundamental restrictions on conduct during armed conflict, including humane treatment, prohibitions on certain forms of violence and the protection of persons under the control of a party to the conflict.

Module 6 — Compliance, Accountability and War Crimes

Students examine mechanisms for ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law, including investigation, prosecution and other accountability processes for serious violations and war crimes.

Knowledge Test

1. What is a central purpose of international humanitarian law?

To limit the effects of armed conflict and protect persons affected by it To eliminate every rule governing armed conflict To regulate international banking To determine national elections

2. What does the principle of distinction require?

Parties must distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives All persons must be treated as military targets Only military property can ever be protected Attacks may be directed indiscriminately

3. What is the principle of proportionality concerned with?

Preventing attacks expected to cause excessive civilian harm in relation to the anticipated concrete and direct military advantage Allowing unlimited attacks Determining the nationality of detainees Regulating maritime boundaries

4. Who may receive protection as a person hors de combat?

A person who is no longer participating in hostilities, where the applicable conditions for protection are met Every person carrying a weapon regardless of circumstances Only members of international organisations Only persons who are not connected with a conflict

5. What can constitute a war crime?

A serious violation of applicable international humanitarian law that attracts individual criminal responsibility Any disagreement between two States Every breach of domestic traffic law A commercial contract dispute