International Humanitarian Law & Armed Conflict Advanced

Module 1 — Advanced Foundations of International Humanitarian Law

Students examine the purpose, scope and principal sources of international humanitarian law and distinguish the legal regulation of armed conflict from the separate rules governing the resort to force.

Module 2 — Distinction and Protection of Civilians

Students analyse the principle of distinction, civilian protection, the status of combatants and civilians, and the legal consequences of directing attacks against protected persons or objects.

Module 3 — Proportionality and Precautions in Attack

Students examine proportionality, feasible precautions, military objectives, expected civilian harm and the legal framework governing decisions to conduct attacks.

Module 4 — Persons Hors de Combat and Detention

Students examine protections for wounded, sick, captured and otherwise hors de combat persons, including detention standards, humane treatment and safeguards against prohibited treatment.

Module 5 — Occupation and Protection of Civilian Populations

Students analyse the legal framework governing occupation, protection of civilians, administration of occupied territory and the responsibilities of occupying powers under applicable international humanitarian law.

Module 6 — Serious Violations and Accountability

Students examine serious violations of international humanitarian law, individual responsibility, command responsibility where applicable, investigation and mechanisms for accountability and redress.

Knowledge Test

1. What is the principle of distinction concerned with?

Distinguishing between civilians and persons or objects that may lawfully be targeted under the applicable rules Allowing attacks against all persons in a conflict area Removing all protections for civilian objects Making military necessity the only applicable principle

2. What does proportionality in attack generally prohibit?

Attacks expected to cause excessive incidental civilian harm in relation to the anticipated concrete and direct military advantage All attacks against military objectives Any military operation involving civilian areas All forms of defensive action

3. Who is generally considered hors de combat when a person is placed in a protected status under applicable international humanitarian law?

A person who is in the power of an adverse party or otherwise rendered unable to fight under the applicable conditions Every civilian in a conflict zone Every military commander regardless of circumstances Any person who refuses to participate in negotiations

4. What is a central obligation concerning the treatment of detainees in armed conflict?

They must be treated humanely and protected against prohibited abuse under applicable law They may automatically be subjected to any treatment considered useful for intelligence gathering They lose all legal protections once detained Their treatment is governed only by domestic policy

5. Why is accountability important under international humanitarian law?

It can provide mechanisms for investigating and addressing serious violations and individual responsibility It removes all distinctions between lawful and unlawful conduct It prevents investigation of alleged violations It makes compliance entirely voluntary