International Humanitarian Law Fundamentals

Module 1 — Introduction to International Humanitarian Law

Students are introduced to international humanitarian law (IHL), the body of international rules designed to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons. The course distinguishes IHL from the separate legal questions concerning whether a State may lawfully use force.

Module 2 — Classification of Armed Conflicts

Students learn the basic distinction between international armed conflicts and non-international armed conflicts and why the classification of a conflict affects which legal rules apply. Students are taught to assess the facts and applicable law carefully rather than assuming a classification.

Module 3 — Distinction and Protection of Civilians

Students examine the principle of distinction between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. The course explains why civilians and civilian objects receive protection from direct attack, subject to the rules and exceptions established by applicable international humanitarian law.

Module 4 — Proportionality and Precautions

Students learn the basic principles governing proportionality in attack and feasible precautions to protect civilians and civilian objects. The course emphasises that military necessity does not remove the obligation to comply with applicable humanitarian rules.

Module 5 — Persons Hors de Combat and Detention

Students examine protections for wounded and sick persons, detainees, prisoners of war where applicable and others who are hors de combat. The course introduces humane-treatment obligations and the prohibition of certain forms of mistreatment.

Module 6 — War Crimes and Accountability

Students are introduced to the concept of war crimes and the importance of investigating credible allegations. The course explains that accountability requires establishing the relevant legal elements, identifying responsible individuals where appropriate and respecting fair-trial guarantees.

Knowledge Test

1. What is the primary humanitarian purpose of international humanitarian law?

To limit the effects of armed conflict and protect persons affected by conflict To eliminate all national laws To regulate ordinary commercial contracts To give unlimited powers to armed forces

2. Why is it important to distinguish between international and non-international armed conflicts?

Different bodies of applicable IHL rules may apply depending on the classification Classification has no legal relevance It determines the weather It automatically establishes criminal guilt

3. What does the principle of distinction require?

Parties must distinguish between protected civilians or civilian objects and lawful military targets All objects may always be attacked Civilians automatically become combatants Military objectives receive no legal protection

4. What is the purpose of the proportionality rule in attack?

To prohibit attacks expected to cause excessive incidental civilian harm in relation to the anticipated concrete and direct military advantage To permit unlimited civilian casualties To make every attack unlawful To remove the distinction between civilians and combatants

5. Why is accountability for alleged war crimes important?

Credible allegations should be properly investigated and assessed under applicable law Every allegation automatically proves guilt Fair trials are unnecessary Evidence should never be examined