Description

This 30-hour foundation course essentially serves as a stepping stone for developing legal and humanitarian expertise for practitioners, researchers and policy makers in the Arab region. The course explains International Humanitarian Law (IHL) which is the primary legal framework governing armed conflicts and its role in guiding the conduct of hostilities, mitigating the consequences of warfare, restraining the use of force, protecting civilians, and limiting the means and methods of warfare. The course also addresses the interplay between IHL and other legal frameworks including International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and International Criminal Law. The course also identifies and analyzes emerging challenges in the practical application and enforcement of IHL in contemporary conflict scenarios.

Course Overview Pager

Learning Outcomes

Understand the fundamental principles of IHL, its main sources, and objectives.
Identify the different classifications of armed conflicts under IHL and their legal implications.
Compare and contrast the legal frameworks of IHL and IHRL and understand their interaction and distinctions.
Recognize the categories of persons and objects protected under IHL and evaluate the special protections afforded to vulnerable groups, including women and children.
Examine the intersection between IHL and International Criminal Justice, including mechanisms for accountability and enforcement as well as the jurisdiction of international and national courts in prosecuting violations of IHL.
Assess the challenges in the implementation and enforcement of IHL in contemporary conflict scenarios related to cyberwarfare, gender and the role of non-state actors.

Course Overview Pager

Target Audience

This course is designed for a diverse range of learners interested in humanitarian action and legal frameworks in conflict settings, particularly in the Arab region. It is suitable for:

Early- to mid-career humanitarian practitioners working with NGOs, UN agencies, or local organizations seeking to strengthen their understanding of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in practice.
Policy makers and government professionals involved in conflict response, protection, or legal advisory roles.
Researchers and graduate-level students in fields such as international law, political science, public policy, and humanitarian studies.
Legal professionals and advisors interested in the application of IHL, International Human Rights Law (IHRL), and International Criminal Law in real-world contexts.
Professionals transitioning into the humanitarian sector who require a foundational understanding of legal frameworks governing armed conflict.

No prior specialized knowledge of IHL is required; however, a basic understanding of international relations or legal concepts is beneficial.

Course Overview Pager

Duration	> 20 hours
Type	Course
Language	English
Sector	Humanitarian Sector
Provider	Global Health Institute
Topic	Humanitarian Leadership