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International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 19 hours
  • Course by Universiteit Leiden
  • Offered by

About

“International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice” is the first MOOC of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law, which is the platform within the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University for the research, teaching and dissemination of international humanitarian law (IHL). In this course, Prof. Robert Heinsch, Dr. Giulia Pinzauti and Dr. Emma Irving will give you a deep insight into the rules that govern armed conflict, and aim to mitigate human suffering on the battlefield. You will explore the why and how of IHL, followed by the different types of conflict. In no time you will find out which rules apply to the civil war in Syria, the military intervention in Ukraine and the occupation of the West Bank. During this course, you will learn how hostilities should be waged: Which weapons can be used by combatants and other fighters? And, who should never be a target during military operations? We will also look into the concept of protected persons, and you will find out how IHL affords protection to the sick and wounded, medical personal, detainees, children, journalists and other persons who are not - or not anymore - fighting. At the end of this course, you are introduced to the different implementation and enforcement mechanisms that aim to increase respect for IHL. Here, you are invited to think critically whether IHL works! Throughout this course you will benefit from a mix of theory and practice, which is at the heart of the vision and mandate of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum. You can participate for instance in an ongoing case study where drones are flying over the fictitious country Arfula, and detainees are locked up in tiny cells. Or, you can join our discussions about IHL success stories and the major IHL challenges we face today, with distinguished speakers from the International Committee of the Red Cross and US Naval War College! This course is free to join and to participate in. There is the possibility to get a verified certificate for the course, which is a paid option. If you want a certificate, but are unable to pay for it, you can request financial aid via Coursera.

Modules

I. Welcome to this course

    • 1 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 2 Plugin
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Introduce yourself

1 Videos

  • Trailer and course introduction

4 Readings

  • Meet the instructor and his team
  • Welcome to Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum and the respective partners
  • Leiden University: Facts & Figures
  • Copyright note

II. Be successful in this course

    • 4 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Tell us your goals

4 Readings

  • Tips for studying online
  • Community Guidelines
  • Overview legal texts and abbreviations
  • What is your learning path?

III. What is IHL?

    • 2 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 2 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Test your IHL knowledge

1 Discussions

  • Can human rights law protect war victims?

2 Videos

  • Basic concepts and history of IHL
  • Welcome to the Arfula case study

2 Readings

  • Textbook and introduction podcast interview
  • Introduction case study and further readings

I. Wars between countries, military occupation and civil wars

    • 3 Videos
    • 2 Readings
Show info about module content

3 Videos

  • Conflicts in Syria, Ukraine & Yemen
  • International armed conflicts
  • Non-international armed conflicts

2 Readings

  • Legal sources and textbook
  • Legal sources and textbook

II. Military interventions and terrorism

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Test your IHL knowledge

1 Discussions

  • Should IHL govern acts of terror?

1 Videos

  • Military interventions, NIAC spill-over and situations below armed conflict

2 Readings

  • Textbook and introduction podcast interview
  • Further readings

III. The involvement of Banula in the Arfula conflict (honors track)

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Arfula case study

1 Videos

  • Arfula case study

I. Core principles and prohibitions

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Combatant status

1 Discussions

  • Are warning shots lawful precautionary measures?

4 Videos

  • Drone strikes in Pakistan, cyber warfare in Georgia and the development of "killer robots"
  • Distinction
  • Proportionality and precautions
  • Military operations in civil wars

1 Readings

  • Textbook

II. The rise of armed drones, cyber warfare and "killer robots"

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Test your IHL knowledge

1 Discussions

  • Is the use of armed drones compatible with the obligation to take constant care to spare civilians?

1 Videos

  • Lawful weapons

2 Readings

  • Textbook and introduction podcast interview
  • Further readings

III. Drones flying over Arfula (honors track)

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Arfula case study

1 Videos

  • Arfula case study

I. Fundamental guarantees

    • 4 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • ICRC's access to detainees

4 Videos

  • Guantanamo, hospital attack Afghanistan and child soldiers Colombia
  • The sick and wounded
  • Prisoners of war and other detainees
  • Civilians in the hands of the enemy

3 Readings

  • Textbook
  • Textbook
  • Legal sources and textbook

II. Specially protected persons and experiences from the field

    • 1 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Plugin
    • 2 Assignment
Show info about module content

2 Assignment

  • Your contribution to the "IHL in Action" platform
  • Test your IHL knowledge

1 Discussions

  • Are women sufficiently protected in armed conflict by IHL?

1 Videos

  • Protection of women, children and journalists

3 Readings

  • Women and children affected by war share their story
  • Introduction podcast interview
  • Further readings

III. Harsh practices in the Arfulian detention centers (honors track)

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Arfula case study

1 Videos

  • Arfula case study

I. Criminal prosecutions and compensation claims as deterrence

    • 3 Videos
    • 2 Readings
Show info about module content

3 Videos

  • Ethiopia Eritrea Claims Commission and prosecutions before the ICTY and ICC
  • Demands for compensation
  • Prosecuting war crimes

2 Readings

  • Legal sources and textbook
  • Textbook

II. How to increase respect for IHL

    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
    • 2 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Test your IHL knowledge

2 Discussions

  • What does your home country undertake to implement IHL?
  • Does IHL work?

2 Readings

  • Introduction podcast interview
  • Further readings

III. Peace between the warring parties (honors track)

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Arfula case study

1 Videos

  • Arfula case study

Auto Summary

"International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice" is an enlightening course designed for those interested in the intricacies of international humanitarian law (IHL). Offered by the prestigious Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies at Leiden University, this course is led by esteemed instructors Prof. Robert Heinsch, Dr. Giulia Pinzauti, and Dr. Emma Irving. Dive deep into the principles that govern armed conflict and aim to reduce human suffering on the battlefield. You'll explore the practical applications of IHL in various conflicts, such as the civil war in Syria, the military intervention in Ukraine, and the occupation of the West Bank. The course covers critical topics, including the lawful conduct of hostilities, permissible weapons, and the protection of non-combatants like medical personnel, detainees, and journalists. The course blends theoretical knowledge with practical scenarios, such as a case study involving drones in a fictional country, and real-world discussions with experts from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the US Naval War College. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Available on Coursera, the course spans approximately 1140 minutes of learning and is accessible for free. Learners have the option to obtain a verified certificate for a fee, with financial aid available for those who qualify. This foundational-level course is ideal for anyone looking to gain a robust understanding of IHL, from students to professionals in the field of personal development. Join now to enhance your knowledge and critically assess the effectiveness of international humanitarian law.

Robert Heinsch
Instructors

Robert Heinsch

Giulia Pinzauti
Instructors

Giulia Pinzauti

Emma Irving
Instructors

Emma Irving

Cinny Buys
Instructors

Cinny Buys