International Humanitarian Law: Contemporary Challenges and New Developments
War remains a matter of great concern to humanity. Recent conflicts have demonstrated that the ravages of war continue to have a devastating impact especially on the civilian population. From the available data, it is estimated that 80 to 90 percent of war victims are civilians.
The course is aimed to provide participants with an advanced knowledge of IHL and to offer an innovative analysis of the legal uncertainties surrounding new-age military capabilities namely drones and other weaponry systems.
- Identify the principles and rules, sources and sanctions of International Humanitarian Law.
- Determine the scope of applicability of International Humanitarian Law with regard to the applicability of Human Rights Law and unconventional conflicts such as terrorism.
- Analyze the core principles guiding the means and methods of warfare and assess their efficacy regarding modern weapons namely drones and ‘killer robots’.
- Discuss the fundamental knowledge of protection granted to the victims of war, combatants and civilian persons and goods.
- Critically analyze how International Humanitarian Law overall responds to emerging challenges.
The course design allows participants to actively interact with their peers and the moderator. Guided discussion forums are organized on selected topics to promote participation and knowledge sharing. Participants also have the opportunity to work with practical examples, analyze case studies and conduct short research assignments. As the course is an asynchronous e-learning course, trainees can access the course material and participate in the forums at any time.
Depending on each module, there is a slight variation of the amount of study time required. As an average, participants are expected to devote approximately 10 hours per week to review the course content and to complete course assessment activities.
Throughout the course, the course moderator will closely guide participants in their learning process and answer their questions.
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion issued by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
The course is aimed at civil servants, humanitarian and human rights NGO members, national relief society staff, national army members, and academics, researchers, and professionals interested in the work of the United Nations.
This course will be moderated by Professor Robert KOLB. Professor KOLB is professor of International Humanitarian Law at the University of Geneva. He worked for various renowned institutions including the International Committee of the Red Cross. He has also acted as counselor for states before the International Court of Justice.