OADH 3065 - Introduction to International Humanitarian Law

This course is an introduction to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). IHL is a set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict, with the dual purpose of saving those who do not, or no longer, participate directly in hostilities and to restrict the use of violence to the strict military necessity. IHL is a branch of public international law that has close relations with other branches, such as international human rights law and international criminal law, but also with international politics and transitional justice. While analyzing its principles, sources, rules and jurisprudence, and using case studies, this course encourages a critical and interdisciplinary approach of IHL.
>>> Learning outcomes
1. Understand the concept, the purpose and the limitations of IHL.
2. Develop a basic knowledge of IHL principles (distinction, proportionality, humane treatment, military necessity, unnecessary suffering, precaution in the attack, etc.) and of notions such as “direct participation in hostilities”.
3. Analyses scenarios or real-life cases and identify the relevant IHL issues

>>> Professional skills
1. Critical thinking
2. Problem solving
3. Research & Analysis

Rana KHAROUF

Séminaire

English

There is no strict prerequisite for this course but previous knowledge of public international law and notions of international criminal justice can be helpful.

Autumn 2023-2024

1- One short presentation (10-15 minutes) on a specific IHL topic (50 %), due for classes 3 - 10 in September, October and November 2023.
2- An assessment of multiple-choices questions (25 %), December 11 (take-home online exam).
3- A written note (1000 words max) (25 %), due for December 11-13 (take-home online exam).

Interactive lectures (questions and discussions by students are encouraged).