F1HH 5170 - International Law and Protection of the Civilian Population

To examine the interplay between international law and humanitarian programs dedicated to support protected persons during armed conflicts, through three practical examples:

• Afghanistan and the “war on terror”
• The invasion of Iraq and the rise of the Islamic State
• Iran and the protection of the civilian population

Learning Outcomes:

• Students can identify protection issues in an armed conflict and design an adequate protection response following a thorough do not harm assessment.
• Students can link legal provisions (IHL and IHRL) to protection outcomes in support of victims of armed conflicts.
• Students have a good understanding of best practices and challenges of the humanitarian programs dedicated to support victims of armed conflicts.

Professional Skills:

• Analysis of protection needs in conflict settings, definition of the relevant humanitarian programs and its implementation.
• Policy and advocacy strategies.

International humanitarian law (basic), international human rights law (basic), international relations and geopolitics (advanced).

Interactive lectures + feedback will be provided via email.

To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments:

• Presence and participation during the semester 10%
• Participation in group work: interactive case-studies (3 case studies will be organized throughout the semester, one every 3 weeks), (40%);

Case study 1: One oral intervention on a situation of internment in an international armed conflict + in a situation of a non-international armed conflict. (Fictional scenarios)

Case study 2: One written report on the conduct of hostilities in a situation of international armed conflict. (Fictional scenario)

Case study 3: Visits and interviews of detainees / prisoners of wars.

• Essay (4,000 words) on a chosen topic relating to the subject matter due at the end of the semester (50%).

To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments:

• Presence and participation during the semester 10%
• Group work, interview with a victim of conflict 40%
• Essay on a chosen topic relating to the subject matter due at the end of the semester (50%)