June 22 - July 10, 2015
Learn more about International Humanitarian Law and acquire understanding of the law protecting persons affected by armed conflicts.
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The course methodology insists on the importance of a practice-based teaching of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the law protecting persons affected by armed conflicts, thus combining theory and discussions of contemporary conflicts. During the course of the programme, participants will:
- Receive in-depth presentations on the basic principles and on some current controversies on international humanitarian law;
- Participate in simulations, by representing parties to current armed conflicts;
- Engage in interactive debates on “hot topics” in IHL with scholars and practitioners.
- Reflect on the legal framework applicable to present conflicts.
- Visit the International Committee of the Red Cross and discuss with its practitioners;
- Realize that and how IHL is actually being applied in contemporary practice and that it guides those seeking answers to the legal problems arising from armed conflicts.
- Receive teaching from a mix of eminent scholars, young researchers, military lawyers, and humanitarian practitioners from organizations based in Geneva.
- 6 ECTS.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, participants will:
- Uderstand and apply the appropriate legal framework to the various situations of violence and differentiate between international and non-international armed conflict and internal tensions and disturbances;
- Explain the different categories of protected persons during international armed conflict, their status and the rules applicable to them;
- Explain the law governing the conduct of hostilities, including targeting of persons and legality of specific weapons;
- Be able to apply the rules of international humanitarian law to contemporary armed conflicts;
- Describe the interaction between the various legal regimes applicable to armed conflict situations, including – in addition to international humanitarian law – international human rights law and international criminal law;
- Be able to participate in debates on the contemporary legal issues linked to armed conflicts.
EVALUATION
In addition to individual participation in class, in order to obtain 6 ECTS credits, participants will be asked to submit a short paper on a topic selected from a list determined by the course director.
Professor Marco Sassòli (Academic Director)
University of Geneva
Anne Quintin (Course assistant)
University of Geneva
Speakers: The course will be taught by a mix of eminent scholars, young researchers, military lawyers, and humanitarian practitioners. In particular, faculty will include professors from the University of Geneva, the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, and other top-ranking universities, as well as professionals from organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva Call, or the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission. In addition to the course director and course assistant, speakers already confirmed include:
- Vincent Bernard, International Committee of the Red Cross
- Antoine Bouvier, International Committee of the Red Cross
- Djemila Carron, University of Geneva
- Milena Costas Trascasas, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
- Elisabeth Decrey Warner, Geneva Call
- Tristan Ferraro, International Committee of the Red Cross
- Paola Gaeta, University of Geneva
- Gloria Gaggioli, University of Geneva
- Charles Garraway, University of Essex
- Julia Grignon, Laval University
- Kristin Hausler, British Institute of International and Comparative Law
- Eric Jensen, Brigham Young University
- Robert Kolb, University of Geneva
- Noam Lubell, University of Essex (TBC)
- Ramin Mahnad, International Committee of the Red Cross
- Bruce “Oz” Oswald, University of Melbourne
- Anne Quintin, University of Geneva
- Robert Roth, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
- Marco Sassòli, University of Geneva
- Katja Schöberl, German Red Cross
- Jamie Williamson, International Committee of the Red Cross
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The course welcomes applications from graduate or post-graduate students (currently enrolled in master degree or above) in law, international relations or related areas, Ph.D candidates, and humanitarian practitioners. Upper-year undergraduate students may also apply, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that this is a master-level course. Background in public international law is recommended, although not required.
Tuition Fees: 2500 CHF (with possibilities of receiving scholarships in the form of tuition reduction upon motivated request)
Deadline of application: April 15, 2015
