International Humanitarian Law

Armed conflicts have always existed around the world. Unfortunately, recent events have shown that this phenomenon is becoming increasingly complex, especially with respect to some legal issues, such as: - The definition of combatants and the protection of detainees when terrorists are involved in the hostilities. - The detention by rebels of State armed forces. - The involvement and status of UN peacekeepers in armed conflicts. This course will help you understand these complex legal issues by teaching you the law of armed conflict , a branch of public international law also known as ‘International Humanitarian Law’ (‘IHL’).We will address these issues in light of recent practice, including counter-terrorism, such as the fight against non-state actors like ISIS and Al-Qaeda in different regions of the world, as well as other recent and older conflicts, such as those in Armenia, Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, and the Israeli-Palestinian one. The course will provide essential theoretical and practical knowledge for students, researchers and academics who wish to specialize in International Humanitarian Law as well as professionals, including members of NGOs, involved in armed conflict situations, or even members of armed forces. In this course, you can choose between an audit (free) track and a verified track ($199 fee). The audit track Proposes a general approach to International Humanitarian Law (it’s a master level law course so learners with poor knowledge on this subject may have to work harder to understand the materials). Assesses your mastery of the relevant concepts through multiple choice questions that avoid complex and controversial issues. Implies a workload of about 4-7 hours/chapter The verified track Offers a deeper and more complex learning experience: detailed considerations and developments on controversial issues, additional videos and readings. Assesses your mastery of complex and controversial issues through more complex MCQ, case studies and peer review assignments. Offers a staff graded final exam. Implies a workload of about 8-12 hours/chapter. Delivers a verified certificate (in case of passing final grade) and allows you to pursue the International Law MicroMasters credentials. 3b:T709,

• Decode and analyze in depth complex issues related to armed conflicts.
• Understand the philosophy and logic underlying International Humanitarian Law norms.
• Be able to propose constructive solutions in light of the evolution of the nature of armed conflicts and the legal norms applicable to them.

• Knowledge of the fundamentals of International Law (subjects and sources of International Law/principles governing international responsibility). Such knowledge may be acquired by the successful completion of International law.
• In addition, students should be familiar with the requirements of graduate-level courses and should preferably have already followed some law courses in order to be familiar with legal concepts and legal language.