International humanitarian law course for practitioners

Course description

Organized by the ICRC, this immersive five-day course in international humanitarian law (IHL) is open to humanitarian practitioners who wish to become acquainted with the legal framework applicable to armed conflict. Combining theory and practice, the course follows a methodology involving exercises, simulations and discussions based on the actual challenges that humanitarian workers face today. Ahead of the on-site course, participants will follow an online training aimed at familiarizing them with the basic rules and principles of IHL.

Themes covered in the programme include:

• Classification of situations of violence and of the actors encountered in armed conflict
• Conduct of hostilities
• IHL and human rights
• Protection of the civilian population
• Protection of persons deprived of liberty
• Refugees and internal displaced persons
• Humanitarian assistance
• Direct participation in hostilities
• IHL and armed groups
• Mechanisms for the implementation of IHL
• Repressing violations

Practical details of the course

Course tuition fees: 500 euros

This sum covers lunches throughout the course, the welcoming and closing dinners, as well as teaching materials. Participants are expected to cover the costs of travel and accommodation themselves.

Selection criteria

• At least three years’ working experience in the humanitarian sector
• Experience in working in the field is an asset
• Interest in the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Application deadline: 10 September 2017

Please note that the ICRC is not in a position to offer scholarships or any other form of financial assistance for this course.

All candidates will be notified by 21 September.