Online Certificate Course on International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Online Certificate Course on International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Course Description:

International humanitarian law (IHL), also referred to as the Law of Armed Conflict aims at protecting the fundamental human rights of victims and non-combatants in the event of armed conflict or war. The complexities of modern-day conflicts combined with the availability of information and media interest have resulted in a higher profile of difficult humanitarian issues. A full understanding of the role and importance of human rights requires an appreciation of their special role in armed conflicts, as well as the particular threats posed to human rights during such conflicts. This course will meet that requirement.

This intensive one-month course in international human rights and humanitarian law is open to social workers, human rights and 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 advocates and humanitarian workers face today. Further, it provides an advanced conceptual understanding of these issues. It also offers practical insights and exposure to current challenges and situations of transitional justice.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

Acquire an understanding of the principles and institutions of international human rights and humanitarian law, including their origins, assumptions, contents, limits, and potential;

Display knowledge and understanding of the main sources of international humanitarian law and how they apply in international and non-international armed conflicts.

Identify and critically evaluate the main weaknesses of international humanitarian law in the protection of human rights during armed conflicts.

Understand the practical impact of international human rights and humanitarian law in conflict-affected states and jurisdictions.

Understand the roles, functions, and responsibilities of various actors, organizations, and institutions in international human rights and humanitarian laws.

Course Delivery:

Interaction with students will be via the Global Human Rights Leadership Training Institute training platform and all course notes and guidelines for study will be delivered and accessible to students in electronic format.

All the course modules are available to the students at the inception of the course. At the end of each module, an assignment is completed by the students and marked by the course experts. Assignments are in the form of written assignments.

Course Fees:

The course tuition fee is US$300. Course fees include access to all course materials, expert support, as well as postage and packaging of a certificate. There is a limited amount of partial scholarships available for applicants from developing countries, based on financial need.