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Universiteit Leiden

International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice

“International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice” is the first MOOC of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law, which is the platform within the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University for the research, teaching and dissemination of international humanitarian law (IHL). In this course, Prof. Robert Heinsch, Dr. Giulia Pinzauti and Dr. Emma Irving will give you a deep insight into the rules that govern armed conflict, and aim to mitigate human suffering on the battlefield. You will explore the why and how of IHL, followed by the different types of conflict. In no time you will find out which rules apply to the civil war in Syria, the military intervention in Ukraine and the occupation of the West Bank. During this course, you will learn how hostilities should be waged: Which weapons can be used by combatants and other fighters? And, who should never be a target during military operations? We will also look into the concept of protected persons, and you will find out how IHL affords protection to the sick and wounded, medical personal, detainees, children, journalists and other persons who are not - or not anymore - fighting. At the end of this course, you are introduced to the different implementation and enforcement mechanisms that aim to increase respect for IHL. Here, you are invited to think critically whether IHL works! Throughout this course you will benefit from a mix of theory and practice, which is at the heart of the vision and mandate of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum. You can participate for instance in an ongoing case study where drones are flying over the fictitious country Arfula, and detainees are locked up in tiny cells. Or, you can join our discussions about IHL success stories and the major IHL challenges we face today, with distinguished speakers from the International Committee of the Red Cross and US Naval War College! This course is free to join and to participate in. There is the possibility to get a verified certificate for the course, which is a paid option. If you want a certificate, but are unable to pay for it, you can request financial aid via Coursera.

Status: Legal Proceedings
Status: International Relations
BeginnerCourse19 hours

Featured reviews

ZH

5.0Reviewed Nov 27, 2022

Excellent course with great teaching methods used. I particularly liked the case study used for the assignments at the end of each module providing a great way to apply the learned knowledge.

HD

5.0Reviewed Jan 15, 2022

Every Humanitarian, Human Rights activist, student of law and interested individual should take this course. The materials, videos, podcasts are all relevant. Kudos to Leiden University

AP

5.0Reviewed May 4, 2023

Very interesting course, I will recommend anyone who is interested in knowing the role of International Humanitarian Law in wars to apply for this course, you won't be disappointed.

BA

5.0Reviewed Oct 14, 2023

it was a very helpful course for me to differentiate IHL from domestic laws and its implementation, its consequences and the difference between IHL in Theory And Practice

VS

5.0Reviewed May 31, 2019

A really very wonderful, articulate and helpful course. The Professors were great with their knowledge and presentations. The practical insight given by the guest-speakers were just priceless.

MN

5.0Reviewed Jun 12, 2019

I'm enjoying the course. The quiz part is brainstorming as it mandates and allows one to pay attention to the detail in the explanations given. Thank you for this course.

HG

5.0Reviewed Jul 21, 2021

Very enjoyable! Loved how it wasn't just readings but podcasts and videos to keep students hooked. I learned so much throughout this course and have very little criticism of it!

MB

4.0Reviewed Sep 14, 2019

The course could have been more interactive and the discussion forums better managed, but overall the content was very good and I was able to gain a sound basic knowledge of IHL.

DB

5.0Reviewed Apr 7, 2020

That's an incredibly interesting course, it can make you interested in Humanitarian Law if you've never heard of it. I was enjoying all the time I participated in the course!

EW

5.0Reviewed Dec 14, 2020

Cousera constantly reviews the course to make it easier for learners.It's been a great course study and my own pace. Thank you so much to all the parties who made this possible.

AI

5.0Reviewed Jan 30, 2019

This course is very well structured and the video lessons are thoroughly explained, in a language for anyone to understand. I am really enjoying it so far!!

FA

5.0Reviewed Apr 29, 2021

i have gained very muck knowledge about international humanitarian law..Thankyou very much to coursera and the leiden university and its competent faculty members

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