Course description

The core provisions of international humanitarian law (IHL) address how parties to a conflict may use force. Changes to how both governments and non-State armed groups operate in armed conflicts – such as combat increasingly taking place in densely populated urban settings and the spread of the use of drones – raise new questions about how the law on the conduct of hostilities aimed at protecting civilians is respected and operationalized. This workshop provides an analysis of IHL norms related to targeting and the means and methods of warfare. It also examines specific contemporary issues such as the legal protection of medical facilities and personnel, the use of explosive weapons in urban areas, measures taken to minimise civilian casualties in targeting systems and procedures, and the documentation of alleged violations of the law on the conduct of hostilities. It is meant to offer an in-depth understanding of the legal and practical issues related to the conduct of hostilities in order to enhance humanitarian practitioners’ and legal professionals’ capacity to respond to concerns for the protection of civilians during armed conflict.