PHAP Online Learning Series on Humanitarian Law and Policy – Unpacking the concept of direct participation in hostilities

Register now

International humanitarian law (IHL) establishes rules to protect civilians during armed conflict, with one of the most important dictating that “civilians [shall not be the object of attack], unless and for such time as they take a direct part in hostilities.” This standard, known as “directly participating in hostilities,” sets the threshold for when civilians may lose the protection from direct attack he or she is otherwise afforded under IHL. This session will introduce the concept of direct participation, review the various criteria used to determine whether an individual is directly participating, and present key contemporary debates, including the application of this concept to the use of drone strikes.

Learning objectives

Coming soon

Recommended reading

Coming soon

Event time

Wednesday, 14 October 2015

To see when the live session will take place in your time zone, click here.

Event access

This event is targeted to members of PHAP but is open to the public. In order to join the event, please register in advance at phap.org/OLS-HLP-13/register

Register now

Prerequisite knowledge

Recommended sessions:

1. Introduction to IHL and its relevance for humanitarian actors

3. The Fundamental Principles of IHL Regulating Hostilities: military necessity, distinction, and proportionality

Assessment

PHAP members will have the possibility to undergo a two-part assessment after the session as part of the PHAP Continuous Learning Credits framework.

Part 1: Comprehension check

Part 2: Written reflection

To encourage peer learning among members, selected essay responses will also be published on the website, if approved by the writer. As a member, you can comment on the responses and read other members' comments.

Read the written reflections

Event host

Elizabeth Holland
Consulting Expert on International Humanitarian Law, International Association of Professionals in Humanitarian Assistance and Protection (PHAP)