Location: Dubai, UAE
Dates: 6-8 November 2016
Full description and course program: Click here to download
Course fee: Click here

Target audience: Mid- and senior-level staff of UN and other intergovernmental agencies, NGOs, and government agencies with direct or indirect experience of humanitarian action in situations of armed conflict. Others with relevant experience, including diplomats, military personnel, and journalists, are also encouraged to apply.

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Course description

Humanitarian actors typically operate in complex legal environments, where the law has an impact on their work and on the lives of those around them. In situations of armed conflict, specifically, one of the key legal frameworks applicable on the ground is international humanitarian law (IHL) – also known as the law of armed conflict (LOAC).

While most humanitarian practitioners are not lawyers – and are not expected to practice international law – many find themselves, in an armed conflict situation, directly interacting with members of the communities where they work, government agencies, military personnel, non-state armed groups, or members of the media. It may be critical for them in these situations to understand key aspects of applicable law.

For those who do have legal training and are expected to weigh in on legal questions in the context of an armed conflict, engage in humanitarian access negotiations, design protection initiatives, or contribute to monitoring violations of the law, a clear understanding of the applicable legal frameworks – as well as current challenges and debates related to international law – is all the more crucial.

The three-day Core Professional Course on Humanitarian Law and Policy offers an intensive, fast-paced, and practice-oriented learning experience. It is designed for mid- and senior-level staff of UN and other intergovernmental agencies, NGOs, and government agencies with direct or indirect experience of humanitarian action in situations of armed conflict. Others with relevant experience, including diplomats, military personnel, and journalists, are also encouraged to register.

The course content covers the sources and development of IHL, key distinctions between international and non-international armed conflicts, the applicability of international humanitarian rights law alongside IHL, and the obligations of State and non-State actors. Sessions also address the implementation and enforcement of IHL as well as the role of humanitarian actors in situations of armed conflict. Throughout the course, expert speakers and facilitators use examples from recent and ongoing armed conflicts, exploring the complexities of applying international law to contemporary situations, the dilemmas facing humanitarian actors in such contexts, and potential approaches to take.

The Core Professional Course on Humanitarian Law and Policy is suitable for participants both with and without legal backgrounds. Those without are advised to review some essentials beforehand. Confirmed participants will receive links to recommended resources for this purpose.

Note that all discussions during the course are held under the Chatham House Rule. Participants are encouraged to engage informally, with a critical perspective, and in their individual professional capacity, to facilitate learning and cross-sector exchange.

How to apply

Please use this application form to apply for the course.

The course is open to PHAP members and to non-members. PHAP members enjoy course fee discounts, as well as other benefits. If you are not yet a member of PHAP, you can apply for membership and the selected training simultaneously through the course application form.

PHAP members who have already attended five or more days of training courses offered by PHAP, HPCR, or HPCR International, may be eligible for our Returning Participant Discount Program.

Group discounts are available for agencies and employers wishing to send several staff to PHAP trainings. Please visit our fees and terms and conditions page or contact us directly.

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Course fees

Fees cover all training material, access to preparatory online course on the Essentials of International Humanitarian Law, and lunches and coffee breaks for the days of the training. Fees do not cover travel or accommodation costs.

For information about group rates and available discounts, please visit our course fees and discounts page.

PHAP offers a limited number of seats at a reduced fee, in accordance with the association's Tuition Assistance Policy. Please read it carefully to check whether you are eligible and learn how to submit you request. 

Before applying, please read about the terms and conditions of your application.

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For assistance, please contact us.