Ateneo - UPO

The course on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) offers a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles, norms, and applications of these two branches of international law.
The course begins with a historical and conceptual overview, defining IHL and IHRL. It explains the difference between the two: IHL applies mainly in situations of armed conflict, while IHRL applies in peacetime and during conflicts.
Subsequent sessions delve into the main sources of IHL, such as the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the 1977 Additional Protocols. Key principles of IHL are illustrated, including the distinction between combatants and civilians, the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks, and the protection of prisoners of war and the wounded.
The application of IHL and enforcement mechanisms are then discussed, including international courts, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), and inquiry commissions.
The following lessons focus on IHRL, exploring major international conventions, such as the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1966 International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
Human rights protection mechanisms are examined, including UN special procedures, regional courts (e.g., the European Court of Human Rights), and UN committees.
The course concludes with a lesson on the intersection of IHL and IHRL, illustrating how these two branches complement and influence each other, especially in armed conflict situations where both frameworks may apply.

to be defined at the start of the course

The course aims at:

Understanding the fundamental principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL).
Knowing the main legal sources of IHL and IHRL.
Analyzing the application and enforcement of IHL and IHRL norms, including international protection mechanisms.
Examining the intersection between IHL and IHRL in situations of armed conflict.
Developing the ability to critically discuss real and current case studies in the field of international human rights protection.

according to the rules of the course

lectures in presence or on line; group researches and presentations

none

oral examination

Introduction (1 hour)
The course begins with a historical and conceptual overview, defining IHL and IHRL. It explains the difference between the two: IHL applies mainly in situations of armed conflict, while IHRL applies in peacetime and during conflicts.

Sources and Principles of IHL (2 hours)
Subsequent sessions delve into the main sources of IHL, such as the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the 1977 Additional Protocols. Key principles of IHL are illustrated, including the distinction between combatants and civilians, the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks, and the protection of prisoners of war and the wounded.

Application and Enforcement of IHL (1 hour)
The application of IHL and enforcement mechanisms are then discussed, including international courts, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), and inquiry commissions.

Introduction to IHRL (2 hours)
The following lessons focus on IHRL, exploring major international conventions, such as the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1966 International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.

Mechanisms for Human Rights Protection (2 hours)
Human rights protection mechanisms are examined, including UN special procedures, regional courts (e.g., the European Court of Human Rights), and UN committees.

Intersection of IHL and IHRL (1 hour)
The course concludes with a lesson on the intersection of IHL and IHRL, illustrating how these two branches complement and influence each other, especially in armed conflict situations where both frameworks may apply.

Discussion and Conclusions (1 hour)
The final hour is dedicated to case study discussions and conclusions, allowing participants to consolidate their knowledge and discuss contemporary challenges in the field of international protection of individuals.

The expected learning outcomes of the course are:

In-Depth Knowledge: Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the principles and norms of IHL and IHRL.
Critical Analysis: Students will be able to critically analyze real case studies concerning human rights protection and the application of IHL.
Practical Application: Students will know how to apply IHL and IHRL norms in practical contexts, such as armed conflicts and emergency situations.
Awareness of Intersections: Students will understand how IHL and IHRL intersect and complement each other, especially in conflict contexts.
Research and Discussion Skills: Students will develop skills in researching, discussing, and presenting issues related to IHL and IHRL.