Ateneo - UPO

The course provides participants with an introduction to the principles of international humanitarian law (or Law of armed conflicts), with a special focus on protection of the civilian population during hostilities and on regulation of humanitarian and health assistance during conflicts. Moreover, in second part, the course will address the international and European legal framework governing disaster prevention, response and recovery. It focuses on key concepts, definitions and legal questions on international law and disasters, in light of the growing relevance of these issues for the main actors (international organisations, NGOs, The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and private actors) in activities aimed at supporting affected individuals and communities.

The materials will be provided directly by the lecturer and made available at the beginning of the course on the DIR platform. The topics covered in the course can be explored in greater depth by reading the following texts: - Niels Meltzer, International Humanitarian Law - A Comprehensive Introduction, ICRC, 2019 - Aronsson-Storrier M., Breau S. C (eds.) Research Handbook on Disasters and International Law, Elgar, 2024

The course aims to offer participants the opportunity to learn the fundamental principles governing conduct in armed conflicts and international disaster response. In addition to basic knowledge of the various legal institutions, the course provides specific theoretical and practical skills to develop a legal operational capacity in these areas. In particular, the objective is to learn a methodology for classifying different operational scenarios, identifying the rules applicable to them by both States and non-State actors, and assessing the material difficulties that may arise in the practical application of different international regulations.

A basic understanding of the principles of international law is helpful, but the essential background will be provided during the first lecture of the course.

The module combines lectures, workshops and discussions. The initial lectures are accompanied by discussions and analyses of practical cases and simulations of operational scenarios.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam is written and in-person, and consists of a quiz with multiple-choice questions. The final grade is expressed in thirtieths, and to pass the exam, a student must achieve at least 18/30. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the fundamental concepts of the subject. To achieve a passing grade, students must be familiar with the general context of the subject and be able to demonstrate acquisition of the relevant basic notions of International Humanitarian and Disaster Law. To achieve a high grade, students must demonstrate complete mastery of the topics covered.

- Fundamentals of international law (subjects, rules, institutions, scope of application) - Principles of international humanitarian law (distinction, precaution and proportionality) - Rules of humanitarian and health assistance applicable to international and non-international armed conflicts - - Fundamental principles and rules of international law relating to disasters (classification, applicable law, codified rules); - Interaction between international law relating to disasters and other legal regimes (in particular international humanitarian law); - European legal framework for disaster prevention, response and recovery; - Current challenges for international law in the context of disaster response.

- basic knowledge of the subject - ability to critically analyse concrete scenarios - knowledge of practical procedures - ability to identify the most effective response and recovery tools - understanding of the complexities inherent in responding to natural and man-made disasters