Ateneo - UPO

The course offers participants an introduction to the principles of private, international humanitarian and labour law applicable to the prevention, management and support of communities affected by disasters. It focuses on key concepts, definitions and legal issues relating to “emergency and disaster” law, in light of the growing relevance of these issues for key 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 course consists of three modules. In addition to providing the study material directly on DIR, the lecturers will indicate any reference theses and recommended reading in each module's information sheet. Students are invited to refer to the information sheet for each module.

Through the analysis of case studies related to specific issues that have emerged in crisis contexts, the course aims to highlight the ways in which private law, international law and labour law interpret and address the complexity of the phenomenon of disaster. The course uses interdisciplinary methodological tools to equip students with non-traditional skills that are useful for gaining an in-depth understanding of the socio-legal phenomena that emerge in such contexts. 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.

Basic knowledge of the principles of private, international and labour law is useful but not essential, as the lecturers for each module will align the skills required for the respective lessons.

The course is organised with asynchronous lectures and face-to-face lessons. During the face-to-face lessons, there will be discussions and exercises on topics and subjects agreed upon with the students. The subjects will be covered at a theoretical level with extensive reference to the interpretative rules expressed by judges in the application of the programme's institutions.

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 demonstrate acquisition of the relevant basic notions of private, internationale and labour law applicable during a crisis or a disaster. To achieve a high grade, students must demonstrate complete mastery of the topics covered.

The detailed course programme is outlined in the course descriptions as follows: - Private and Disaster Law Module 1) Notions of law, private law and legal systems 2) The concept of disaster and disaster regulation in the legal system 3) Disaster and private law: issues and perspectives 4) In-depth analysis of property law, civil liability, protection of the individual and dignity 5) Analysis and discussion of case studies related to the topics covered - International Humanitarian Law and International Disaster Module - 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 on disasters (classification, applicable law, codified rules); - Interaction between international law on disasters and other legal regimes (in particular international humanitarian law); - European legal framework on disaster prevention, response and recovery; - Current challenges for international law in the context of disaster response - Human rights and protection module i) natural disasters and wage supplementation; ii) epidemiological emergencies and compulsory vaccination, INAIL insurance protection and income support measures related to the closure of businesses; iii) the “preventive” function of flexible working; iv) natural disasters, epidemiological emergencies and redundancies: the freeze on redundancies.

At the end of the course, students will have acquired: - basic knowledge of the subject - the ability to critically analyse concrete scenarios - knowledge of practical procedures - the ability to identify the most effective response and recovery tools - an understanding of the complexities inherent in responding to natural and man-made disasters