The International Humanitarian Law course by Université catholique de Louvain provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal rules that regulate armed conflict and aim to limit its human impact. It examines how international law governs the conduct of hostilities and protects individuals who are not, or are no longer, participating in fighting.
A central focus of the course is the framework of international humanitarian law, including key instruments such as the Geneva Conventions and customary law. Learners explore how different types of armed conflict are defined, who qualifies as a combatant, and what protections apply to civilians, detainees, and the wounded. The course also addresses rules on targeting, the use of weapons, and the conduct of military operations.
Through case studies and applied examples, participants engage with contemporary challenges such as non-state armed groups, counterterrorism operations, and the role of international peacekeeping forces. The course also examines mechanisms for enforcing the law, including state responsibility and individual accountability for war crimes.
Overall, the course equips learners with a strong understanding of how international humanitarian law functions in modern conflicts and how it seeks to balance military necessity with humanitarian protection.
