
Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, examining the fundamental principles, mechanisms, and challenges in promoting and protecting human rights in global contexts. Participants will explore the historical development of these legal frameworks, including key international treaties, conventions, and institutions.
The course delves into the substantive areas of human rights, covering civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Participants will critically analyze the complexities of applying these rights in diverse cultural and political settings, considering issues such as gender equality, minority rights, and the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons.
Furthermore, the course explores the intersection between human rights and humanitarian law, focusing on the legal framework governing armed conflicts and the protection of individuals in times of war. Participants will examine the principles of distinction, proportionality, and non-discrimination, and analyze the role of international tribunals and courts in prosecuting war crimes and ensuring accountability. Through case studies and practical exercises, participants will develop skills in analyzing human rights situations, advocating for justice, and proposing effective strategies for human rights protection at the international level.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamental principles, concepts, and historical development of international human rights and humanitarian law, including key treaties, conventions, and institutions.
- Analyze and evaluate the substantive areas of human rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, and their application in diverse cultural and political contexts.
- Examine the intersection between human rights and humanitarian law, exploring the legal framework governing armed conflicts and the protection of individuals during times of war.
- Critically analyze the challenges and complexities involved in promoting and protecting human rights, including issues such as gender equality, minority rights, and the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons.
- Develop an understanding of the principles of distinction, proportionality, and non-discrimination in humanitarian law, and their significance in ensuring accountability for war crimes.
- Enhance practical skills in analyzing human rights situations, advocating for justice, and proposing effective strategies for the protection and promotion of human rights at the international level.
Target Audience
This course is designed for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals working in fields such as law, international relations, human rights advocacy, humanitarian aid, and conflict resolution. It is suitable for individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of international human rights and humanitarian law, including those interested in pursuing careers in international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, or legal professions with a focus on human rights and humanitarian issues. No prior knowledge of the subject is required, making it accessible to both beginners and those with some background in the field.
Technical Requirement
To participate in this online course, participants will need a reliable internet connection and a computer, laptop, or mobile device. The course will be hosted on Global Human Rights Leadership Training Institute platform, which participants will access using their web browser. The platform is compatible with most modern web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. Additional technology requirements will be communicated to participants in advance if necessary.
Award of the Certificates
Participants, who successfully complete all course requirements, including assignments and assessments, will be awarded a certificate of completion in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL). The certificate will highlight the skills and knowledge gained in the course, providing valuable recognition of the participant’s achievements.
Course Fee
The course fee for is US$300. Limited partial scholarships are available for participants from developing countries who demonstrate financial need. Details on the partial scholarship application process will be provided upon registration.
Duration/Time Commitment
This course on designed to be flexible for busy professionals. The course has duration of 50 hours, which can be completed over a period of four (4) weeks. Participants will have access to the course materials and assignments 24/7 and can complete the coursework at their own pace. Additionally, there is a possibility of an extension if required. This flexibility allows participants to balance their work and personal commitments while still benefiting from the course.
Application Procedure
Interested participants can register for this course by filling out an online application form at https://justicegroup.org/submit-your-application-form/ or request an application form from email: applications@justicegroup.org. The application deadline is 1st June 2025, while payment is due on 2nd June 2025. Once accepted, participants will be provided with payment details, and payment must be made before the participant can start the course.
Further inquiries about the course may be sent to: applications@justicegroup.org OR global4learning@gmail.com.
Curriculum
- 10 Sections
- 54 Lessons
- 16 Weeks
- Course Overview4
- Introduction to Sources of International Human Rights Law10
- 2.1Introduction30 Minutes
- 2.2Treaty30 Minutes
- 2.3Custom30 Minutes
- 2.4General principles of law30 Minutes
- 2.5Judicial decisions30 Minutes
- 2.6Writing of scholars (Publicists)30 Minutes
- 2.7Peremptory norms of general international law (Jus cogens)30 Minutes
- 2.8Resolutions of international organizations30 Minutes
- 2.9Non-binding standards (Soft law)30 Minutes
- 2.10Assignment 1
- Development and Scope of International Human Rights Law8
- 3.1Introduction30 Minutes
- 3.2Development and impact of international human rights law30 Minutes
- 3.3The scope of international human rights law30 Minutes
- 3.4Enforcement/monitoring mechanisms and machinery30 Minutes
- 3.5United Nations charter-based bodies30 Minutes
- 3.6Regional mechanism for human rights protection30 Minutes
- 3.7Limitations on the human rights treaty obligations of states30 Minutes
- 3.8Assignment 2
- The Concept and Development of International Humanitarian Law (IHL)8
- 4.1Introduction30 Minutes
- 4.2Origin and development of international humanitarian law30 Minutes
- 4.3Role of custom in the development of international humanitarian law30 Minutes
- 4.4Sources of international humanitarian law30 Minutes
- 4.5The application of international humanitarian law30 Minutes
- 4.6The basic rules of international humanitarian law (IHL)30 Minutes
- 4.7Types and purposes of international humanitarian law30 Minutes
- 4.8Assignment 3
- Protecting Fundamental Human Rights in Armed Conflicts8
- 5.1Introduction30 Minutes
- 5.2Protecting fundamental human rights in armed conflict30 Minutes
- 5.3The right to life30 Minutes
- 5.4The right to personal liberty30 Minutes
- 5.5The right to dignity of the human person30 Minutes
- 5.6The right to fair trial30 Minutes
- 5.7The right to freedom of religion30 Minutes
- 5.8Assignment 4
- Protection of Human Rights of Women in International Human Rights & Humanitarian Law6
- 6.1Introduction30 Minutes
- 6.2Relation of human rights law and international humanitarian law30 Minutes
- 6.3Protection of human rights of women in international human rights law30 Minutes
- 6.4Human rights of women in the administration of criminal justice30 Minutes
- 6.5Protection of human rights of women in international humanitarian law30 Minutes
- 6.6Assignment 5
- Protection of the Rights of Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)6
- 7.1Introduction30 Minutes
- 7.2Definition of refugees and internally displaced persons30 Minutes
- 7.3Protection and treatment of refugees and IDPs in human rights law30 Minutes
- 7.4Protection of refugees and IDPs in international humanitarian law30 Minutes
- 7.5Responsibilities of law enforcement agents in the protection of refugees and IDPs30 Minutes
- 7.6Assignment 6
- Implementation of International Humanitarian Law: The Role of States and ICRC9
- 8.1Introduction30 Minutes
- 8.2An overview of national measures of implementation30 Minutes
- 8.3Who should implement?30 Minutes
- 8.4Measures to ensure implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL)30 Minutes
- 8.5Legal and practical measures for the prevention and control of IHL violations30 Minutes
- 8.6Promotion of international humanitarian law treaties30 Minutes
- 8.7Implementation of international humanitarian law by selected states30 Minutes
- 8.8The role and mandate of the ICRC in the implementation of IHL30 Minutes
- 8.9Assignment 7
- Final Assessment and Conclusion1
- Resources3
- 10.1The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols30 Minutes
- 10.2Declaration on the protection of women and children in emergency and armed conflict30 Minutes
- 10.3ICRC statement to the UN on the status of additional protocols relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts30 Minutes