Prospectus

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Basics of International Humanitarian Law

Course
2012-2013

Admission requirements

Basic understanding of public international law and / or the sociological aspects of armed conflicts and justice. Participants should read the required literature before class.

Description

This course intends to provide basic knowledge of international humanitarian law (IHL) and fundamental aspects of international criminal law (ICL) in the context of past conflicts, including the conflicts in Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Sudan and with reference to the functioning of international courts such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Court, and the Special Tribunal for Sierra Leone.

Course objectives

Objectives of the course
This course will focus on and provide basic knowledge of:

  1. the development of IHL and its present relevance
  2. the protection of human beings in international and non-international conflicts
  3. international terrorism and IHL-rules
  4. the criminal prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity

Participants will understand the system of international humanitarian law, the interpretation of IHL treaties and identification of customary IHL-law and the interdependence between IHL and ICL.

Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:
Participants will understand the system of international humanitarian law, the interpretation of IHL treaties and identification of customary IHL-law and the interdependence between IHL and ICL.

Timetable

See: bachelor.

Mode of instruction

Seminars

  • Five four-hour classes in five weeks

  • Instructor: Prof. Dr. H. Fischer and guest lecturers

Assessment method

Examination form(s)
Written exam (English)

Areas to be tested within the exam
The examination syllabus consists of the required reading (literature) for the course and the subjects taught in the lectures.

Blackboard

More information on this course is offered on Blackboard.

Reading list

Obligatory course materials
Literature:

  • F. Kalshoven, L. Zegveld, Constraints on the Waging of War; An Introduction to International Humanitarian Law, 4th edition, ICRC, Geneva, 2011

  • H. Fischer, International Humanitarian Law; Course Reader 2010-2011; Treaty Texts and Excerpts (Blackboard).

  • Additional literature and case law (Blackboard)

Course information guide:
Course outline; available on Blackboard

Reader:
None

Recommended course materials
None

Registration

Enrollment for this course is possible via uSis.

  • Co-ordinator: Mr. Dr. Erik V. Koppe

  • Work address: Steenschuur 25, room B1.29

  • Contact information: via e-mail

  • Telephone number: 071-527 7578 (secretary)

  • E-mail: e.h.uiterweerd@law.leidenuniv.nl

Institution/division

  • Institution: Public Law

  • Division: Public International Law

  • Room number secretariat: B1.21

  • Opening hours: 9.00-17.00 hrs

  • Telephone number secretariat: 071-527 7578

  • E-mail: e.h.uiterweerd@law.leidenuniv.nl