Training Course on Armed Conflict, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

This course provides participants with advanced knowledge of international humanitarian law and human rights law in armed conflicts. It puts the law of armed conflict in a larger context, traces recent developments and examines how the law responds to contemporary trends in and challenges to regulating the conduct of hostilities, mitigating the consequences of the use of armed force and protecting civilians in armed conflicts and other situations of violence and insecurity. It builds on KDC’s International Humanitarian Law (Foundation Course) and critically examines the changing nature of warfare and how it challenges the law.

Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Objectives

The course will allow learners to refresh their knowledge of international humanitarian law, discuss the role of law in contemporary situations of armed conflicts between, within and across states and learn about the role of human rights in armed conflicts and their interplay with international humanitarian law. Participants will discuss current challenges and trends in the protection of civilians and learn about international criminal jurisdiction for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The course also examines two fields of particular practical relevance: the place of human rights and humanitarian law in multi-national peace and stability operations, and the role of human rights and humanitarian law for humanitarian actors working in conflict zones. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on critical reflection and peer-to-peer learning. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Duration

This certificate course will take 5 days

Who should Apply

The course is aimed at practitioners and professionals who want to gain knowledge in the field of the law of armed conflict, university students of international law, international relations, politics and other areas and NGO staff members. Participation in the KDC’s International Humanitarian Law (Foundation Course) before taking this course is highly recommended. Participants should have a good written command of English and have high competence and comfort with computer and Internet use.

Course outline

Course outline

Module 1: Introduction to Armed Conflict and International Law

• Welcome and Introduction to the Course
• Defining Armed Conflict: Types and Characteristics
• International Legal Framework: UN Charter, Geneva Conventions, and Additional Protocols
• Classification of Armed Conflicts: International vs. Non-International
• Role of International Organizations in Conflict Resolution

Module 2: International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

• Key Principles of IHL: Distinction, Proportionality, and Precaution
• Protection of Civilians and Civilian Objects
• Treatment of Combatants and Prisoners of War
• Conduct of Hostilities: Targeting and Weapons
• Role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• Simulation Exercise: Applying IHL principles in conflict scenarios

Module 3: Human Rights in Armed Conflict

• Human Rights: Fundamental Concepts and Principles
• Applicability of Human Rights Law During Armed Conflict
• Right to Life, Dignity, and Non-Discrimination in Conflict
• Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Women, Children, and Refugees
• Monitoring and Reporting Human Rights Violations
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of human rights abuses in armed conflict

Module 4: The Protection of Civilians: Challenges and Trends

• Civilian Immunity and the Principle of Distinction
• Challenges in Protecting Civilians in Modern Conflict
• Peace Operations, Human Rights, and Humanitarian Law
• Displacement and Protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
• Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Zones
• Simulation Exercise: Addressing Civilian Protection Challenges

Module 5: Humanitarian Action and Humanitarian Law

• Humanitarian Action and Principles
• Access to Conflict Zones for Humanitarian Aid
• Challenges and Dilemmas in Humanitarian Response
• Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Conflict Zones
• Coordination and Collaboration with Local Authorities
• Case Studies: Humanitarian successes and failures

Module 6: International Criminal Jurisdiction and Armed Conflicts

• International Criminal Jurisdiction and the Prosecution of War Crimes
• War Crimes Tribunals and Ad Hoc Courts
• Transitional Justice and Accountability
• International Criminal Jurisdiction and Armed Conflicts
• Reintegration of Former Combatants
• Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Post-Conflict Settings

Module 7: Conflict Resolution and Post-Conflict Reconstruction

• Conflict Prevention and Resolution Strategies
• Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding Efforts
• Transitional Justice and Accountability
• Reintegration of Former Combatants
• Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Post-Conflict Settings
• Course Review, Evaluation, and Closing Remarks

General Notes

• The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.
• The participants should be reasonably proficient in English as all facilitation and course materials will be offered in English.
• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• The training will be held at Kincaid Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.
• All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
• Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training coordinator at Email: training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org or Tel: +254 724592901
• This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our Kincaid Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254 724592901 or send mail to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org

Payments are due upon registration. Payment should be sent to our Bank account before commencement of training and proof of payment sent to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org