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Learner Reviews & Feedback for International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice by Universiteit Leiden

4.8
stars
1,986 ratings

About the Course

“International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice” is the first MOOC of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum on International Humanitarian Law, which is the platform within the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies of Leiden University for the research, teaching and dissemination of international humanitarian law (IHL). In this course, Prof. Robert Heinsch, Dr. Giulia Pinzauti and Dr. Emma Irving will give you a deep insight into the rules that govern armed conflict, and aim to mitigate human suffering on the battlefield. You will explore the why and how of IHL, followed by the different types of conflict. In no time you will find out which rules apply to the civil war in Syria, the military intervention in Ukraine and the occupation of the West Bank. During this course, you will learn how hostilities should be waged: Which weapons can be used by combatants and other fighters? And, who should never be a target during military operations? We will also look into the concept of protected persons, and you will find out how IHL affords protection to the sick and wounded, medical personal, detainees, children, journalists and other persons who are not - or not anymore - fighting. At the end of this course, you are introduced to the different implementation and enforcement mechanisms that aim to increase respect for IHL. Here, you are invited to think critically whether IHL works! Throughout this course you will benefit from a mix of theory and practice, which is at the heart of the vision and mandate of the Kalshoven-Gieskes Forum. You can participate for instance in an ongoing case study where drones are flying over the fictitious country Arfula, and detainees are locked up in tiny cells. Or, you can join our discussions about IHL success stories and the major IHL challenges we face today, with distinguished speakers from the International Committee of the Red Cross and US Naval War College! This course is free to join and to participate in. There is the possibility to get a verified certificate for the course, which is a paid option. If you want a certificate, but are unable to pay for it, you can request financial aid via Coursera....

Top reviews

AS

Dec 15, 2018

this course is helpful in basic understanding of IHL and in understanding the difference between Human rights laws and IHL enforcements . Teaching Faculty clarified simplified the overview very well.

VS

May 31, 2019

A really very wonderful, articulate and helpful course. The Professors were great with their knowledge and presentations. The practical insight given by the guest-speakers were just priceless.

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251 - 275 of 449 Reviews for International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice

By SAUL D G M

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Apr 20, 2024

Muy constructivo y útil para el estudiante de derecho.

By Sanju G

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Mar 5, 2020

A very well organised and taught course!!!

Many thanks!!

By Samson Y

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Mar 16, 2019

It helped me very well in advancing my knowledge on IHL

By marta f

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Aug 27, 2023

It has helped me a lot to have a broad view about IHL.

By Ashleigh S

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May 22, 2023

An informative, detailed course, thoroughly enjoyable.

By giovanni p b m

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Apr 27, 2022

The combination of lecture and textbook is excellent.

By Chinedu C

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Aug 18, 2019

Quite enlightening course, taught in simple language.

By Esther M i M

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Feb 13, 2019

Very well explained and interesting topics covered!

By RODOLFO S A I

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Nov 6, 2022

excelente curso mucho aprendisaje y conocimientos.

By A. A

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Sep 6, 2021

this course helped me to understand more about HHI

By Angel j A

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Jul 26, 2025

The civilian and solder that involved in the IHL.

By Joseph L K

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Jan 15, 2023

One of the most informative MOOCs I've ever taken

By Christet M

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Aug 9, 2021

This was a great experience and a great course

By Jen H

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Mar 25, 2020

A great and in depth course. Really enjoyed it!

By Kåre T P

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Dec 1, 2019

Super godt og meningsfyldt kursus. Tak til FLOS

By JESUS S L M

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Aug 13, 2025

Excelente, muchas gracias , por todo, saludos.

By SHATHA A A A S A A A

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Oct 8, 2024

جميلللللة جداً واستفدت الكثير منها شكراً جزيلا

By Abigail G

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May 4, 2020

Informative and interesting - would recommend.

By SEHRISH S K

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Sep 21, 2019

veyry comprehensive and well arranged course.

By Qazi S

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Sep 20, 2019

Really helpful to understand the basis of IHL

By Rafael E R A

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Mar 1, 2019

Muy bueno, conceptos básicos pero entendible

By MUHAMMAD U

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Mar 27, 2022

superb knowledge and infotmaiton in depth.

By FRANCISCO L L

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Aug 14, 2023

Excelente información clara y contundente

By Dharmesh B

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May 21, 2022

course was very effective in my learning.

By José A G B

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Aug 27, 2021

Excellent, I really recommend the course.