LAWS6218 - International Humanitarian Law

Objectives

• Explore the origins, sources, principles and practice purposes of humanitarian law.
• Understand how humanitarian law is implemented and enforced and how it affects the behaviour of states, non-state actors and United Nations forces.

Content

Different types and thresholds of armed conflict (including international and non-international conflicts); the permissible means and methods of warfare (including the principles of distinction and proportionality, prohibited weapons such as chemical and biological weapons, cluster munitions, and landmines); the status and treatment of combatants and non-combatants and others (such as spies, mercenaries, “unlawful combatants” and “terrorists”); the protection of cultural property and the environment; the relationship with human rights law; the implementation, supervision and enforcement of humanitarian law.

Session

Semester 1 Intensive
14-17 April 2009

The timetable is subject to frequent changes. Please refer to the latest version of the Postgraduate Timetable.

Assessment

• 1 x 5,000 Word Research Essay (60%)
• 1 x Take Home Exam (40%)

Courses this unit is available in

Master of Laws | Graduate Diploma in Law | Master of International Law | Graduate Diploma in International Law