International Humanitarian Law (ILO-L216)

Fall 2023 · ILO L216 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

This seminar offers an introduction to international humanitarian law, the body of law regulating armed conflicts. It retraces its evolution, focusing on efforts to mitigate human suffering in war and on the protection of civilians. It considers the challenges posed to the application of IHL by the changing nature of armed conflicts. The topics discussed include: the principles underpinning IHL, the definition and types of armed conflicts, the distinction between combatants and civilians, the regulation of private military and security companies, humanitarian action during armed conflict, the use of child-soldiers, rape as a ‘weapon of war,’ and other war crimes.

Course codes: ILO-L216

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