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

4.8
stars
2,006 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

HD

Jan 14, 2022

Every Humanitarian, Human Rights activist, student of law and interested individual should take this course. The materials, videos, podcasts are all relevant. Kudos to Leiden University

ZH

Nov 26, 2022

Excellent course with great teaching methods used. I particularly liked the case study used for the assignments at the end of each module providing a great way to apply the learned knowledge.

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401 - 425 of 452 Reviews for International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice

By Mary B

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Sep 14, 2019

The course could have been more interactive and the discussion forums better managed, but overall the content was very good and I was able to gain a sound basic knowledge of IHL.

By Matthew J

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Oct 10, 2024

Very informative but complex. Great resources and outline of information. If you are interested in humanitarian action, then this might not be for you.

By Dayo O

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Jun 15, 2021

the course was enlightening, i was able to learn a-lot and i would definitely be about to implement what i have learnt in situation i want to be in.

By Abu B J

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Jun 11, 2020

I had an amazing experience learning about the International Humanitarian Law and look forward to more such online courses through Coursera !!

By Julia B

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May 24, 2022

Links to external sources were not working. There is no way to go back and edit submitted written comments. Assignment questions are naive.

By Amin Z

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Nov 28, 2019

Please add more topics, videos and materials to this course. It seems some important issues in IHL have not been discussed. Thanks.

By Ludvík B

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Dec 16, 2023

It was great. Some of the questions during tests were slightly confusing, however, I learned a lot and it was great.

By Aman R

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Apr 18, 2022

Thank you very much to the team, Dr. Giulia Pinzauti  Dr. Emma Irving , Cinny Buys and Professor Robert Heinsch

By Scholastica M

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Dec 16, 2020

very insightful course on IHL for beginners and those working with non state actors in conflict contexts . Kudos

By Joanna H

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May 28, 2020

Great introductory course. Highly recommended for those without earlier experience but interested in IH

By Michel H

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Aug 4, 2025

Très intéressant et enrichissant pour toutes personnes voulant travailler dans le secteur humanitaire

By nancy d

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Apr 1, 2025

It seems more laws meant to protect citizens are useless without legal counsel and implementation.

By Sonia K

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Apr 7, 2020

Very good course for the basic concepts of IHL. I enjoyed the lectures and podcasts with experts.

By BADAGA E

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Mar 19, 2020

I appreciate the way this MOOC is designed to quench thirst of readers who are committed to learn

By Malou v B

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May 1, 2019

I helpful, easy way to learn more about IHL. Great level and doable hours. Thank you!

By MBIANYOR B A J

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Mar 15, 2020

A great course to understand the technicalities of International Humanitarian Law.

By Kheloud A

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Feb 4, 2023

It was fruitful and informative. I widen my knowledge of International law.

By Mateo C

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May 6, 2022

Great tool to further understand IHL and its technicalitties! Keep it up.

By Yasmin E

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Jun 15, 2020

Recommending this course especially if you want more knowledge about IHL.

By Arbab M

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Sep 19, 2025

you can learn a lot from this course frankly speaking its the bestttt

By Aurora S

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May 1, 2020

Very clear and weel structured. It gives a good insights on the topic

By Maria A M

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Jan 27, 2020

I am having problems with uploading my assignments and posts

By Scott K

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Jul 17, 2022

Extremely eyeopening, easy to understand and engaging

By 이상구

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Feb 16, 2022

Thank you for .... this course .. a some dificulty !

By Anjali S

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Oct 14, 2019

This course gave me a good foundation to IHL.