Master"s Programme "Politics. Economics. Philosophy" at HSE University

Delivered at:: School of Politics and Governance

Course type:: Elective course

When:: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Instructor

Abstract

The course runs through existing legal and political modes of humanitarian actions and humanitarian assistance. Course content is divided into two sections, which are International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and development of disaster relief. The modes of armed conflicts are investigated from the perspective of liaison between IHL and Human Rights Law. Applicability of the Geneva Conventions 1949 to different types of armed conflicts is discussed. The course introduces methodology applied for legal analysis of humanitarian aid and responsibility to protect. A wider perspective on the international law basis for humanitarian assistance is given through the lens of UN humanitarian activities and objectives, humanitarian actions of International Committee of the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations. Finally, introduction to IHL and disaster relief education is highlighted. In memory of professor Sanjay Kumar Rajhans (June 7, 1974 — July 21, 2021).

Learning Objectives

To equip students with the general knowledge of theoretical concepts and applicability of international law to humanitarian crises focusing on International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights and legal framework for humanitarian actions
To provide deeper insights into international procedure: International Criminal Court and the Rome Statute, International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and its impact on International Humanitarian Law
To give a global outlook on humanitarian aid: water, sanitation and food security on the international and national levels
To evaluate further development of International Relief Law and educational perspectives in the domains of IHL and disaster relief

Expected Learning Outcomes

To align with the up-to-date opportunities of IHL and disaster relief education
To analyze and explain actions undertaken in framework of humanitarian aid and assistance
To be aware of the court practice relating to the key concepts of the International Humanitarian Law and customary law governing the rules of warfare in accordance with categorization of the armed conflicts
To get deeper insights into the UN system of humanitarian assistance and its role on the global socio-political map
To have the substantial knowledge of International Humanitarian Law, International Relief Law and Regulations and Refugee Laws analytical tools for applying international norms and rules of international procedure
To obtain theoretical framework for analysis of humanitarian actions undertaken by international, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations

Course Contents

Humanitarian Principles, Values and Practice
Human Rights laws, Humanitarian Laws and the Refugee law-The conventions and treaties for the Humanitarian actions
Humanitarian Actors and Coordination –Preventive measures
Contemporary principles and practices in Humanitarian Actions, Disaster management and humanitarian responses
Water & Sanitation- Livelihoods and Food Security in Humanitarian Crises
Emerging Risks, Challenges, and Opportunities for Future Humanitarian Emergencies
Management of Diseases and Health Care in Humanitarian Crises
Migration Aspects. Protection of Displaced Populations
Humanitarian response in urban areas
Conflicts and new Humanitarianism
Violence Against Women, Child Protection in Emergencies

Assessment Elements

Group Presentation
Moot Court Competition
Active participation
Final Paper

Interim Assessment

2024/2025 2nd module
0.1 * Active participation + 0.4 * Final Paper + 0.2 * Group Presentation + 0.3 * Moot Court Competition

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Brysk, A. (2009). Global Good Samaritans : Human Rights As Foreign Policy. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=267526
Cook, M. L. (2011). “Humanitarian Aid Is Never a Crime”: Humanitarianism and Illegality in Migrant Advocacy. Law & Society Review, 45(3), 561–591. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5893.2011.00444.x
Human Rights, & Bronwyn Leebaw. (2007). Journal: Perspectives on Politics This journal is published by the American Political Science. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.69ADF98
Humanitarian intervention : ethical, legal, and political dilemmas / ed. by J. L. Holzgrefe . (2003). Cambridge [u.a.]: Cambridge Univ. Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.107689367

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Cantor, D., & Durieux, J.-F. (2014). Refuge From Inhumanity? War Refugees and International Humanitarian Law. Leiden: Brill | Nijhoff. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=815492
Kennedy, D. (DE-588)132222574, (DE-576)299014517. (2004). The dark sides of virtue : reassessing international humanitarianism / David Kennedy. Princeton, N.J. [u.a.]: Princeton University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.110249046

Authors

ULDANOV ARTEM ALEKSANDROVICH
Tiuliaev Georgii SERGEEVICH