2nd Edition of the Online Advanced Course

A training course organised by the René Cassin Foundation in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

In an international context marked by the proliferation and persistence of armed conflicts, civilian populations remain the most exposed to the consequences of hostilities. At the same time, evolving forms of warfare, the emergence of new actors and the rapid development of technology are profoundly transforming the conditions under which international humanitarian law is applied.

To address these challenges, the René Cassin Foundation – International Institute of Human Rights, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is organising the second edition of its Online Advanced Course in International Humanitarian Law, delivered exclusively in English.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting a better understanding, dissemination and implementation of international humanitarian law. It brings together the academic expertise of recognised specialists and the operational experience of the ICRC, a leading organisation in the protection of and assistance to people affected by armed conflict.

In the face of contemporary crises, several key questions will be addressed: Are the current rules of international humanitarian law capable of responding effectively to the diversity of armed conflicts? How do they apply in occupied territories or in the context of counter-terrorism measures? How can they regulate cyber operations during hostilities, the use of autonomous weapons systems, or the deployment of artificial intelligence? Finally, what protections must be guaranteed to refugees in situations of armed conflict?

Through five thematic sessions, this course will provide an in-depth, critical and forward-looking analysis of the transformations affecting international humanitarian law. It will bring together experts from the ICRC, academia, the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

It will enable participants to:

• Strengthen their understanding of the mechanisms of international humanitarian law;
• Analyse its evolution in light of current armed conflicts;
• Develop a critical and forward-looking approach to its emerging challenges.

For more information, please consult the brochure presenting this activity.

WHEN AND HOW?

The course will be delivered entirely online, from Monday 23 to Friday 27 November 2026, via Microsoft Teams.

The sessions will take place each day from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Paris time (CET). The course will be delivered exclusively in English and will place strong emphasis on interaction between the experts and participants.

A final online assessment, in the form of a multiple-choice questionnaire, will be held on Monday 30 November 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CET).

Upon completion of the course and the assessment, participants may receive either a certificate of achievement or a certificate of attendance.

Participants are advised to have suitable computer equipment, a stable internet connection, a microphone and, where possible, a camera.

WHICH PROGRAMME?

Monday 23 November 2026

The Law of Occupation

With Julie Tenenbaum, Senior Legal Adviser at the International Committee of the Red Cross.

This first session, led by an ICRC expert, will review the rules applicable to situations of occupation and the practical challenges involved in their implementation.

Tuesday 24 November 2026

War Crimes and International Humanitarian Law

With Raphaël van Steenberghe, Professor of International Law at UCLouvain.

Wednesday 25 November 2026

New Technologies and International Humanitarian Law

Cyber Operations, Autonomous Weapons Systems and Artificial Intelligence in Armed Conflicts, with Anna Rosalie Greipl, Researcher at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.

Thursday 26 November 2026

Counter-Terrorism Measures and International Humanitarian Law

With Julia Grignon, Associate Professor of International Humanitarian Law at Paris-Panthéon-Assas University.

Friday 27 November 2026

Refugees and International Humanitarian Law

With Delphine Leneutre, Legal Adviser at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

FOR WHOM?

This course is intended for:

• Students, doctoral candidates, teachers and researchers;
• Members of the legal and diplomatic professions;
• Professionals working in the humanitarian sector;
• Anyone working with or interested in issues relating to international humanitarian law.

REGISTRATION FEES

The registration fee is €300 for the entire course. Fees paid are non-refundable.

A student rate may be granted upon request. To qualify, applicants must submit:

• their curriculum vitae ;
• a valid certificate of enrolment at a university;

to the following address: anne-laure.sene@iidh.org

For any questions regarding the course, or in the event of difficulties with the payment of registration fees, participants may also contact us at this address.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FUNDING

The René Cassin Foundation is Qualiopi-certified for its training activities. This course may therefore be eligible for funding through a French skills development operator (OPCO).

Individuals wishing to make use of their training entitlements are advised to contact their employer.