Welcome to The Fundamental Principles of IHL Regulating Hostilities: military necessity, distinction, and proportionality course. This recorded online webinar will take you though:- International Humanitarian Law and its aims to limit the effects of hostilities for those who do not participate or no longer participate in hostilities;
- Balance between the humanitarian imperative and military necessity that undergirds the rules regulating hostilities;
- Definition of military objective;
- Principles of distinction and proportionality;
- Rules regarding precautionary measures and prohibition of superfluous injury and unnecessary suffering.

Is this course for me? This course is suitable for all humanitarian professionals wishing to understand more about International Humanitarian Law. 
How will I benefit from this course? On completion of this course you will:
- Recognise that IHL aims to limit the effects of hostilities for those who do not participate or no longer participate in hostilities
- Appreciate the balance between the humanitarian imperative and military necessity that undergirds the rules regulating hostilities
- Understand the definition of military objective
- Become familiar with the principles of distinction and proportionality
- Become aware of the rules regarding precautionary measures and prohibition of superfluous injury and unnecessary suffering.

How long will it take? This course should take you around 30 minutes to complete.

How much does it cost? This course is free!

How do I start? Scroll to the top of the page and click on the Join button. This will take you through to the course page itself. You don't need to complete the course in one go - you can always continue later from where you left off.


- Recognise that IHL aims to limit the effects of hostilities for those who do not participate or no longer participate in hostilities
- Appreciate the balance between the humanitarian imperative and military necessity that undergirds the rules regulating hostilities
- Understand the definition of military objective
- Become familiar with the principles of distinction and proportionality
- Become aware of the rules regarding precautionary measures and prohibition of superfluous injury and unnecessary suffering.


