This introduction to international humanitarian law raises two questions: under what conditions is it legitimate to use force to apply humanitarian law? What modalities are permissible in the use of force? The course will also deal with the following issues: history and sources of international humanitarian law in relation to the principles it embodies (distinction, proportionality, military and humanitarian necessities and exigencies); international agreements and conventions which constitute the source of this law; present-day challenges and recalcitrant problems of application; classification of types of conflict; combatants and civilians; administration of territories under occupation; conduct of war and legitimate weapons; the relation between humanitarian law and human rights law.
