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International Humanitarian Law and Current Conflicts

29 October-2 November 2001

The last decade has brought significant changes to the world of humanitarian response. With the proliferation of intrastate conflicts around the globe, humanitarian organizations are being forced into new and unfamiliar territory. Increasingly, humanitarian professionals are attempting to provide relief in settings of diminished security and are grappling with the growing involvement of non-state actors — from rebel groups to private corporations to humanitarian organizations themselves — in situations of armed conflict.

This seminar will provide experienced humanitarian professionals with an opportunity to consider the relevance of international humanitarian law, largely developed in the context of interstate conflict, in light of current realities.

Presentations by specialists on emerging and controversial aspects of law and policy will be followed by extensive discussions among participants. A case study of the African Great Lakes region will be utilized as a prism through which a number of seminar topics will be examined and analyzed. Insights drawn from other recent conflicts and the participants’ own diverse experiences will also ground the classroom exchanges in real-world examples.

Level: professional

Location: Meredith, NH, USA

Participants: mid- to senior-level professionals from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), inter-governmental organizations (IGOs), and government agencies that are actively and directly involved in humanitarian operations in armed conflicts, in addition to human rights professionals who monitor such conflicts. Others with substantial interest and experience in humanitarian field operations, including journalists and members of the military, will also be considered. No training in international law is assumed. Between 30 and 35 participants will be admitted based on their experience in the field or their other significant work experience.

Tuition, fee, lodging: The cost of the seminar is $800 USD per participant, which covers single-occupancy accommodations and all meals and coffee breaks for the duration of the seminar, as well as tuition and course materials. Round-trip coach service between Boston’s Logan International Airport and the seminar venue at the beginning and end of the seminar is also included; exact departure time and place to be determined. Other travel costs must be borne by participants. Deadline of application: 24 September 2001.

Contact Information:
Bea Cusin
Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research
Harvard School of Public Health
Harvard University
1033 Massachusetts Avenue, 4^th Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138
USA
Tel: +1 617 384-5907
Fax: +1 617 384-5908
E-mail: bcusin@hsph.harvard.edu
Web: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/hpcr/events/ihlseminar/general_information.html