The ICRC supports the teaching of humanitarian law and principles, promoting respect for the life and dignity of people affected by conflict and violence. We emphasize IHL teaching at leading universities, to reach tomorrow’s decision-makers and opinion-leaders.

To this end, a new online, self-directed e-learning module has been designed and launched by the ICRC. This online course, which is called “Introduction to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL)” can be accessible from the following link:

This course, which is offered in English, does not require any prior legal knowledge and is principally addressed to humanitarian practitioners, policy-makers and other professionals who are keen on understanding how and when this body of law applies, and whom it protects.

It should take approximately 5 hours to complete this course (self-paced). each module is self-contained, providing for flexible learning. At the end, you will be able to download a certificate once you have have completed all of the modules within the course.

This course is free!

You may find other reading material about IHL from the following pages within this website:

– What is IHL?
– Sources of IHL: Treaties and customary law
– IHL and Human Rights
– IHL and domestic law
– When does IHL apply?
– The basic principles of IHL
– Protected persons and objects
– Limits of warfare
– International crimes
– The Emblems