Geneva | Core professional training on humanitarian law and policy

The Core Professional Training on Humanitarian Law and Policy – an intensive three-day program – serves as an opportunity for experienced humanitarian practitioners, policymakers, and others operating in or dealing with conflict settings to deepen their understanding of international humanitarian law (IHL) and other legal frameworks applicable in times of war, and to explore related policy and operational challenges.

Suitable for those both with and without prior legal training, the course covers the sources and development of IHL, key distinctions between international and non-international armed conflicts, the applicability of international human rights law in armed conflict, the obligations of State and non-State actors, implementation and enforcement of IHL, and the role of humanitarian actors in situations of armed conflict. Additional “flex sessions” respond to the interests and concerns of registrants and specific issues they are currently facing in their work.

Discussions, case studies, and exercises reinforce the learning objectives and connect theory with practice, exploring challenging questions that arise in humanitarian response settings, such as the status of civilians participating in hostilities, the rules applicable to detention in armed conflict, the regulation of weapons, and the norms governing humanitarian access and assistance. Throughout the course, examples from contemporary conflicts illustrate the applicability of legal rules, as well as challenges in practice.

Participants in the Core Professional Training are also encouraged to participate in the two-day Thematic Workshops that directly follow in each location and focus in depth on specific issues of concern to humanitarian actors, building on the content of the core course. Alumni of previous editions of the Core Training are also encouraged to return for the Thematic Workshops, which are continuously updated based on the latest developments in the field.

Participants are recommended to complete the PHAP Credentialing Program certification in International Legal Frameworks for Humanitarian Action (ILFHA)prior to the course.

The course is designed for mid- and senior-level staff of UN and other intergovernmental agencies, components of the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement, NGOs, and government agencies with direct or indirect experience of humanitarian action in situations of armed conflict. Others with relevant experience, including diplomats, military personnel, and journalists, are also encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Please use this application form to apply for the course.

The course is open to PHAP members and to non-members. PHAP members enjoy course fee discounts, as well as other benefits. If you are not yet a member of PHAP, you can apply for membership and the selected training simultaneously through the course application form.

PHAP members who have already attended five or more days of training courses offered by PHAP, HPCR, or HPCR International, may be eligible for our Returning Participant Discount Program.

Group discounts are available for agencies and employers wishing to send several staff to PHAP trainings. Please visit our fees and terms and conditions page or contact us directly.