Overview Statistics
In 1976 the IIHL organised its first International Military Course on the Law of Armed Conflict. There were seven participants on this one-week course held in English.Since then this course has become the flagship course of the Institute. It has been developed to cover ten working days and today it is held in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Russian. Over the years, more than 4500 participants from more than 160 countries have attended this course.In order to meet the growing needs of more specialised training on the law of armed conflict, the Military Department of the IIHL has developed other courses primarily for military personnel. These courses focus on naval and air operations from the law of war point of view, on how to plan and integrate law of armed conflict training with the military education on peace operations and human rights issues relevant to armed , security and police forces. In addition, a specialised course on a broad range of international humanitarian law topics is organised, once a year.
The International teaching staff is composed of experienced senior officers and military lawyers from all over the world. They devote part of their time to the Institute's military courses on a voluntary basis. Besides the teaching staff, a number of lecturers from the ICRC, UNHCR, ICTY, various universities, organisations etc. give lectures at these courses.
Teaching methods are adapted to the needs of military personnel. They favour a practical approach to law of armed conflict topics, activating group work and problem solving in a military staff-type environment. This, together with the fact that in each course participants come from countries all round the world, makes it a unique learning environment and creates an atmosphere of international co-operation on a personel level course after course. This "spirit of Sanremo" is a strong driving force and motivates participants to continue to disseminate the law of armed conflict in their home countries. The Military Department is constantly looking for new possibilities to enhance training in the field of international humanitarian law. Contacts with the alumni, teaching staff and military authorities around the world to improve dialogue and encourage proposals.