IHL Training, Webinars, and Informational Videos

Learn IHL from Red Cross instructors, taught at local Red Cross locations across the country. The course topics build on each other, however, participants can attend whichever is offered.

Course topics include:

• Even War Has Rules (Basic Level 1 hr.)
  In this one-hour introductory overview of the basics of IHL, participants will learn the four fundamental principles of IHL—Military Necessity, Proportionality, Distinction, and Limiting Unnecessary Suffering. At the conclusion of the class, they will be able to apply these principles to understand the rules governing conflicts around the world.
  
• Born on the Battlefield (Intermediate Level 3 hrs.)
  IHL and the Red Cross Movement were both born on the battlefield. This three-hour course discusses the beginnings of the of the Red Cross Movement and the birth of modern IHL. At the conclusion, participants will not only be able to analyze the legality of actions in armed conflicts, they will also understand the role the Red Cross Movement has played in the development of IHL.
• Humanity in War (Expert Level 8 hrs.)
  Humanity in War is the most detailed IHL course offered by the American Red Cross. This daylong course covers the basics of IHL and expands upon themes such as the enforcement of IHL and the interplay of IHL and International Human Rights Law. No prerequisites are required for this course.

Note: the IHL program is informational only. No certificate or academic credits are awarded upon completion. For information on registering for these classes, please submit your information and the IHL team will contact you. Learn more about IHL course topics by viewing this online brochure.

Access a variety of webinar videos that delve deep into specific IHL topics. The webinar videos are long-form (30+ minutes), available to all, no password or registration required.

View these sample webinars and see the complete collection on the Red Cross International Humanitarian Law YouTube channel.

Access additional video content that spotlights different IHL principles. These short-form videos (5-minutes or less) are available to all, no password or registration required. 

View these sample topics and see the complete collection on the Red Cross International Humanitarian Law YouTube channel.