The first course in our new Essential Frameworks series, Essential Frameworks: International Humanitarian Law (IHL), aims to provide a solid understanding of IHL fundamentals, giving participants the confidence to discuss and advise on IHL in humanitarian settings. 

The course will be delivered in-person on April 11 at the RedR Australia office in Melbourne, Australia.  

Delivered by highly experienced IHL experts, the course trainers include RedR Australia’s CEO, Dr Helen Durham, and associate trainers Peter Grzic and Richard Simpson. 

During the course, there will be an open questions session where participants can ask Dr. Helen Durham about IHL. 

Why is it important to understand international humanitarian law? 

Dr. Helen Durham is a humanitarian lawyer and an expert on IHL. She reflects on the importance of IHL for those working in the sector, including diplomats. 

”Sadly, at this moment in human history, we are witnessing a proliferation of armed conflicts globally,” said Dr. Durham. “They don't just affect the communities and countries where those conflicts are being held—we're seeing a global impact, including increasing pressure for humanitarian assistance and the undoing of development work. 

“For those of us in the sector wanting to improve the plight of people's lives and ensure they have as much dignity as possible, understanding the basic framework of international humanitarian law is a must.” 

Dr Durham explains that while we can’t expect to be technical experts in all areas, we do need to understand issues such as access for humanitarian assistance, protection of humanitarian workers, and basic key principles that help with planning and implementation. 

Understanding IHL is also a key priority for the Australian government. 

“The Australian government have been very clear about their diplomatic aims through the launch of Australia's humanitarian policy,” said Dr Durham. “The policy is all about making a difference for people in crisis. Additionally, the foreign minister is working towards a declaration for the protection of humanitarian workers.  

“It's clear that we have a government and foreign affairs that are keen to ensure people can work safely in the sector. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that is growing. However, there are opportunities to work with the Australian government in this area and it's important for those working in the humanitarian and development space, as well as peace building and academia, to have a basic understanding of this area of law.” 

What can participants expect from the course? 

Dr Durham stresses that Essential Frameworks: International Humanitarian Law is a very practical course. 

“We aim to ensure it’s a very practical course,” said Dr Durham. “It's not an academic course. We're also working closely with Australian Red Cross on the course, as they have the obligation to disseminate and educate people on international humanitarian law. We will have a representative from Australian Red Cross present at the course to provide their insights and perspectives.  

“The course will look at some key issues, including advocacy and policy choices. And it will give participants the ability to talk to colleagues globally with the same terminology.” 

Who is the course for? 

The course is open to anyone interested in developing their understanding of IHL, including those working in NGOs, government and those interested in policy and advocacy.  

“We're very excited about the range and breadth of participants that at this stage will be joining our course—from foreign affairs to the humanitarian sector, as well as those involved in companies that are doing development work in our region and beyond,” said Dr Durham. 

“It'll be a rich group, and often we learn as much from the discussions between the participants as from our extraordinary trainers, who have recently returned from places such as Ukraine and Palestine.” 

About our IHL trainers 

Dr Helen Durham is a trailblazer in international humanitarian law and has devoted her 30-year career to protecting people whose lives are affected by war and conflict. She was a key player in the drafting of an historic resolution to prohibit the use of nuclear weapons; she played an important role in clarifying rape as a war crime; and she played a key role in the creation of the International Criminal Court at The Hague. She is a Professorial Fellow at The University of Melbourne Law School and, in 2017, Dr Durham was awarded the prestigious Officer of the Order of Australia. She has previously worked in a range of roles with ICRC and ARC, and is RedR Australia’s CEO. Listen to Dr Durham on our Humanitarian Conversations podcast.  

Peter Grzic is a highly experienced humanitarian, with decades of experience in the sector. He has worked for UN agencies such as OCHA and UNICEF, as well as governments, NGOs and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. His humanitarian career has seen him work across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, as well as his homeland Australia. He has a Masters in Humanitarian Action and is a volunteer with Red Cross and the Country Fire Authority. Since 2017, Peter has helped to facilitate countless RedR training courses, including our Essentials of Humanitarian Practice course, and the Hostile Environment Awareness Training course. Listen to Peter on our Humanitarian Conversations podcast. 

Richard Simpson is a highly respected humanitarian leader, innovator and educator. Richard has more than two decades of humanitarian experience working in 25 countries around the world and counting. Richard's experience spans international NGOs, Oxfam and CARE, and United Nations organisations such as IOM, UNOPS and the UNTAET peacekeeping mission in Timor Leste. In 2022, he was in Ukraine as the country director for CARE. He's recently returned from Palestine, where he supported Oxfam with their ongoing response to the current crisis in Gaza. He has been teaching on our courses since 2016. Listen to Richard on our Humanitarian Conversations podcast. 

Learn more and register for the Essential Frameworks: International Humanitarian Law course. 

NGO discount available. Email [email protected] for eligibility requirements and registration.