This module is designed to broaden students' understanding of the ways in which IHL is implemented. It presents a number of ways of dealing with IHL violations, such as bringing perpetrators to trial, uncovering the truth, reconciliation and forms of reparation. The module raises issues related to the implementation and enforcement of international humanitarian law (IHL) and includes historical materials dealing with the search for truth and justice. (Note: recommended for more advanced students.)
Download PDFs of the entire module or of individual explorations here.

Exploration 4A: Rationales and options for dealing with IHL violations

• Students first consider some reasons for dealing with violations of IHL. They are then invited to explore ways of doing this and touches upon the responsibilities of the different actors involved .

Exploration 4B: Judicial options

• Students explore the efforts that have been made at various levels, since World War II, to bring perpetrators of serious IHL violations to trial. They look atexamples of national, international and ‘hybrid’ courts and compare these different ways of administering justice.

Exploration 4C: Non-judicial options

• Students look at some non-judicial ways of dealing with violations of IHL. They are introduced to options such as reconciliation, forgiveness and reparation. They learn that bringing perpetrators of war crimes to trial is not the only way to address IHL violations and to leave the legacy of armed conflict behind.