The Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) resource pack contains five core modules. Each module has a central theme and consists of a number of explorations, or lessons. Every exploration presents a lesson plan, which sets out the time needed for it, various activities for students, the different resources that are available, and ways in which students' learning may be assessed. One exploration takes between one and three classroom sessions, each 45-60 minutes in duration. In total, the 22 explorations offer a maximum of 36 hours of active learning, that can be adapted according to the time at disposal and the initial knowledge of the students.

The central idea of EHL is to explore concepts related to the experience of armed conflict. Some of these concepts are common to all five modules, while others are specific to certain explorations. In order to assist teachers and students, every exploration comes with its own guiding questions. For each exploration, you can consult the matrix (summary of the guiding questions, concepts, objectives and key ideas addressed), download the PDF or access the "Exploration" page.

• Module 1: The humanitarian perspective (PDF)
  • Exploration 1A: What can bystanders do? (3 sessions) matrix
  • Exploration 1B: Looking at humanitarian acts (1 session) matrix
  • Exploration 1C: A bystander's dilemma (1 session) matrix
• Module 2: Limits in armed conflict (PDF)
  • Exploration 2A: Limiting the devastation (2 sessions) matrix
  • Exploration 2B: Codes over time (1 session) matrix
  • Exploration 2C: Focus on child "soldiers" (2 sessions) matrix
  • Exploration 2D: Focus on anti-personnel landmines (2 sessions) matrix
• Module 3: The law in action (PDF)
  • Exploration 3A: Identifying violations (1 session) matrix
  • Exploration 3B: From the perspective of combatants (2 sessions) matrix
  • Exploration 3C: Who is responsible? (1 session) matrix
  • A case study: My Lai - What went wrong? What went right? (2 sessions) matrix
• Module 4: Ensuring justice (PDF)
  • Exploration 4A: Rationales for justice (2 sessions) matrix
  • Exploration 4B: The evolution of international tribunals (2 sessions) matrix
• Module 5: Responding to the consequences of armed conflict (PDF)
  • Exploration 5A: Needs that arise from the devastation of war (1 session) matrix
  • Exploration 5B: Planning a camp for people displaced by war (1 session) matrix
  • Exploration 5C: Focus on protecting prisoners (2 sessions) matrix
  • Exploration 5D: Focus on restoring family links (1 session) matrix
  • Exploration 5E: Ethics of humanitarian action (1 session) matrix

In addition to these five modules, there is an introductory exploration (Images and perceptions) and a closing exploration (Where do we go from here?).

The Explorations section of the EHL Virtual Campus contains all the explorations. All teaching materials can be downloaded, either individually by exploration or as entire modules. This section also offers guidelines for inserting EHL into different subject areas.