Description:
This course will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to international frameworks and norms concerning the protection of vulnerable populations in humanitarian emergencies. In crisis settings, vulnerable persons and especially people with intersecting vulnerabilities are especially at risk of harm. In this course students will consider why protection for vulnerable persons remains such a challenge despite multiple international protection frameworks that have been widely adopted by States as well as humanitarian agencies and other groups. Through case studies emphasizing the perspectives of affected populations, we will examine protection standards and mechanisms, violations, and efforts at ensuring accountability. Students will gain an understanding of the primary concerns affecting vulnerable persons, the legal frameworks underpinning protection, and the landscape of organizations and entities involved, and will assess the efficacy and continued relevance of our methods of addressing protection for vulnerable persons. Throughout the course, we will identify challenges, as well as opportunities for strengthening standards and implementation methods in conflict and post-conflict settings.
This course…
- Emphasizes discussion and participation by students, and everyone should come prepared to discuss the materials and share your perspectives and assessment.
- Emphasizes the inclusion of affected communities in the materials, and we will reflect critically on the authorship and origin of the materials used in class, as well as the frameworks and programs used in humanitarian efforts.
- Will use a mix of case studies, guest speakers, and student presentations to generate discussion and understanding.
Example Units:
- Revisiting international frameworks: sources, venues, methods, players
- Setting the agenda: Human rights protections by whom and for whom?
- Documentation: The power of the story and the storyteller
- Inclusion and exclusion in international fora
*Course dates may vary slightly according to each syllabus. Please check with your professor.
Fee information
All Fall 2026 semester-long courses listed can be taken for 3 academic credits or for a Certificate of Completion from Fordham University at a reduced cost.
IIHA for credit courses $1,810 per credit
IIHA non-credit courses (with Certificate) $990
How to register
To apply to an In-Person or Online Humanitarian Training Course:
1. Create an application
2. Select Humanitarian Training Courses
3. Fill out the necessary information to complete your application
