International Humanitarian Law — 4th Joint Summer School on International Law

International humanitarian law faces a variety of challenges. The numerous ongoing conflicts reveal the fragility of the international legal order and pose a serious threat to global stability. This year’s Summer School therefore places a special emphasis on the practical enforceability of legal norms in protracted armed conflicts.

From 1 to 6 September  2025, the fourth joint Summer School on International Law will be held in Hanover, organised by the German Red Cross – Hannover Region (DRK) and the Institute for International Law, Faculty of Law, Chair Professor  Dr.  Claas Friedrich Germelmann LL.M., Leibniz University Hannover, in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg). Academic direction is provided by Professor  Dr. Claas  Friedrich  Germelmann and Professor Dr. Stefan Birkner.

The programme combines lectures, interactive case‑study sessions and intensive small‑group work. A highlight this year is a full‑day simulation exercise (Planspiel) conducted together with the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), giving participants first‑hand insight into operational legal decision‑making. All sessions are held in English. Successful participants earn 2 SWS (≈ 4 ECTS) credits. The week concludes with a public symposium on 6  September  2025.

Topics include

• Fundamentals of public international law and international humanitarian law
• International criminal law
• Treatment of Prisoners of war
• Protection of civilian infrastructure
• OSINT & Modern Technologies
• Rules of engagement
• Case studies of current conflicts

Renowned experts from Germany and abroad will contribute, ensuring an inspiring and practice‑oriented learning environment.

Participation

The event is particularly aimed at students specializing in SP 5 – International and European Law, students of the Master's program in European Legal Practice, or students of Political Science who wish to earn ECTS credits for their studies through the Summer School. Additionally, participation can count towards fulfilling the foreign language requirement under § 4 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 lit. d) NJAG in conjunction with § 7 StudO.

A total of 45 places are available for participants. Registrations can be made by email to Vincent Widdig or via StudIP.

Applications are open until  August 25th, 2025.