An Overview of Humanitarian Law
Humanitarian law is a critical area of law that seeks to protect individuals and communities during times of conflict and emergency. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including the rules that govern the conduct of armed groups, the protection of civilians and refugees, and the provision of essential services such as food and medical care. In an increasingly interconnected world, where conflicts and humanitarian crises can have far-reaching implications, the importance of this field of law cannot be overstated.
Humanitarian law is not a monolithic area of law, but rather a complex weave of international treaties, customary law, and national legislation. The Geneva Conventions of 1949 are perhaps the most well-known component of this field, setting out the legal protections for wounded or sick soldiers, shipwrecked members of armed forces, and prisoners of war. These Conventions have been supplemented by Additional Protocols, which extend protections to civilians and regulate the means of warfare. However, humanitarian law also draws on principles from other areas, such as human rights law, which has grown in significance since the establishment of universal and regional instruments in the mid-20th century.
The significance of humanitarian law has become even more pronounced in recent decades, as the nature of conflict has evolved . Wars have become more complex, often involving multiple state and non-state actors, and have increasingly been fought within national borders rather than between them. This has led to further calls for stronger international legal frameworks to address the changing realities of armed conflict. In addition, the interconnectedness of the modern world means that humanitarian crises can have global repercussions, from refugee flows to the spread of disease. As a result, there is a greater need for a coherent global response that takes account of the various strands of international law.
In recent years, there has also been a drive to integrate humanitarian law more fully into the broader framework of international law. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, includes a number of targets and indicators related to the protection of individuals and communities in conflict. Moreover, states and international organizations have sought to strengthen the implementation of humanitarian law through various means, including the creation of commissions of experts to document violations, the establishment of field offices to monitor and report on compliance, and the development of practical tools for practitioners on the ground.
Overall, the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of humanitarian law makes it a rewarding and challenging field to work in. Whether you are a legal scholar, a practitioner, or a humanitarian worker, there are many opportunities to contribute to this vital area of law.
Common Humanitarian Law Positions
There are a number of different roles available for lawyers with an interest in humanitarian law. While the field remains small enough that it is difficult to point to clear career trajectories, it is still possible to identify some of the more common career paths among humanitarian lawyers. One route into international humanitarian law is the legal adviser role, which entails providing advice on legal policy issues to humanitarian agencies and national governments. Legal advisers are often co-located with legal desks at regional offices of international or inter-governmental organizations. They may also work with local operating agencies to advise on the scope and applicability of humanitarian legal standards in relation to specific operational scenarios such as refugee camps, victims of disaster, or urban contexts. Policy analysts also play a key role in the humanitarian sector. They typically focus on specific issues such as refugee protection, humanitarian reform, violence and human rights, or regional priorities like the Middle East or the Horn of Africa. These positions generally involve one of two things: close collaboration with states to craft positions or strategies that further their interests within the humanitarian sphere, or the collation and dissemination of analytical reports, press releases, or other materials to be shared with the media or humanitarian actors on the ground. The latter is particularly common among NGOs, while the former is more likely to be the subject of government or international organization positions. Field officers provide legal advice and support directly to international and national staff members engaged with humanitarian organizations across the globe. In large-scale emergencies, which occur quite frequently, international organizations deploy personnel, often with experience in humanitarian law, to consult on any observed or reported breaches of legal standards. Field officers liaise with relevant authorities to offer advice and assistance, and gather and report information back to their headquarters. These positions also may lead to more senior roles, such as heads of offices or country directors – or even to consultant work, which can allow greater flexibility and independence than a standard staff position. Job descriptions for more junior positions in international humanitarian law, such as internships and consultancies, tend to emphasize the ability to conduct research, analyze complex information, draft clear reports and briefings, and perform data management tasks. Language skills, including fluency in one or more of the official languages of the United Nations (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian) are also highly desirable. Quite a few international organizations require staff to have a postgraduate degree in international humanitarian law or international human rights law. Having practical experience in humanitarian law, gained through work or internships, is also a big plus.
Skills Needed for Humanitarian Law Roles
As with most areas of legal practice, a willingness to serve and a positive attitude go a long way in the humanitarian field. A degree in law is certainly an asset for those wanting to work in this sector, although not essential. A background in social science, development, conflict studies, international relations or a combination of these is also useful. Many humanitarian organisations will consider volunteering experience in the field sufficient evidence of a passion for the cause and extensive understanding of global and local issues, without necessarily a legal background. Those hiring for humanitarian roles, whether they are looking for people to work in human rights, refugee advocacy, legal aid or international criminal law, will seek candidates with a strong familiarity with the core principles of human rights law. A number of overseas organisations offer opportunities to study in this area for those wishing to be financially supported on their career path. These include the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, which offers a Master of Advanced Studies in International Humanitarian Law and Master of Advanced Studies in International Human Rights Law. There are a number of professional bodies offering certifications in this field. The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) offers a certified programme to deliver torture rehabilitation services and prevent re-traumatisation of survivors. The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) offers diplomas in rehabilitation and medical rehabilitation, and the Stockholm Institute for Further Education in Forensic Psychiatry provides forensic psychiatric examinations and investigation training. Apart from formal training, humanitarian organisations also seek applicants with strong soft skills. Communication and interpersonal skills, regardless of your professional background, are key, as well as the ability to speak foreign languages. This is especially applicable to experienced humanitarian staff with experience in the field who may be required to speak with community groups in rural settings, as well as with government organs, donors or other non-governmental organisations. For humanitarian law roles, an understanding of Asylum and Refugee Law and the European Asylum acquis is vital and employers will expect applicants to be able to demonstrate knowledge of these. Again, fluency in foreign languages is strongly favoured for those lawyers working in refugee law.
Potential Humanitarian Law Employers
A variety of organisations employ professionals with a background in international humanitarian law. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) hire law graduates as their legal staff, often overseeing projects relating to human rights and international humanitarian law. NGOs such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Human Rights Watch (HRW) have highly specialised legal teams who serve as field officers and coordinators. The international and cross-border dimension of their work requires legal expertise in a range of areas, including child protection, refugee rights and access to education. Refugee Action and the Refugee Council are two other NGOs that employ trained lawyers to assist their legal advice and advocacy services to refugees in the UK.
Lawyers also work alongside legal professionals from a range of disciplines, such as doctors and developmental workers, as part of broader teams of field officers in complex humanitarian emergencies where there is a need for relocation and trauma recovery. Legal professionals can be hired to contribute to these programmes through the development of training materials and the execution of training sessions in the fields.
Inter-governmental organisations that employ lawyers include the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Lawyers in these organisations undertake policy work and judicial training. For example, UNHCR has a Judicial Exchange Programme whereby accredited lawyers lead training workshops for judges and government officials throughout the world. The UNHCR can also be involved in human rights litigation at the international level. If refugee status determination or asylum decision-making is involved in a case, UNHCR intervenes as an Interested Party in order to inform the court as to the refugee status determination process before the UNHCR.
International law firms have a growing global reputation for their specialist expertise in areas such as international criminal law and professional regulation. International law firms are increasingly advising clients as to how to avoid or respond to international proceedings and investigations. Those firms who do have dedicated International Humanitarian Law practices advise various clients ranging from multinational corporations to non-governmental organisations.
Humanitarian Law Career Challenges and Benefits
A career in humanitarian law can be extremely rewarding, both personally and professionally. Humanitarian programmers, human rights research experts, and legal advisors all make a difference in the lives of people who are suffering from war, poverty, and violence. Despite its remarkable potential for positively impacting communities around the world, working in humanitarian law does not come without challenges.
The life of a humanitarian worker can be stressful and severe. Humanitarian law professionals often need to cope with increasing violence against targeted communities, a lack of financial resources to complete their work, and poor working conditions . In addition to environmental factors, the personal and mental health of humanitarian professionals often suffers due to the unfortunate realities that these professionals witness on a daily basis.
The rewards of working in humanitarian law can make the tiresome hours, constant travel, and stressful situations worth every minute, however. Humanitarian law professionals can make an immediate impact in the communities they serve. Through this work, many humanitarian law professionals are able to find their true calling, a legal specialty, or a passion for a particular population group.
Paths to Humanitarian Law Careers
The path to entering the humanitarian law field can start in a number of ways. Consistent with the overarching theme of this post, our focus is on the paths for students who are still in/just out of law school.
The first step for many to consider is potential volunteer or internship opportunities during law school. Dozens of international NGOs and the Red Cross each year recruit interns or volunteers who are interested in humanitarian law work around the world. It is a beautiful time (or big break) for those lucky enough to bring together travel, work, and humanitarian law.
Second, within the United States, there are a number of summer opportunities offered by NGOs and other organizations that provide internships and fellowships for humanitarian law work. Two of the largest programs of this nature are the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, where undergraduates, law students, and other young professionals from around the world spend the summer working with national and international policymakers to address crises in humanitarian assistance, development, security, and human rights, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which invites about 250 new professional and medical staff every year to help wounded soldiers and civilians in thousands of field operations around the world. Typically, these are 1-2 year unpaid positions.
Another option is to check out the student internship programs operated by the Foreign Legal Service Committee – a project of the Victoria University Faculty of Arts International Office. These are offered to senior law students (and higher). Spending 5-15 weeks, usually from May through August, in a range of countries pursuing one’s own interests related to international and foreign law, students can intern in places like Sydney, Australia, Rovinj, Croatia, Cape Town, South Africa, and London, England. Typically, students earn 8 credits towards graduation.
Finally, an option that’s a bit more academic, but that can be done at any time before or after law school is enrolling in a Humanitarian Law Post-Graduate Program. The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights is one of the most well-known post graduate programs around the globe focusing on Humanitarian Law. For others however, the University of Oxford Programme on the International Law of Peace and Security (LL.M.) is a great place for recent law school graduates or others in the field to study law in the field of humanitarian law in one of the world’s most historic and beautiful university settings.
The Future of Humanitarian Law Careers
The future of careers in humanitarian law will be shaped by a range of factors, from evolving global conflicts to the increasing use of technology in legal work. With ongoing violence and conflict in various regions of the world – particularly in the context of forced migration – the need for expert legal guidance on human rights issues will continue to grow. Simultaneously, technology is becoming an indispensable tool for lawyers, enabling access to vast amounts of data and streamlining workflow, leading to opportunities for those with expertise in legal tech. Growing areas such as environmental law, migration, gender rights, and intellectual property are likely to see an increased demand for professionals well-versed in humanitarian law. In addition to this, the current political climate in many parts of the world suggests that human rights lawyers may be faced with a shrinking space for their work, creating a greater need for advocates who can navigate these complex environments . At the same time, the future of humanitarian law jobs is bright, considering the increasing number of universities and NGOs offering online courses that provide knowledge and on-the-ground experience of working in the field. This growing accessibility of training is expected to open doors for more lawyers looking to specialize in humanitarian law. In short, the future of jobs in humanitarian law will likely be characterized by a global emphasis on legal expertise to protect and promote human rights. Humanitarian law will increasingly intertwine with other areas of law, creating a demand for multi-disciplinary lawyers and legal consultants. The continued growth of digital tools available to lawyers will also open new doors when it comes to simplifying the professional workflow, facilitating greater access to legal services, and reaching clients worldwide.
