Training course on Public International Law

Training Course on Public International Law

Introduction 

In an increasingly interconnected and complex global arena, Public International Law serves as the essential framework governing relations between states and other international actors. It is the body of rules, principles, and norms that regulate international conduct, promoting peaceful coexistence, resolving disputes, and addressing shared global challenges such as climate change, human rights protection, and cybersecurity. Far from being an abstract concept, international law underpins diplomacy, trade, conflict resolution, and the very structure of global governance. A comprehensive understanding of its sources, subjects, and enforcement mechanisms is critical for legal professionals, diplomats, government officials, international organization staff, and anyone engaged in shaping or responding to global affairs. Training Course on Public International Law is meticulously designed to provide participants with a rigorous and practical grasp of this dynamic field, enabling them to navigate the intricate web of international relations with expertise and confidence.

This course will delve into the foundational concepts of international law, exploring the creation and interpretation of treaties, the evolution of customary international law, and the role of general principles. Participants will examine the nature of statehood, the principles of jurisdiction, and the legal aspects of state responsibility for internationally wrongful acts. Special attention will be paid to the various mechanisms for dispute settlement, the regulation of the use of force, and the interplay between international law and domestic legal systems. By analyzing landmark cases from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other tribunals, and engaging with contemporary challenges facing the international community, attendees will develop the critical analytical skills necessary to interpret complex legal instruments, engage in effective international negotiation, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of international justice and the strengthening of the rule of law on a global scale.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the sources of Public International Law (treaties, custom, general principles).
2. Analyze the concept of statehood and the principles of state recognition.
3. Understand the principles of international jurisdiction and state immunity.
4. Examine the legal framework governing treaty law (Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties).
5. Assess the principles of state responsibility for internationally wrongful acts.
6. Differentiate between lawful and unlawful use of force under the UN Charter.
7. Understand the role and functions of the United Nations and other international organizations.
8. Explore various mechanisms for international dispute settlement.
9. Analyze the relationship between international law and domestic legal systems.
10. Discuss key aspects of international humanitarian law and its application in armed conflict.
11. Examine the legal regime governing the Law of the Sea.
12. Identify emerging challenges to global governance and the future of international law.
13. Apply principles of international law to contemporary international issues

Target Audience

This course is designed for a broad range of professionals who seek to understand or work within the framework of Public International Law:

1. Legal Professionals: Lawyers, judges, arbitrators, and legal advisors specializing in international law or foreign affairs.
2. Diplomats & Foreign Service Officers: Individuals engaged in international negotiation, representation, and policy.
3. Government Officials: Civil servants involved in international relations, defense, trade, and development.
4. International Organization Staff: Professionals working for the United Nations, regional bodies, and other intergovernmental organizations.
5. Academics & Researchers: Scholars, educators, and students in international law, political science, and international relations.
6. NGO & Civil Society Advocates: Individuals working on global issues such as human rights, environmental protection, and peacebuilding.
7. Journalists: Reporters and commentators covering international affairs, conflicts, and global policy.
8. Military Personnel: Individuals involved in international operations, peacekeeping, and security.

Course Duration: 5 Days

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations and Nature of International Law

• Definition and Characteristics of Public International Law
• Historical Development and Theoretical Debates (e.g., Natural Law vs. Positivism)
• The Concept of Sovereignty and its Evolution
• Relationship between International Law and International Relations
• Challenges to the Enforcement of International Law

Module 2: Sources of International Law

• Article 38 of the ICJ Statute: Treaties, Custom, General Principles
• The Law of Treaties: Formation, Interpretation, Validity, and Termination (Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties)
• Customary International Law: State Practice and Opinio Juris
• General Principles of Law Recognized by Civilized Nations
• Subsidiary Sources: Judicial Decisions and Teachings of Publicists

Module 3: Subjects of International Law 

• States as Primary Subjects: Criteria for Statehood (Montevideo Convention)
• Recognition of States and Governments
• International Organizations: Legal Personality and Powers
• Individuals as Subjects: Rights and Responsibilities under International Law
• Other Actors: NGOs, Transnational Corporations, Liberation Movements

Module 4: Jurisdiction and State Responsibility

• Principles of Jurisdiction: Territorial, Nationality, Protective, Universal
• Immunities from Jurisdiction: State Immunity, Diplomatic and Consular Immunities
• State Responsibility for Internationally Wrongful Acts
• Elements of an Internationally Wrongful Act: Attribution and Breach
• Circumstances Precluding Wrongfulness and Consequences of Responsibility

Module 5: The Use of Force and Collective Security

• Prohibition on the Use of Force (UN Charter Article 2(4))
• Exceptions to the Prohibition: Self-Defense (Article 51)
• Collective Security System of the United Nations (Chapter VII)
• Humanitarian Intervention and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
• Contemporary Challenges to the Use of Force Regime 

Module 6: International Dispute Settlement

• Peaceful Means of Dispute Settlement: Negotiation, Mediation, Conciliation
• Arbitration as a Method of Dispute Resolution
• The International Court of Justice (ICJ): Jurisdiction and Functions
• Role of Other International Courts and Tribunals (e.g., ITLOS, ICSID)
• Compliance with and Enforcement of International Judgments

Module 7: Law of the Sea and Environmental Law

• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): Key Regimes
• Maritime Zones: Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, EEZ, High Seas
• Deep Seabed Mining and the International Seabed Authority
• Principles of International Environmental Law (e.g., Precautionary Principle, Polluter Pays)
• Key International Environmental Agreements

Module 8: International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Contemporary Issues

• Definition and Principles of International Humanitarian Law (Law of Armed Conflict)
• Distinction between Combatants and Civilians, Proportionality, Military Necessity
• Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols
• Challenges in Modern Armed Conflicts (e.g., Non-State Actors, New Technologies)
• The Future of International Law in a Multipolar World

Training Methodology

• Interactive Workshops: Facilitated discussions, group exercises, and problem-solving activities.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate successful community-based surveillance practices.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Practice engaging communities in surveillance activities.
• Expert Presentations: Insights from experienced public health professionals and community leaders.
• Group Projects: Collaborative development of community surveillance plans.
• Action Planning: Development of personalized action plans for implementing community-based surveillance.
• Digital Tools and Resources: Utilization of online platforms for collaboration and learning.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Sharing experiences and insights on community engagement.
• Post-Training Support: Access to online forums, mentorship, and continued learning resources.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

• Participants must be conversant in English.
• Upon completion of training, participants will receive an Authorized Training Certificate.
• The course duration is flexible and can be modified to fit any number of days.
• Course fee includes facilitation, training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch, and a Certificate upon successful completion.
• One-year post-training support, consultation, and coaching provided after the course.
• Payment should be made at least a week before the training commencement to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice, to enable better preparation.