“It is essential to understand and respect the rule of law because that defines what we are about as a nation and the leader of the free world. When others do not respect or follow the law, it is even more important that we remember who we are and what we stand for as a country. The American Red Cross EHL program helps young people understand not only what is legal, but also what is right.” - Brigadier General Patrick Finnegan, Dean of the Academic Board, US Military Academy at West Point

For more information, contact Exploring Humanitarian Law Coordinator Mfon Bassey at (518) 458-8111 ext. 5149 or via e-mail.

Click on the course or date to register.

COURSE	DATE	TIME	LOCATION	INSTRUCTOR
August  Workshop	August 20	12.30pm- 4.30pm	American Red Cross 33 Everett Road, Albany, NY 12205	Sandra Fernandes/Jocelyn Laboy
September Workshop	Sept 24	12.30pm- 4.30pm	American Red Cross 33 Everett Road, Albany, NY 12205	Mike Tripodi/Sandra Fernandes
September Workshop	Sept 25	9am- 12.30pm	American Red Cross 33 Everett Road, Albany, NY 12205	Mfon Bassey/Jocelyn Laboy

Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) is an international education program, aligned with U.S. Department of Education social studies standards. It was created by the International Committee of the Red Cross as a tool for teaching youth about respect for human life and dignity, ethical judgment, global citizenship, the protections of the Geneva Conventions and the role of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations through the lens of international humanitarian law.

The learning materials, based both on historical and contemporary situations, show how the laws of war aim to protect life and human dignity during armed conflict and reduce and prevent the suffering and destruction that result from war.

This course exposes students to international humanitarian law concepts by exploring ethical and humanitarian issues arising from armed conflict. EHL fosters an awareness of the necessity of humanitarian norms, an understanding of different perspectives, and an interest and responsible involvement in local and international events.

EHL can be incorporated in a wide range of different subject areas. EHL´s flexible curriculum can make a significant contribution to the pedagogy and content of a wide range of subject areas such as social studies, literature, and arts. 

EHL is an adaptable toolkit that gives educators easy-to-use materials to expose students to issues of international humanitarian law, the rules that ensure respect for life and human dignity in war. The toolkit offers educators primary source materials and strategies that reinforce and enrich existing curricula and educational programs. In addition,the EHL materials can also be used in out-of-school settings such a s summer camps, youth development programs and scouting or summer recreation programs.

While often used by social studies teachers, the content of EHL has links to all subject areas. Its teaching methods reinforce many important academic and life skills such as communication, disagreeing respectfully, reasoning, research, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Our teacher trainings and workshops help you to integrate EHL resources into your lessons while earning Continuing Education Units at the same time. The American Red Cross is an authorized provider of Continuing Education Units through the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), which are available for half-day workshops or 1, 2 and 3-day trainings.

Learn more about EHL by visiting www.ehl.icrc.org or view the online brochure by clicking here.