Empirical Assessment in IHL Education and Training: Better Protection for Civilians and Detainees in Armed Conflict

The book "People on War" explores the use of empirical assessment in IHL training over the last twenty years, including case studies of the evolution of the ICRC's approach, mental health surveys, battlefield ethics training, and war video games as instructional tools. It emphasizes the role of military leaders in developing a values-oriented culture of compliance with IHL.

Format: Hardback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2021
Publisher: Anthem Press

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) embarked on a groundbreaking global survey in 1999, titled "People on War," to gauge the international public's perceptions and attitudes towards International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This comprehensive study takes a historical approach, examining case studies of the use of empirical assessment in IHL training over the past two decades. The case studies encompass a range of topics, including:
1. Evolution of the ICRC's Approach to IHL Training: The ICRC has evolved its approach to IHL training over the years, recognizing the importance of incorporating empirical assessment to enhance the understanding and compliance of military personnel with IHL.
2. Views on IHL of Newly Promoted U.S. Army and Marine Corps Majors in the Aftermath of 9/11: Following the 9/11 attacks, the ICRC conducted mental health surveys of U.S. troops deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. These surveys asked searching questions regarding IHL compliance, shedding light on the perspectives of these military leaders.
3. Mental Health Surveys of U.S. Troops Deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq: The ICRC conducted mental health surveys of U.S. troops deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. These surveys asked searching questions regarding IHL compliance, shedding light on the perspectives of these military leaders.
4. Remarkably Successful Battlefield Ethics Training Program Developed in Iraq: In response to the negative findings of the mental health surveys, the ICRC developed a battlefield ethics training program in Iraq. This program aimed to reverse the negative results and promote a values-oriented culture of compliance with IHL among military personnel.
5. Work with Swiss Military Academy Officers, New Malian Soldiers, a U.S. Army Battalion in Germany, and University Students in Ireland and Japan Using War Video Games as an IHL Instructional Tool: The ICRC has collaborated with various stakeholders, including Swiss Military Academy officers, new Malian soldiers, a U.S. Army battalion in Germany, and university students in Ireland and Japan, to use war video games as an IHL instructional tool. This innovative approach has proven to be effective in enhancing the understanding and compliance of military personnel with IHL.
The use of empirical assessment in IHL training is occurring in the context of a significant evolution in the approach to IHL training. This evolution recognizes the vital role played by military leaders in developing a values-oriented culture of compliance with the soldiers in their units. By incorporating empirical assessment, military leaders can gain a deeper understanding of the attitudes and behaviors of their personnel, identify areas for improvement, and develop targeted training programs to enhance IHL compliance.
The ICRC's case studies and innovative approaches demonstrate the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to promoting IHL among military personnel. These efforts contribute to the protection and well-being of civilians during armed conflicts and promote the principles of humanity, dignity, and respect for all individuals.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785279485