What is the role of international law in international disagreements?
I can explain the role of international law and how it is applied to international conflicts.
What is the role of international law in international disagreements?
I can explain the role of international law and how it is applied to international conflicts.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- International humanitarian law balances universal rules with diverse cultural challenges to protect people in conflicts.
- The Geneva Conventions set universal rules for protecting civilians and prisoners during armed conflict.
- The ICC enforces humanitarian law by investigating and punishing individuals for serious crimes like war crimes.
- Some countries don’t join international courts, but global pressure encourages them to follow international law.
Keywords
Humanitarian law - international laws which govern how we must treat other humans
International Criminal Court - a permanent international court established to investigate, prosecute and try individuals accused of the most serious crimes against humanity
Common misconception
All countries are in the International Criminal Court and therefore it is effective at enforcing humanitarian laws.
Not all nations are part of the ICC, for example, the USA and Russia are not. The ICC attempts to enforce humanitarian laws anyway and members can bring cases against non-members.
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What is the role of international law in international disagreements?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What is the role of international law in international disagreements?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 citizenship lessons from the How does the international community respond to global humanitarian problems? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
when everyone has equal rights/opportunities/access to resources
help/support during emergencies e.g., natural disasters or conflicts
disagreement between people/groups/countries, often involving violence
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
international laws which govern how we must treat other humans
prosecutes individuals accused of the most serious crimes
basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to