Your Name and Title:
Alicia Guajardo, Senior Associate, International Humanitarian Law Dissemination, Washington, DC
School or Organization Name: American Red Cross, USA
Co-Presenter Name(s):
Dana Specht, North Shore Country Day School, Winnetka, IL
Carrie Wall, American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, Chicago, IL
Joan Kelley-Williams, American Red Cross Bay Area, San Francisco, CA
Area of the World from Which You Will Present: United States
Language in Which You Will Present: English
Target Audience(s): Middle/Junior High, Secondary, College/University, Supervisors/Administration
Short Session Description (one line): Even Wars Have Limits – Teaching from a Humanitarian Perspective
Full Session Description (as long as you would like): Proposal for Strand 3: “Curricular”
War has been around a long time. So have rules to limit the suffering caused by violent conflict. On August 12, 1949, the four Geneva Conventions in their current form came into being. Now adopted by every nation, these laws place basic limits on how war is waged – protecting civilians, wounded and sick combatants, and prisoners of war. They are the cornerstone of international humanitarian law.
Learn about a global curriculum that will help your students become informed global citizens and understand war’s complexities through engaging lessons spanning cultures and time periods. Students learn to read and interpret primary sources such as case studies, short stories, photos and videos in which the voices of those impacted by violent conflict are heard. They develop empathy by reflecting on the meaning of human dignity, and practice critical-thinking while discussing historical and contemporary dilemmas.
This session will introduce educators and administrators to a global tool kit called Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL). Developed by the International Committee of the Red Cross, this program promotes respect for human life and dignity. It is being implemented in nearly 60 countries around the world and has been translated into almost 40 languages.
Participants will:
- Learn about the content and methodology of EHL
- Discover ways to develop students’ skills in critical thinking, problem solving, perspective taking, and decision making
- Find out how to access the free, ready-to-use lessons.
The presentation will include highlights from the curriculum tool kit including: a look at the role of bystanders, an examination of war codes and traditions over time, child soldiers, landmines, and construction of displaced persons camps. Empower your students to navigate complex global realities and help them become tomorrow’s critical thinkers and problem solvers.
The presenters include program coordinators, trainers and an experienced EHL educator who will share her first-hand experience integrating EHL into her teaching.
Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session: www.redcross.org/ehl and www.ehl.icrc.org
Replies