About the Course

SOCS: Humanitarian Principles Level 2 is for humanitarian decision-makers and advanced university students. The level of difficulty is considerably elevated compared to the Level 1 course.

Central Thematic: "How does speaking out articulate with MSF’s working humanitarian principles?"

In this Level 2 course, we will build upon and challenge the skills and competencies you gained in the Level 1 course, in keeping with the thematic of this training – the articulation of humanitarian principles and speaking out. The Level 2 course focuses on enhancing reflection and analysis skills that can be transferred to contemporary contexts. 

The Level 2 course takes a closer look at the central thematic of humanitarian/working principles and speaking out by focusing on these concepts and issues:

• principled speaking out actions amidst humanitarian dilemmas 
• instrumentalisation, diversion, and politicization of humanitarian aid
• obtaining, grounding, and adapting speaking out strategies based on credible and authentic data 
• reflection on the relevance of humanitarian principles going forward

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This course is designed for decision-makers at the project level and above as well as graduate students and professionals in associated fields.

LEARNING PATH

The courses are designed for progressive learning. Complete modules and courses in order, for optimal results. This is the recommended learning path, no matter your level of seniority or responsibility:

• Initial Module
• Level 1 Course
• Level 2 Course

You may, however, access any course.

 

CREDENTIALS

Complete all of the course modules, readings, and videos. There is a cummulative quiz embedded at the end of the course. After completion of the quiz and course feedback, you will obtain your credentials, which include a Tembo badge and a downloadable certificate.

TIME TO COMPLETE

Time to complete this course is approximately 6 to 10 hours.

Learning Objectives

Knowledge Competencies

1. Examine the concept of speaking out and the imperative to speak out based on humanitarian principles.
2. Examine Speaking out in MSF and the normative international framework for humanitarian action including international law.
3. Analyze how far humanitarian principles and ethics are compromised while formulating critical approaches to speaking out.
4. Examine the pertinence or irrelevance of humanitarian principles and the normative international framework to today’s analysis and operations.

Skills Competencies

1. Ability to base speaking out on critical reflection, as discursive and constructive engagement with humanitarian dilemmas.
2. Apply critical thinking & leadership skills to real-life contemporary dilemmas.
3. Ensure speaking out is grounded in experience and based on evidence (with the acknowledgement that evidence is not positive or incontrovertible), where the methodology is explicit and set in specific political and historical context.
4. Compare and apply the concepts and dilemmas learned in this module to contemporary crises and contexts.
5. Apply critical thinking skills to the working humanitarian principles of accountability and speaking out with regards to state power. 

List of Contents

Course Structure - Six modules

MODULE 1: Introduction to the course

MODULE 2: Case Study on Gorazde 

MODULE 3: Reflections on Humanitarian Principles & Concepts

MODULE 4: The (Ir)Relevance of Humanitarian Principles & International Humanitarian Law Today 

MODULE 5: Speaking Out through the Lens of Calling for National Inquiries by State Actors: An Examination

MODULE 6: Quiz/Feedback/Credentialing