| Title: |
Humanitarian Response in Conflict Settings – Concepts and Practical Exercises |
| Keywords: |
Planning and programming
Humanitarian setting
Human rights
Emergency
Conflict affected setting
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| Country: |
Germany
|
| Institution: |
Germany - Institute of International Health, Berlin
|
| Date start: |
2026-05-18 |
| Date end: |
2025-05-22 |
| About duration and dates: |
Duration: 5 days face-to-face (plus an equivalent of ca. 2,5 days/ca. 25 hours to complete an assignment) Application deadline: 4 weeks prior to first in person course day. No preparation/pre-reading before the course required. Due date for assignment (essay): 14 days after the last course day |
| Classification: |
advanced optional
|
| Mode of delivery: |
Face to face
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Course location:
Institute of International Health
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Campus Virchow-Klinikum
Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany |
|
| ECTS credit points: |
2.5 ECTS credits
|
SIT:
Total SIT: 70 hours
● Contact hours: 32 hours
o 15 hours of lectures and interactive discussions
o 8 hours of group exercises (tabletop exercises, response planning, negotiation roleplay)
o 8 hours of practical case studies and simulations (see below)
o 1 hour of feedback and discussion
● Self-study: 13 hours
o 13 hours of reading during face-to-face week
● Essay writing: 25 hours
o 25 hours for essay |
|
| Language: |
English
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Description:
At the end of the module the student should be able to:
● Analyse and assess operational, logistical, and security challenges in humanitarian responses, and propose viable solutions
● Demonstrate effective negotiation, communication, and coordination strategies with stakeholders in complex conflict settings
● Explain and apply operational strategies of emergency response: assessment, triage/management of mass casualty events, outbreak response in humanitarian health interventions
● Discuss the ethical and legal framework, key concepts, actors, and coordination mechanisms of humanitarian aid in conflict settings |
|
Assessment Procedures:
A 2000-word essay (+/-15%) on a key concept in humanitarian aid in conflict settings (e.g., the humanitarian principles, access, funding, safety, localization, advocacy) related to a provided real-world scenario (by course lecturers/coordination) or case study. The task definition will cover legal concepts and frameworks as well as operational challenges and strategies, and security and ethical aspects in order to support reflection of course contents and learning objectives. The essay must integrate relevant academic or grey literature and may integrate personal professional experience.
The essay is due two weeks after the last course day (if not otherwise agreed on). The essay will be graded for content (80%) and structure/presentation (20%) based on a provided evaluation matrix. To pass the course, students must achieve 60% of the achievable points. The results of the essay will be communicated to the students within two weeks after the due date.
If the pass mark (60%) is not achieved, students can re-submit their essay (the date for re-submission will be agreed on with the course coordinators) after incorporating feedback from the module coordinator (students can still receive full marks).
A second re-submission is permitted but may be linked to conditions set by the Committee of Admissions and Degrees, such as attending the course again in the following year (no additional fees).
Students receive two grades based on their overall mark, one according to the German (absolute) 6-point decimal grading system: 1.0 [excellent/sehr gut] – 6.0 [not sufficient/ ungenügend], pass mark: ≤ 4.0 [sufficient/ ausreichend]) and one according to the (relative) ECTS grading system (A top 10%, B next 25%, C next 30%, D next 25%, E lowest 10%) |
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Content:
This module provides an overview of humanitarian aid in conflict settings, covering key actors, medical strategies, operational challenges, and legal and ethical considerations. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and simulations, participants will actively explore access constraints, coordination mechanisms, and response strategies in crisis environments. The course aims to equip students with foundational understanding of humanitarian response in conflict settings and the practical challenges faced in the field
Day 1: Foundations of Humanitarian Aid in Conflict Settings
● Introduction to Humanitarian Aid and Conflict Settings (2 hours)
o Overview of different conflict types (acute, protracted, post-conflict).
o History and present challenges
● Humanitarian Principles, Access, and Operational Constraints in Conflict Settings (2 hours)
o Core humanitarian principles (neutrality, impartiality, independence, humanity).
o Challenges to humanitarian access (security risks, negotiations, blockades, bureaucratic restrictions).
o Case Study Discussion: Negotiating humanitarian access in conflict zones.
● Humanitarian and Other Actors in the Field (2 hours)
o NGOs, UN agencies, Red Cross, military, local organizations, governments
o Coordination challenges and Civil-Military relations.
o Joint workshop at Berlin Centre for Humanitarian Action and/or with German Armed Forces Bureau or Foreign Office of German (Agreements achieved)
Day 2: Strategies of response - Essential Humanitarian Health Interventions
● Key Life-Saving Medical Strategies in Conflict Settings (3 hours)
o Key health problems in conflict settings: identification, assessment, monitoring
o Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC).
o Triage algorithms and mass casualty response.
o Medevac and trauma care in war zones.
o Table top Exercise: Mass casualty incident at a healthcare facility.
● Epidemic Preparedness & Response; Malnutrition (3 hours)
o Disease outbreaks in conflict zones (e.g. cholera, measles, malaria).
o Vaccinology and immunization campaigns.
o Malnutrition – assessment and medical treatment
o Interactive Case Study: e.g. Democratic Republic of the Congo – conflict, food insecurity, and outbreaks.
Day 3: Operational Challenges & Response Planning
● Sphere Standards, The Blue & Red Book (2 hours)
o Overview of Sphere Handbook: WASH, Shelter, Food Security, Health.
o WHO’s Blue Book: Minimum Standards for Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs).
o WHO’s Red Book: Guidelines for humanitarian response in conflict zones.
● Humanitarian Challenges and Solutions (2 hours)
o Overall challenges (climate crisis, politicization of aid, funding constraints).
o Conflict-specific challenges (Safety and Security).
o Solutions: Innovative funding, local action, anticipatory action, advocacy, negotiation strategies.
● Designing a Humanitarian Response Plan (2 hours)
o Group exercise: Teams develop response strategies for different conflict settings.
o Presentation & feedback session.
Day 4: Negotiation, Advocacy & Mental Health
● Humanitarian Negotiations & Dealing with External Actors (2 hours)
o Negotiating with local and international actors (armed groups, authorities, INGOs).
o Dealing with the press and public perception.
o Ethical dilemmas in humanitarian negotiations.
● Roleplay Scenarios (2 hours)
o Checkpoint Negotiation: Gaining access to deliver aid.
o Interview with Local Journalist: Balancing transparency and neutrality.
o Engagement with Local Authorities: Addressing bureaucratic roadblocks.
● Mental Health & Well Being in Conflict Settings (2 hours)
o Mental health challenges for affected populations and aid workers.
o Managing burnout and PTSD among humanitarian staff.
o Interactive Session: Peer support and stress management techniques.
Day 5: Simulation Exercise at CADUS Makerspace (8 hours)
Arrival, Briefing & Introduction to the Setting
● Welcome, participant introductions, overview of objectives and rules
● Briefing on the scenario-based training environment
Module 1: Safety & Behaviour in the Field
● Personal safety, checkpoint behaviour, and threat response
● Basics of risk analysis and decision-making under uncertainty
Module 2: Communication Under Stress
● Radio discipline, non-verbal signals, and role distribution
● Team coordination and buddy system under pressure
Scenario 1: Checkpoint crossing
● Simulation: Unstable checkpoint with focus on threat assessment
● Practice communication, posture, and quick decision-making
Orientation and Medical strategies at the TSP (Trauma Stabilization Point)
● Introduction to TSP structure and roles
● Briefing on team assignments for the afternoon scenarios
● Emergency care principles: triage, bleeding control
● Managing civilians and crowd control in crisis settings
Scenario 2 & 3: Medical aid at a TSP
● Simulated emergency response in two dynamic TSP scenarios
● Emphasis on safety, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure
Scenario 4: Evacuation Under Fire
● Simulated evacuation of casualties under threat
● Focus on cover tactics, casualty drag/carry, and triage priorities
Closing Session: Debriefing & Feedback
● Emotional processing, stress response, and resilience strategies
● Group feedback and outlook on further training opportunities |
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Methods:
The learning method is a combination of teacher centered (lecture, discussion) as well as learner centered (group work, practical, self-study, and assignment) methods. A distinctive feature of this course is the interactive, immersive training conducted on the final day, designed to simulate high-pressure field situations. Drawing on elements of HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training), it enables participants to apply learned concepts in realistic, scenario-based settings that emphasize safety, communication, and decision-making under stress. |
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Prerequisites:
● English TOEFL test 550 or 213 computer-based or 79/80 internet-based or IELTS band 6.0
● Basic knowledge in international/global health, as e.g. acquired in a tropEd core course.
● Notebook (MS Office) and pen (Note taking)
● Interest in humanitarianism. For the medical participants: experience in emergency medicine, trauma care etc is a plus but not a must, for the non-medical participants: experience in WASH, logistics, safety and security is a plus but not a must.
● DISCLAIMER: The final day of training includes realistic simulations with actors to create stressful, potentially triggering situations (e.g. for participants with PTSD). Exiting the scenario is possible at any time. The training may involve physically demanding tasks; however, adaptations can be made as needed. If you are unsure about your physical ability to participate, please contact the institution/course coordinators in advance. |
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Attendance:
Maximum number of students: 20 students (unlimited tropEd students). Minimum number of students for the course to take place: 5 students
In order to receive a grade report or an attendance certificate, students have to attend 85% of the contact time. |
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Selection:
Participants are selected on a first come first served basis.
Deadline for application: 4 weeks before module start
Deadline for payment: 4 weeks after having received the invoice (if not otherwise agreed on)
We will confirm the module 4 weeks before the module starts, which is subject to receiving a sufficient number of applications.
Late applications will be considered as long as places are available.
Application forms can be found here:
https://internationalhealth.charite.de/en/application_admission/ |
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Fees:
875.00 EUR tropEd students and alumni
1,093.75 EUR for others |
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Scholarships:
Not available |
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tropEd accreditation:
Accredited in June GA 2025 in Heidelberg. This accreditation is valid till June 2030 |
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Remarks:
Recommended reading (books)
1. World Health Organization, 2021. A Guidance document for Medical Teams responding to Health Emergencies in Armed Conflict and other Insecure Environments - World (The Red Book) [WWW Document]. URL https://reliefweb.int/report/world/guidance-document-medical-teams-responding-health-emergencies-armed-conflict-and-other
2. Beadling, C.W., Henny, W., Hopperus Buma, A.P.C.C., MacGarty, D., Mozumder, A., Nott, D.M., Rich, N.M., Ryan, J.M. (Eds.), 2014. Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine: A Practical Guide, 3rd ed. 2014. ed. Springer London: Imprint: Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2927-1
3. Bouchet-Saulnier, F., Brav, L., Michel, C., 2014. The practical guide to humanitarian law, Third English language edition. ed. Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham, Maryland.
4. Munslow, B., 2019. Humanitarianism under attack. International Health 11, 358–360. https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihz065
5. Hardy, A., Manton, J., Lafferty, E., 2016. The Evolution of Humanitarianism Throughout Historical Conflict [WWW Document]. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. URL https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/centres/centre-history-public-health/news/2017-2 |
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| Email Address: |
mscih-coordinator@charite.de |
| Date Of Record Creation: |
2025-07-09 12:11:28 (W3C-DTF) |
| Date Of Record Release: |
2025-07-09 12:21:04 (W3C-DTF) |
| Date Record Checked: |
2025-07-09 (W3C-DTF) |
| Date Last Modified: |
2025-07-09 12:25:31 (W3C-DTF) |
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