The objectives of this course are (1) to provide volunteers and professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds with a comprehensive insight into the fundamentals of negotiation, (2) to prepare negotiators on how to react and communicate in dynamic conflicts, analyze the situation, and effectively reach an agreement between the parties, (3) to provide a legal toolbox, (4) to promote cooperation and dialogue, (5) to evaluate interventions and identify examples of good practice, (6) to prepare for hostage negotiations, and (7) to examine case studies and review all the humanitarian actors involved.

Topics covered include: Law, Ethics, Human Rights and Negotiation; International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law; The 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols; Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of Justice; Principles of International Law; Regional Policies and Procedures; Ethical Issues and Codes of Conduct; Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and the Humanitarian Worker; Negotiation Techniques; Peace Accords; and Security and Access.