International Winter University
Welcome to the Online International Winter University Gießen
The 2026 edition of the online IWU on International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law will take place from the 2nd to the 10th of January 2026. This year, the IWU will address questions surrounding the implementation and compliance challenges of IHL and IHRL. For the Curriculum Outline and more information regarding the timeline, see the "Schedule" page. For information on the application process, see the "Application" page. The application period is open from the 1st of September to the 10th of November 2025.
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The Faculty of Law at Justus Liebig University Giessen is looking forward to host students from all over the world for the 4th International Online Winter University in International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law. The International Winter University offers an in-depth approach to current challenges faced in International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law.
Each year the Winter University offers you a foundation in International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law before discussing the major debates and challenges that are currently found in these fields of law. This will primarily focus on those issues that are present in both fields of law and consider how similar issues are approached differently. Allowing you to appreciate the differences between International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and how both these fields of law, in different manners, seek to protect individuals. The program combines high-quality teaching by excellent lecturers and practitioners from all over the world.
The 2024 International Winter University took place from the 4th of January until 13th of January 2024 and focused on International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law in the Digital Age. Discussed subjects included: The Right to Privacy and Data Protection, Freedom of Expression and Social Media, Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, Cyber Operations and Cyber Warfare, and more.
- Credits
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ECTS
Non-US participants will be awarded 6 ECTS credits. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System [ECTS] is a student-centred system based on the workload required to achieve the objectives of a course. The organization's aim is to facilitate student mobility and therefore simplify the process of credit transfer. The system is based on the assumption that 60 credits equal the workload of a full-time student during one academic year. The student workload of a full-time study program in Europe approximately amounts to 40 weeks per year and in this case, one credit stands for 24 to 30 working hours. For more information on ECTS please visit the homepage of the European Union.
Please note: ECTS credits will only be awarded upon passing examinations.
Spend your Winter gaining knowledge
Important Information for Online Winter University 2023
2 January - 13 January 2023
Our new application form you can find under "Application".
If you have any questions concerning the online version, do not hesitate to write a mail to: Winterlaw
Still remember: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all information on our website is subject to change. We will always post the latest updates on our website.
SPEND YOUR WINTER GAINING KNOWLEDGE
The Faculty of Law at Justus Liebig University Giessen are looking forward to host students from all over the world for the 2nd International Online Winter University in International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law. The International Winter University offers an in-depth approach to current challenges faced in International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law.
Each year the Winter University offers you a foundation in International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law before discussing the major debates and challenges that are currently found in these fields of law. This will primarily focus on those issues that are present in both fields of law and consider how similar issues are approached differently. Allowing you to appreciate the differences between International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and how both these fields of law, in different manners, seek to protect individuals. The program combines high-quality teaching by excellent lecturers and practitioners from all over the world.
This year the International Winter University takes place 2 January until 13 January 2023 and will focus on gender-issues. Subjects that will be discussed in this context include: reproductive rights, gender-based violence, gender in international criminal law and more.
Bilder
Credits
ECTS
Non-US participants will be awarded 6 ECTS credits. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System [ECTS] is a student-centred system based on the workload required to achieve the objectives of a course. The organization's aim is to facilitate student mobility and therefore simplify the process of credit transfer. The system is based on the assumption that 60 credits equal the workload of a full-time student during one academic year. The student workload of a full-time study program in Europe approximately amounts to 40 weeks per year and in this case, one credit stands for 24 to 30 working hours. For more information on ECTS please visit the homepage of the European Union.
Please note: ECTS credits will only be awarded upon passing examinations.
Schedule
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The 2026 edition of the IWU will focus on "International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law - Navigating Implementation and Compliance Challenges" The program will take place from 02.01.2026-10.01.2026. A tentative curriculum outline can be found here . |
Part I: Introduction to International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law (Dates and Subjects Tentative)
| Time |
Friday January 2 |
Saturday January 3 |
Sunday January 4 |
Monday January 5 |
Tuesday January 6 |
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3:00 pm - 4:30 pm (Berlin) 8:00 am - 9:30 am (Wisconsin) |
Opening Ceremony |
The Sources of International Humanitarian Law: Treaties and Beyond Vanessa Vuille |
Introduction to International Humanitarian Law (Conflict Classification) Farnaz Dezfouli Asl |
Conduct of Hostilities (IHL) Robert Heinsch |
Core International Crimes: War Crimes, Aggression, Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide Sannimari Veini |
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5:00 pm - 6:30 pm (Berlin) 10:00 am - 11:30 am (Wisconsin) |
Introduction to Public International Law Thilo Marauhn |
The Sources of International Human Rights Law: Treaties and Beyond León Castellanos-Jankiewicz |
Introducing Civil and Political Rights, and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Sabrina Rewald |
Co-Applicability of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law Saba Pipia |
Introduction to the Role of Criminal Courts: Case Studies Jelena Plamenac
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7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Berlin) 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (Wisconsin) |
Introduction to the Law of State Responsibility Barry de Vries |
Part II: Navigating Implementation and Compliance Challenges (Dates and Subjects Tentative)
| Time |
Wednesday January 7 |
Thursday January 8 |
Friday January 9 |
Saturday January 10 |
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3:00 pm - 4:30 pm (Berlin) 8:00 am - 9:30 am (Wisconsin) |
Introduction to the Role of Human Rights Courts: Case Studies Eliška Mocková |
State Responsibility and Contemporary Armed Conflicts Vaios Koutroulis |
Ensuring Compliance with IHL through International Fact-Finding and Investigative Mechanisms Farnaz Dezfouli Asl |
Non-Stat Armed Groups and Compliance with IHL Ezequiel Heffes
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5:00 pm - 6:30 pm (Berlin) 10:00 am - 11:30 am (Wisconsin) |
Weapons of Mass Distruction: Enforcing the Prohibition Regimes Kristoffer Burck |
Strategic Litigation before National Courts and Universal Jurisdiction Vera Strobel
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Applicability of Human Rights in Conflict and Occupation Saba Pipia
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Business and Human Rights: Understanding Compliance with International Human Rights Law Andrej Lang
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7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Berlin) 12:00 am - 1:30 pm (Wisconsin) |
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Closing Ceremony |
Application
Full Registration Process
Below you will get an overview about the whole application procedure divided into steps for regular as well as partial scholarship applicants. Please check by yourself in which step you're at the moment.
If you are applying through the Hessen-Exchange Program, please contact your home university for further information about the application process.
1st Step - Application
The application period for the 2026 IWU will be open from the 1st of September to the 10th of November 2025. The selected candidates will be informed of the decision by the beginning of December.
The IWU reserves the right to choose the candidates on a first come first serve basis. The interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Please note that only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For questions and inquiries, you can refer to the information on our website. Calls or email inquiries are not possible.
To apply for the online International Winter University, please send us the following documents:
- Application form
- Updated CV
- Certificate of proficiency in the English language ★ (Obligatory for non-native speakers)
- Motivation letter
- Transcript of records
★ International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), completion of an academic degree, course or university degree in English, exchange period or English course in an English-speaking environment, etc.
★ Please note that high school diplomas are NOT valid evidence of proficiency in English for the selection criteria. (Excluding the case in which you have completed the entirety of your high school studies in English)
Selection Criteria:
The IWU selection committee reserves the right to review and make decisions on the selection of applicants based on the following criteria:
- Academic qualifications
- Previous knowledge and proven interest in International Law, particularly on IHL and IHRL
- Excellent English proficiency
- Geographical balance
- Relevant practical experience in the areas of IHL and IHRL is considered an advantage
★★ IWU believes in diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities for all. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. IWU does not discriminate based on: disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation or other similar grounds.★★
Submit your application to winterlaw
2nd Step - Acceptance and Payment
After you have been accepted for the programme, you have to transfer the full fee of 900,- Euro (which includes 250,- Euro Service Fee and 650,- Euro Programme Fee) to our University Bank account within 14 calendar days. You will receive more detailed payment instructions together with the acceptance email.
Please note that transfer fees have to be paid by the participant. As bank transfers may take some time, a proof of payment (e.g. by sending a faxed or scanned copy of the money transfer form) will be highly appreciated.
Please note:
Payments are only accepted by bank transfer, and the participants have to bear the cost of extra transfer fees if any.
Cancellation Policy
If you registered for the International Winter University program at the Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, please notice the following Terms and Conditions:
- If you got accepted for a particular program and also accepted the offer, you need to pay a service fee of 250 €. This service fee will not be refunded under any conditions.
- The date of a rescission during the particular year will influence the refunded amount of the already paid program fee. (until 31st October: 100%, until 30th November: 75%, until 15th December: 50%, until 31st December: 25%)
- No refunds will be issued after December 31st.
Fees/Scholarships
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International Students without a scholarship |
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Application Fee |
250 Euro |
| Program Fee | 650 Euro |
| Courses | inclusive: course materials, supplementary reading list online |
| Credits | 6 ECTS credits |
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Total Costs |
900 Euro |
Scholarships
Information on the possibly available scholarships for Winter University 2024/25 will be updated on this page as soon as possible.
There might be the possibility to offer partial scholarships for Students, who want to participate in the International Winter University.
How to apply for a scholarship?
If you state that you wish to apply for financial subsidies in our Application Form, you need to attach the following additional documents to your application:
- One letter of reference from one of your lecturers (written in the English language)
- A thorough letter of motivation including your reasons to apply for the course and stating your personal financial neediness.
- Transcripts of Records showing us your academic achievements (optional)
- A certificate of your proficiency in the English language (for non-native speakers)
What do we take into consideration?
- Individual students’ motivation for their participation in our International Winter University
- Students’ academic excellence
- Students’ financial needs
- Diversity in the composition of the Winter University group
What is covered by a scholarship?
A scholarship will partially reduce the total fee. The sum is set individually since it depends on the individual application and the available funds, which vary yearly. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide scholarships, which waive the complete program fee.
Tuition Waivers for Students of JLU Giessen Partner Universities
Students enrolled at the Universities participating in the Hessen-Exchange program and applying to this program through the Hessen-Exchange Program will receive a waiver from the State of Hessen for the costs of the program. Please contact your home University to receive more information on how to apply and on the exchange fees for participating in this program. More information can be found here: https://wissenschaft.hessen.de/studieren/internationales/international-winter-universities
Cancellation Policy
If you registered for the International Winter University program at the Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, please notice the following Terms and Conditions:
- If you got accepted for a particular program and also accepted the offer, you need to pay a service fee of 250 €. This service fee will not be refunded under any conditions.
- The date of a rescission during the particular year will influence the refunded amount of the already payed program fee. (until 31st October: 100%, until 30th November: 75%, until 15th December: 50%, until 31st December: 25%)
- No refunds will be issued after the 31th December.
Lecturers
All of our lecturers are specialised in different areas of law. Interacting with them and participating in discussions during the International Winter University is a unique feature of our program. Below you can take a look at the lecturers of this year's Winter University and the previous ones.
Meet the Team - Contact us!
Past Editions
In 2025, the fourth Winter School was held. The topic was ‚International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law: Environmental Protection’. If you want to learn more about the schedule please have a look at the Curriculum Outline here .
Below are some thoughts from our participants about the 2025 program they attended:
"The IWU was an overall enriching experience for me. I had the opportunity to gain many exciting new insights and felt privileged to learn from knowledgeable and inspiring experts in the field. I would gladly participate again without hesitation."
" I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Winter School program, as it provided me with valuable learning experiences and was truly enriching."
"I attended the 2025 Winter School and would definitely do it again! I particularly appreciated how the first week provided a broad overview of IHL and IHRL, while the second week allowed for a deeper dive into the topic, making the experience both engaging and informative."
"I would definitely recommend attending. I absolutely loved the lecturers and the overall structure of the program, which made the experience really rewarding."
Winter University 2024: The Digital Age
The 2024 Winter University on International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law focused on the Digital Age. More information about the program can be found here .
Below are some thoughts from our participants about the 2024 program they attended:
“This was an amazing and unique opportunity and the course was even more fascinating and eye-opening than I had expected when I had signed up. The world is changing so quickly with all the technological advances so it was really great to be able to hear from so many experts on how technological advancements has changed the global landscape and impacts Human Rights and people's access to justice-in both positive and negative ways. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!”
“This program provided a solid, comprehensive overview of how International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law interact with the digital technologies that are widespread today and in the future.”
“The overall organization of the event was exemplary, contributing significantly to the positive experience. From registration to the final day, every aspect of the winter school was efficiently managed, creating a seamless and enjoyable learning environment. One of the standout features was the selection of lecturers, each of whom brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their respective sessions. The topics covered were not only relevant but also presented in an engaging manner, fostering a dynamic learning atmosphere. The diversity of perspectives offered by the lecturers added depth to the discussions and provided valuable insights into various aspects of the subject matter. Thank you very much for your time and efforts!“
“The program sparked my passion for international humanitarian law. It was taught in such a clear and succinct way, Every class goes by so quickly and you learn so much. The professors are all experts in their field and it was exciting to be learning new topics every day. I would take this course again if I could!“
“The subject was very exciting and I learned a lot! The lecturers were also very competent and put a lot of effort into teaching and answering questions. There was a lot of reading material that was very interesting and helpful! It was a great experience and I would recommend it to everyone.”
“Thank you for leading this course. The aspects taught were really very exciting and participating in the Winterschool was also a great experience. Please continue to offer this course, as it is an enriching addition for students from other universities.”
“I would like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in this Winter School. I really liked the choice of topics and it was incredibly exciting to look beyond Swiss law and focus more on a very current and important topic. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Online Winter School and thanks to the lecturers for the interesting lectures!”
Winter University 2023: Gender Perspectives
In 2023, the second Winter School was held. The topic was ‚International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law: Gender Perspectives’. If you want to learn more about the schedule please have a look at the Curriculum Outline here .
The first week of the program offered our participants a foundation in International
Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian before they discusses gender-specific
topics that are relevant to the fields of International Human Rights and International
Humanitarian Law during the second week of the program. The chosen approach will
allow students to gain a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of gender-related discussions relevant to Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, and to consider
interactions between these fields of law in order to understand how they approach
gender-related issues and what kind of approaches, developments, and issues are
present within these fields.
Winter University 2022: Current Debates and Challenges
The very first Winter University in International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law was held in 2022. The focus here was on Current Debates and Challenges. You can find more informations about the program here .