International humanitarian law teaching resources

Free teaching resources, relevant case studies and activities to help students understand the impact of conflict and the laws which help to protect people in conflict zones.

Our free teaching resources look at International Humanitarian Law to help young people to understand the laws can protect people in conflict zones.

Get primary and secondary teaching ideas about:

  • the rules of war and what constitutes a violation of International Humanitarian Law
  • past and present-day conflicts, such as World War One or the conflict in Ukraine
  • how people like aid workers, child soldiers and prisoners of war are affected by conflict.
  • support for teachers

For questions or feedback about these resources, contact us at redcrosseducation@redcross.org.uk.

Conflict teaching resources

Rules of war

Black and white photo of Red Cross medics during the Blitz

Rules of war

This educational resource introduces young people to the principles of international humanitarian law or the 'rules of war'. They will be able to explore what the laws are, why we have them and their importance in governing what is and is not allowed in armed conflict. Suitable for ages 14 to 19.

Learn about international humanitarian law

In the news

Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers give supplies to a family leaving Lebanon is a black car

Newsthink: Lebanon

Use this free teaching resource to explore the impact on families displaced and separated by conflict, based on the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. 

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Conflict in Sudan image 1

Newsthink: Conflict in Sudan

Explore the current crisis in Sudan through a humanitarian lens. Use images to explore the impact the conflict is having on civilians, many of whom have fled their country or are still trying to leave. Suitable for ages 10 to 19.

Newsthink: Conflict in Sudan
A Ukrainian family embraces each other tightly amid the crisis.

Newsthink: Ukraine crisis

Use our Newsthink resource to explore the events in Ukraine through a powerful photo and explore how humanitarian crises affect people. Suitable for ages 11 to 19.

Newsthink: Ukraine crisis
Israel and OPT newsthink

Newsthink: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Use this free teaching resource to explore the rules of war and their importance during conflict, based on the ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Suitable for ages 10 to 19.

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Syria_earthquake_children

Syria: Building a school from the rubble

Discuss the importance of school, by learning about a group of children who created their own school during the Syrian conflict. Suitable for ages 11 to 16.

Syria: Building a school from the rubble
Newsthink_laptop

All newsthink resources

Topical teaching resources exploring the news from a humanitarian perspective. Real-life examples through film clips, photographs and stories linked to the news to prompt discussion and to develop critical thinking and media literacy.

View all newsthink resources

World Wars

WWI soldiers

World War One: the unknown soldier

Curriculum-linked session plans explore World War One and the humanitarian impact of armed conflict, using a film created by a young filmmaker from a WWI soldier's point of view. Suitable for ages 14 to 19.

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First World War Volunteers

World War One: centenary resource

Find out how your school can commemorate the centenary of World War One (WWI). Suitable for ages 11 to 16.

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First world war ambulance train crew

WWI – Operation Ouch!

This cross-curricular teaching package encourages learners to explore and reflect on the humanitarian impact of conflict. Suitable for ages 7 to 11.

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Poppies for remembrance day

Beyond Remembrance Day

Discuss the importance of remembering, and the work done to help others during the war. Suitable for ages 11 to 16.

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Further learning

IWCTY_Poster_A1_Only_Key_Visual

If War Comes to You - Classroom activities

Classroom activities to use alongside the immersive, interactive film 'If War Comes to You'. Learners will discover the reality of armed conflict, explore the rules of war and discover the important role we all play in promoting respect for these humanitarian principles.

Teach 'If War Comes to You'
Syrian medical staff learn how to treat people in a chemical weapons attack.

Chemical weapons

Help young people understand what chemical weapons are and how they fit within international humanitarian law. Suitable for ages 11 to 19.

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Child soldier holds a gun

Child soldier

This lesson plan explores how some armies and militias forcibly recruit young people into armed conflict. Suitable for ages 14 to 19.

Child soldier
In Yemen, a boy runs across a pile of rubble from a building destroyed in the conflict

Sounds of conflict

Activities to discuss the bombing of civilian areas in Yemen and international humanitarian law. Suitable for ages 11 to 19.

Sounds of conflict

Support for teachers

Young people in classroom with teacher looking at presenter

Red Cross educator development

View all free learning resources to support teacher development and tools for productive classrooms.

View CPD resources
Dirty side of truck with red cross and red crescent emblems

How to talk to children and young people about conflict

Our guide will give you confidence to discuss conflict with school aged children, using an impartial and neutral humanitarian approach.

Talking to children and young people about conflict

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