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Teaching resources to explore international humanitarian law

Explore free teaching resources, case studies and activities to help students understand conflict and the laws that protect people in war.

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

These resources are part of Humankind, our professional development programme for teachers, created with expert guidance on humanitarian and life issues.

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

Conflict teaching resources

  • A black and white photo showing British Red volunteers carrying someone on a stretcher through rubble to a waiting ambulance.

    Introduces young people to international humanitarian law principles. They can explore what the laws are, why we have them and their importance in governing what is allowed in armed conflict. Suitable for ages 14 to 19.

In the news

  • 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.

  • Inside a big warm and sunny tent, exhausted women and young children sit on mats and chairs. Two Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers give out supplies while everyone waits calmly.

    Newsthink: conflict in Sudan

    Explore the 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.

  • A displaced family of four sits on a bench outside a temporary shelter in Ukraine, surrounded by bags and personal belongings. One middle aged woman holds a small dog on her lap, while a boy in a cap sits between her and two adults.

    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.

  • Paramedics load a patient into an ambulance outside of the Palestine Red Crescent Society medical centre, Gaza, on the 8th July 2025.

    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.

  • Psychosocial support volunteers from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent visit shelters housing earthquake survivors.

    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.

  • Open laptop next to a pink water bottle and notepad, showing search page for all Newsthink teaching resources.

    All Newsthink resources

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

World Wars

  • Sepia image of two World War I soldiers manning a machine gun in a trench piled high with sandbags, and a forest visible beyond.

    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.

  • A black and white historical photograph showing three young women medical volunteers in World War One nursing uniforms wearing white caps, aprons, and dresses with red cross symbols on the front.

    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.

  • A British Red Cross emergency response vehicle.

    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.

  • A paper poppy is attached to a wooden cross with the words "In remembrance" printed on it. Text is the main focus with eight paper poppies scattered around the cross.

    Beyond Remembrance Day

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

Further learning

  • The British Red Cross emblem on the side of a building in Hackney, London..

    If War Comes to You – classroom activities

    Classroom activities to use alongside the interactive film experience 'If War Comes to You'. Learners will discover the reality of armed conflict, explore the rules of war our role in promoting respect for humanitarian principles.

  • A British Red Cross emergency response vehicle.

    Chemical weapons

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

  • A bicycle lays on the floor in front of a burnt out car.

    Child soldier

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

  • Magen David Adom (MDA) has activated a comprehensive contingency plan, mobilising all 35,000 personnel, including staff and volunteers, where two volunteers are seen in rescue operations near a fire zone.

    Sounds of conflict

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

Support for teachers

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