The Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) was created at Fordham University in December 2001 to hold training courses, publish books, host symposia relating to humanitarian affairs and forge partnerships with other relief organizations. The Institute offers an academic base for the study and development of international health, human rights and other humanitarian issues, especially those that occur in periods of conflict. The Institute identifies fundamental needs and uses its talents, contacts, and resources to define practical solutions and initiate dialogue, understanding and cooperation among people and nations divided by war.

As part of their training programs, the Institute conducts an intense, month long program – International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) – to offer humanitarian workers the critical skills needed to aid in crises situations. This program is offered in three international venues each year - New York, Geneva and a rotating venue around the world. The Institute also offers an Undergraduate course – ‘Humanitarian Action: Theory and Application’ and a Graduate level course – ‘International Emergency Relief’ within Fordham University’s International Political Economy and Development (IPED) program. These courses provide an introduction to the world of humanitarian affairs and address the complexities and challenges it faces in today’s context. The Disaster Management Training Course (DMTC) and the Humanitarian Negotiators Training Course (HNTC) are week long training programs also offered through the Institute. The Institute further hosts annual symposia to provoke dialogue and thoughtful exchange on groundbreaking issues and current events.

There are currently eight practical text books covering many aspects of humanitarian affairs published by the Institute. The most recent publications include: ‘The Pulse of Humanitarian Assistance’, ‘Emergency Relief Operations’, ‘Basics of International Humanitarian Missions’ and ‘Preventive Diplomacy’.