© Photo by Kalu Institute via Flickr
- ICC: Trial Chamber X to Deliver Trial Judgment in Al Hassan Case in January 2024
- Bosnia: Bosnian Serb Leader Dodik on Trial for Disregarding International Envoy
- Peru: Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori Released from Prison Following Reinstatement of Presidential Pardon
- USA: Four Russian Military Personnel Accused of War Crimes for Torturing American Citizen in Ukraine
- Africa: Former Burundi Prime Minister Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
- USA: Texas Woman Granted Abortion Due to High-Risk Pregnancy Despite State Prohibition
INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY SECTION
- France: Parliament Votes for Ban on Single-use E-cigarettes Amidst Social and Environmental Concerns
- UN: Ghana Meeting Seeks to Bolster UN Peacekeeping
- OCHA: Floods in Somalia Impact Over 2.4 Million
- Yemen: WFP Distributions to Pause in Northern Areas of Yemen
- Indonesia: Volcano Eruption Claims At Least 23 Lives
- Honduras, Thailand and Philippines: Three Separate Bus Crashes Kill Dozens
- Andaman Sea: Hundreds of Rohingyas Adrift in Two Boats for About Two Weeks
- Guyana: As Venezuelan Government Formalises Plans to Annex Essequibo, Guyana Requests Help from International Community
- UK: Prime Minister Calls Emergency Press Conference to Defend Rwandan Plan
- WFP: Further Reduction in Food Assistance to Syria Amid Funding Crisis
- Denmark: Legislation Prohibiting Quran Burning Enacted
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE SECTION
ICC: Trial Chamber X to Deliver Trial Judgment in Al Hassan Case in January 2024
On 6 December 2023, Trial Chamber X of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced it would deliver judgment in the case of The Prosecutor v. Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud on 18 January 2024. In this judgment, the court will give its verdict, either acquitting or convicting the accused based on the evidence and legal submissions presented to the court. The verdict will be administered according to the standard of proof in criminal law, which presumes the innocence of the accused until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The decision is subject to appeal before the court’s Appeals Chamber. The trial against the accused began in July 2020 and addresses alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Timbuktu, Mali. Testimonies from 52 prosecution witnesses, 22 defence witnesses, and two witnesses representing 2 196 victims were presented to the court during the course of trial. The trial concluded with the submission of evidence in February 2023, followed by final briefs and closing statements in May 2023.
Bosnia: Bosnian Serb Leader Dodik on Trial for Disregarding International Envoy
On 6 December 2023, Milorad Dodik, a Bosnian-Serb nationalist leader, appeared in court to face trial for refusing to recognise the authority of Christian Schmidt, the international envoy overseeing peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Dodik, president of the majority-Serb region, rejects Schmidt’s authority, considering him an unelected foreigner. The trial, postponed for three days due to Dodik’s request to move it from Sarajevo, is seen as a political move by Dodik, who views Schmidt’s actions as foreign interference. Dodik has repeatedly threatened secession, and if found guilty, he could face jail time and a political ban. The conflict stems from Schmidt’s attempts to exert his authority, a role granted by the US-brokered Dayton deal that ended the Bosnian war. Dodik has introduced laws challenging Bosnia’s national institutions in the Serb Republic, attempting to delegitimise them. He has also barred Schmidt from entering the region despite Schmidt visiting it. Dodik often hints at Republika Srpska’s independence, notably suggesting it under a potential re-election of Donald Trump. Dodik’s motivations are speculated to involve maintaining a crisis atmosphere to prolong his power by exploiting voters’ fears, though some suspect his ties with Russia also play a role, despite Russia’s refusal to recognise Schmidt. Schmidt, in turn, believes Dodik’s influence is limited to causing problems and lacks a strategic scope, warning of potential Russian intervention in the Western Balkans.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67636301
Peru: Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori Released from Prison Following Reinstatement of Presidential Pardon
On 7 December 2023, former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori was released from Lima’s Barbadillo prison following the nation’s constitutional court reinstating a presidential pardon issued six years ago. After spending over 15 years in prison, his release was met by hundreds of supporters. Fujimori is a highly contentious figure due to his imprisonment for corruption and human rights violations during his presidency. Initially sentenced to 25 years, the 85-year-old left prison supported by his children, Kenji and Keiko Fujimori, who narrowly lost the previous presidential election. His presidency from 1990 to 2000 was characterised by authoritarian rule, credited by some for combating terrorism and economic crises, while others see him as a leader who undermined democratic institutions to retain power. Fujimori’s crackdown on insurgencies led to an estimated 69 000 deaths. Convicted of bribery, abuse of power, and human rights abuses, including authorising killings by death squads, his imprisonment in 2009 initially suggested a life sentence. However, in 2017, due to health concerns, including low blood pressure and heart rhythm issues, he was moved to a hospital. President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski subsequently granted him a pardon, citing his incurable illness and the danger prison posed to his life.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-67645016
USA: Four Russian Military Personnel Accused of War Crimes for Torturing American Citizen in Ukraine
On 7 December 2023, four Russian soldiers were charged with war crimes for allegedly abducting and torturing a US citizen living in Ukraine. The victim, residing in Ukraine since 2021 without involvement in the conflict, was held captive for around 10 days in April 2022. Allegedly, he faced mock executions, beatings, and threats while in captivity. This marks the first time the US has applied its war crimes law. The charged soldiers include commanding officers Suren Seiranovich Mkrtchyan and Dmitry Budnik, alongside two lower-ranking soldiers whose full names remain unknown. Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted this action as a significant step towards holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. He emphasised the Justice Department’s determination to pursue justice for these atrocities, drawing parallels with their pursuit of Nazi war criminals. Although the soldiers remain at large, the charges are symbolic as there is no extradition treaty between the US and Russia. However, past instances have seen Russians facing charges detained when travelling abroad. The crimes occurred after Russian forces took control of Mylove village in southeast Ukraine, where the victim was forcibly taken from his home, and subjected to torture, threats of sexual assault, and forced labour.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67641900
Africa: Former Burundi Prime Minister Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
On 8 December 2023, former Burundi Prime Minister Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Burundi Supreme Court for various charges, including attempting to overthrow the government, illicit enrichment, and destabilising the economy. Bunyoni, a former general, held the position of Prime Minister from July 2020 until his dismissal in September 2022, shortly after President Evariste Ndayishimiye warned of a coup plot against him. The trial, conducted at the prison where Bunyoni was detained, resulted in additional sentences for five others, with punishments ranging from three to fifteen years. Properties, including houses, buildings, land, and vehicles belonging to Bunyoni, were ordered to be confiscated by the court. Despite pleading not guilty and citing a lack of evidence, Bunyoni was convicted. He had been a significant figure in the ruling CNDD-FDD party and a close ally of former President Pierre Nkurunziza.
https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/08/burundi-former-prime-minister-sentenced-to-life-in-prison/
USA: Texas Woman Granted Abortion Due to High-Risk Pregnancy Despite State Prohibition
On 8 December 2023, a Texas judge granted permission for an abortion to a woman whose foetus has a fatal abnormality, despite the state’s ban on the procedure, marking one of the initial attempts to seek a court-authorised abortion. The state’s law currently prohibits abortions except when necessary to save the life of the expectant mother. However, abortion rights advocates argue that the exception is vague and poses risks to women. Kate Cox, 31 and 20 weeks pregnant, is seeking an abortion due to her foetus being diagnosed with trisomy 18, a chromosomal disorder often leading to miscarriage or the infant’s death within a year. Cox’s physicians indicated their inability to act due to Texas’ abortion ban as long as the foetus had a heartbeat. Travis County District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble granted a temporary restraining order allowing Cox to terminate her pregnancy, safeguarding her doctor from penalties. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton threatened hospitals involved in Cox’s case with prosecution for providing an emergency abortion, claiming Cox hadn’t proven qualification for one. The judge’s order faces a potential legal challenge from the state. The larger context involves the Texas court deliberating over clarifying the state’s abortion ban while the aftermath of the US Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision has left abortion decisions to individual states.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67653936
INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY SECTION
France: Parliament Votes for Ban on Single-use E-cigarettes Amidst Social and Environmental Concerns
On 5 December 2023, the French parliament unanimously voted to ban single-use e-cigarettes, called “puffs,” due to health and environmental worries. This ban, requiring approval from France’s Senate and the EU Commission, aims to take effect by September 2024 if ratified. These disposable vapes, commonly sold for about €9 and offering roughly 600 puffs, are under scrutiny for their low cost, appealing flavours, and alleged targeting of teenagers. Campaigners highlight concerns that these devices attract young users with their bright packaging and flavours, with about 15 per cent of French 13-16-year-olds reportedly having tried them. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, known for vaping, previously announced the ban as part of a new anti-smoking strategy. There are environmental worries also associated with these devices, as they contribute to plastic waste and contain non-removable batteries and various potentially harmful materials. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, it still carries health risks due to the presence of certain chemicals. The ban reflects growing concerns about the impact of disposable e-cigarettes on both health and the environment.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67622248
UN: Ghana Meeting Seeks to Bolster UN Peacekeeping
On 4 December 2023, delegates from over 85 countries and international organisations convened at the 2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Ghana, emphasising their commitment to UN Peacekeeping. The two-day meeting in Accra aimed to secure political support and concrete commitments to enhance UN Peacekeeping efforts, aligning with ongoing reforms under the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) framework and the A4P+ implementation plan. The event, co-hosted by the UN and Ghana, focused on key issues such as advancing sustainable peace, protecting civilians, strategic communications, and improving the safety and mental health of peacekeepers. The meeting addressed challenges faced by UN peacekeeping missions, including withdrawals and drawdowns in Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan. Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, stressed the indispensable role of UN Peacekeeping in advancing global peace. The Accra meeting follows a series of high-level events where leaders pledged resources to enhance mission effectiveness.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/12/1144312
OCHA: Floods in Somalia Impact Over 2.4 Million
On 4 December 2023, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that according to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency, torrential deyr seasonal rains and floods in Somalia have affected over 2.4 million people, displaced more than one million and caused 110 fatalities in 36 districts. The Shabelle river basin has seen sustained high water levels, with flooding impacting multiple areas. In Jowhar, 20 villages have been submerged, and Mahaday town faces collapsed sanitation facilities and damaged houses. Concerns are rising about waterborne diseases, and suspected cases of Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD)/cholera have been reported in several locations. In response, humanitarian efforts have reached approximately 820 000 people with shelter, food, water, medicines, and other essentials. The floods have disrupted access and caused significant damage in various regions, emphasising the urgent need for continued support and resources. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network anticipates ongoing high needs through the deyr season, potentially leading to increased challenges, particularly in urban areas and internally displaced people (IDP) settlements.
https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/somalia-situation-report-4-dec-2023
Yemen: WFP Distributions to Pause in Northern Areas of Yemen
On 5 December 2023, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced a pause in General Food Distributions (GFD) in areas of Yemen under the control of the Sana’a Based Authorities (SBA) due to limited funding and the absence of an agreement on a smaller program matching available resources to the neediest families. After almost a year of negotiations, no agreement was reached to reduce the number of people served from 9.5 million to 6.5 million. Food stocks in these areas are nearly depleted, and even with an immediate agreement, resuming food assistance could take up to four months due to disruptions in the supply chain. WFP will continue resilience and livelihoods, nutrition, and school feeding programs in these areas as long as there is sufficient funding and cooperation from authorities. In areas under government control, general food distributions will continue with a heightened focus on the most vulnerable families, aligning with resource adjustments announced in August. WFP emphasised the well-being of those affected and continues to work towards a breakthrough in talks with the authorities.
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/wfp-pauses-food-distributions-northern-areas-yemen-enar
Indonesia: Volcano Eruption Claims At Least 23 Lives
On 5 December 2023, the death toll from the unexpected eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Marapi volcano on 3 December 2023 rose to 23, with rescuers discovering more bodies among the climbers caught in the event. Over 50 climbers were rescued initially, and 11 were confirmed dead immediately after the eruption. Another eruption on 4 December 2023 halted search operations temporarily. Difficult weather conditions and terrain constraints have complicated the search, with the wind carrying heat from the eruptions. Mount Marapi has been at the third-highest alert level since 2011, indicating above-normal volcanic activity. Climbers are not permitted within three kilometres of the peak, but it’s acknowledged that many people may have climbed higher than allowed. Marapi, with sudden and challenging-to-detect eruptions, is among over 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
Honduras, Thailand and Philippines: Three Separate Bus Crashes Kill Dozens
On 5 December 2023, three separate bus crashes in Honduras, Thailand and Philippines killed dozens. In Honduras, a bus skidded off a highway, crashed into a bridge, and fell into a ravine, killing 10 people and injuring around two dozen others. The bus, carrying nearly 60 people, was about 41 kilometres from Tegucigalpa when the accident occurred. In response to the tragedy, President Xiomara Castro declared three days of national mourning and announced that the government would cover the victims’ funeral costs. In southern Thailand, a double-decker bus crashed into a tree, killing at least 14 people and injuring 32 others. The bus, operated by the state-owned bus transport company, was travelling from Bangkok to Nathawi district in Songkhla. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, including whether the driver had enough sleep and if any foreign nationals were among the victims. In the central Philippines, a bus carrying dozens of people crashed into a ravine after its brakes failed, resulting in at least 17 deaths. The bus was travelling from Iloilo to Culasi when the brakes malfunctioned on a winding road, with the accident being attributed to a mechanical failure. Seven people were in critical condition, and four were stable and recovering. The local governor promised government assistance for medical and funeral expenses.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-bus-falls-antique-ravine-16-killed-least-3968226
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/5/double-decker-bus-slams-into-tree-in-thailand-killing-14
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/11-dead-25-injured-after-bus-crash-honduras-2023-12-05/
Andaman Sea: Hundreds of Rohingyas Adrift in Two Boats for About Two Weeks
On 5 December 2023, it was reported that 400 Rohingya refugees have been adrift in two boats in the Andaman Sea for about two weeks, with the number of them fleeing by boats rising since last year due to cuts in food rations and an increase in gang violence. Babar Baloch, regional spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), stated that the boat had left Bangladesh and have been at sea for about two weeks. He urged that if assistance is not provided, another tragedy similar to the one witnessed in December 2022, where 180 people on board had gone missing at sea, could happen. Maan Nokim, the captain of one of the boats, stated that he had 180-190 people onboard and highlighted that they were out of food and water, the engine was damaged, and he feared that everyone onboard would die if they did not receive any help. He highlighted that the boat was 200 km from the west coast of Thailand, while the whereabouts of other boats were unclear. According to the UNHCR spokesperson, the location that Nokim has given is the same distance from Indonesia’s northernmost province of Aceh, where another boat of 139 people has landed.
Guyana: As Venezuelan Government Formalises Plans to Annex Essequibo, Guyana Requests Help from International Community
On 6 December 2023, the Guardian reported that Guyana appealed for help from the United Nations and the United States; Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan president, is gearing towards the annexation of two-thirds of the tiny South American nation’s territory. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, highlighted that he had spoken to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and several leaders, warning them of the dangerous developments. His comments came after the Venezuelan president made a series of measures towards formalising the referendum to be held on 9 December. Maduro ordered a law to be drafted to recognise a new state as Guayana-Esequiba, where English-speaking residents would be given Venezuelan national ID cards. According to the Venezuelan government, 95 % of voters have agreed to recognise Essequibo as part of Venezuela and ignore the ICJ. The Venezuelan president has ordered national companies to start mining and oil-extracting operations and has also planned on creating a special military unit for the region.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/06/venezuela-annex-guyana-maduro
UK: Prime Minister Calls Emergency Press Conference to Defend Rwandan Plan
On 7 December 2023, the Guardian reported that to defend the new Rwanda plan, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held an emergency press conference where he urged that he would “finish the job” of getting the plan off the ground despite continuous criticism from the Tory right. The Prime minister faces rebellion on both sides as MPs are still contemplating whether to vote against the legislation or amend it in the Commons next week. According to Sunak, the vote would not be a confidence matter. At the same time, Tory MP Rachel Maclean holds an opposite view and stated that the vote would be a “confidence issue”. If the emergency bill is passed, it would allow ministers to ignore some judgements from the European court relating to asylum and stop short of applying the European Convention on Human Rights. According to one MP, they were willing to vote against the bill if it did not incorporate the amendments they put forward. Sunak also stated at the press conference that the concerns raised by the Supreme Court over deportation policy have also been addressed, and the bill would guarantee that Rwanda is “unequivocally” safe for asylum seekers. According to him, legal challenges could still be brought against the law, but that would require individuals to provide “credible and compelling evidence” that they faced the risk of serious harm.
WFP: Further Reduction in Food Assistance to Syria Amid Funding Crisis
On 7 December 2023, Al-Jazeerareported that the World Food Programme (WFP) would halt its general food assistance programme across Syria from the beginning of 2024 due to a funding crisis. This is the seventh time WFP has announced a reduction of food assistance to Syria, with the previous announcement being made on 13 June 2023, when it declared it would cut food aid for 2.5 million people, citing funding shortages as the reason. The agency has announced that among the programmes that it will continue to support is the Livelihoods Support Programme for agricultural families. According to WFP’s statement, the programme’s goal would be to transition from “broad-scale general assistance to more targeted aid, directing limited resources more effectively to those facing severe food insecurity.” According to some residents in the region, the suspension of food assistance has led to inflation, and a surge in the exchange rate for the Turkish lira has also been seen, with price hikes ranging from 14 to 66 per cent for various goods.
Denmark: Legislation Prohibiting Quran Burning Enacted
On 8 December 2023, Denmark’s parliament passed a bill, popularly referred to as the “Quran law,” aimed at prohibiting the “inappropriate treatment” of religious texts. The law, approved with a 94-77 vote, imposes fines or up to two years in jail for offenders. The decision follows uproar in Muslim countries due to incidents involving the burning of Islam’s holy book. Denmark and neighbouring Sweden have witnessed protests following such events, raising security concerns in Scandinavia. During debates in Denmark’s parliament, opposition MPs voiced concerns about potential limitations on freedom of speech, while others argued for the need to send a signal to the world against disrespectful actions targeting religious texts. The Danish centre-right coalition government, led by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, defended the bill, asserting that criticism of religion would still be permissible and the impact of the law would be minimal. The proposal for this law arose after Denmark observed multiple demonstrations, including Quran burnings near foreign embassies, prompting concerns about increased terrorist threats, as highlighted by the country’s intelligence service. Similarly, Sweden has encountered Quran burnings, with its security service warning about a deteriorating security situation. The Swedish government is also contemplating a comparable bill. Both Denmark and Sweden have abolished blasphemy laws.