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- Netherlands: Court Makes Landmark Conviction in Syrian War Crimes Case
- USA: Oklahoma Death Row Case of Richard Glossip Under Supreme Court Review
- Hong Kong: UN Experts Advocate for Dropping Charges against Jimmy Lai
- Iran: Execution of Mentally Ill Protester Sparks Criticism
- Ukraine: Investigation into the Downing of Russian Plane Carrying 65 Ukrainian POWs
- Kenya: Court Rules Against Police Deployment to Haiti
- ICJ: Israel Directed to Prevent Genocide against Palestinians
INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY SECTION
- UN: Human Rights Violations Continue in Sudan
- Yemen: US and UK Continue to Strike Houthi Targets in Yemen
- UN: Secretary General Tells Security Council that Two State Solution is the “Only Way”
- Iraq: US Accused of Escalation in Regional Violence After Fresh Airstrikes on Iraqi Militias
- Argentina: Nationwide Protests Staged against President’s Tough Economic Reforms
- Burkina Faso: Military Accused of War Crimes
- Denmark: Defence Ministry Reviews Danish Aircraft’s Participation in Civilian Casualties in Libya in 2011
- UNRWA: Allegations of Staff Involvement in Hamas Attacks
- Mali: Due to Increased Interference Mali Cancels Algiers Accord with Separatist Rebels
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE SECTION
Netherlands: Court Makes Landmark Conviction in Syrian War Crimes Case
On 22 January 2024, a Dutch court in The Hague handed a 12-year prison sentence to a 35-year-old Syrian pro-government militia fighter, identified as Mustafa A. The judgment marked a significant milestone as the first instance in which a Dutch court convicted an individual for crimes committed while supporting President Bashar al-Assad’s government during the Syrian conflict. Mustafa A., a leading member of the Liwa al-Quds militia, primarily comprising Palestinian refugees in Syria, was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges included complicity in torture, inhumane treatment, illegal arrest, and membership in a criminal organisation. The court determined that Mustafa A. played a role in the arrest of a man in 2012, subsequently delivering him to Syrian Air Force intelligence officials who subjected him to torture in a prison they operated. Similar convictions have occurred in Germany, but this marks a notable development in Dutch jurisdiction.
USA: Oklahoma Death Row Case of Richard Glossip Under Supreme Court Review
On 22 January 2024, the US Supreme Court decided to review the case of Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip, following concerns raised by the state’s attorney general about issues during his trial. Despite facing execution three times, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond supported clemency for Glossip due to trial fairness concerns, backed by two independent reviews. The state parole board, however, rejected clemency. Glossip’s lawyer claimed his innocence, emphasising the need for a new trial. The Supreme Court will assess whether due process requires reversing Glossip’s conviction, considering errors rendering it indefensible. The case involves the killing of motel owner Barry Van Treesee in 1997, with Glossip’s conviction relying heavily on co-defendant Justin Sneed’s testimony. Sneed, who admitted to the crime, implicated Glossip. Drummond asserted that executing someone with a conviction believed to result from prosecutorial misconduct violates justice. Issues in Glossip’s prosecution include withheld evidence about Sneed’s psychiatric condition, diagnosed after the murder, which may have impacted the jury’s assessment of his credibility. Drummond argued for a new trial, citing prosecutorial misconduct and cumulative errors undermining the capital sentence’s defence.
Hong Kong: UN Experts Advocate for Dropping Charges against Jimmy Lai
On 22 January 2024, United Nations experts urged Hong Kong authorities to drop all charges against pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, citing concerns that his arrest and ongoing legal proceedings are linked to his criticism of the Chinese government and support for democracy in Hong Kong. Lai is currently on trial in Hong Kong under the National Security Law and colonial-era sedition laws. He has been in prison since December 2020 and is a high-profile supporter of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, as well as the owner of Apple Daily, a once-popular independent Chinese language newspaper. The UN experts’ statement comes ahead of China’s human rights record review in Geneva, part of the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review process. Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, leading the international #FreeJimmyLai campaign, expressed gratitude for the UN experts’ support. Lai’s international legal team, led by Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, called for his immediate and unconditional release, emphasising that he is on trial for exercising fundamental rights protected under international law.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/1145777
Iran: Execution of Mentally Ill Protester Sparks Criticism
On 23 January 2024, an Iranian protester, Mohammad Ghobadlou, who had a mental health condition, was executed for the intentional murder of a local official during the 2022 mass demonstrations in Iran, according to the Iranian judiciary’s news agency, Mizan. Ghobadlou was accused of running over the official during a protest in Robat Karim, Tehran province, in September 2022. He received two death sentences, one for “corruption on Earth” and one for murder. The execution was described as “grossly unfair sham trials” and a lack of rigorous mental health assessments despite Ghobadlou’s documented mental disability. His lawyer, Amir Raesian, expressed concern about the lack of notification regarding the ruling. International rules forbid the use of the death penalty against people with mental illnesses. Ghobadlou had been under psychiatric supervision since the age of 15. The execution is being criticised as “extrajudicial killing,” and at least eight protesters have been executed in connection with the 2022 rallies sparked by the murder of Mahsa Amini, a woman who died at the hands of Iran’s morality police. The protests sparked widespread condemnation, mass arrests, and sanctions from the United States, with the UN reporting over 300 deaths and thousands of arrests during the months-long uprising.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/23/middleeast/iran-executes-protester-mental-health-intl-hnk/index.html
Ukraine: Investigation into the Downing of Russian Plane Carrying 65 Ukrainian POWs
On 25 January 2024, Al-Jazeera reported that Ukraine has opened up a criminal investigation into the downing of Russian military transport in Moscow, which was carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW). Ukraine’s SBU security service stated that it was “currently taking a range of measures to clarify all the circumstances of the downing”. While Dmitry Peskiv, Kremlin spokesperson, stated that it was unknown how it would affect the prospects of future prisoner exchanges while calling the incident a “monstrous act”. Russia accused Ukraine of deliberately shooting down the IL-76 Russian Air Force plane in the Belgorod region, with the Russian Ministry of Defence stating that the lane was hit as it was travelling from Moscow to Belgorod, which is located 40 km north of the border with Ukraine. Without offering any evidence, the ministry has claimed that the radars detected the launch of two Ukrainian missiles. Russian claims have neither been confirmed nor denied by the Ukrainian President, and the president has stated that clear facts need to be established while also calling for an international inquiry.
Kenya: Court Rules Against Police Deployment to Haiti
On 26 January 2024, a Kenyan court rejected the government’s order to send police to Haiti for a UN-backed operation to combat widespread gang violence, citing constitutional concerns. The judge ruled the action illegal and issued an order preventing the deployment of police forces to Haiti or any other country. The Kenyan government stated that it intends to legally fight the verdict while preserving respect for the rule of law. The decision comes as Haiti issues an urgent request for a multinational army to tackle growing violence and upheaval. Haiti has been dealing with armed gangs, economic issues, and a failing public health system. The proposed deployment, led by Kenya and approved by the UN Security Council in October, sparked domestic outcry and a legal challenge.
ICJ: Israel Directed to Prevent Genocide against Palestinians
On 26 January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent its forces from carrying out genocide against Palestinians. In an interim judgment, the court in The Hague directed Israel to refrain from killing Palestinians in violation of the Genocide Convention, prevent and punish the incitement of genocide, and facilitate the delivery of urgent basic services. The ruling fell short of ordering a ceasefire in the Gaza war. Various nations, including South Africa, Germany, the EU, and Turkey, have called on Israel to adhere to the measures. The US, Israel’s major ally, maintains that allegations of genocide are unfounded and notes that the court did not explicitly call for a ceasefire. The ICJ’s decision stems from an application by South Africa, and while the Court has not yet conclusively determined whether Israel committed genocide, it indicates a plausible risk under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The Court also expressed grave concerns about the fate of hostages abducted by Hamas on 7 October, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240126-ord-01-00-en.pdf
INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY SECTION
UN: Human Rights Violations Continue in Sudan
On 22 January 2024, UN-appointed human rights expert Radhouane Nouicer reported to UN News that Sudan is experiencing a severe human rights crisis due to the ongoing conflict between rival militaries. The war, which began in April 2023, has led to the displacement of over seven million people out of a population of 45 million. Half of the total population in Sudan requires humanitarian assistance. The conflict has resulted in more than 13 000 deaths and 26 000 injuries. Nouicer highlighted numerous human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, indiscriminate shelling, unlawful detentions, torture, looting, and mass graves. Additionally, gender-based violence, including sexual violence against women and girls, has been documented. The economic and social consequences are dire, with a collapsed economy, 46% unemployment, and a 250% inflation rate in the Sudanese currency. The judicial system has been decimated, and 19 million Sudanese children are out of school. Humanitarian assistance faces challenges due to insecurity and bureaucratic hurdles. Nouicer called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to impunity for perpetrators, and thorough investigations into human rights abuses.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/1145787
Yemen: US and UK Continue to Strike Houthi Targets in Yemen
On 22 January 2024, the United States and United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, launched eight precision strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The strikes targeted a Houthi underground storage site, missile capabilities, and surveillance capabilities. The joint statement mentioned that these precision strikes aimed to disrupt and degrade Houthi capabilities threatening global trade and mariners’ lives. The Houthi group, aligned with Iran, has targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting international maritime trade since November and prompting concern about its impact on the global economy. The Houthi attacks have been attributed to their response to Israel’s actions in Gaza and expressing support for the Palestinians. The UK’s Ministry of Defence stated that the strikes aimed to hold the Houthi group accountable for their attacks on mariners and commercial shipping while seeking to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea. The strikes followed Houthi claims of attacking the US military cargo ship Ocean Jazz, which the US Naval Forces Central Command deemed “patently false,” maintaining constant communication during the ship’s safe transit. The Houthi military spokesperson vowed revenge, while an unnamed US military official reported that 25 to 30 munitions were dropped during the strikes, targeting advanced weapons in an underground storage facility.
UN: Secretary General Tells Security Council that Two State Solution is the “Only Way”
On 23 January 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres (Guterres) addressed the Security Council on the situation in Gaza, emphasising the humanitarian crisis and the need for immediate action. After many statements by Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rejecting a Palestinian State, the UN Secretary-General told ambassadors and foreign ministers that any refusal to accept a two-State solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict “must be firmly rejected”. Guterres condemned the attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023, which resulted in over 1 200 deaths and 250 hostages, demanding their unconditional release. He highlighted the devastating impact on Palestinian civilians, with over 25 000 reported deaths and 60 000 injuries caused by Israeli operations. He stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with a lack of shelter, heating, sanitation, food, and water. Guterres urged for increased humanitarian aid, emphasising the inadequacy of current efforts. The Secretary-General called for improved access and safety for humanitarian operations, expressing gratitude for current funding but stressing the need for more efficient procedures. He reiterated his appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and urged an end to violations of international humanitarian law by Israel. He underscored the necessity of political solutions for stability in these regions and reiterated the importance of a two-State solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22113.doc.htm
Iraq: US Accused of Escalation in Regional Violence After Fresh Airstrikes on Iraqi Militias
On 24 January 2024, it was reported that in the aftermath of US airstrikes against militias in Iraq, Yahya Rasool, the Iraqi leader’s spokesperson for military affairs, urged that the attacks undermined the sovereignty of Iraq and contributed to a “reckless escalation” of regional violence. According to the Pentagon, it had carried out retaliatory air strikes against three facilities linked to Iraq-backed militias in response to its forces coming under attack at an Iraqi airbase. Lloyd Austin, the US defence secretary, stated that the attacks were “necessary and proportionate”, highlighting that these precision strikes were in direct response to a “series of retaliatory attacks against the US and coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias.” The US airstrikes were conducted after four US personnel suffered traumatic brain injuries after Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq was hit by multiple ballistic missiles allegedly fired by Iranian-backed militants. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called the attacks an “act of aggression”. In the latest strikes conducted by the US in Jurf al-Sakar, south of the capital of Baghdad, at least two people were killed while two were wounded.
Argentina: Nationwide Protests Staged against President’s Tough Economic Reforms
On 24 January 2024, Argentinian demonstrators started the biggest protest against the tough economic reforms by President Javier Milei to reshape the South American country. A 12-hour strike was conducted outside the Congress as it got ready to pass the “omnibus” bill and “mega decree” deregulating the economy. The new reforms amended 300 regulations by an emergency decree, which included regulating the Argentinian rental market and supermarket supplies and removing restrictions on privatising state enterprises. The economic reforms are based on austerity measures taken by the president to slash the value of its currency, the peso, by more than 50 per cent against the US dollar, with other measures including subsidy cuts, cancellation of tenders for public works projects and plans to axe nine government ministries. According to the President, the economic reforms would rescue Argentina from an “economic hell”. Hugo Yasky, national opposition deputy, stated that Milei wants the country to reach “90 per cent” poverty and informal work. The protestors had held placards that read “The homeland is not for sale” and “Eating is not a privilege”, while others held a giant puppet of Milei.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/24/argentina-strike-protest-javier-milei
Burkina Faso: Military Accused of War Crimes
On 25 January 2024, Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report accusing the Burkina Faso army of killing at least 60 civilians during drone strikes on armed groups. According to HRW, these occurrences occurred in three military drone attacks since August, including two in crowded markets and one at a funeral. Since the 2022 coup, the Burkina Faso government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, has prioritised a forceful security response against armed groups connected with al-Qaeda and ISIS. However, HRW claims that the drone strikes breached laws-of-war limitations because they did not distinguish between civilian and military targets, resulting in apparent war crimes. The report calls for an urgent and impartial investigation by the Burkina government, accountability for those responsible, and support for victims and their families.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/01/25/burkina-faso-drone-strikes-civilians-apparent-war-crimes
Denmark: Defence Ministry Reviews Danish Aircraft’s Participation in Civilian Casualties in Libya in 2011
On 25 January 2024, the Guardian reported that the Denmark defence ministry has stated that it would launch a review in the aftermath of evidence that its air force participated in the airstrikes on Libya that killed 14 civilians in 2011. Denmark is the first country to acknowledge its possible link to civilian casualties among the 10 countries that participated in the NATO bombing campaign in Libya. The documents released under freedom of information show that two F-16 attacks were connected to the civilian casualty reports compiled by the UN, media and human rights. The Danish Air Force had concluded the former privately, and the acknowledgement had not been made public then, preventing Libyans from seeking compensation or redress. NATO attacks that involved Danish fighter jets in which civilian casualties occurred included an airstrike in Surman on 20 June 2011, killing 12 civilians and a bombing of an apartment block site in Sirte, in central Libya, on 16 September 2011, which killed two, a man and a woman who was five months pregnant. The Danish Defence Ministry has stated that even though the events took place a decade ago, they had begun a review. It has requested the Defence Command to assess whether the documents in question highlight that “there were ramifications of such magnitude that an investigation should have been conducted at that time within the coalition or NATO framework”. However, the review has argued that there is no evidence that Danish aircraft had caused such causalities and has relied on remote pilot observations and other reconnaissance to reach an ambiguous verdict.
UNRWA: Allegations of Staff Involvement in Hamas Attacks
On 26 January 2024, The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) investigated allegations made by Israel that some of its employees were involved in the October 7 attacks. UNRWA’s commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, disclosed that, based on information from Israeli authorities, the agency has severed ties with the implicated staff and initiated an immediate investigation. Lazzarini did not reveal the number of employees involved or details of their alleged actions but emphasised that any UNRWA employee engaged in acts of terror would be held accountable, potentially through criminal prosecution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed horror at the news and called for a thorough investigation. The US has suspended additional funding to UNRWA until the allegations are addressed, and the European Union has stated it will assess further steps based on the investigation’s outcome. UNRWA, a key provider of humanitarian assistance since 1949, has faced accusations from Israeli authorities of promoting anti-Israeli incitement, which it denies. Despite challenges during the Gaza war, UNRWA continues its efforts to aid Palestinians in various regions.
Mali: Due to Increased Interference Mali Cancels Algiers Accord with Separatist Rebels
On 26 January 2024, Al-Jazeera reported that Mali’s military rulers have announced the cancellation of the 2015 Algiers Accord with the separatist rebels after continued armed conflict for months. According to military authorities, the peace accord ended with an “immediate effect” due to other signatories not fulfilling their commitments and the hostility of chief mediator Algeria. The agreement had been signed in 2015 with the Bamako government. Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, the military government spokesperson, highlighted that there had been an increase in the “number of unfriendly acts, instances of hostility and interference in Mali’s internal affairs” by Algiers. Mali summoned the Algerian ambassador last month over the “interference” and “unfriendly acts”. CMA, an alliance of rebel groups formed by Mali’s nomadic Tuareg group, stated that they had been expecting a cancellation of the peace deal.