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- Albania: Top Court Approves Migrant Deal with Italy
- Iran: Execution of Four Convicted of Israeli Bomb Plot
- ICJ: Court Ruled Russia Violated Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Racial Discrimination Treaties in 2014 Ukraine Annexation
- Pakistan: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Corruption
- Belgium: Syrian Man Indicted for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
- Finland: Court of Appeal Acquits Gibril Massaquoi of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Charges
- Bosnia: Three Wartime Serb Fighters Plead Not Guilty to Crimes Against Humanity in 1992 Vlasenica Attack
- Kosovo: Court Sentences Former Serbian Police Officer for Crimes Against Kosovo Albanians in 1999
INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY SECTION
- Balochistan: Operation Dara-e-Bolan Launched
- UN: UNRWA Funding Cuts Will Have Devastating Humanitarian Consequences
- UN: Military’s Campaign of Violence in Myanmar Must End
- Israel-Gaza: Three-Phase Ceasefire Plan Under Consideration by Hamas
- Argentina: Lower House Begins Debate Upon the Controversial Economic Reform “Omnibus” Bill
- UNICEF: 17 000 Children Estimated to be Unaccompanied and Separated in Gaza
- DRC: Floods Displace More than 280 000 Households
- Iran: US Airstrikes in Violation of Sovereignty of Iraq and Syria
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE SECTION
Albania: Top Court Approves Migrant Deal with Italy
On 29 January 2024, Albania’s highest court approved a controversial deal allowing Italy to redirect asylum seekers to Albania. The pact faced opposition over legality and human rights concerns, but the chief justice deemed it constitutional. Under the agreement, Italy plans to establish two centres in Albania to process asylum claims, with rejected applicants held until repatriation. Successful applicants will enter Italy. The court’s decision paves the way for parliamentary consideration, where the ruling party holds a majority. Italy, grappling with a surge in irregular migrants, sees this as an “innovative solution” to ease local pressures. Two holding centres in Albania, funded by Italy, aim to process 36 000 people annually. Critics, including opposition lawmakers, cite issues like lacking public consultation and potential human rights violations, urging a collective approach to immigration. The €16.5 million payment to Albania covers hosting costs. Despite concerns, proponents believe the deal addresses Italy’s challenges while enhancing the management of migration issues collectively.
https://www.ft.com/content/3a0b7eca-482f-4b71-b629-d23d921714e2
Iran: Execution of Four Convicted of Israeli Bomb Plot
On 30 January 2023, Iran executed four men accused of being linked to an Israeli intelligence operation. The Supreme Court rejected appeals, and the men were accused of planning a bomb attack on a factory in Isfahan, ordered by Israel’s Mossad agency. The operation, scheduled for summer 2022, aimed to target a facility producing equipment for Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics but was thwarted by Iranian intelligence. Iran and Israel, longstanding adversaries, are currently in a dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. Israel claims that Iran supports militant organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah, which are engaged in conflict with Israel. Iran alleges that Israel has been responsible for various assassinations targeting Iranian officials and scientists, a claim that Tel Aviv neither confirms nor denies. Iran executes more people annually than any country except China. In 2023, at least 834 executions occurred, including eight related to nationwide protests. The United Nations human rights chief and experts have expressed concern over Iran’s increasing executions and urged the government to halt this trend.
ICJ: Court Ruled Russia Violated Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Racial Discrimination Treaties in 2014 Ukraine Annexation
On 31 January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Russia breached global anti-terrorism and anti-racial discrimination treaties in connection to its 2014 annexation of parts of Ukraine. However, the ICJ rejected many of the charges brought by Kyiv. The Court found Russia in violation for not investigating information from Ukraine about individuals supporting terrorism. The Court ruled that Russia has committed a violation set forth in Article 2 of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. Regarding Crimea, Russia was ruled to have violated the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in its educational system implementation related to Ukrainian language curricula. Additionally, Russia breached its obligation under the ICJ’s provisional measures issued in 2017, which required refraining from actions that could worsen the dispute. The 117-page judgement addressed seven matters in Ukraine’s case against Russia.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/166/166-20240131-sum-01-00-en.pdf
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/1146107
Pakistan: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Corruption
On 31 January 2024, Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan received a judgment of 14-year jail sentence in a corruption case, following a previous 10-year sentence for leaking state secrets. His wife, Bushra Bibi, also received a 14-year sentence in the Toshakhana case, accusing them of illegally selling state gifts. The judge additionally banned both from holding political office for ten years. This compounds Khan’s challenges, as he has been in jail since August, facing over 100 charges. The judge denied Khan’s lawyers’ request to cross-examine witnesses, and the verdict was given without their presence. Khan questioned the rush to conclude the case, expressing surprise at the quick verdict and leaving the courtroom before its announcement.
Belgium: Syrian Man Indicted for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
On 31 January 2024, Belgium indicted and detained a Syrian man, Hossin A., in what is the first case within the country related to war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Syrian civil war. Hossin A. is suspected of belonging to a militia associated with the Syrian regime of Bashar Al-Assad, operating in Salamiyah. The charges against him include involvement in violently suppressing opposition protests in Syria from 2011 to 2016. Having been in Belgium for seven or eight years, Hossin A. underwent investigation since 2021, leading to a search of his Brussels residence and two affiliated companies. He appeared before a judge in Brussels and was charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity. A subsequent court hearing, originally set for Monday, was postponed to 8 February 2024, at the defence’s request. Hossin A. remains in custody until then. This case signifies Belgium’s inaugural prosecution for crimes committed during the prolonged Syrian civil war.
Finland: Court of Appeal Acquits Gibril Massaquoi of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Charges
On 31 January 2024, a Finnish Court of Appeal acquitted Gibril Massaquoi, a former leader of a Sierra Leonean rebel group, dismissing charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Massaquoi, living in Finland for over a decade, was accused of ordering atrocities during the Sierra Leonean and Liberian civil wars (1999-2003). The Turku Court of Appeal’s ruling concurred with the Pirkanmaa District Court’s decision in April 2022, citing unreliable witness statements as it acquitted Massaquoi of all charges. The court acknowledged that acts described in the indictment occurred but couldn’t establish Massaquoi’s involvement. The verdict is described as a victory for Africa and the rule of law. Gibril Massaquoi had been arrested in 2020 for atrocities committed during the Liberian civil war. The Court found it unlikely that he was involved in the alleged acts, highlighting discrepancies in witness identifications.
https://www.liberianobserver.com/finnish-appeal-court-upholds-gibril-massaquois-acquittal
Bosnia: Three Wartime Serb Fighters Plead Not Guilty to Crimes Against Humanity in 1992 Vlasenica Attack
On 1 February 2024, three wartime Serb fighters pleaded not guilty to committing a crime against humanity for participating in an attack that left 20 Bosniak civilians dead in the Vlasenica area in June 1992. Zivojin Majstorovic, Radenko Dubocanin, and Radoslav Savic denied charges of committing crimes against humanity at the Bosnian state court in Sarajevo. They are accused of participating in a widespread and systematic attack by Serb forces in the Vlasenica area from April to September 1992, specifically targeting Bosniak-inhabited villages. The indictment alleges their involvement in an attack resulting in the deaths of 20 people, with some civilians detained at the Susica camp and the Vlasenica police station. Additionally, seven individuals disappeared without a trace. The defendants, expressing their innocence, rejected the accusation of committing a crime against humanity.
Kosovo: Court Sentences Former Serbian Police Officer for Crimes Against Kosovo Albanians in 1999
On 2 February 2024, the Pristina Basic Court delivered a guilty verdict against former Serbian police officer Dusko Arsic for his involvement in the mistreatment, expulsions, and murders of Kosovo Albanian residents in Pristina during 1999. Alongside other Serbian police officers and paramilitaries, Arsic was sentenced to 13 years in prison, pending appeal. Prosecution witnesses testified that Arsic participated in beating a victim, expelling civilians, and looting and torching homes in Pristina between January and June 1999. The indictment also accused him of involvement in the execution of Brahim Shala and the physical and psychological abuse of a 15-year-old, Artan Krasniqi, who testified in court. Arsic had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges in November 2022.
https://balkaninsight.com/2024/02/02/kosovo-convicts-serbian-ex-policeman-of-war-crimes/
INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY SECTION
Balochistan: Operation Dara-e-Bolan Launched
On 30 January 2024, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launched ‘Operation Dara-e-Bolan’ in the Mach and Bolan regions of Balochistan. This major armed operation involved elite BLA units, causing significant disruptions and impacting strategic locations. BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch announced the operation, advising residents to stay indoors. Initial reports described a massive explosion and intense gunfire in Mach city, resulting in extensive damage to Mach Jail and government buildings. BLA forces reportedly seized control of railway stations and engaged in combat at various locations, overtaking several checkpoints of the Pakistani Frontier Corps and Military near Mach Cantonment. ‘Operation Dara-e-Bolan’ has led to disruptions in transportation, with armed individuals blocking the NH-65 national highway. The operation spans a 70km radius, causing ongoing heavy explosions and gunfire, including rocket attacks against Pakistani forces. The BLA claims to have eliminated at least 45 military personnel, holding their bodies and warns against hindering the operation. The scale of this operation, targeting strategic locations, marks it as one of the most substantial in Balochistan’s recent history, highlighting tensions in the region.
Israel-Gaza: Three-Phase Ceasefire Plan Under Consideration by Hamas
On 30 January 2024, Al-Jazeera reported that Hamas was considering a three-phase proposal to forge a truce in Gaza. Ismail Haniyeh, political leader of Hamas, confirmed that he was studying the proposal while highlighting that the group is “open to discussing any serious and practical initiatives or ideas, provided that they lead to a comprehensive creation of aggression.” Hamas also has stated that the proposal must ensure there is a “complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip. The three-phase proposal that Hamas is mulling over includes the following stages: the first phase would consist of a pause of fighting and the release of hostages; in the second phase, female Israeli soldiers would be released, and an increase in delivery of humanitarian aid, and last stage, there would be a full cessation of military operations. The Israeli government has threatened to collapse the coalition if the proposal is not to their liking. Hamas has also stated that it would release all hostages only as part of a wider deal to end the military operations permanently. While Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, has responded to the speculation on the proposals under consideration for a ceasefire and urged that the war will not end until all its objectives are met. He also stated that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip and “won’t release thousands of terrorists.”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/30/hamas-studying-ceasefire-plan
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/31/gaza-ceasefire-proposal-hamas-israel
UN: UNRWA Funding Cuts Will Have Devastating Humanitarian Consequences
On 31 January 2024, deadly clashes and Israeli shelling persisted in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, amid warnings from top UN officials and NGOs about the dire consequences of defunding UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Several donors, including the US, UK and Australia, have stopped funding UNRWA after Israel alleged the involvement of 12 UNRWA staff in Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) urged against blocking the entire organisation, emphasising its crucial role in Gaza’s humanitarian system. The IASC panel, led by UN emergency relief chief Martin Griffiths, cautioned that withdrawing funds would lead to a collapse with widespread humanitarian and human rights ramifications in the region. The Israeli bombardment and ground invasion have left hundreds of thousands homeless and on the verge of famine, with the death toll in Gaza reaching 26 751. UNRWA, active since 1949, faces an uncertain future as major donors suspend funds pending investigations into staff involvement in the October attacks. The IASC stressed that decisions to halt funds would have catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s population, as no other entity has the capacity to provide essential assistance to 2.2 million people in need. Ongoing hostilities and evacuation orders further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, limiting access to vulnerable populations.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/1146062
UN: Military’s Campaign of Violence in Myanmar Must End
On 31 January 2024, the third anniversary of Myanmar’s military coup, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed serious concern about the urgent need for a transition to democratic governance and the restoration of civilian rule. Guterres condemned all forms of violence, urging the protection of civilians and an end to hostilities, emphasising the military’s campaign of violence targeting civilians and political repression must cease, with those responsible held accountable. The statement stressed the necessity of conditions allowing Myanmar’s people to exercise their human rights freely and peacefully. Guterres called for “sustained international and regional attention, advocating for coherent collective action to support the people of Myanmar.” He reaffirmed his commitment to working with stakeholders, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for sustainable and inclusive peace. The military coup in February 2021 led to widespread conflict, mass killings, and displacement, affecting 18.6 million people in need of humanitarian support. Guterres emphasised the importance of unhindered access to aid and solidarity with Myanmar’s people in their pursuit of an inclusive, peaceful society. The Secretary-General also underscored concerns about the military’s intention to move towards elections amid escalating conflict and human rights violations.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/1146112
Argentina: Lower House Begins Debate Upon the Controversial Economic Reform “Omnibus” Bill
On 31 January 2024, Argentina’s lower house of Congress debated the controversial “omnibus” economic reform proposed by President Javier Milei. The controversial economic reform initially insisted on 664 articles but has been reduced to half due to tough negotiations with the opposition, which has largely resulted in outnumbering of Millie’s Liberated Avanza party, having only 38 of the 257 seats in the lower house of Congress. The moderate opposition lawmakers urged that they would continue negotiating further changes to the bill, especially delegating powers to the executive in an economic emergency. If the law gets approval in the lower house of Congress, it would move to the Senate.
UNICEF: 17 000 Children Estimated to be Unaccompanied and Separated in Gaza
On 2 February 2024, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stated that at least 17 000 children in the Gaza Strip have been left unaccompanied or have been separated from families since Israel’s assault on the region. According to Jonathan Crickx, UNICEF’s chief of cooperation for the occupied Palestinian territory, the figure of 17 000 connoted only 1 per cent of the overall population that has been displaced, i.e., 1.7 million. Since the beginning of the war on 7 October 2023, more than 27 100 people have been killed in Gaza, among which 11 500 are children. He urged that mental health and psychosocial support could only be provided “with a ceasefire.” He further highlighted that the child protection cluster that UNICEF led before 2022 supported nearly 100 000 children.
DRC: Floods Displace More than 280 000 Households
On 2 February 2024, it was reported that tens of thousands of people were living in temporary accommodation and waiting for government aid after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experienced one of the worst flooding in six decades. The floods have killed more than 300 people, with 280 000 households having been forced to leave their homes because of the heavy rains, which began at the end of November. After the Congo River overflowed and flooded Kinshasa, it was declared a hydrological and ecological catastrophe by the DRC Government. Jackson Luneno, the chief of staff at DRC’s Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted that the needs of the people were still being assessed and waiting for the treasury to sign off on an emergency budget. Japan has donated tents, laments and mattresses, while China has donated $ 100 000 to support the people affected by the floods.
Iran: US Airstrikes in Violation of Sovereignty of Iraq and Syria
On 3 February 2024, Iran condemned the attacks by the United States inside Iraq and Syria labelling the attacks as a “strategic error”. On 2 February, US forces launched airstrikes against Iranian-backed fighters in Iraq and Syria in response to a drone strike on 28 January in Jordan that killed three American soldiers. The airstrikes by the US were launched against 85 targets linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and the militias it backs. The strikes did not target sites inside Iran but have further led to an escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged that the airstrike by the US were “violations of sovereignty and the territorial integrity” of both Iraq and Syria, further emphasising that continuation of such attacks is a “threat to regional and international peace and security”. He also highlighted that the root cause of conflict in the Middle East is “Israel’s occupation and genocide of Palestinians with America’s unlimited support.”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/3/strategic-error-iran-condemns-us-attacks-on-iraq-syria