Weekly News Recap (6 – 12 April 2026) © Photo by United States Department of Defense via Wikimedia Commons International Justice Section Romania: Appeals Court Lifts Judicial Controls on Social...
Weekly News Recap (12 - 18 August 2024)
© Photo by Andrew via Flickr
- Bangladesh: Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus Acquitted in Corruption Case
- US: Palestinian-Americans Sue US Attorney General for Wrongful Placement on Terrorism Watchlist
- Uganda: Former LRA Commander Convicted for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
- Hong Kong: Top Court Dismisses Seven Activists’ Unauthorised Assembly Appeals
- Vietnam: Vietnamese YouTuber and Activist Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for ‘Anti-State Propaganda’
- ECtHR: Youth and Environmentalists’ Climate Lawsuit Against Arctic Oil Progresses in the European Court of Human Rights
- Netherlands: Court Upholds Asylum Rejection for Syrian Woman Who Repeatedly Visited Home Country
- ICJ: International States and Organisations File 62 Written Comments in Climate Change Obligations Case
International Peace & Security Section
UN: Security Council Officials Call for Permanent African Seat on Council
Sudan: Ongoing Civil War Causing Increases in Displacement, Disease Breakouts and Sexual Violence
Afghanistan: UNESCO Report Two Decades of Education Progress for Women and Girls Endangered
US: US Troops Battle with Iran-backed Armed Groups in Eastern Syria
Somalia-Egypt: Defence Agreement Signed to Strengthen Security Cooperation
Gaza: Women and Children Most Frequently Killed During Ongoing Armed Conflict
- Uganda: Death Toll from Garbage Landslide Rises to 35
International Justice Section
Bangladesh: Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus Acquitted in Corruption Case
On 11 August 2024, Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader of Bangladesh and Nobel laureate, was acquitted in a corruption case by a special court in Dhaka. This decision was confirmed by an official from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the applicant in the proceedings to global media. Judge Muhammed Rabiul Alam of the Special Judge’s Court-4 in Dhaka acquitted Yunus along with 13 others, including Nurjahan Begum, the government’s health advisor. In June 2024, Yunus was indicted on charges by the ACC for embezzling funds from the profit participation fund of Grameen Telecom Nazmul Islam, as mandated under Article 234 of the Bangladesh Labour Act of 2006, which requires that a certain percentage of profit be distributed among the company’s workers. Yunus and the other defendants were accused of misappropriating and illegally transacting 252 million Bangladeshi Taka meant for employees. Initially, the case was handled by the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court of Dhaka before being transferred to the Special Judge’s Court. Earlier in January 2024, Yunus and his associates faced convictions on separate charges related to violations of labour law regulations in their management of Grameen Telecom. They allegedly breached the Bangladesh Labour Act by not adhering to regulations concerning workers’ contracts and the establishment of necessary welfare funds. Following these convictions, Yunus was granted bail by an appellate court amidst claims by US Senators that the proceedings were “harassment” aimed at stifling criticism of the government. Earlier this month, Yunus was appointed as Bangladesh’s interim leader after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country, following weeks of mass protests. Yunus’s appointment was made after discussions with various stakeholders including political parties, activist groups, and civil society members.
US: Palestinian-Americans Sue US Attorney General for Wrongful Placement on Terrorism Watchlist
On 12 August 2024, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) filed a lawsuit on behalf of two Palestinian-Americans against US Attorney General Merrick Garland and other public officials. It is alleged that the Palestinian-American plaintiffs were unlawfully put on a terrorism watchlist, which violated their Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights under the US Constitution. CAIR claims that the plaintiffs were placed on the watchlist for their activism against Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. Neither of the plaintiffs were given explanations on why they were put on this list. Their experiences align well with a 2023 Senate Committee report, which found that the Department of Homeland Security does not inform individuals as to why they are subjected to additional screening due to the watchlist placement.
Uganda: Former LRA Commander Convicted for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
On 12 August 2024, Thomas Kwoyelo was convicted of 44 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, marking the first international crimes trial in front of a Ugandan court. Kwoyelo was a high-profile former commander and soldier in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Led by Joseph Kony, the LRA committed countless atrocities over the last 20 years in northern Uganda, embroiling the country in a violent conflict. Kwoyelo was identified and charged as responsible for all LRA attacks in Kilauea County from 1987 to 2005, which were under his command or carried out with his knowledge and authority. Legal processes for accountability were complex and long, with Kwoyelo initially being arrested in 2009 and put on trial in 2011 before being released with other soldiers who were granted amnesty after surrendering. However, the prosecutor appealed this decision, which then led to the 4-month long trial from April to August 2024. While Kwoyelo was convicted of 44 out of 78 charges, he awaits his sentencing proceedings.
Hong Kong: Top Court Dismisses Seven Activists’ Unauthorised Assembly Appeals
On 12 August 2024, the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal dismissed the appeals of seven activists, including businessman Jimmy Lai, against their convictions for unauthorised assembly. The activists had argued for the inclusion of an “operational proportionality” inquiry into Hong Kong constitutional law, similar to precedents set by the UK Supreme Court, which would necessitate a separate assessment of the proportionality of arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and sentences. However, the appeals court unanimously decided that the “operational proportionality” assessment is not applicable in Hong Kong. Chief Justice Andrew Cheung and Justice Ribeiro, writing the unanimous judgment, explained that existing judicial oversight suffices to ensure that legislation does not disproportionately infringe on citizens’ rights. The court referenced the “systemic proportionality” of the Public Order Ordinance (POO), upheld in past cases, and noted that previous judgments already provide for the constitutionality of the POO’s prohibitions. Therefore, no separate constitutional challenge to the enforcement measures, which are already deemed proportionate and constitutional, is warranted. The court also rejected the need for additional proportionality assessments for arrests and sentencing, highlighting judicial safeguards and prosecutorial independence protected under Article 63 of the Basic Law. In terms of Hong Kong constitutional law, legislation that affects fundamental rights must pass the four-step Hysan proportionality inquiry to be deemed constitutional. The ruling emphasised that while freedom of assembly is a fundamental right, recognised under international human rights law as requiring only notification—not permission—from authorities, the existing notification systems are intended to aid the smooth conduct of assemblies without becoming restrictive in themselves. The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has similarly recognised that lack of prior notification does not inherently justify interference with assembly rights.
https://legalref.judiciary.hk/lrs/common/ju/ju_frame.jsp?DIS=161915&currpage=T
Vietnam: Vietnamese YouTuber and Activist Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for ‘Anti-State Propaganda’
On 15 August 2024, Vietnamese activist and YouTuber Nguyen Chi Tuyen, known as Anh Chi, was sentenced to five years in prison by a Hanoi court for “anti-state propaganda.” He was charged under Article 117 of the Penal Code, which targets the distribution of content opposing the government. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the verdict, demanding Tuyen’s immediate release and urging Vietnam to cease its suppression of journalists. Tuyen was arrested in February 2024 for his social media criticism of the government, particularly through his YouTube channels “Anh Chí Râu Đen” and “AC Media.” Despite his reduced online activity in recent years, focusing on international issues like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he remained under scrutiny. Human Rights Watch had also called for his release before the trial. Tuyen’s sentencing follows a similar case in July, where Facebook user Pham Van Cho received a seven-year prison term under the same law. Vietnam’s crackdown on press freedom has drawn international criticism, with the country ranked 174th out of 180 nations in press freedom by Reporters Without Borders. Currently, 36 journalists are detained in Vietnam, reflecting the ongoing repression.
https://cpj.org/2024/08/vietnam-sentences-blogger-nguyen-chi-tuyen-to-5-years-in-prison/
ECtHR: Youth and Environmentalists’ Climate Lawsuit Against Arctic Oil Progresses in the European Court of Human Rights
On 16 August 2024, six young climate activists along with organisations Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth) and Greenpeace Nordic submitted additional arguments to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg, France. The case, initially brought against the Norwegian State in 2016, challenges Norway’s decision to expand oil and gas extraction in the Arctic region, arguing that it violates the Norwegian constitution and poses a severe threat to human rights amidst the climate crisis. After a ruling against them by the Norwegian Supreme Court in 2020, the groups turned to the ECtHR. Frode Pleym, head of Greenpeace Norway, emphasised that climate change is a significant human rights issue, asserting that Norway’s fossil fuel policies contribute to climate breakdown, which adversely affects lives, homes, and the future of the youth. The applicants argue that the continued expansion in Arctic oil and gas extraction by Norway violates Articles 2, 8, and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), by threatening the right to life, private and family life, and discriminating against the youth and the Indigenous Sámi people. This legal battle is part of a broader trend in climate litigation that has seen significant advancements globally, pushing states and corporations to adopt more aggressive climate measures to uphold human rights. The complaint is backed by individual activists Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, Ingrid Skjoldvær, Gaute Eiterjord, Gina Gylver, Lasse Eriksen Bjørn, and Mia Chamberlain, who are committed to securing a sustainable future. In April 2024, the ECtHR made a landmark decision in the KlimaSeniorinnen case, recognising a state’s climate inaction as a breach of human rights, setting a precedent that could influence the outcome of the current case against Norway.
Netherlands: Court Upholds Asylum Rejection for Syrian Woman Who Repeatedly Visited Home Country
On 16 August 2024, the Council of State in The Hague, upheld the decision to deny asylum to a Syrian woman who travelled back to her home country multiple times, ruling that her repeated, untroubled returns indicated that she did not face significant risks there. The woman left Syria for Egypt in 2013 and has since travelled between the two countries at least six times. Her asylum application, filed in the Netherlands in 2021, was rejected because she could enter and exit Syria legally and without issues, staying with her parents in a government-controlled area during her visits. The woman appealed this decision, but the Council of State, the Netherlands’ highest administrative court, upheld the original decision. The court noted that the woman had legally entered and exited Syria under the supervision of Syrian authorities and stayed with her parents in a government-controlled area. Her last stay in Syria was between 2019 and late 2021, during which she worked as a teacher and left Syria without the authorities’ permission to seek asylum in the Netherlands. This case contrasts with another discussed by the Council, where a Syrian woman was granted a residence permit after travelling back to Syria in 2018 to care for her sick mother. Her extended stay, due to personal circumstances including the birth of a child and the death of her mother, was considered differently by the authorities.The Council of State emphasised that not every return to Syria automatically negates the risk of serious harm, indicating that decisions are made based on individual circumstances. This nuanced approach reflects the complex nature of asylum cases involving returnees to conflict zones. Meanwhile, Vluchtelingenwerk, a Dutch organisation advocating for asylum seekers, has urged the Minister responsible to recognise the potential risks faced by all Syrians upon their return, citing concerns over inhumane treatment.
ICJ: International States and Organisations File 62 Written Comments in Climate Change Obligations Case
On 16 August 2024, it was reported that a total of 62 written comments were submitted to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Registry concerning the advisory proceedings entitled the “Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change.” These comments come from a wide range of countries and organisations, including the European Union, the United States, and the African Union, amongst others. The background to this case is that on 30 May 2024, the President of the ICJ extended the deadline for submitting written comments to 15 August 2024. The next key event is the public hearings, which are set to begin on 2 December 2024. The advisory proceedings focus on legal obligations of states in relation to climate change, and the large number of participants highlights the global significance of the issue.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/187/187-20240816-pre-01-00-en.pdf
International Peace & Security Section
UN: Security Council Officials Call for Permanent African Seat on Council
On 12 August 2024, the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, called for the UN Security Council to assign Africa a permanent seat. Guterres stated the continent of well over a billion people is underrepresented and lacks a permanent voice on the council and called for a reform of the outdated institution. The Security Council consists of 15 members, with five permanent members who hold a veto power – China, France, Russia, the US and the UK. The remaining 10 seats are non-permanent members and are allocated regionally. The 10 include three seats for African states, two seats each for Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western Europe and other states, with one seat for Eastern Europe. UN General Assembly President, Dennis Franci, emphasised that the UN must reflect the world, and stressed the underrepresentation of Africa on the Security Council is simply wrong, going against the principles of equity and inclusion. He called for urgent reform of the Security Council to reflect the world as it is now. Sierra Leone President, Julius Maada Bio, stated Africa requires two permanent Security Council seats and two additional non-permanent seats. He also outlined that Africa wants to remove the veto power. However, if UN members want to retain the veto, it must be extended to all new permanent members.
Sudan: Ongoing Civil War Causing Increases in Displacement, Disease Breakouts and Sexual Violence
On 13 August 2024, UN aid teams reported countless women and girls subject to sexual violence and rape and tens of thousands of children at risk of death from hunger due to Sudan’s nearly 16 months of civil war. A senior medical worker at a hospital outside Khartoum noted that countless atrocities upon children had gone unreported and that, without action, tens of thousands of Sudanese children may die over the coming months, which is, “by no means a worst-case scenario”. If measles, diarrhoea and respiratory infections break out, the lives of children in Sudan will dramatically worsen. The current living conditions will let diseases spread like wildfire. Furthermore, 10.7 million people reported seeking safety within the country. In Sennar state alone, 700,000 reported displaced last month, with 63 percent of this number originally displaced from other states.
Afghanistan: UNESCO Report Two Decades of Education Progress for Women and Girls Endangered
On 14 August 2024, UNESCO reported that two decades of education progress in Afghanistan is endangered. Since the Taliban came into power again in 2021, women’s rights have significantly deteriorated in the country. Girls over the age of 12 are not allowed to pursue education and it is prohibited for the female teachers to teach male students which results in a shortage of teachers and a drastic plummet in enrollment of the students. Back in 2019, there were 6.8 million students while it has decreased to 5.7 million girls and boys in primary schools in 2022. This escalated the rate of child labour and early marriage. In a joint statement, 36 UN independent experts call on the international community to not normalise the de facto authorities in Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan, particularly women’s rights and freedoms are jeopardised.
US: US Troops Battle with Iran-backed Armed Groups in Eastern Syria
On 14 August 2024, US troops and Iranian-backed armed groups launched attacks in eastern Syria. According to the local sources, the attack took place on Conoco gas field in Deir-ez-Zor province, where US troops are stationed. The Iranian-backed armed group bombarded the area and the US-led coalition retaliated with fighter jets. The area is prone to drone and missile attacks. The US military has not yet commented on the incident. Recently, US bases in Syria have faced similar attacks, likely from Iranian-backed groups. Deir ez-Zor is a divided area, with different parts controlled by US.-backed forces, the Assad regime, and Iranian allies.
Sudan: Peace Talks Begin Without Sudanese Army
On 14 August 2024, US-led peace talks aimed at ending Sudan’s 16-month civil war began in Switzerland without the Sudanese Army present. UN officials have warned that the situation in Sudan is at “breaking point” with tens of thousands of lives at risk from hunger, disease, floods and violence if there is not a global response to the crisis. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) sent a delegation to the talks but US special envoy, Tom Perriello, stated direct mediation is impossible without the Sudanese army present. In attendance at the talks were Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the UN, African Union, and East African body IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) where they discussed strategies to bring the violence to an end and facilitate access to humanitarian aid. The Sudanese army revealed its absence from the talks stemmed from failures to implement US and Saudi negotiated commitments of the Jeddah Declaration to withdraw fighters from civilian areas. Mediators have said both sides ignored the agreement. The RSF has continued attacks in several areas of Sudan as well as advancing into the southeast of the country. The continued violence comes as the rainy season is in full swing, causing havoc across the country and bringing a wave of waterborne diseases. An increase in cholera cases were reported in Sudan over the last week by the health ministry. The war has been ongoing since April 2023 amid disagreements over integration of the army and RSF during the transition from military rule to free elections. This has resulted in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with half the population lacking food and famine afflicting part of the North Darfur region.
https://www.reuters.com/world/sudan-peace-talks-begin-switzerland-despite-armys-no-show-2024-08-14/
Somalia-Egypt: Defence Agreement Signed to Strengthen Security Cooperation
On 14 August 2024, Egypt and Somalia signed a defence agreement to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries. The deal was signed during Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s two-day visit to Cairo for bilateral talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. During a joint press conference, Mohamud said the deal is “testament to a future of common defence against international terrorism that Somalia is battling.” He added that the agreement would serve as a guiding plan for the sharing of knowledge and expertise in order to achieve regional, continental and international peace and security. Egypt has also offered to support a new African Union peacekeeping mission to Somalia that will replace the current mission force.
Gaza: High Risk of Polio and Paralysis Spreading Rapidly
On 14 August 2024, UN humanitarians reported the risk of a polio spread in Gaza remains high unless there is an urgent and thorough response to the health threat. According to WHO and UNICEF, at least two rounds of orally delivered polio vaccines will be necessary to shut down the risk of spread. The risk development comes after poliovirus type 2 was identified on 16 July 2024 in sewage samples from Khan Younis and Deir Al-Balah. Furthermore, three cases of paralysis were reported in late July by the Gazan health authorities and samples were sent to Jordan for testing. According to the WHO, acute flaccid paralysis can have numerous causes, including poliovirus.
Türkiye-Iraq: Memorandum of Understanding Signed Agreeing Military, Security and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
On 15 August 2024, Türkiye and Iraq signed a memorandum of understanding on military, security and counter-terrorism cooperation after two days of talks in Ankara. Ties between the two countries have improved since they held talks on security matters last year and after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited Baghdad in April 2024, where he outlined relations had entered a new phase. The two countries previously had a strained relationship over recent years due to Türkiye’s cross-border military operations against Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants based in Iraq’s northern mountainous region. In March 2024, Iraq labelled the PKK a “banned organisation in Iraq” a move welcomed by Türkiye. Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, stated the accord carried “historic importance”, while Iraqi Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, outlined how the agreement could take “cooperation to the next level.” The agreement will establish a Joint Security Coordination Centre and a Joint Training and Cooperation Centre in Iraq. Turkish Defence Minister, Yasar Guler, outlined how the new agreement marked a turning point in relations between the two countries, and stressed Türkiye wants Iraq to label the PKK a terrorist organisation as soon as possible. Since 1984, the PKK has been fighting an insurgency against Türkiye, more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. The PKK is labelled a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the US and the EU.
Gaza: Women and Children Most Frequently Killed During Ongoing Armed Conflict
On 15 August 2024, the UN reported that most of the death toll in Gaza were women and children. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement that it is due to recurring failures by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to comply with the rules of war. Additionally, UN rights chief, Volker Türk, called on Thursday for an end to the killing and the release of all hostages while negotiations prepared to meet in Qatar to halt the conflict and prevent a wider war. The Office has documented a series of grave violations of international humanitarian law by the Israeli military and Palestinian armed groups, that left around 1,200 dead and more than 250 taken hostage.
Uganda: Death Toll from Garbage Landslide Rises to 35
On 16 August 2024, it was reported that the death toll from a mountain garbage landslide in Uganda had risen to 35. The accident occurred on 9 August 2024 at the Kiteezi landfill near Kampala when a large portion broke off the mound of trash. At least 28 people are still missing with dozens of homes buried. Police stated it is hard to identify some of the bodies due to their condition. The landslide is the result of torrential rains that have hit parts of Uganda in recent weeks causing severe flooding. The Kiteezi landfill had for decades served as Kampala’s only waste dump, with those living nearby raising concerns of hazardous waste posing a danger. In 2017, a similar tragedy occurred in Ethiopia where at least 115 people were killed from poorly managed mountains of municipal garbage.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/death-toll-uganda-garbage-landslide-climbs-35-2024-08-16/
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