Weekly News Recap (16 – 22 March 2026) © Photo by Swiveler via Flickr International Justice Section PCA: Hearings Begin in Rwanda’s Arbitration Proceedings Against UK Over Cancelled Migration Agreement...
Weekly News Recap (20 - 26 January 2025)
© Photo by IRIN Photos via Flickr
- US: Trump Administration Faces Multiple Lawsuits From Outset
- Libya: Libyan Police Chief Arrested in Italy on ICC War Crimes Warrant
- UK: Justice Committee Launches Inquiry into County Court Delays
- ECtHR: French ‘Marital Duty’ Divorce Fault Violates Right to Privacy
- ICC: Arrest Warrants Issued for Taliban Officials
- South Korea: Case Against Impeached President Yoon Transferred for Prosecution
- Canada: Alberta Judge Certifies Lawsuit Over Abuse of Indigenous Children
- Sri Lanka: Son of Former President Arrested on Corruption Charges
International Peace & Security Section
Myanmar: Military and Minority Armed Group Sign Ceasefire Deal Brokered by China
Peru: State of Emergency Declared Following Bombing Targeting Public Ministry
Gaza: Aid Needs Remain Despite 900 Aid Trucks Entering Gaza Per Day
Palestine: Ceasefire in Gaza Brings Hope, Despite Continued Violence in the West Bank
Nigeria: UN Appeal for US$910 Million for Humanitarian Crisis
Middle East: Israel Kills 2 Palestinians Since Ceasefire Entered Into Force
Yemen: Houthi Rebels Free Commercial Ship Crew Amidst Gaza Ceasefire
- Slovakia: Slovak Protesters Demonstrate Against Prime Minister’s Alleged Alignment with Russia
International Justice Section
US: Trump Administration Faces Multiple Lawsuits From Outset
On 20 January 2025, Trump’s inauguration into office also marked the filing of multiple lawsuits by rights organisations against him and his administration. The American Public Health Association, American Federation of Teachers and others filed a joint lawsuit against Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), citing its lack of oversight and ties to wealthy individuals. Additional lawsuits raised concerns about DOGE’s legal status and compliance with FACA. On 21 January 2025, the ACLU and other rights groups filed a lawsuit claiming that the executive order titled ‘Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship’, which aims to end birthright citizenship for babies born in the US to illegal immigrant parents. On Thursday, the presiding Judge Coughenour stated that “I have been on the bench for over four decades. I can’t remember another case where the case presented is as clear as it is here…This is a blatantly unconstitutional order.” The judge has halted the executive order by filing a temporary restraining order.
Libya: Libyan Police Chief Arrested in Italy on ICC War Crimes Warrant
On 21 January 2025, it was reported that Italian authorities arrested Osama Najim, head of Libya’s judicial police, in Turin following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant alleging the commission of war crimes by him. Najim is accused of overseeing torture and inhumane treatment at Mitiga prison, violating Articles 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute, which define crimes against humanity and war crimes. His arrest sparked controversy in Libya, with officials denouncing it as “arbitrary” and urging government action for his release. Human rights groups, however, highlighted years of victim testimonies sent to the ICC. Najim, a prominent figure in Libya’s militias and judicial system, has long been linked to abuse in detention centers under his supervision. Despite the allegations, Italian authorities later released Najim, citing procedural errors in the ICC warrant’s execution. His release drew public support in Tripoli, while international scrutiny over Libya’s human rights record continues.
UK: Justice Committee Launches Inquiry into County Court Delays
On 21 January 2025, the UK Justice Committee relaunched an inquiry into growing delays in the County Court system, following data showing longer wait times for trials in small claims and fast-track or multi-track cases. Committee Chair Andy Slaughter highlighted persistent issues with delays and resource shortages, emphasising the need for solutions. The inquiry will explore judicial capacity, the role of technology, fee structures, and why previous reforms failed to address delays. Recent statistics show average wait times for small claims trials at 50.6 weeks and multi/fast-track cases at 79.3 weeks—significant increases from 2019. Stakeholders, including the Association of Consumer Support Organisations, welcomed the inquiry and called for urgent reforms to restore confidence in the civil justice system.
ECtHR: French ‘Marital Duty’ Divorce Fault Violates Right to Privacy
On 23 January 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that France violated the right to privacy under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in the H.W. v. France case. The applicant, Ms. H. W., complained that she was denied a defence in front of French courts for granting her divorce on the basis of not fulfilling her marital duty to her husband, despite seeking a divorce on health grounds. The ECtHR ruled that the imposition of a ‘marital duty’, referencing sexual relations between spouses, constitutes a violation of her rights to private life, sexual freedom, and bodily autonomy as stated in Article 8 of the Convention. Additionally, the Court noted that this interference contradicts France’s duty to prevent domestic and sexual violence. It highlighted that the idea of “marital duties” overlooks the need for consent, referencing a past case where a man was fined for not meeting marital obligations.
ICC: Arrest Warrants Issued for Taliban Officials
On 23 January 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s Chief Prosecutor, A.A. Karim Khan, filed applications for arrest warrants against two Taliban officials accused of crimes against humanity (Article 7(1)(h) of the Rome Statute) under the Situation in Afghanistan. According to the Office of the Prosecutor, Khan collected strong evidence indicating that the Taliban’s leader and chief justice committed persecution on gender grounds, severely depriving Afghan women of their basic rights, including physical integrity and education. The Office further states that the Taliban regime has violently suppressed dissent and that the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia cannot justify these human rights violations.
South Korea: Case Against Impeached President Yoon Transferred for Prosecution
On 23 January 2025, it was reported that South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) transferred the case against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to prosecutors, citing his refusal to cooperate. Yoon is accused of conspiring with a former defence minister to declare martial law, disrupting constitutional order. The impeachment, triggered by the National Assembly, is under review by the Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to decide. Yoon’s legal team claims the martial law declaration was a response to a constitutional crisis, including legislative overreach and election fraud allegations. His criminal liability remains under investigation.
Canada: Alberta Judge Certifies Lawsuit Over Abuse of Indigenous Children
On 23 January 2025, it was reported that an Alberta judge certified a class-action lawsuit alleging abuse of Indigenous children at Notre Dame School in the 1960s and 1970s. The case, led by plaintiff Cynthia Youngchief, accuses the school of subjecting Kehewin Cree Nation children to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. The lawsuit names the federal government, the Diocese of Saint-Paul, and the Lakeland Roman Catholic School Division as defendants, excluding the Alberta government due to statutory provisions. This lawsuit follows similar actions addressing abuse at Canadian residential schools, including a CA$2.8 billion settlement in 2023. Lawyers estimate up to 500 survivors may join the case.
Sri Lanka: Son of Former President Arrested on Corruption Charges
On 25 January 2025, it was reported that Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested on corruption charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The arrest follows an investigation into his ownership of a Rs. $34 million property in Ratmalana, linked to the Rajapaksa family during Mahinda’s presidency (2005–2015). His uncle, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was also recently questioned about the same property. This arrest is part of a renewed crackdown on corruption promised by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), which previously probed Rajapaksa-related cases, is being reinstated. President Anura, marking International Anti-Corruption Day 2024, criticised Sri Lanka’s failure to effectively combat corruption, noting the country’s fall in global rankings from 79th in 2013 to 115th in 2023. Sri Lanka experienced a recent economic crisis under Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency, which led to his resignation in July 2022 following widespread protests and public unrest.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/01/former-sri-lankan-presidents-son-arrested-on-corruption-charges/
International Peace & Security Section
Myanmar: Military and Minority Armed Group Sign Ceasefire Deal Brokered by China
On 20 January 2025, China’s foreign ministry announced the Myanmar military and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) signed an agreement for a ceasefire that will end fighting near the border of the two countries. China brokered the talks which were held in China’s southwestern city of Kunming. China’s foreign minister, Mao Ning, stated de-escalating the situation in the north of Myanmar is the main concern for all parties and countries in the region, and contributes to the security, stability and development of the border areas between China and Myanmar. Mao added that China will continue to promote peace and dialogue and support the peace process in northern Myanmar. The MNDAA is one of many ethnic minority armed groups fighting to fend off the military from what they view as their territories, and is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, along with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army. In October 2023, the groups launched an attack against the military, capturing large areas of land close to the border with China. In July 2024, the MNDAA, made up of ethnic Chinese, took control of a key military base near the border with China. According to analysts, China is concerned about the advancement of anti-junta forces who have started to make encroachments towards the city of Mandalay and have pushed the military out of vital border regions. The military have held power in Myanmar since February 2021 when they overran the civilian government, descending the country into crisis. China, who shares a border with Myanmar, is worried turmoil in the country would risk investment and trade. In January 2024, China mediated a ceasefire deal in the northern region, but the deal broke down.
Peru: State of Emergency Declared Following Bombing Targeting Public Ministry
On 20 January 2025, Peru declared a state of emergency in Trujillo after a bombing targeted the Public Ministry, marking the second such attack in the city this year. An unidentified individual, posing as a delivery driver, left an explosive package that detonated, triggering a secondary car explosion. President Dina Boluarte announced that the Armed Forces and police would take control of the city. Initial investigations suggest the attack is linked to illegal mining, with Public Minister Delia Espinoza highlighting prior threats against officials involved in organised crime cases. Espinoza criticised the lack of police intelligence and the inefficacy of the Ministry of Interior under Juan José Santiváñez, whose disapproval ratings reached 80% in December 2024. Illegal mining remains a contentious issue in Peru, with critics pointing to systemic corruption and inadequate government regulation. In December 2024, Congress extended permits for “informal miners,” a move seen as legitimising illegal activities. Additionally, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled earlier in 2024 that Peru’s mining practices violated citizens’ right to a healthy environment.
Gaza: Aid Needs Remain Despite 900 Aid Trucks Entering Gaza Per Day
On 21 January 2025, just a few days after the ceasefire entered into force, aid entered Gaza and both Israeli and Palestinian hostages were released and families reunited. Still, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that massive needs and aid remain to be met all across Gaza. More than 900 aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday. Before the ceasefire, this number was down to as little as 50 trucks per day. The ceasefire gives tremendous hope, according to OCHA spokesperson, Jens Lærke. The aid includes getting food into Gaza, opening bakeries, getting healthcare, restocking hospitals, repairing water networks and shelters, family reunification etc. yet it is still far from enough. The OCHA will try to maximise delivery throughout the ceasefire as a health emergency continues to torment the enclave.
Palestine: Ceasefire in Gaza Brings Hope, Despite Continued Violence in the West Bank
On 21 January 2025, UN humanitarians reported the crisis in Gaza remains acute with shortages of water, food and efforts to deliver food. Hundreds of thousands remain dependent on humanitarian aid. 90 per cent of housing units have been damaged or destroyed in the past 15 months. As many aid trucks are being sent into the enclave every day during the ceasefire, yet it is still not enough to keep up with the humanitarian needs. Meanwhile, violence is intensifying in the West Bank and is spreading further concern over civilian safety and access to assistance, particularly in the Jenin city and refugee camp. Air strikes, heavy bulldozing and the operation of undercover forces have resulted in several fatalities and injuries, according to UN spokesperson Farhan Haq. Humanitarians have struggled to access the area safely, limiting aid distribution such as mattresses and blankets.
Congo: Rebels Seize Town of Minova in Eastern Congo
On 21 January 2025, it was reported the M23 rebels had captured the town of Minova in eastern Congo. Minova is an important supply route for the provincial capital Goma. The provincial governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi, confirmed the rebels had seized Minova, and outlined the rebels had also captured the mining towns of Lumbishi, Numbi and Shanje in South Kivu, and the town of Bweremana in North Kivu province. The M23 rebels are an armed group made up of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army over 10 years ago. The M23 rebels have continued to gain ground in eastern Congo and is one of about 100 armed groups fighting for control over mineral-rich eastern Congo. Fighting has been widespread in several towns on the outskirts of Goma with thousands of people displaced around the outer districts of the city. Supply routes to Goma have been cut off by fighting with people opting to cross Lake Kivu with supplies on overloaded boats, resulting in shipwrecks on the lake. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), almost all international organisations and NGOs in Minova have temporarily suspended their work due to the conflict.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/21/m23-rebels-seize-key-eastern-drc-town-of-minova
West Africa: Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali to Deploy a Joint Military Force to Combat Terrorism in the Sahel Region
On 21 January 2025, Niger Defence Minister, Salifou Mody, announced Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali will deploy a joint military force of 5,000 troops to the Sahel region to combat terrorism. Juntas in the three neighbouring West African countries came to an agreement last year to jointly tackle security threats after they ended military and diplomatic ties with France. Niger Defence Chief stated the force would have its own aircrafts, equipment, and intelligence resources and work across the territory of the three nations, which have formed a cooperation pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The unified AES force of 5,000 troops will be on the ground in a matter of weeks. The West Africa region has endured a decade-long fight against terrorist groups linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic State which has worsened since the coups. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), around 2.6 million people were displaced within the region as of the end of 2024. The formation of the three-party alliance followed the countries’ withdrawal from West Africa’s main political and economic group, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is still advocating for them to reevaluate the decision which goes back on decades of regional integration action.
Nigeria: UN Appeal for US$910 Million for Humanitarian Crisis
On 22 January 2025, it was reported the UN is appealing for US$910 million to tackle a humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria. Since 2009, the region has been battling an Islamic insurgency and also last year was affected by severe flooding. It is estimated 7.8 million people need help in the three northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, and the UN funding appeal will seek to help 3.6 million people in the worst affected areas. Further to this, Nigeria is dealing with a cost-of-living crisis, with inflation levels at its highest in nearly three decades, driven by rapidly increasing food prices. The UN has previously expressed concern that Nigeria’s northeast region is at risk of becoming a forgotten crisis, with the focus shifted to humanitarian crises elsewhere such as Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. A report issued in November from the Nigerian government and the UN outlined Nigeria faces a hunger crisis with more than 30 million people predicted to experience food insecurity this year. Economic reforms such as cancelling a fuel subsidy and foreign exchange controls enacted by Nigeria President Bola Tinubu have been criticised and blamed for the deteriorating economic situation in Nigeria. Tinubu claims the reforms will help make the economy stronger.
Middle East: Israel Kills 2 Palestinians Since Ceasefire Entered Into Force
On 23 January 2025, Israeli military killed two Palestinian militants only days after the ceasefire entered into force. The two Palestinians killed, Mohammed Nazzal and Katiba al-Shalabi carried out a deadly attack on a bus in the West Bank earlier this month. According to AP News, they were operatives with the Islamic Jihad militant group which is an ally to Hamas. Hamas released a statement praising the bus attack on 6 January 2025, which killed three Israelis and wounded six.
Yemen: Houthi Rebels Free Commercial Ship Crew Amidst Gaza Ceasefire
On 23 January 2025, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General welcomed the release of the MV Galaxy Leader‘s 25-member crew by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, following a temporary Gaza ceasefire. The cargo ship, linked to an Israeli businessman and chartered by Japan’s Nippon Yusen, was hijacked in the Red Sea as part of Houthi retaliation against Israel during the Gaza conflict in October 2023. The release is seen as a positive step toward improving safety in international waters and facilitating peace efforts in Yemen. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg called for an end to arbitrary detentions and thanked Oman for its role in securing the crew’s release. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasised the need to protect seafarers from becoming collateral victims in geopolitical conflicts. This incident highlights the importance of resuming safe maritime operations in the Red Sea.
Slovakia: Slovak Protesters Demonstrate Against Prime Minister’s Alleged Alignment with Russia
On 24 January 2025, it was reported that tens of thousands of Slovakians were protesting against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, accusing him of undermining democratic institutions, EU and NATO ties, and aligning with Moscow while attacking Ukraine. Rallies are taking place in 25 cities, with 100,000 participants nationwide, including 40,000 in the capital, Bratislava. Fico claims foreign provocateurs are inciting unrest to stage a coup, citing alleged links to past protests in Georgia and Ukraine. The domestic intelligence service, run by an ally of Fico, supports his claims, but the opposition and media remain skeptical. Fico also attributed a recent phishing attempt on the country’s health insurer to opposition-linked foreign actors, though it was later deemed a minor incident. Despite Fico’s warnings of violence, protests have remained peaceful. He announced plans to deport foreign “instructors” allegedly aiding the opposition, further escalating tensions. Protesters continue to demand accountability and challenge his governance.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c17ew2lzkyvo
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