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International Peace & Security Section
Sudan: RSF Accused of Preventing Humanitarian Aid from Entering Famine-Hit Darfur Region
Pakistan: At Least 16 Pakistani Nationals Killed in Migrant Shipwreck Off the Libyan Coast
Congo: Over 110,000 Displaced People Forced to Leave Settlement Camps in Goma
UN: Bangladesh Accused of Human Rights Violations Due to Protests Crackdown
Somalia-Azerbaijan: Agreement Signed to Strengthen Defence Ties
Gaza: Ceasefire at Risk as Hamas Rejects US and Israeli Pressure
US: Sanctions Announced Against ICC Chief Prosecutor
On 10 February 2025, the White House confirmed that International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan has become the first individual subjected to economic and travel sanctions authorised by United States President Donald Trump. These sanctions target the ICC due to its investigations involving US citizens and allies. The measures include freezing Khan’s US assets and barring him and his family from entering the United States. This action mirrors steps taken by the Trump administration during its first term. In response, the ICC condemned the sanctions, affirming its commitment to support its personnel and continue delivering justice to victims of atrocities around the world, whilst emphasising its dedication to maintaining independence and impartiality in its judicial proceedings. Established in 2002, the ICC holds international jurisdiction to prosecute cases of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes within member states or in situations referred to it by the United Nations Security Council. Despite the sanctions, an existing agreement between the UN and the U.S. should permit Khan to continue traveling to New York for briefings to the UN Security Council on relevant cases. The UN deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, stated that, “We trust that any restrictions taken against individuals would be implemented consistently with the host country’s obligations under the UN Headquarters agreement.”
ICC: Inquiry Opened into Italy’s Release of Libyan War Crimes Suspect
On 10 February 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) initiated an inquiry into Italy’s decision to deport Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri, a Libyan national accused of severe crimes including torture, murder, and rape, back to Libya instead of extraditing him to The Hague. Italian police arrested al-Masri in Turin on 19 January 2025, based on an ICC warrant. However, rather than extraditing him to the Netherlands, Italian authorities sent him back to Libya aboard an Italian military aircraft. Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio defended the action, citing alleged flaws in the ICC’s arrest warrant and claiming that the Court had issued a contradictory and flawed warrant. This move places Italy in a complex position due to its ties with Libya and potential impacts on migration policies. The ICC’s inquiry will assess whether Italy’s actions constitute a breach of its obligations under international law, particularly concerning cooperation with the Court in matters of international justice. This case underscores the challenges faced by international institutions in enforcing accountability for war crimes, especially when national interests and international legal obligations collide. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Italy’s diplomatic relations and its standing within the international community.
Sweden: Woman Given 12 year Prison Sentence for War Crimes
On 11 February 2025, the Stockholm District Court convicted a 52-year-old woman for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes related to her involvement in enslaving Yazidi women and children in 2015. These crimes were part of ISIS’s broader campaign to destroy the Yazidi religious group, which included systematic violence, forced conversions, sexual slavery, and forced labour. The victims, who had been captured after ISIS’s 2014 attacks, were subjected to abuse in various forms, including forced participation in religious practices, physical violence, and restricted freedom. The acts committed also included imprisoning, mistreating, and transferring the victims to other ISIS members, and were key to the ISIS plan of genocide. Some of the victims, including children, remained enslaved for years. The woman was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with damages of 150,000 SEK awarded to each of the victims. The court emphasised the long-lasting impact of the crimes, especially on the children involved. These actions were seen as part of ISIS’s broader strategy to exterminate the Yazidis.
Türkiye: Three Individuals Acquitted in Connection with 2013 Gezi Park Demonstrations
On 11 February 2025, Türkiye acquitted three individuals previously convicted in connection with the 2013 Gezi Park protests, a decision Amnesty International calls the end of a “chronicle of injustice.” The ruling, issued in a retrial, overturns harsh sentences and follows years of legal battles and international criticism from the EU and US, who viewed the trials as suppressing dissent. The Gezi Park protests began as a small environmental demonstration but escalated into nationwide anti-government rallies. While largely peaceful, participants faced severe legal consequences, including Osman Kavala, a civil rights activist sentenced to life without parole. Global organisations, including the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), have long called for his release, citing human rights violations. Amnesty International welcomed the acquittals as a positive step for judicial independence and urged Türkiye to prevent further injustices by releasing the remaining five imprisoned activists.
EUROJUST: New Project to Combat Impunity Launched
On 12 February 2025, Eurojust announced the launch of the National Authorities Against Impunity Project (IMPNA), a four-year initiative aimed at enhancing global cooperation to combat impunity for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. Hosted by Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, the project seeks to strengthen collaboration between countries outside the European Union and civil society organisations (CSOs), thereby reducing safe havens for perpetrators of these serious offenses. IMPNA’s practical objectives include assisting CSOs at regional and local levels and establishing platforms for their cooperation with judicial authorities beyond the EU. This initiative is a response to the sharp increase in armed conflicts worldwide, which have doubled over the past five years according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), leading to a significant rise in human rights violations. By bolstering the capacities of CSOs and national authorities to work together, IMPNA aims to enhance the global fight against impunity, ensuring that perpetrators of core international crimes (war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity) are brought to justice and ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.
Montenegro: Prosecutors to Reinvestigate Four War Crimes Cases from 1990s
On 12 February 2025, it was reported that special prosecutors in Montenegro will reopen four war crimes cases dating to the 1990s. In recent years, Montenegro has faced criticism for its limited progress in prosecuting war crimes from the 1990s conflicts. Since gaining independence in 2006, the country has initiated only eight war crimes trials, primarily targeting low-level perpetrators. However, recent developments indicate a potential shift towards greater accountability. In October 2024, the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office adopted an action plan to reopen investigations into war crimes committed in Morinj, Bukovica and Kaludjerski Laz as well as the deportation of refugees from Herceg Novi during the war. This initiative aims to identify additional suspects and uncover new evidence. The plan follows amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, facilitating enhanced cooperation with international bodies like the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. Despite these steps, challenges persist, including the need for improved victim protection measures and the passage of time, which complicates evidence collection. The Special State Prosecutor’s Office has committed to taking all necessary actions within its authority to achieve the strategy’s objectives, signalling a renewed dedication to addressing past injustices and ending impunity for war crimes in Montenegro.
ECtHR: Ukraine Secret-Surveillance and Phone-Tapping Operations Violate Right to Privacy
On 12 February 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Ukraine violated the rights of three Ukrainian nationals and their lawyer by conducting unlawful surveillance measures. The court found that Ukrainian authorities secretly monitored the individuals without proper legal authorisation, violating Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The surveillance included phone tapping and video monitoring of three public officials accused of corruption, as well as the wiretapping of their lawyer’s communications, infringing on professional secrecy. Additionally, the court determined that Ukraine obstructed the applicants’ ability to challenge these measures by denying them access to necessary documentation, thereby violating Article 38 of the Convention. Ukraine also failed to justify its refusal to provide evidence or suggest alternative solutions. As a result, the court ordered Ukraine to pay 6,000 euros in reparations to two of the applicants. The case was brought to the ECtHR in 2019 by the three accused officials—Stanislav Denysyuk, Mykhaylo Beylin, and Maksym Berezkin—as well as their defence lawyer, Nazar Kulchytskyy.
Global South: Nine Countries Announce Formation of The Hague Group to Combat International Crimes
On 13 February 2025, it was reported that nine Global South countries—Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa— announced the formation of The Hague Group, an international coalition aimed at combating alleged Israeli crimes in Palestine. Named after the Dutch city hosting the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), the group seeks to uphold international law and human rights by addressing actions they describe as genocidal against the Palestinian people. The initiative, promoted by Progressive International, emphasises enforcing existing United Nations resolutions and international court decisions. Progressive International is an organisation created in 2020, to unite progressive and left-leaning organisations and activists in combating the resurgence of authoritarianism. The member nations have committed to honouring ICC arrest warrants issued in November against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, they plan to halt the supply or transfer of weapons and related equipment to Israel where there is a clear risk of facilitating violations of international law or genocide. The group has extended an open invitation to other countries to join their efforts in ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine and supporting the Palestinian right to self-determination.
Sudan: RSF Accused of Preventing Humanitarian Aid from Entering Famine-Hit Darfur Region
On 10 February 2025, it was reported the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are preventing life-saving aid from entering the famine-struck Darfur region in Sudan. UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, said in a statement that the RSF have enforced “obstruction, undue interference and operational restrictions” on aid supplies to areas under their control, which is notably impacting the Darfur region. The RSF are at war with the Sudanese army, and much of western Sudan is under the control of the RSF and their allied militias. The restrictions are enacted under RSF’s own relief agency, the Sudanese Agency for Relief and Humanitarian Operations, which include “demands for logistical support or mandatory engagement with selected vendors that risk corruption and aid diversion.” The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, when tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese military escalated into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, which then spread across the country. The war has resulted in over 28,000 deaths, mass displacement with millions forced to flee their homes and a famine crisis. Humanitarian aid groups have outlined their difficulties in reaching the most vulnerable people as access is limited by the warring parties, particularly in Darfur. At least five areas are said to have famine, including three displacement camps in Darfur, according to the Integrated Food Security Classification. It is predicted five other areas in Darfur will experience famine in the coming months. The conflict has led to the world’s largest displacement crisis, with over 14 million people forced to leave from their homes. Atrocities such as ethnically motivated killing and rape have been documented by the UN. The International Criminal Court outlined it was investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Pakistan: At Least 16 Pakistani Nationals Killed in Migrant Shipwreck Off the Libyan Coast
On 11 February 2025, Pakistani officials stated at least 16 nationals had died and a further 10 people are unaccounted for after a migrant boat sank off the coast of Libya. The boat carrying an estimated 65 people capsized in the Marsa Dela port in the western city of Zawiya en route to Europe. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlined there are 37 survivors including one in hospital and 33 in Libyan police custody. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep sorrow for those who died in the tragedy and instructed the Foreign Ministry to complete the identification process of the victims as soon as possible and to support those affected. Sharif also demanded action against those involved “in heinous acts like human trafficking.” The majority of the victims were from the Kurram district in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, an area which has seen hundreds of people killed in sectarian clashes in recent years. In January, authorities said dozens of Pakistanis died in a shipwreck off West Africa. However, some survivors later claimed the smugglers had killed 43 migrants over a payment dispute. Pakistani officials have since confirmed the deaths of 13 nationals. Every year, hundreds of Pakistanis are killed while attempting to reach Europe facilitated by human smugglers. Libya has a long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea and has become one of the main transit points for migrants escaping conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East for Europe.
https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-libya-migrants-boat-sank-6a458e7b92176a127f8b80156f593848
Uganda: Confirmed Ebola Cases in Uganda Rises to Nine
On 11 February 2025, it was reported that Uganda’s health ministry announced that the number of confirmed Ebola cases in the country had risen from three to nine. Last month, Uganda announced an outbreak of the fatal virus. The outbreak is attributed to the Sudan strain, there are currently no approved vaccines for this variant. Uganda’s health ministry stated that out of the nine cases, one person had died, seven were in hospital in Kampala and one was in hospital in Mbale. All eight patients are said to be in a stable condition, and 265 people who had contact with the confirmed cases are now in quarantine. The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that Uganda had introduced a trial vaccination programme for the Sudan variant of Ebola. The existing vaccines are for the Zaire strain, which caused the recent outbreaks of Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo.
IOM: Appeals for US$81 Million to Assist 1.4 Million Migrants in Horn of Africa, Yemen and Southern Africa
On 11 February 2025, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and partners issued an appeal for US$81 million to provide critical humanitarian aid to over one million migrants and their host communities in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Republic of Tanzania, Kenya and Yemen. The funding appeal is coordinated by IOM and under the Migrant Response Plan for the Horn of Africa to Yemen and Southern Africa (MRP). Every year, thousands of migrants make treacherous journeys, mainly from Ethiopia and Somalia, intending to reach Gulf nations through Djibouti and Yemen. Some migrants take a different route through Kenya, Tanzania and Southern African countries trying to reach South Africa. These dangerous journeys are primarily taken by migrants who are desperately seeking employment due to severe economic adversity and poverty, and in some cases due to violence and political unrest. Also, climate disasters are becoming driving factors for migration. IOM Director General, Amy Pope, stated “without immediate support for migrants and the communities that host them, suffering will deepen, tensions will rise, and life-saving aid will remain out of reach.” According to MRP partners, over 1.4 million migrants and their host communities along these routes will require aid this year. This includes food, water, sanitation, health care and psychological support, as well as assistance for voluntary return and reintegration. MRP partners have been supporting the needs of migrants on these routes, but the MRP has been severely underfunded. In 2024, they launched an appeal for US$112 million, which remains 80% underfunded.
Congo: Over 110,000 Displaced People Forced to Leave Settlement Camps in Goma
On 12 February 2025, it was reported the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels had forcibly shut down settlement camps in Goma, resulting in the displacement of over 110,000 people. The M23 rebels are considered the most dominant group in the region where over 100 armed fractions are battling for control over mineral-rich eastern Congo. In late January, M23 seized Goma, the regional capital of the North Kivu province, in what was a major escalation of the fighting between the M23 rebels and the Congolese, resulting in the deaths of at least 2,000 people in the city. On Tuesday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), outlined in a statement that the M23 rebels issued a 72-hour ultimatum for people to leave settlement camps and return to their villages. M23 subsequently clarified that returns should be voluntary, but OCHA reported that more than 110,000 displaced people had departed the settlement camps for remote villages, with aid groups warning that such isolated areas are beyond the reach of aid. It is estimated at least 500,000 people have been displaced in the region following the M23’s offensive. Before the escalation of fighting, Goma was hosting nearly a million displaced people. Even after the declaration of a ceasefire last week, fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese army continues as the rebels advance towards Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu.
https://apnews.com/article/congo-m23-goma-displaced-people-d21884a2a6f5f6ed2b23b2e7294eea94
UN: Bangladesh Accused of Human Rights Violations Due to Protests Crackdown
On 12 February 2025, the UN released a report detailing severe human rights violations committed by the former Bangladeshi government under Sheikh Hasina during a crackdown on anti-government protests last year. The report estimates up to 1,400 deaths, mostly caused by security forces, and suggests these actions may constitute crimes against humanity. It also reveals a systematic effort to suppress dissent, with evidence of an official policy to violently repress protesters. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has called for accountability, highlighting that 78% of deaths were from military rifles and shotguns, and that minors were among the victims. Over 11,700 people were detained, and security forces reportedly carried out summary executions. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has expressed regret and pledged to prosecute those responsible. Hasina, who was forced to resign and flee to India amid mass protests, is now under investigation for crimes including genocide and corruption, with Bangladesh requesting her extradition.
Somalia-Azerbaijan: Agreement Signed to Strengthen Defence Ties
On 12 February 2025, Somali Defence Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, signed a defence pact with Azerbaijani Defence Minister, Zakir Hasanov, during a meeting in Baku that aims to bolster defence relations between the two countries. The Somali Defence Ministry said it is an important agreement in the areas of defence and defence industry cooperation, which it says, “paves the way for enhanced technical support and military knowledge-sharing to bolster Somalia’s defence capabilities.” On the same day, Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, held talks in Baku with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, where they discussed many issues including bilateral relations, cooperation in green energy, and defence cooperation.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/somalia-azerbaijan-sign-pact-to-bolster-defense-ties/3479787#
Gaza: Ceasefire at Risk as Hamas Rejects US and Israeli Pressure
On 12 February 2025, Hamas declared it would not accept what it called “threats” from Israel and the United States regarding the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. The group accused Israel of violating key terms of the truce by delaying the return of displaced Palestinians, restricting humanitarian aid, and continuing military operations. Hamas also postponed a planned release of three Israeli hostages, escalating tensions. Arab mediators from Egypt and Qatar intensified efforts to prevent further escalation. In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that hostilities would resume if Hamas failed to meet the conditions of the ceasefire, stating that “all hell would break loose.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also ordered increased military reinforcements near Gaza. Meanwhile, the United States urged Hamas to comply with the agreement and warned of “serious consequences” if hostages were not released as scheduled. Efforts to salvage the ceasefire are ongoing, with mediators from Egypt and Qatar working to de-escalate tensions. Both nations have reaffirmed their stance against the displacement of Palestinians and emphasised the importance of humanitarian aid. The International Committee of the Red Cross has also called on all parties to maintain the truce, stressing that civilians in Gaza need continued relief and security.
US: Trump Announces Ukraine Peace Talks with Putin
On 12 February 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to initiate immediate negotiations to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. This decision followed a 90-minute phone call between the two leaders, described by Trump as “lengthy and highly productive.” They discussed various topics, including Ukraine, the Middle East and Iran – with the focus of the discussion remaining on Ukraine. Both leaders expressed a mutual desire to cease hostilities and work closely towards achieving peace. However, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius noted that it was “regrettable” that Trump’s administration had made “concessions” to Russia prior to Ukraine peace talks even commencing. Trump also indicated plans for reciprocal visits to each other’s nations. Following his conversation with Putin, Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to inform him of the discussions. Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Trump’s genuine interest in pursuing peace and emphasised Ukraine’s readiness to collaborate with the United States to end Russian aggression and ensure lasting peace. This development marks a significant shift in US policy, with the Trump administration signalling a move towards direct negotiations with Russia to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
Congo: Grave Violations Against Children Occurring in Crisis in Eastern Congo
On 13 February 2025, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) issued a stark warning over escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where hundreds of civilians have been killed and tens of thousands displaced as M23 rebels continue to attack and seize control of towns and villages. UNICEF executive director, Catherine Russell, explained that they are receiving horrific reports of grave violations against children by parties of the conflict, including rape and other forms of sexual violence at levels surpassing anything we have seen in recent years. In the Ituri province, at least 28 children were among 52 people killed in a brutal attack in Djugu territory on 10 February 2025, according to Save the Children. Due to the conflict in Congo, children are increasingly exposed to sexual violence, abduction and recruitment. During the week of 27 January to 2 February 2025, when the Rwanda-backed M23 group captured Goma, the number of rape cases increased to a five-fold number in just one week. Children accounted for 30 percent of those reported numbers. But the true numbers are likely much higher as many survivors are reluctant to come forward. Medical centres are running out of the drugs used to reduce the risk of HIV infection after a sexual assault. Additionally, children are being separated from their families, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. In just one week, over 1,100 unaccompanied children were counted in North and South Kivu, while numbers continue to rise. Before the latest violent escalations in the country, the number of child recruitment used by armed groups was 4,006. Today, that number is likely to accelerate quickly with children as young as 12 being recruited or coerced into joining the groups. Additionally, the conflict is taking a toll on pregnant women. Some women are going into labour while fleeing bombardments or forced to deliver babies in makeshift shelters without medical care.
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