© Photo by MONUSCO Photos via Flickr
International Peace & Security Section
Ukraine: Calls for Accountability for Victims of Russian Invasion
Haiti: Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Operation Against Gang Violence
UN: General Assembly Passes Two Resolutions on War in Ukraine
UN: Security Council Adopts US Drafted Resolution Calling for “Swift End” to War in Ukraine
Sudan: MSF Suspends Activities in Camp in Sudan’s Darfur Region Due to Heavy Fighting
Spain: Announces €1 Billion Military Aid Package for Ukraine
ICC: Court Urged to Investigate Biden for Aiding and Abetting War Crimes
On 24 February 2025, Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), a United States-based rights organisation, called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate former President Joe Biden, ex-Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and former Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin for allegedly aiding and abetting Israeli war crimes in Gaza. In a 172-page submission to the ICC Chief Prosecutor, Karim A.A. Khan, DAWN argues that these officials provided substantial military, political, and public support to Israel, facilitating actions that constitute serious violations of international law. The group asserts that the US supplied at least US$17.9 billion in military aid to Israel, alongside intelligence sharing and diplomatic backing, despite being aware of alleged abuses committed. DAWN argues that such support violates articles of the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty, and calls for accountability for those who enable or contribute to war crimes and crimes against humanity. This request follows previous ICC arrest warrants issued in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, related to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Gaza conflict.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/24/icc-biden-gaza-war
Germany: Netanyahu Would Be Welcomed Despite ICC Warrant
On 24 February 2025, Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the anticipated next chancellor, stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be welcome to visit Germany despite an active arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a recent press conference in Berlin, Merz confirmed his commitment to facilitating Netanyahu’s visit without the risk of arrest, describing the ICC’s decision to issue the warrant as “absurd.” This stance underscores Germany’s complex position, balancing its historical responsibility toward Israel with its obligations as a signatory to the Rome Statute, which mandates member countries to enforce ICC arrest warrants. The ICC issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu has dismissed these allegations as antisemitic and baseless. Merz’s invitation aligns with Germany’s long standing support for Israel but raises questions about the enforcement of international law and the ICC’s authority. This development follows similar assurances from other nations, such as Poland and Hungary, indicating a potential divide among ICC member states regarding the execution of the Court’s mandates. The Court responded to Herz’s remarks, affirming that States have a legal obligation to enforce its decisions, and that “it is not for states to unilaterally determine the soundness of the Court’s legal decisions.”
Sudan: Human Rights Group Accuses Sudanese Militia of War Crimes
On 25 February 2025, Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused the Sudan Shield Forces, a pro-army militia supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces, of committing war crimes in Sudan’s al-Jazira state after a deadly attack on the village of Tabya on 10 January 2025. The militia allegedly targeted those they believed to be aligned with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), killing at least 26 civilians, including a child, while looting property and burning homes. Survivors recounted that fighters went door-to-door, executing unarmed residents and forcing many to flee. HRW’s investigation suggests that this attack is part of a broader pattern of ethnically motivated violence in Sudan, where Arab militias aligned with the army have been targeting non-Arab groups. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary RSF has exacerbated ethnic divisions, leading to mass killings and displacement. The rights group has called on Sudanese authorities to ensure accountability for the crimes and prevent further attacks. They have also urged international actors, including the United Nations and African Union, to pressure Sudan’s leadership into taking action. The Tabya massacre underscores the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence amid the ongoing power struggle between rival military factions.
Romania: Prosecutors Initiate Criminal Charges Against Former Presidential Candidate
On 26 February 2025, Romanian prosecutors launched a criminal case against ultranationalist politician Călin Georgescu, who won the annulled first round of the 2024 presidential election. He was questioned over alleged campaign funding fraud and ties to the illegal fascist Iron Guard movement. Authorities are investigating his campaign finances after intelligence reports suggested Russian-backed efforts boosted his candidacy through social media and undeclared funds—claims he denies. Georgescu’s supporters protested outside the prosecutor’s office, while he dismissed the case as a politically motivated attack to prevent his participation in the May election rerun. The investigation has drawn international criticism, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk questioning Romania’s judicial actions. The annulled election has thrown Romania into political turmoil, with concerns that barring Georgescu from running could escalate tensions ahead of the new vote on 4 May 2025.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Bosnian Serb Leader Sentenced to One Year Imprisonment for Failure to Comply with International Official
On 26 February 2025, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina sentenced Republika Srpska (RS) president Milorad Dodik to one year in prison and banned him from political participation in RS for six years due to his repeated calls for independence. The court found him guilty of defying decisions by High Representative Christian Schmidt, violating Bosnia’s Constitution and the Dayton Peace Agreement. Dodik denounced the trial as politically motivated and threatened to withdraw Serbs from state institutions if convicted. Under Bosnian law, he may pay a fine instead of serving time. His appeal, along with Schmidt’s, is expected to be resolved by the end of the year. The case underscores ongoing constitutional tensions in Bosnia, where the 1995 Dayton Accords divided the country into two semi-autonomous entities. Dodik’s conviction highlights persistent challenges in maintaining Bosnia’s unity and stability.
Poland: Former Prime Minister Charged with Abuse of Power For Attempted Mail-In 2020 Election
On 27 February 2025, former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was charged with abuse of power for his role in attempting to organize a mail-in presidential election during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Prosecutors allege that he bypassed electoral authorities by assigning election preparations to the national postal service and the Polish Security Printing Works, leading to financial losses of approximately PLN 56.5 million (US$14.2 million). Morawiecki defended his actions, stating he prioritized ensuring the election took place amid the crisis. He waived his parliamentary immunity in January 2025, claiming confidence in the truth prevailing. Although he refused to testify initially, he expressed willingness to do so after reviewing the case files. The election plan, proposed by the then-ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, faced criticism for being politically motivated. In September 2020, a Warsaw court ruled Morawiecki’s decision illegal, citing a lack of legal basis.
ECtHR: Cyprus Violated Rights in UK Woman’s Rape Case
On 27 February 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Cypriot authorities violated the right against torture and the right to privacy of a British woman by failing to properly investigate her 2019 rape allegations. The court found that institutional biases against women in Cyprus led to investigative failures, including poor translation of her statement, lack of legal representation during detention, failure to use DNA evidence, and exclusion of key witnesses. It concluded that Cyprus did not meet its positive obligation under Article 3 (prohibition of torture) and Article 8 (right to private life) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The woman, who was 18 years old at the time, reported being raped by approximately 12 men in Ayia Napa but later retracted her claim under police pressure and without legal counsel. She was convicted of public mischief, a conviction that was overturned by the Cypriot Supreme Court in 2022. The ECtHR ruled that the failure to investigate properly and the state’s actions against her created a climate of impunity, awarding her €20,000 in damages and €5,000 in costs. Her lawyer, Michael Polak, emphasised that the ruling reinforces the need for fair and thorough investigations in sexual violence cases.
https://www.barrons.com/articles/echr-condemns-cyprus-for-failures-in-uk-woman-s-rape-case-54a84509
ECtHR: Court Rules France Violated Right to Life in Protester’s Death
On 27 February 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that France violated the right to life in the case of Fraisse and Others v. France, concerning the 2014 death of protester Rémi Fraisse. The court found that the legal and administrative framework at the time failed to provide the necessary protections against the use of lethal force, breaching Article 2 (right to life) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). However, the ECtHR determined that France fulfilled its procedural obligations by investigating the incident and implementing reforms, thus not violating Article 2 on procedural grounds. Fraisse, a 21-year-old student, was killed when a French police officer fired a concussion grenade during protests against the Sivens Dam project. Following his death, the project was canceled, and rights groups pushed for legal accountability. However, in 2021, the French Court of Cassation dismissed all appeals, ruling against prosecuting the officer responsible. The ECtHR has now ordered France to pay over €50,000 to Fraisse’s family.
Ukraine: Calls for Accountability for Victims of Russian Invasion
On 24 February 2025, following the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the onset of United States-Russia peace talks, Amnesty International emphasised that justice for victims must be a global priority. Secretary General Agnès Callamard asserts that any negotiations concerning Ukraine’s future must prioritise accountability for crimes under international law committed since Russia’s 2014 military intervention. This includes addressing past atrocities, such as deadly airstrikes on civilians and the forcible transfer of children to Russia. Callamard highlighted the ongoing suffering of Ukrainian civilians, including abductions by Russian security services, torture and unlawful convictions of prisoners of war, threats to children studying Ukrainian online, and forced labour imposed on teachers in Russian-occupied regions. She warned that any peace agreement failing to address these violations will perpetuate suffering and grant impunity to perpetrators. Amnesty International has documented extensive violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Ukraine since hostilities began on 24 February 2022. These violations, including acts amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, have severely impacted vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly. The organisation called for a genuine commitment to lasting peace, which necessitates supporting all avenues for justice and accountability for those suspected of war crimes and other international offences.
Haiti: Kenyan Police Officer Killed in Operation Against Gang Violence
On 24 February 2025, it was reported a Kenyan police officer with the international security force in Haiti had been killed in a clash with gang members. The officer was named as Police Constable Samuel Kitwai. His death is the first fatality of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission (MSS). The mission was sent to Haiti in June last year to assist in restoring order and combating gangs who have gained control of the vast majority of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas. In 2024, over 5,500 people were killed in gang violence in Haiti, and at least a million people have fled their homes. MSS spokesperson, Jack Ombaka, said Constable Kitwai was a “fallen hero” who was “killed while fighting for the people of Haiti.” Kenya’s foreign ministry expressed great sorrow for the loss of the officer. Earlier this month, the MSS was enhanced by the arrival of 200 additional Kenyan police officers, but the force is outnumbered by the gangs who illegally smuggle arms from the US. The MSS also has officers from Bahamas, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica within its force. However, there were question marks over the future of the mission following US President Donald Trump’s decision to halt foreign aid programmes. Subsequently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed to a waiver of US funds for the MSS and Haiti’s National Police. It remains unclear whether the US government favours transforming the MSS into a UN peacekeeping operation, a move which could ensure more stable funding.
UN: General Assembly Passes Two Resolutions on War in Ukraine
On 24 February 2025, the UN General Assembly passed two resolutions on the war in Ukraine, one drafted by Ukraine and the other by the US. The Ukrainian drafted text was supported by European countries, titled “Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine” and reiterated condemnation of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and reaffirmed its commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty. The Ukrainian resolution received 93 votes in favour, 18 against and 65 abstentions. The US voted against, alongside Russia, signifying a major change of its position on the conflict. The US proposed text titled “Path to Peace” called for a swift end to the conflict and made no reference to Russian responsibility for the invasion of Ukraine. But amendments put forward by the EU added language that noted Russia’s “full-scale invasion” and reiterated a commitment to Ukraine’s “territorial integrity.” The amended text passed with 93 votes in favour, 8 against and 73 abstentions. The US voted against the amendments and abstained on its own resolution. Prior to the vote, Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, described the proposed US resolution as a “good move.” Professor at Fordham University in New York Anjali Dayal, stated it is very uncommon for a major power to change its allegiance in a conflict. She added “it’s unprecedented for the US to produce a draft resolution that’s welcomed by Russia and unwelcome to the US’ traditional allies.”
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/02/1160456
https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2025/0224/1498498-us-ukraine-un-resolutions/
UN: Security Council Adopts US Drafted Resolution Calling for “Swift End” to War in Ukraine
On 24 February 2025, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution drafted by the US calling for a “swift end” to the war in Ukraine, as US President Donald Trump seeks to end the conflict. The short resolution echoes Trump’s position on the war in Ukraine and his new alignment with Russia on the issue. Attempts by the UK and EU members to strengthen the resolution’s wording were unsuccessful. The US resolution was adopted with 10 votes in favour, while France, the UK, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia abstained. Russia voted in favour of the resolution after failing to amend it and blocking European attempts to add language supporting Ukraine. Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, recognised “constructive changes” in the US position on the conflict. The Security Council had been paralyzed and unable to act throughout the war because of Russia’s veto power. Earlier on Monday, the US was unsuccessful in gaining support at the General Assembly with the same resolution which was adopted by the Security Council. The resolution mourns those who have died in the “Russia-Ukraine conflict”, reaffirms the objective of the UN is to maintain international peace and security and to peacefully resolve disputes, and calls for a “swift end” to the conflict. However, it made no explicit reference to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump’s strategy to ending the war has left Ukraine and European allies wary of his conciliatory stance towards Russia, raising concerns they may be excluded from negotiations to end the war. The UK’s UN Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, criticised the wording of the resolution, referring to the need for Ukraine’s consent in peace talks. She added “we share the ambition to find a lasting end to this war, supported by robust security arrangements that ensure Ukraine never again has to face Russia’s attack.” Denmark’s UN Ambassador, Christina Markus Lassen, reiterated the same sentiment as the other European members, stating “we need to reject the false equivalence between aggressor and victim.”
Sudan: MSF Suspends Activities in Camp in Sudan’s Darfur Region Due to Heavy Fighting
On 24 February 2025, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also known as Doctors Without Borders, announced it had been forced to halt its activities in the Zamzam camp in the North Darfur region of Sudan due to increased fighting. MSF was one of the few charities still operating in the famine-stricken Zamzam camp which accommodates about half a million people who have been displaced during Sudan’s civil war. MSF had operated a field hospital there which was used to treat those injured in attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) this month. They treated 139 patients with gunshot and shrapnel wounds, however, 11 died due to the lack of necessary equipment at the facility. They also treated thousands of malnourished children at its field hospital. MSF Head of Mission in Sudan, Yahya Kalilah, stated the severe violence left them with little choice but to suspend operations due to the “great difficulties in sending supplies, the impossibility to send experienced staff for adequate support, and uncertainty regarding routes out of the camp for our colleagues and civilians.” The Sudan war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, a severe hunger crisis and plunged several locations into famine.
Congo: At Least 7,000 Killed in Fighting in Congo this Year
On 24 February 2025, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Judith Suminwa, outlined that at least 7,000 people have been killed in fighting in eastern Congo this year, including combatants and civilians. It is estimated 3,000 people were killed in Goma, and a further 450,000 people left without shelter following the destruction of 90 displacement camps. Since January, the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has seized large areas of eastern Congo including the cities of Goma and Bukavu. The recent advancement by the M23 rebels is a major escalation of a conflict concerning power, identity, and control of mineral resources, which dates back to the 1990s and the Rwandan genocide. Rwanda denies claims it is supporting the M23 group with arms and troops. At a meeting in Geneva, Suminwa appealed to the international community for “dissuasive sanctions” to be imposed on Rwanda. Suminwa also warned that the deteriorating security situation with M23 and other armed factions could spread to neighbouring countries, potentially leading to a regional escalation of the conflict.
Senegal: Signs Peace Deal with Casamance Separatist Group
On 24 February 2025, it was reported the Senegalese government and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) had signed a peace agreement. The deal was brokered by Guinea-Bissau President, Umaro Sissoco Embalo. Casamance is the area of Senegal located south of the Gambia and is geographically separated from the country. It is the location of one of Africa’s oldest conflicts, which has lasted four decades. The conflict claimed thousands of lives while also damaging the region’s economy. Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko praised the relationship between the two West Africa countries and expressed gratitude on behalf of Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to Guinea-Bissau for mediating the negotiations. He stated, “we had to close the work on the negotiations between the MFDC and the state of Senegal.” The MFDC was founded in 1982 and is the main separatist movement that has been fighting for independence in Senegal’s Casamance region. In May 2023, over 250 MFDC fighters gave up their weapons in Mongone, an area previously regarded as a separatist stronghold, indicating a move towards reconciliation.
Spain: Announces €1 Billion Military Aid Package for Ukraine
On 24 February 2025, Spain Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, revealed Spain will provide a military aid package worth one billion euros to Ukraine this year. Sanchez made the announcement during an international meeting in Kyiv held on the third-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In May 2024, the two countries signed a 10-year bilateral security and defence agreement. Last year, Spain sent over one billion euros in defence aid to Ukraine. Sanchez said Spain will “continue supporting Ukraine as long as necessary” and highlighted the need for both Ukraine and the EU to be present at any peace talks with Russia. Sanchez added “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, and nothing about European security without Europe.” Since taking office, US President Donald Trump has moved to mend ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, undoing three years of US efforts to reprimand Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine and European allies are concerned a quick Putin-Trump agreement without their involvement could put their security in danger.
Congo: UN Reports Hunger, Sexual Violence, and Kidnapping Amongst the Consequences of the Hostilities
On 25 February, 2025, the UN reported that around 700,000 people were forced to leave Goma, when the rebel group, M23 took over. Many are now on the move again, but a return home is not necessarily safe. In Goma, reports of crime, home invasions, kidnappings, etc. Children are starving to death, there is no medicine because the clinics are closed. Two WFP warehouses in Goma were plundered and 70% of the food stored there was taken, limiting the WFP’s ability to support the population significantly. Additionally, as conditions worsen, women and girls face an increased risk of sexual violence and exploitation. Many are attacked while searching for firewood and some resort to provide sexual services to feed their families.
Sudan: Conflict Continues to Erode the Country Day by Day
On 26 February 2025, Edem Wosornu, a senior UN official, urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to ensure better protection for civilians in Sudan with unrestricted humanitarian access. Wosornu explains how, after nearly two years of conflict in Sudan, the country has been inflicted with extreme suffering. The conflict has left 24.6 million people – more than half the country – experiencing acute hunger, 12 million are now displaced internally, while 3.4 million have fled across the border. Health services have collapsed, millions of children are out of school and persistent patterns of sexual violence have occurred. Wosornu presents three “key asks” to the UNSC: first, to call on the UNSC and member states to take immediate action to ensure all actors comply with international humanitarian law and protect civilians and the infrastructure and services they rely on; second, to implement real and repeated commitments to enable unrestricted humanitarian access to civilians in need; and third, Sudan needs international support which includes flexible funding.
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