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International Peace & Security Section
Israel: PNC Condemns Israel’s Decision to Block Humanitarian Aid To Gaza
EU: €68 Million of Aid to be Provided to Bangladesh to Support the Rohingya Crisis
EU: Moldova To Be Provided with €60 Million to Boost Defence
Guinea-Bissau: ECOWAS Mission to Resolve Election Dispute Leaves Guinea-Bissau Following Threats
Sudan: Report from UNICEF Documents Cases of Sexual Violence Against Children in Sudan’s Civil War
Tunisia: Over 30 Migrants Rescued from Oil Rig after being Stranded for Four Days
ECtHR: Bulgaria Violated Journalist’s Rights by Denying Access to Acquittal Judgment
On 4 March 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Bulgaria violated the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) by denying journalist Galina Mariova Girginova access to the acquittal judgment of a former Minister of Internal Affairs in a high-profile case. The court found that this refusal violated Article 10 ECHR, which protects freedom of expression and the right to receive and impart information, and Article 13 ECHR, which guarantees the right to an effective remedy. Bulgarian authorities had denied Girginova’s request, citing state security concerns, as the case involved allegations of abuse of covert surveillance equipment. The ECHR stressed that transparency in judicial decisions is essential, particularly in cases involving high-ranking officials and public interest issues. It ruled that Bulgaria’s restriction was unnecessary in a democratic society and that alternative ways to protect classified information should have been considered. The court also criticised the lack of an effective legal remedy, as Bulgarian courts ruled that the Access to Public Information Act did not apply to judicial decisions. The judgment highlights concerns over press freedom and government transparency in Bulgaria, which has faced scrutiny for restricting access to public information and allegations of state surveillance abuse. The country must now take corrective measures, though the government has not yet announced its response.
Ukraine: Human Rights Report Details Russian Abuses Against Ukrainian Detainees
On 4 March 2025, Amnesty International announced that its report, A Deafening Silence, detailed severe abuses against Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian detainees in Russian captivity, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Based on interviews with 104 individuals between January and November 2024, the report highlights cases of torture, enforced disappearances, and incommunicado detention. Families often receive no information about their loved ones’ whereabouts, leaving them in distress. The report describes a systemic Russian policy aimed at dehumanising and silencing detainees. Many Ukrainian POWs are held without any communication, which Amnesty warns facilitates torture and other ill-treatment. The organisation called on Russia to allow international monitoring of detention facilities to ensure humane treatment. Amnesty urged the global community to pressure Russia to adhere to international humanitarian law and to support justice for victims. These abuses underscore the urgent need for accountability and intervention. The findings contribute to growing evidence of human rights violations committed by Russian authorities, reinforcing calls for legal action against those responsible.
Germany: Criminal Complaint Filed Against Israeli Soldier for Alleged War Crimes
On 5 March 2025, the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestinian organisation based in Brussels, filed a criminal complaint in Germany against Israeli soldier Shay Friedman for alleged war crimes in Gaza. The complaint accuses Friedman, a member of the Golani Brigade, of aiding and abetting murder, genocide, and violating international humanitarian law, including targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. The HRF provided video evidence purportedly showing Friedman firing heavy weapons at homes, hospitals, and schools, as well as boasting about his actions on social media. The foundation has urged German authorities to act, as Friedman may hold dual Israeli-German citizenship and is believed to be in Munich. The complaint is part of HRF’s broader efforts to hold Israeli officials accountable, following previous submissions of over 1,000 names to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC has also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. HRF is named after six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was reportedly killed by an Israeli tank in 2024. The organisation continues to push for legal action in national and international courts, citing the International Court of Justice’s determination that Israel’s actions in Gaza pose a plausible risk of genocide.
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2025/03/05/743976/Hind-Rajab-Foundation-Israeli-soldier-Shay-Friedman
Lebanon: Human Rights Group Calls for Criminal Investigations into Israeli Attacks on Healthcare as Potential War Crimes
On 5 March 2025, Amnesty International called for investigations into Israeli military attacks on healthcare facilities, ambulances, and medical personnel in Lebanon, alleging they may constitute war crimes. Between 3 – 9 October 2024, Israeli strikes killed 19 healthcare workers, injured 11, and damaged multiple ambulances and medical facilities. The Israeli military claims Hezbollah used ambulances to transport fighters and weapons, but Amnesty found no evidence of military targets at the locations during the attacks. These strikes have worsened Lebanon’s already struggling healthcare system, which has been dealing with economic hardship and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut Port explosion. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, Israeli actions between October 2023 and November 2024 impacted 67 hospitals, 56 primary healthcare centres, and 238 emergency medical teams, killing at least 222 medical and relief workers. Amnesty is urging the Lebanese government to grant the International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction to investigate these alleged crimes. Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty’s Senior Director for Research, emphasised that targeting medical personnel and infrastructure is a violation of international humanitarian law with devastating effects on civilians. The report highlights the urgent need for accountability and protection of healthcare services in conflict zones to prevent further harm to civilian populations.
ECtHR: Request to Overturn Romania’s Presidential Election Annulment Rejected
On 6 March 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) dismissed Călin Georgescu’s application to overturn Romania’s annulment of the 2024 presidential election, ruling it inadmissible and final. Georgescu, an ultra-nationalist and pro-Russian candidate, challenged the Romanian Constitutional Court’s decision to annul the first-round election and restart the process. He argued the ruling violated Article 3 of Protocol No. 1 (right to free elections), Article 6 (fair trial), Article 13 (effective remedy), and Articles 10 and 11 (freedom of expression and assembly) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The ECtHR rejected the first two complaints as incompatible with the Convention and dismissed the latter claims as “manifestly ill-founded.” The annulment followed intelligence reports declassified by President Klaus Iohannis, alleging Russian interference in the election. Georgescu, who unexpectedly won the first round with a strong social media campaign, denied links to Moscow and called the decision a “formalised coup d’état. The ruling has fueled political instability in Romania. Iohannis resigned in February 2025, and prosecutors have since launched a criminal case against Georgescu. A new presidential election is set for 4 May 2025, with a possible runoff on 18 May 2025.
Sudan: Case Filed Against UAE at ICJ for Alleged Complicity in Genocide in West Darfur
On 6 March 2025, Sudan filed a case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating the Genocide Convention by supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in West Darfur. Sudan alleged that weapons, armored vehicles, and Emirati passports found in conflict zones prove the UAE’s role in aiding the RSF, facilitating genocidal acts such as civilian killings and deprivation of basic necessities. The UAE is also accused of violating US sanctions by providing travel and business support to RSF leaders. The United Nations has confirmed RSF’s involvement in genocide, with UN Security Council sanctions imposed on RSF leaders for human rights violations. Sudan argued that Article IX of the Genocide Convention gives the ICJ jurisdiction, despite the UAE’s reservation to the dispute resolution clause, a legal hurdle the court must address. Pending judgment, Sudan has requested provisional measures to stop further genocide against the Masalit ethnic group. The UAE rejected the allegations, with its foreign minister calling the lawsuit a publicity stunt to deflect from Sudan’s internal conflict.
Greece: Former Minister to be Investigated for Obstructing Train Crash Inquiry
On 6 March 2025, it was reported that the Greek parliament launched an investigation into former deputy minister Christos Triantopoulos, accused of obstructing the probe into the 2023 Tempi train crash by tampering with the crash site and hiding evidence. A National Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority report found that the removal of victims’ debris and improper site restoration led to the loss of crucial evidence. Human Rights Watch (HRW) welcomed the investigation, calling for accountability and transparency to restore public trust. The Tempi train crash, which occurred on 28 February 2023, was officially blamed on human error, but mass protests erupted, accusing the government of neglecting railway infrastructure. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office had already investigated the misuse of EU funds meant for railway modernisation before the crash, but in January 2024, Greece rejected calls to examine the liability of two former transport ministers. Public anger reignited in January 2025 after audio recordings of victims calling for help surfaced. Triantopoulos resigned ahead of the parliamentary session forming the investigative committee. Meanwhile, protests continue as parliament debates a no-confidence motion against the government.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/03/06/greece-rail-crash-highlights-wider-rule-law-failings
Hong Kong: Appeal Court Upholds Conviction Against Activist for Sedition
On 6 March 2025, the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal upheld the conviction of activist Tam Tak Chi for uttering seditious words under the now-repealed Crimes Ordinance. The court ruled that the prosecution does not need to prove an intention to incite violence or public disorder, as statutory law has displaced common law requirements. It also confirmed that sedition offenses can be tried by magistrates, as they fall within their sentencing jurisdiction. The ruling aligns with a previous decision that convicted Stand News and its editors for publishing seditious content. The recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has further removed the need to prove intent to incite violence, emphasising the need to curb seditious publications to prevent unrest. Tam, the first person tried for sedition since Hong Kong’s 1997 Handover, was sentenced to 40 months in prison on multiple convictions.
Israel: PNC Condemns Israel’s Decision to Block Humanitarian Aid To Gaza
On 3 March 2025, the Palestinian National Council (PNC) condemned the Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip during the holy month of Ramadan, labelling it as “a war crime and a crime against humanity aimed at deepening human suffering.” The PNC asserts that this blockade is part of a broader strategy of forced displacement, supported by the United States administration, whilst continuing a pattern of genocidal war and ethnic cleansing resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, in blatant violation of international law. The council held certain international parties directly responsible for this situation, highlighting that collective punishment contravenes Article 33 of the Geneva Convention IV. This has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which the United Nations has classified as a “humanitarian catastrophe.” In response, the PNC called on the international community to take immediate action to lift the siege and protect the Palestinian people from such crimes, in line with international conventions and relevant UN resolutions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced the cessation of all humanitarian aid to Gaza, accusing Hamas of rejecting a framework for continued talks proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff. Hamas, however, contends that Israel is evading its obligations under the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The PNC’s statement underscores the urgent need for international intervention to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to hold Israel accountable for actions deemed as collective punishment and violations of international law.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250303-pnc-slams-occupation-regime-for-war-crime-during-ramadan/
EU: €68 Million of Aid to be Provided to Bangladesh to Support the Rohingya Crisis
On 3 March 2025, the Bangladesh transitional government announced the EU is providing €68 million in aid for the Rohingya response this year. The funding will assist the Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh and support the Rohingya people affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Western Rakhine state. The funding announcement came from the EU commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management, Hadja Lahbib, during a visit to Bangladesh with the head of the transitional government, Muhammad Yunus. The news comes amid a serious funding crisis for the persecuted Rohingya people. Lahbib outlined the EU funding allocation is more than last year, but it remains insufficient to prevent the risks of further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in refugee camps. Bangladesh has been accommodating over 1.2 million Rohingya people in the southeastern Cox’s Bazar district since they fled persecution in Myanmar in 2017. The UN Secretary General is due to visit Bangladesh this month, with Yunus stating they are “trying to draw international attention to the Rohingya crisis.” The UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, also voiced concerns about the lack of funding for the Rohingya people.
EU: Moldova To Be Provided with €60 Million to Boost Defence
On 3 March 2025, the European Council’s President, Antonio Costa, announced the EU will provide Moldova with €60 million to strengthen their defence capabilities. Costa said €37 million had already been provided to Moldova through the European Peace facility. Moldova is seeking to build closer relations with the EU, particularly on issues of security and defence, with the intention to join the bloc by 2030. At a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Costa stated the €60 million funding was “to ensure peace.” The relations between the pro-European Moldovan government and Russia deteriorated after Moldova condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Moldovan authorities have also reported Russian drones breaching their airspace. Russia retains a peacekeeping force in Moldova’s separatist Transdniestria region. In May 2024, Moldova signed a security and defence agreement with the EU, the first country to agree such a deal with the bloc.
Guinea-Bissau: ECOWAS Mission to Resolve Election Dispute Leaves Guinea-Bissau Following Threats
On 3 March 2025, it was reported a mission by the West African regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), deployed to Guinea-Bissau to resolve a dispute over elections has left the country following threats by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo to expel it. The mission was sent to the country last month from 21-28 February 2025 together with the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel to help reach a “political consensus” on when to hold elections this year. The general elections had been planned for last November 2024, but Embalo postponed them and announced they would instead be held on 30 November 2025. The opposition argues that Embalo’s term should have ended last week, while recently the Supreme Court ruled the term ends in September. In a statement, ECOWAS said it had developed a draft agreement on a roadmap for elections in 2025, however, following threats by Embalo to expel them, they left Guinea-Bissau early on 1 March 2025. The bloc said it will present the report to the ECOWAS president, which includes a plan for “inclusive and peaceful elections.” Embalo was elected as President for a five-year term in December 2019, and the ongoing dispute over when his term should end has escalated tensions in a country which has endured several military coups since gaining independence in 1974. Embalo has survived two attempts to overthrow him, with the most recent one in December 2023, leading him to dissolve the opposition-dominated parliament. Last week, Embalo travelled to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid growing ties between the two governments.
Congo: M23 Rebels Abduct Over 130 Hospital Patients in Goma
On 3 March 2025, the UN stated the M23 rebels had abducted at least 130 sick and wounded men from two hospitals in Goma. The reports indicate the M23 rebels raided CBCA Ndosho Hospital and Heal Africa Hospital during the night of February 28. The abducted men were suspected to be members of the Congolese army or members of the pro-government militia group Wazalendo. UN Human Rights Office spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, said “it is deeply distressing that M23 is snatching patients from hospital beds in coordinated raids and holding them incommunicado in undisclosed locations.” Shamdasani called for their immediate release. The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels captured the city of Goma at the end of January and have since seized more territory and advanced into eastern Congo. Their current offensive is the most significant escalation of the long-standing conflict which dates back to the Rwandan genocide and the fight for control over Congo’s mineral resources. Congo, the UN, and Western countries have all accused Rwanda of backing the M23 group. Rwanda denies the claims and asserts it is acting in self-defending against ethnic Hutu-led militias who perpetrate violence against Tutsis in Congo and threaten Rwandan security. Since January this year, at least 7,000 people have been killed in eastern Congo. Attempts to halt the M23 rebels such as sanctions, investigations by the International Criminal Court, and Africa-led peace negotiation have proved unsuccessful.
Sudan: Report from UNICEF Documents Cases of Sexual Violence Against Children in Sudan’s Civil War
On 4 March 2025, UNICEF published a report outlining children as young as one-year old were among the victims of rape since the beginning of 2024 in the Sudanese civil war. The UNICEF report stated at least 221 children were raped by armed men, according to records collected by gender-based violence agencies in Sudan. Of those cases, two-thirds of the survivors were female, and one-third were male. There were 16 survivors aged under five, including four who were as young as one. UNICEF also documented 77 cases of sexual assault against children, mainly consisting of attempted rape. Rights groups have reported atrocities such as sexual violence and forced child marriages have been committed by both sides in the war. UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, stated in the report that sexual violence, including rape, is “being used as a tactic of war” in violation of international law. The cases of rape were reported in nine states across Sudan. UNICEF spokesperson, Tess Ingram, outlined the numbers currently reported is likely “only the tip of the iceberg of what are undoubtedly hundreds more children who have been raped.” The survivors of sexual violence are often reluctant to come forward due to social stigma, rejection from family, and fear of retaliation from armed groups. UNICEF called on the Sudanese government and all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, especially children, and also ensure that those assisting survivors are protected. Russell stated, “children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action.”
US: President Trump Pauses Military Support for Ukraine
On 4 March 2025, US President Donald Trump ordered a “pause” to US military assistance to Ukraine, days after a tense meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. This comes as Trump is seeking to pressure Zelenskyy to participate in peace talks with Russia. A White House official outlined Trump wants to establish a peace agreement to bring the war to an end and seeks Zelenskyy’s commitment to this goal. The official stated the US was “pausing and reviewing” its military support to ensure it is contributing to a resolution. The pause is not expected to be a permanent end of US assistance. Trump has become increasingly frustrated with Zelenskyy over the ongoing war, while at the same time voicing confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin will adhere to a peace deal if one is agreed. This week, Trump criticised Zelenskyy for saying the end of Russia’s war in Ukraine “is still very, very far away.” Trump and Zelenskyy’s relationship is strained following the heated White House meeting, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance scolded Zelenskyy for his lack of appreciation of US support for Ukraine. Trump is due to discuss the future of the US-Ukraine agreement involving mineral resources in his upcoming speech before Congress on Tuesday. Trump has already refused to sign the deal with Ukraine due to what he describes as a lack of appreciation from Zelenskyy, however, Trump has continued to label it a “great” deal. It is expected Trump will provide more information on the agreement in his address to Congress.
https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/04/trump-pauses-us-aid-to-ukraine-following-disastrous-oval-meeting
Tunisia: Over 30 Migrants Rescued from Oil Rig after being Stranded for Four Days
On 4 March 2025, sea patrol charity, Sea-Watch, said it had rescued over 30 migrants who had been stranded for four days on an oil rig off the coast of Tunisia in the Mediterranean Sea. Sea-Watch first detected the group on the Miskar platform on Saturday while conducting a patrol with a reconnaissance plane. They stated the migrants had been left “exposed to the cold and without care for four days after the dinghy they were using to escape from Libya went adrift.” Alarm Phone, an organisation who operates a help line for sea migrants, reported it had communicated with the migrants on Sunday and had been notified one person had died, and others were sick. European governments have signed agreements with Tunisia and Libya to intercept and return sea migrants in an attempt to reduce irregular immigration, despite receiving criticism from human rights groups for such measures.
Zambia: Human Rights Group Issues Report Alleging Governmental Responsibility Regarding Lead Poisoning of Children
On 5 March 2025, Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a report accusing the Zambian government of enabling lead poisoning in Kabwe due to unsafe mining practices. The report highlights severe health impacts, particularly on children, with over 95% of minors in the area having elevated lead levels, leading to irreversible damage and even death. Despite decades of mining, approximately 6.4 million tonnes of lead waste remain, exposing up to 200,000 residents through contaminated soil and wind-blown dust. Government efforts to mitigate the crisis, such as grass-planting, have been ineffective. HRW urges Zambia to implement an environmental strategy in line with international standards. The mine, active from 1904 to 1994, was owned by a British colonial company that refused cleanup. In 2023, affected communities sued a South African mining firm for accountability. The crisis continues as Zambia fails to uphold its environmental obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
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