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International Peace & Security Section
Syria: At least 13 Children Feared Dead in Hostilities in Northwest
Argentina: At Least 16 Killed in Deadly Flooding in Bahia Blanca
Syria: Government Announces End of Military Operation Against Assad Loyalists
Afghanistan: More Focus on Afghanistan Needed According to UN Envoy As Human Rights Crises Increase
Indonesia: IOM Confirms Aid Restored to Rohingya Refugees in Indonesia
Nigeria: Meningitis Outbreak has Killed 26 People since January
Guatemala: Journalist José Rubén Zamora Reimprisoned on Money Laundering Charges
On 10 March 2025, it was reported that a Guatemalan appeals court overturned the house arrest decision of journalist José Rubén Zamora, leading to his reimprisonment on 4 March 2025 on money laundering charges. Amnesty condemned the move as arbitrary and politically motivated, calling it part of an ongoing judicial harassment campaign against Zamora, founder of el Periódico. He was initially arrested in 2022 on charges widely seen as retaliation for exposing government corruption. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and press freedom organisations have criticised Guatemala’s actions, citing violations of international human rights law. Zamora, who previously had his conviction overturned, remains behind bars amidst ongoing legal battles.
ICC: Arrest of Former Philippines President Duterte Hailed as Huge Step Towards Accountability
On 11 March 2025, it was reported that Amnesty International welcomed the arrest of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte as a monumental step toward justice for the thousands of victims of his administration’s “war on drugs.” Duterte was apprehended by Philippine authorities on 11 March 2025, upon his return from Hong Kong, based on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to his anti-drug campaign. The ICC’s investigation focuses on alleged extrajudicial killings that occurred between November 2011 and March 2019, a period during which the Philippines was a state party to the Rome Statute. Despite the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the Court retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while it was a member. Duterte’s arrest was marked by resistance; he refused fingerprinting and threatened legal action against the arresting officers. The standoff lasted 12 hours before he was transported under heavy guard to The Hague, Netherlands, where he awaits trial. This development is seen as a hopeful sign that suspected perpetrators of severe crimes, including former government leaders, can be held accountable under international law. Amnesty International has called on the Philippine government to fully cooperate with the ICC’s ongoing investigation and to ensure that Duterte receives all fair trial guarantees while in custody. The arrest also underscores the ICC’s commitment to addressing crimes against humanity, offering a potential boost to its credibility amid previous criticisms over its effectiveness.
ICJ: 45 Statements Received Ahead of Upcoming Public Hearing on UN and International Presence in Occupied Palestinian Territory
On 12 March 2025, it was announced that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) received a total of 45 written statements from various states and international organisations regarding Israel’s obligations in relation to the presence and activities of the UN, other international organisations, and third states in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. These submissions were filed within the deadline set by the ICJ President on 23 December 2024, with an exception granted for the African Union to submit late. The written statements may be made public once the oral proceedings begin. The ICJ will hold public hearings on the matter starting 28 April 2025, at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/196/196-20250312-pre-01-00-en.pdf
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Arrest Warrant Issued for Bosnian Serb Officials for Alleged Violation of Constitutional Order
On 12 March 2025, Bosnia’s state-level prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik and two other top Bosnian Serb officials—Prime Minister Radovan Višković and National Assembly President Nenad Stevandić—accusing them of violating the country’s constitutional order. The warrant follows RS legislation that blocks Bosnia’s state-level police and judiciary from operating in its territory. Dodik has rejected the warrant, refusing to return to Sarajevo for investigation and claiming it is a political move aimed at destabilising RS. He also suggested amending the RS Constitution to reduce foreign influence and sought Russia’s support in vetoing the renewal of the EU peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. The crisis deepened after the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina sentenced Dodik for failing to comply with decisions from the High Representative, ruling that he violated the BiH Constitution and the Dayton Peace Agreement. In response, RS passed several controversial laws, including a separatist measure and a “Foreign Agents Law,” which critics argue could suppress NGOs, independent media, and dissenting voices. As tensions rise, the EU peacekeeping force (EUFOR) has begun deploying reserve forces in Bosnia to maintain stability.
Russia: Supreme Court Upholds 12-Year Sentence for Transgender Activist
On 12 March 2025, it was reported by Amnesty International that the Russian Supreme Court upheld the 12-year prison sentence of transgender anti-war activist Mark Kislitsyn. Kislitsyn was convicted of high treason under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code for transferring $10 to a Ukrainian bank account, which authorities claimed was linked to military funding. Amnesty International condemned the ruling as politically motivated, arguing that Kislitsyn’s prosecution was aimed at silencing dissent. The activist has reportedly faced ill-treatment in detention, including denial of gender-affirming healthcare and prolonged solitary confinement. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, authorities have intensified crackdowns on dissent using restrictive laws, including those criminalising criticism of the military.
ECtHR: Ukraine Found In Violation of Convention For Failure to Prevent and Investigate 2014 Protest Violence
On 13 March 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Ukraine violated the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) by failing to prevent and properly investigate violence during the Odesa Maidan protests in 2014. Despite prior intelligence about potential unrest, Ukrainian authorities deployed insufficient police forces, leading to violent clashes between pro-Russian activists and Maidan supporters. The inaction of police and delayed fire response contributed to the deaths of 42 people in the Trade Union Building fire. Between 2017 and 2018, 28 applicants brought the case to the ECtHR, arguing violations of the right to life (Article 2), prohibition of inhumane treatment (Article 3), and the right to an effective remedy (Article 13). The court unanimously found that Ukraine failed to prevent the violence, ensure timely rescues, and conduct an effective investigation. Authorities also failed to properly collect and assess evidence or make genuine efforts to identify those responsible. As a result, the court ordered Ukraine to compensate the applicants for non-pecuniary damages, costs, and expenses.
US: Pro-Palestinian Activists Sue to Block Release of Columbia University Disciplinary Records
On 13 March 2025, it was reported that eight pro-Palestinian students at Columbia University, led by activist Mahmoud Khalil, have filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York to prevent the release of student disciplinary records. The suit seeks to block the university from complying with a demand from the US House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which ordered the disclosure of records related to 11 incidents or risk losing federal funding. The lawsuit argues that the committee’s demand is an abuse of power, aimed at suppressing free speech and exposing students to harassment and doxing. It alleges that Congress is using financial leverage to pressure universities into disciplining students for their political views. The plaintiffs contend that the request lacks a compelling state interest and violates First Amendment protections against government retaliation for political expression. The legal battle coincides with Khalil’s ongoing immigration case. He was detained by immigration authorities last week and faces deportation despite being a US permanent resident. A federal judge has temporarily blocked his removal and ordered authorities to grant him access to legal counsel. His detention has sparked protests nationwide, further intensifying the controversy surrounding student activism and government oversight.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/nyregion/mahmoud-khalil-sues-columbia.html
Finland: Russian Man Convicted of War Crimes in Ukraine
On 14 March 2025, it was reported that Finnish authorities convicted Russian ultranationalist Yan Petrovsky, also known as Voislav Torden, of war crimes committed in eastern Ukraine during 2014 and 2015. Petrovsky, a former commander of the Rusich sabotage group, was found guilty of actions leading to the deaths of 22 Ukrainian soldiers and the injury of four others. The charges against Petrovsky included violations of the laws of war and acts of cruelty against both injured and deceased enemy combatants. Notably, he was accused of co-commanding Rusich fighters who ambushed Ukrainian soldiers by deceitfully raising a Ukrainian flag at a roadblock on 5 September 2014. This tactic resulted in significant casualties among the Ukrainian forces. Born in 1987 in St. Petersburg, Petrovsky moved to Oslo in 2004 before his deportation back to Russia in 2016, where he became involved with nationalist groups. In 2014, he travelled to Ukraine’s Donbas region to support Russia-backed separatists. Petrovsky was detained at Helsinki Airport on July 20 2023, while attempting to board a flight to France. Following his arrest, Ukrainian authorities sought his extradition; however, Finland’s Supreme Court denied the request, citing concerns over prison conditions and potential mistreatment. This case marks a significant instance of a European nation prosecuting an individual for war crimes related to the conflict in Ukraine, underscoring Finland’s commitment to upholding international law and addressing wartime atrocities.
https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-ukraine-war-crimes-guilty-finland/33347563.html
Syria: At least 13 Children Feared Dead in Hostilities in Northwest
On 10 March 2025, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that at least 13 children and one 6 month-old are feared to be among the 1,000 people reportedly killed in fierce fighting over the last weekend in northwest Syria between Syrian Caretaker Authority forces and soldiers loyal to the former Assad Regime. According to many eyewitness accounts, much of the killing occurred in the Alawite neighbourhoods in the provinces of Latakia and Tartus, the traditional stronghold of support for the former regime. The Assad family belongs to the sect which is an offshoot of Shia Islam constituting around ten percent of Syria’s population. The violent escalation reportedly caused additional civilian casualties and injuries, the displacement of thousands of families and damage to critical infrastructure. UN Humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, said that UN aid teams are working urgently to reach civilians affected by the recent fighting. He warned that the clashes have left even more Syrians displaced without access to basic aid and in danger. As of 10 March 2025, hundreds of people, including women, children and medical personnel, had been reportedly killed, thousands have been displaced, and many have fled into Lebanon.
Argentina: At Least 16 Killed in Deadly Flooding in Bahia Blanca
On 10 March 2025, it was reported Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, declared three days of national mourning after flash flooding killed at least 16 people in the port city of Bahia Blanca, south of Buenos Aires. The deadly floods occurred on Friday after heavy rains hit the area. It is estimated a year’s worth of rain fell, 260 millimetres (10 inches), in a matter of hours in and around the city of Bahia Blanca. The search for victims continues as more remain missing. The president’s office announced all areas of government are committed to helping the victims. The Minister of Security of the Province of Buenos Aires, Javier Alonso, stated that among the victims were two girls, aged one and five, who were swept away in the floods on Sunday. Bahia Blanca Mayor, Federico Susbielles, outlined the flooding had caused US$400m in infrastructure damage. He also outlined there are likely to be more deaths confirmed as the search efforts continue. Much of the surrounding coastal areas are now left without power. Economy Minister, Luis Caputo, said on X that 10 billion pesos (US$9.2m) of financial aid will be provided to the city of Bahia Blanca.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/10/argentina-mourns-16-killed-in-floods
Syria: Government Announces End of Military Operation Against Assad Loyalists
On 10 March 2025, Syria’s new government announced the end of a days-long military operation against loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The fighting began after an unexpected attack by gunmen from the Alawite community on a police patrol close to the city of Latakia. This incident sparked violence across Syria’s coastal region on Thursday, which involved clashes between government-associated groups and Assad loyalists. The new Syrian government has faced challenges in asserting authority across the country and establishing political agreements with some communities, including the northeastern Kurds and the southern Druze. Syrian Defence Ministry spokesperson, Colonel Hassan Abdel-Ghani, said security forces will continue to combat remnants of the Assad regime who may have been involved in the attack. The government’s military operation to repel Assad’s loyalists was mostly able to contain it. However, there have been reports of alleged retaliatory attacks from Syrian security forces against the Alawite minority living in western Syria. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, over 1,130 people were killed in the violence, including 830 civilians. Syria’s Interim President, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, said the attacks on Alawite civilians were isolated incidents, and stated those responsible would be held accountable. He also announced an investigation into the events. The new government, led by Al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (HTS), toppled the Assad regime in December, bringing an end to over half a century of his family’s authoritarian rule. The European Commission said it was alarmed by the situation in Syria, which began with attacks that resulted in innocent civilians being killed. It also called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
Afghanistan: More Focus on Afghanistan Needed According to UN Envoy As Human Rights Crises Increase
On 10 March 2025, the top UN envoy for Afghanistan underscored the need for realistic engagement with the country as humanitarian and human rights crises deepen amid growing international isolation. Additionally, Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, warned that political engagement with the Taliban has yielded very little progress. Budgetary constraints, shifting global priorities and a growing introspection on some nations risk leaving Afghanistan poorer, more vulnerable and isolated, she adds. Otunbayeva iterates that this is an avoidable outcome, but only if all stakeholders recognise the risk and seek actively to avoid it. In Afghanistan, more than 23 million people – over half the population – require international aid and protection. However, severe funding cuts and shortfalls have already forced the closure of more than 200 health facilities, impacting nearly two million people and resulted in significant reductions to essential malnutrition services. Otunbayeva concludes that the most helpful development could be a clear signal from the de facto authorities that they are committed to the reintegration of Afghanistan with the international community and all that implies.
UN: Security Council Told EU to Remain Committed Upholder of International Law Amidst Growing Security Threats
On 11 March 2025, the Security Council was told that the EU remains committed to upholding international law and defending the UN Charter amidst growing security threats. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, underscored the need for humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza, and reaffirmed the EU as a steadfast partner of the UN. Kallas also iterated that reinforcing multilateral cooperation is the only way to address collective challenges and safeguard international peace and security. It is imperative that the delivery of humanitarian aid is not politicised or conditional, she continues, and welcomed diplomatic efforts towards a Gaza peace settlement – including the US$53 billion Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan – and reaffirmed the readiness to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and regional partners to rebuild.
South Sudan: Uganda Deploys Troops to South Sudan to Support the Government Amidst Fears of Civil War
On 11 March 2025, Major General Felix Kulayigye, a spokesperson for the Ugandan military, said Uganda had deployed troops to Juba, the South Sudan capital, to support the government against a possible rebel advance. This deployment is an attempt to protect President Salva Kiir’s fragile government as a tense rivalry grows with his vice president, Riek Machar, sparking fears the country could return to civil war. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has become a guarantor of peace in South Sudan, maintaining Kiir and Machar positions in the national government. Kiir and Museveni are allies, and Museveni has previously intervened in the conflict to keep Kiir in power. The country has experienced political instability and violence since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. The latest escalation occurred when fighting broke out in the Upper Nile state between government troops and a rebel group, the White Army, a group associated with Machar. Last week, a UN helicopter evacuating government troops from the town of Nasir was shot at, several people were killed including a South Sudanese general. Earlier in the week, after White Army rebels overran a military base in Nasir, government troops surrounded Machar’s house in Juba, while several of his allies were arrested. In 2013, civil war broke out in South Sudan when a dispute between Kiir and Machar escalated into fighting driven by ethnic divisions. Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, accused soldiers loyal to Machar, an ethnic Nuer, of forcefully trying to seize power. The 5-year civil war that followed resulted in over 400,000 deaths. In 2018, Kiir and Machar signed a peace deal and Machar was reinstated as South Sudan’s vice president. However, both men have been accused of breaching ceasefire agreements. They now face pressure from the international community to implement the peace deal and prepare for elections. The presidential elections have been repeatedly delayed and are currently scheduled for 2026.
https://apnews.com/article/south-sudan-fighting-ugandan-troops-3e36094b4eaea9247843ea3fad86f03d#
Indonesia: IOM Confirms Aid Restored to Rohingya Refugees in Indonesia
On 11 March 2025, the UN Migration Agency said it had reinstated humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees in Indonesia. The announcement comes after a report from Reuters last week that outlined the agency had been forced to reduce humanitarian aid to over 900 Rohingya refugees due to significant funding cuts by the US, who is its largest donor. Chief of Mission to Indonesia for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Jeff Labovitz, confirmed the humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees sheltering in the city of Pekanbaru, on the island of Sumatra, had been restored. The Rohingya people, who are mainly Muslim, are an ethno-religious minority group originating in Myanmar. Each year, many Rohingya people flee squalid camps and persecution in Myanmar and neighbouring Bangladesh, escaping to Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Rohingya make up the world’s largest stateless population. According to the UN, there are about 2,800 Rohingya in Indonesia. The plans to reduce aid programmes came after US President Donald Trump took office in January and pledged to end most US foreign aid funding and dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID), creating uncertainty in the global humanitarian sector.
Nigeria: Meningitis Outbreak has Killed 26 People since January
On 11 March 2025, Nigerian authorities confirmed an outbreak of meningitis in the northwestern region of Nigeria had killed at least 26 people since January. Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Musa Ismail, said the disease began to spread in the state of Kebbi in late January, with over 200 suspected cases recorded. The state of Sokoto, 150 km (90 miles) away from Kebbi, has advised its residents to remain vigilant following reports of several suspected cases. Sokoto State Commissioner of Health, Faruk Abubakar, said residents are advised to exercise caution and to immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high temperature, stiff neck, and severe headaches. Meningitis causes inflammation and swelling around the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. In Nigeria, meningitis is most common during the hot season. Nigeria is also battling malaria and the country accounts for the highest percentage of cases globally. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the past provided aid to Nigeria to combat these diseases, but recently that aid has stopped. Nigeria is located in an area known as the African Meningitis Belt, because of the high incidence rate of the disease. Between the years of 2022 and 2023, Nigeria recorded 2,765 suspected cases of Meningitis and 190 deaths. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 153 deaths following an outbreak of the disease. In 2020, the World Health Assembly approved a plan that intends to eliminate meningitis in Nigeria by 2030, which Nigerian authorities are working to implement.
https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-meningitis-outbreak-kebbi-932a7864cfe431b070a32b9d48fd7b06
Ethiopia: Interim Administration in Tigray Region Calls for Federal Intervention After Town Seized by Faction
On 12 March 2025, officials from the interim administration in Ethiopia’s Tigray region called for federal assistance after a faction of the main regional party gained control of a town, igniting fears the region could return to conflict. Formed in 2023, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was established as part of a peace agreement that ended a two-year war between Tigrayan forces and the federal government. The TPLF runs the interim administration in Tigray. A ceasefire was signed in November 2022, ending a war which saw thousands of people killed and millions forced to flee their homes. Subsequently, the TPLF divided into two factions, with each group claiming to control the party. Head of Tigray’s Interim administration, and leader of one faction, Getachew Reda, stated Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the opposing faction, had forcibly seized the administration in the northern town of Adigrat. Referring to the peace agreement, Reda added the federal government “must not remain silent as the Pretoria Agreement is violated and the people of Tigray enter into a second round of destruction.”
Gaza: Hamas Calls for International Action Following UN Report on Alleged Israeli Genocide
On 14 March 2025, it was reported that Hamas has called for decisive international action following a report by an independent United Nations investigative committee alleging that Israel committed acts of genocide against Palestinians in the occupied territories. The report accuses Israel of systematic sexual, reproductive, and gender-based violence against Palestinians during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. In response, Hamas urged the UN and international bodies to break their silence and compel Israel to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement. The movement emphasised the need for concrete measures to hold Israel accountable and prevent further violations against Palestinians. They also called on judicial bodies to prosecute Israeli leaders as war criminals to ensure they do not evade justice. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the Human Rights Council, which commissioned the report, labelling it biased and antisemitic. Despite Israel’s denial of systematic abuse, the report could aid the International Criminal Court in holding perpetrators accountable. This development highlights ongoing tensions and the urgent need for international engagement to address alleged violations of international law and human rights in the region.
Weekly News Recap (16 – 22 February 2026) © Photo by Coast Guard News via FlickrInternational Justice SectionBosnia and Herzegovina: Court Upholds War-Crimes Convictions for Abuse of PrisonersECtHR: Finds Bulgaria Failed to Investigate Racist Motive in AssaultECtHR: Finds Serbia Failed to Carry Out an Effective Investigation into 1991 Conflict-Era KillingTunisia:
Weekly News Recap (9 – 15 February 2026) © Photo by DW Akademie – Africa via Flickr International Justice Section KSC: Closing Statements Begin in Thaçi’s Trial Hong Kong: High Court Sentences Jimmy Lai to 20 Years’ Imprisonment Mali: Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentence Against Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara
Weekly News Recap (2 – 8 February 2026) © Photo by Óglaigh na hÉireann via Flickr International Justice Section France: Judges Issue Criminal Summonses in Gaza Aid Blockade Investigation Libya: Death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Ends Prospects for ICC Trial in Libya Case Switzerland: Foreign Minister Reported to ICC for
