© Photo by Enough Project via Flickr
International Peace & Security Section
Nigeria: Lassa Fever Kills 118 People in Nigeria Since the Start of the Year
Gaza: Bodies of 15 Humanitarian Aid Workers Found in Mass Graves
Pakistan: Plans to Deport 3 Million Afghans in Crackdown on Undocumented Foreign Nationals
Congo: Convicted War Criminal Announces New Rebel Group in Eastern Congo
Haiti: Gangs Storm Town of Mirebalais and Release 500 Prisoners from Jail
Sudan: 12 Million Women and Girls at Risk of Experiencing Sexual Violence as a Weapon of Terror
West Africa: Growing Terrorist Threats Increase Political Crisis and Conflict
Syria: Severe Violence against Alawite Families Warrants War Crimes Investigation
France: Court Convicts Far-Right Leader of Embezzlement and Bars Candidacy in 2027 Presidential Election
On 31 March 2025, a French court convicted Marie LePen, the head of a far-right political party, the National Rally (RN), of embezzling EU funds, imposing a five-year ban from holding public office—effectively blocking her participation in the 2027 French Presidential election. The sentence also includes a four-year prison term (two suspended, two under home detention) and a €100,000 fine, though these penalties are suspended pending appeal. The case focused on the misuse of European Parliament funds between 2004 and 2016, where party staff in France were falsely listed as parliamentary assistants. Prosecutors argued this scheme redirected nearly €4 million in EU funds, with evidence revealing that individuals such as a bodyguard and chauffeur had no legitimate duties in the legislature. Authorities opened the investigation in 2016, eventually targeting over 20 party members, including prominent national and local figures. The convicted leader has denied all charges and claimed the case is politically driven, vowing to appeal. Public reaction has been mixed. A poll by Elabe found that 57% of respondents saw the conviction as justified, while 42% considered it politically biased. In response, party leaders have condemned the ruling and announced nationwide mobilisations to protest what they characterise as a judicial overreach aimed at silencing opposition. Despite the ban, the party has signaled it will continue to push its political agenda and defend what it calls the democratic rights of voters to choose their candidates freely.
Papua New Guinea: Court Orders Parliament to Reconvene for No Confidence Motion
On 1 April 2025, Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court ordered parliament to reconvene on 8 April 2025 to debate a motion of no confidence, declaring a previous rejection of the motion unconstitutional. The court found that the Private Business Committee and Deputy Speaker violated Section 111 of the Constitution, which guarantees MPs the right to introduce motions. The motion, originally filed in November 2024 by a deputy opposition leader, was dismissed under Standing Order 165, which bars repeated motions within 12 months. The Court ruled that this restriction was unlawfully applied, siding with the opposition’s constitutional challenge. In response, the government affirmed its commitment to uphold the rule of law, stating it would comply with the ruling. Parliament will now be recalled to debate the motion, despite having already rejected a similar vote in September 2024. The judgment confirms that past rejections do not preclude future motions of no confidence.
Myanmar: Refugees File Claim against Myanmar Leader for Crimes against Humanity
On 2 April 2025, five refugees from Myanmar’s Chin state filed a motion with the Philippine Department of Justice, accusing Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, and nine other military officials of crimes against humanity. They invoked the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, emphasising the country’s obligation under universal jurisdiction to address serious international crimes, regardless of where they occurred or the nationalities involved. This motion follows a previous filing in 2023, which was denied in 2024 due to perceived lack of connection to the Philippines. The refugees argue that the recent arrest and trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for similar charges demonstrate the nation’s commitment to international justice, thereby justifying the reconsideration of their case. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 military coup, with the junta engaged in conflicts against armed ethnic groups and pro-democracy forces, including the People’s Defence Force, the military wing of the National Unity Government. Chin state, from which the refugees hail, has experienced significant violence during this period. The outcome of this motion could have significant implications for international efforts to hold Myanmar’s military leaders accountable for alleged human rights violations and may influence the application of universal jurisdiction in the region
Lithuania: Court Greenlights Class Action for Arbitrarily Detained Asylum Seekers
On 2 April 2025, it was reported by Amnesty International that Lithuania’s Supreme Administrative Court’s recent acceptance of a class action lawsuit on 12 March last filed by 24 asylum seekers who were unlawfully detained between 2021 and 2022 marks a milestone in seeking accountability for EU migration violations and a step toward justice for those subjected to inhumane treatment. The claimants, held in prison-like centres under poor conditions, were reportedly denied access to legal recourse. Their initial case was dismissed by the Regional Administrative Court for lack of official detention orders—a failure attributed to the Lithuanian authorities. On appeal, the higher courts recognised this procedural injustice and allowed the case to proceed. This legal action follows Lithuania’s 2021 emergency response to irregular border crossings from Belarus, during which thousands from countries including Syria, Iraq, and Cameroon were detained without the opportunity to challenge their detention. Both the CJEU and Lithuania’s Constitutional Court have ruled such automatic detention unlawful, yet reparative mechanisms remain absent. Asylum seekers detained during this period now have until 10 June 2025 to join the lawsuit and seek redress.
US: Federal Court Dismisses Corruption Charges Against NYC Mayor Eric Adams
On 2 April 2025, a US District Court in New York dismissed corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be refiled. The ruling went beyond the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request to dismiss the case without prejudice, which would have allowed for future prosecution. The DOJ justified the dismissal by citing concerns about the appearance of prosecutorial misconduct, referencing an op-ed by a former US attorney. They also claimed the prosecution could hinder Adams’ ability to govern, especially regarding executive orders related to immigration enforcement and border security. However, Judge Dale Ho expressed suspicion that the dismissal might be part of a quid pro quo, suggesting Adams’ legal fate could be tied to his cooperation with federal immigration priorities. He rejected the DOJ’s request for a dismissal without prejudice to avoid the perception that Adams could be pressured by the federal government. The ruling sparked backlash, with several former prosecutors resigning in protest, and calls from figures like former Watergate prosecutor Nathaniel Akerman for a special counsel to investigate the DOJ’s actions.
ICC: Hungary Announces Withdrawal from the Rome Statute
On 3 April 2025, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Hungary’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Budapest. This move follows the ICC’s issuance of an arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Orbán criticised the ICC as a politicised institution and stated that Hungary’s membership had been “half-hearted,” noting that while Hungary ratified the Rome Statute in 2001, it was never incorporated into national law. The withdrawal process is expected to take about a year, after which Hungary will become the only European Union member state outside the ICC framework. Legal experts warn that this decision could make Hungary a potential refuge for individuals facing international war crimes charges. Netanyahu praised Hungary’s decision, condemning the ICC as corrupt and politically biased. The move has drawn criticism from the ICC and international human rights organisations, who argue it undermines global justice efforts and sets a concerning precedent.
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/03/world/hungary-withdraws-icc-intl/index.html
Kenya: High Court Rules it has Jurisdiction to Hear Case against Meta Concerning Incitement of Ethnic Violence
On 3 April 2025, iIn a landmark decision, the Kenyan High Court ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear a case against Meta Platforms Inc., Facebook’s parent company, concerning its alleged role in amplifying content that incited ethnic violence in Ethiopia during the Tigray conflict (2020-2022). The lawsuit, filed by Ethiopian nationals Abrham Meareg and Fisseha Tekle, along with Kenya’s Katiba Institute, asserts that Facebook’s algorithms promoted harmful content, leading to real-world harm. Meareg’s father, Professor Meareg Amare, was reportedly murdered in 2021 after threats circulated on Facebook, while Tekle, an Amnesty International researcher, faced online hate related to his human rights work. The plaintiffs seek the establishment of a US$2.4 billion restitution fund for victims and demand changes to Facebook’s algorithms to prevent the spread of hate speech. Meta had contended that Kenyan courts lack authority over it, given that the company is not registered in Kenya. However, the court dismissed this argument, emphasising that Meta’s operations have significant local impact, particularly since content moderation for East and Southern Africa is conducted from Nairobi. This ruling sets a precedent for holding multinational tech companies accountable in jurisdictions where they have substantial influence, even if not physically present. It also underscores the growing scrutiny over social media platforms’ content moderation practices and their potential role in exacerbating conflicts. The case adds to Meta’s legal challenges in Kenya, including lawsuits from content moderators alleging poor working conditions and unlawful termination.
South Korea: Constitutional Court Confirms President Yoon’s Impeachment
On 3 April 2025, the Constitutional Court of Korea unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, officially removing him from office. A new presidential election must be held within 60 days, as mandated by Article 68 of the Constitution. The impeachment stems from Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law on 4 December 2024, which parliament overturned the same day in an emergency session. Opposition leaders, notably Lee Jae-myung, actively resisted the move and later led efforts to impeach Yoon. The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion less than two weeks after the martial law declaration, prompting a Constitutional Court review, which lasted 111 days. Political responses to the ruling were mixed but called for national unity. The Democratic Party hailed the decision as a win for democracy, while the ruling People Power Party expressed regret and took responsibility for its political shortcomings. This marks South Korea’s third presidential impeachment review, with Yoon becoming the second president officially removed from office following impeachment.
Nigeria: Lassa Fever Kills 118 People in Nigeria Since the Start of the Year
On 31 March 2025, Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that Lassa fever had killed 118 people in the country in the first three months of this year. Lassa fever is a viral disease spread by rodents. The virus was first recognised in 1969 in Nigeria’s northeastern state of Borno, and over the years has killed thousands of people, especially in rural areas. Even after years of campaigning aimed at preventing the disease, there has been little progress in improving the environmental hygiene in deprived rural areas of Nigeria, which could keep rats away from homes, food and utensils. NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, stated that in the first three months of this year, 645 cases of Lassa fever were confirmed, resulting in 118 deaths, correlating to a fatality rate of 18.3%. Of the recent cases, Idris outlined over 20 healthcare workers contracted Lassa fever. He added medical centres were dealing with low staffing numbers, while many patients were slow to seek medical treatment, instead opting for self-medication and other unconventional options which were mostly ineffective.
Gaza: Bodies of 15 Humanitarian Aid Workers Found in Mass Graves
On 31 March 2025, it was reported the bodies of 15 humanitarian aid workers had been found in the Tal Al-Sultan area of Rafah, in the Gaza strip. The site where the bodies were found was described by the UN as a “mass grave.” Reports indicate that the victims included one UN worker, six members of the Palestinian Civil Defence (PCD), and eight members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). One individual is still missing. The head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) for Palestine, Jonathan Whittall, stressed health workers should never be seen as a target. He explained how aid workers and PRCS ambulances arrived at the scene and “one by one, they were hit, they were struck. Their bodies were gathered and buried in this mass grave.” Whittall added the aid workers were discovered still in uniform with gloves on. Their bodies were found at the site alongside their emergency vehicles, which included an ambulance, a fire truck, and a UN car. According to reports, the first group of aid workers were killed by the Israeli army on 23 March. Following this, additional emergency crews were sent out to locate their missing colleagues, who were then also attacked. The Israeli military stated it had fired at “suspicious vehicles” believed to be used as cover by Hamas. Search groups found the first body on Thursday, and the others were discovered on Sunday.
Pakistan: Plans to Deport 3 Million Afghans in Crackdown on Undocumented Foreign Nationals
On 31 March 2025, it was reported that Pakistan intends to deport three million Afghan nationals from the country this year. The deadline for voluntary departures from Islamabad and Rawalpindi ended on Monday (31 March). This marks the latest phase of a campaign against undocumented foreign nationals living in Pakistan, mostly Afghans, which began in October 2023. Reports suggest that arrests and deportations were due to commence on 1 April but were delayed to 10 April due to the Eid al-Fitr holidays signifying the end of Ramadan. Figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicate that in the last 18 months 845,000 Afghans have left Pakistan. Yet, Pakistani officials say there are still three million Afghans in the country. Of these, 1,344,584 hold Proof of Registration cards, 807,402 hold Afghan Citizen Cards, and about one million have no legal documentation. Individuals with Proof of Registration can remain in Pakistan until 30 June, while Afghans approved for resettlement in other countries must depart by 31 March. After the Taliban seized power of Afghanistan in 2021, thousands fled the country. Many were approved for resettlement programmes in the US due to their work with the American government and other agencies. However, President Donald Trump paused US refugee programmes in January, leaving about 20,000 Afghans stranded in Pakistan and their futures uncertain. Afghanistan’s Refugee Ministry spokesman, Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, accused Pakistan of making arbitrary decisions without consulting the UN refugee agency or Taliban government. He stated it will be challenging for them to manage so many Afghans returning to the country, and added they have “requested they should be deported through a mechanism and mutual understanding so they can return with dignity.”
https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-afghanistan-refugee-expulsion-e0f133a5b15252fca8ed232910784be3
Congo: Convicted War Criminal Announces New Rebel Group in Eastern Congo
On 31 March 2025, Thomas Lubanga, a convicted war criminal based in Uganda, announced a new rebel movement, the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CPR), aimed at overthrowing the government in Ituri province in eastern Congo. The formation of the new rebel group poses another potential security threat in the war-torn country. This occurs as the Congolese army continues to battle the M23 rebels following their lightning advance in eastern Congo. In the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) first trial, Lubanga was convicted in 2012 of recruiting child soldiers and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Lubanga was released in 2020, and President Felix Tshisekedi selected him to join a task force aimed at establishing peace in Ituri province. However, in 2022 he was taken hostage by a rebel faction and held for two months, for which he holds the government responsible, and he now resides in Uganda. Lubanga said the CPR includes both political and military elements and has armed men in three regions of Ituri. He added that establishing peace in the area “requires an immediate change in governance and government.” For decades, Ituri province has experienced violence from various armed groups. Since the start of the year, a surge in violence has resulted in over 200 civilian deaths and the displacement of around 100,000 people. Currently, Uganda has troops in Ituri to assist the Congo Government fight the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which is affiliated with the Islamic State.
Haiti: Gangs Storm Town of Mirebalais and Release 500 Prisoners from Jail
On 1 April 2025, it was reported gangs had stormed the town of Mirebalais in central Haiti and released an estimated 500 prisoners from jail. Mirebalais is 50km (30 miles) north-east of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. The town is situated at a junction of two main roads, one that leads north from Port-au-Prince to the coast, and the other that leads east to the Dominican Republic. Haiti’s national police deployed extra officers to Mirebalais, who stated they had recaptured control of the town. However, locals have warned many of the escaped prisoners are still wandering the streets. Almost the entire capital city of Port-au-Prince is controlled by armed gangs, but the attack on Mirebalais indicates they are beginning to target towns in other areas. Locals in Mirebalais reported the armed gangs had fired at buildings and bystanders, setting buildings and cars on fire. They also attacked the local police station and invaded the jail, freeing an estimated 500 people who were imprisoned there. Reports indicate the attackers are part of two gangs, the 400 Mawozo and a group calling itself “Taliban.” Both gangs are affiliated with the Viv Ansam gang coalition. It is believed the gangs are attempting to seize control of important roads connecting their areas to the rural regions. This latest attack occurred days after the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti announced the death of a Kenyan police officer, Benedict Kabiru, who was shot in a gang attack. The security mission was sent to assist Haiti’s national police in regaining control, but locals say there has been minimal progress. Last year, more than 5,600 people were killed in Haiti as a result of gang violence, while 2,212 were injured, and a further 1,494 were kidnapped.
Zimbabwe: At Least 95 Arrested in Anti-Government Protests
On 1 April 2025, Zimbabwe police said they had arrested 95 people on charges of promoting public violence after taking part in protests called by opponents of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Turnout for the protests was low, mainly down to a large police presence in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, which neutralised calls by war veterans for larger protests against the President. In January, Zimbabwe’s governing ZANU-PF party expressed their desire to extend Mnangagwa’s rule by two years until 2030. Mnangagwa who is 82 years of age, first came to power in 2017 and is currently in his final term of office. Independence war veterans headed by Blessed Geza had once supported Mnangagwa’s leadership, but have now turned against him, accusing him of desperately clinging to power. The detained protesters were accused of throwing stones at police and blocking a road. A strong police force was deployed to the streets of the capital on Monday, nullifying protests, but shops, schools and businesses closed, in what many considered to be a stay-away protest. Geza took to social media to thank his supporters for joining the protests. He stated he would not demand new protests but promised to organise events to force Mnangagwa and his “corrupt cabal” out of power.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/1/dozens-arrested-in-zimbabwe-after-antigovernment-protests
Sudan: 12 Million Women and Girls at Risk of Experiencing Sexual Violence as a Weapon of Terror
On 2 April 2025, the UN Reproductive Health Agency (UNFPA), warned that over 12 million women and girls – and increasingly men and boys – are estimated to be at risk of alarming reports of sexual violence and assault, being used as a weapon of terror across Sudan, marking an 80 per cent increase from the previous year. One of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to the UN, sparks immense human rights abuses and more than 30.4 million Sudanese require urgent assistance. Millions are displaced, tens of thousands are killed and nearly 25 million people face acute hunger. UNICEF reported there have been increasing and alarming reports of sexual violence. Since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, Sudan has experienced an alarming health crisis with 13 million forcibly displaced – nearly one third of the population.
West Africa: Growing Terrorist Threats Increase Political Crisis and Conflict
On 3 April 2025, the UN Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, explained that the region is facing a growing terrorist threat but also political progress and encouraging initiatives. The scale of the crisis is affecting parts of the Sahel, where terrorist groups continue to wreak havoc, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin comprising Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Today, Nigeria is wrecked by Boko Haram, and the country hosts vast camps of IDPs, including a school complex with some 100,000 displaced peoples. “Security is the main concern for the region, even though significant investments in military resources and cross border cooperation have been able to strengthen state authority in some parts of the central Sahel” says Simão. Simão similarly stated concerns about a fragile political progress in the region, meanwhile civilians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflicts.
Syria: Severe Violence against Alawite Families Warrants War Crimes Investigation
On 3 April 2025, it was reported that Syria’s coastal regions, including Tartus, Latakia, and Hama, witnessed severe sectarian violence resulting in the deaths of entire Alawite families, including women and children. The United Nations reported that both supporters of Syria’s interim authorities and former government elements were implicated in these atrocities. Survivors recounted instances of summary executions based on sectarian identity, with attackers reportedly asking individuals about their religious affiliation before killing them. The Syrian interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, established a fact-finding committee to investigate these killings, emphasising that no one is above the law and perpetrators will be prosecuted. The international community, including the UN and the European Union, has called for prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into these events. Human rights organisations have expressed deep concern over the targeted killings and the potential for escalating sectarian violence in the region.
Weekly News Recap (13 – 19 April 2026) © Photo by U.S. Pacific Fleet via FlickrInternational Justice SectionFrance: Court Convicts Lafarge of Financing Terrorism in Syria in Landmark Corporate Accountability RulingKazakhstan: Court Jails Xinjiang Rights Activists after Chinese Consulate PressureECtHR: Finds Hungary Violated Obligation to Prevent Inhuman or Degrading Treatment
Weekly News Recap (6 – 12 April 2026) © Photo by United States Department of Defense via Wikimedia Commons International Justice Section Romania: Appeals Court Lifts Judicial Controls on Social Media Influencer in Human Trafficking Case Russia: Court Jails Former Kursk Governor for 14 Years in Corruption Case Indonesia: Files
Weekly News Recap (30 March – 5 April 2026) © Photo by EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid via Flickr International Justice Section ECtHR: Rules Denmark Breached Prohibition of Inhuman Treatment in Prolonged Restraint of Psychiatric Patient ECtHR: Rules Russia Violated Right to Fair Trial in Conviction Based on Testimony
