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International Peace & Security Section
China-Cambodia: China Launches Military Drills at Newly Renovated Naval Base in Cambodia
Dominican Republic: Strengthens Security Measures on Border with Haiti
Morocco: Thousands Protest Against Israeli War against Gaza and US Support for it
Honduras: Calls For Human Rights Prioritisation Ahead of Upcoming Presidential Election
Syria: Rights Group Urges Clearance of Remnant Landmines To Protect Civilian
UK: British Nationals Accused of War Crimes in Gaza
On 7 April 2025, a 240-page dossier alleging war crimes by ten British nationals serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza was submitted to the UK’s Metropolitan Police. Compiled by a legal team led by human rights lawyer Michael Mansfield KC, and supported by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and the Public Interest Law Centre, the report details alleged offences committed between October 2023 and May 2024. These include targeted killings of civilians and aid workers, indiscriminate attacks on hospitals and protected sites, and forced displacement of civilians. The complaint is grounded in the UK’s obligations under international treaties and domestic law, which mandate the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, regardless of where they occur. The identities of the accused remain undisclosed for legal reasons. Human rights experts have publicly supported the call for an investigation, emphasising accountability and the UK’s responsibility to act. This submission adds to growing international scrutiny over the involvement of foreign nationals in the Gaza conflict, with legal experts urging the UK to uphold its legal responsibilities in addressing these serious allegations.
ICC: Rejects Dominic Ongwen’s Reparations Appeal
On 7 April 2025, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected Dominic Ongwen’s appeal and confirmed the Trial Chamber’s reparations decision. Ongwen had challenged aspects of the reparations process following his conviction for 61 crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Northern Uganda (2002–2005). The Appeals Chamber ruled that not disclosing victims’ names to the Defence was justified for security reasons and didn’t infringe on his rights. It also found no fault in the rejection of arguments about overlapping victim claims in Ugandan courts and the ICC, nor in the dismissal of traditional Acholi justice mechanisms in determining reparations. Ongwen had previously been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment in 2021, a decision upheld in 2022. In 2023, he was transferred to Norway to serve his sentence. In 2024, the ICC had ordered him to pay €52.4 million in reparations, including community-based rehabilitation and a symbolic €750 award for each eligible victim.
https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/ongwen-case-icc-appeals-chamber-confirms-decision-reparations
Sudan: RSF Allegedly Documented Committing Sexual Violence against Civilians
On 9 April 2025, Amnesty International announced that it has documented extensive sexual violence perpetrated by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias amidst the ongoing civil war. Since the conflict’s onset in April 2023, survivors have reported widespread rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery, with victims ranging from young girls to elderly women. These attacks often target specific ethnic groups, notably the Masalit in Darfur, and are used as tools of terror and punishment. The RSF has also been accused of abducting women and girls, confining them in occupied homes and facilities in Khartoum, Bahri, and Omdurman, where they are subjected to sexual violence and other abuses. Some victims have been forced into marriages, and there are reports of men and boys being raped, including in detention. Human Rights Watch and United Nations experts have highlighted the RSF’s role in these atrocities, calling for international investigations and accountability. The United States has officially accused the RSF of genocide, citing ethnically targeted violence and systematic sexual abuse. Amnesty International urged the international community to take decisive action to protect civilians, ensure justice for survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable for these egregious violations of human rights.
ICJ: Hearings to be Held on Israel’s Obligations in Occupied Palestinian Territory
On 9 April 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced it will hold public hearings from 28 April to 2 May 2025 regarding a request for an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations concerning the presence and activities of the UN, other international organisations, and third states in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The hearings will take place at the Peace Palace in The Hague. Forty states and four international organisations are set to participate in the oral proceedings.
https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/196/196-20250409-pre-01-00-en.pdf
Russia: Calls for International Law Accountability for Ukrainian POWs Executed in War Crimes
On 10 April 2025, it was reported that Russian forces executed four unarmed Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) near Piatykhatky in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on 13 March 2025, as captured by a Ukrainian drone. The footage shows the POWs surrendering before being shot in the back by Russian soldiers. Experts, including Rollo Collins from the Centre for Information Resilience, have identified this act as a clear war crime, distinguishing it from combat-related killings. This incident is part of a broader pattern of abuses against Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces, including torture, mock executions, and sexual violence. The United Nations has documented a significant increase in such violations, with at least 245 Ukrainian POWs killed since August 2024. Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi and Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, have condemned these actions as systematic and in violation of the Geneva Conventions. They are urging the International Criminal Court to investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable. This execution underscores the challenges of enforcing international humanitarian law amid ongoing conflict and highlights the need for robust mechanisms to ensure accountability for war crimes.
Azerbaijan: Trial of Armenians Accused of War Crimes Continues
On 10 April 2025, the Baku Military Court continued hearings against several Armenian nationals, including former leaders of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic—Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, and Davit Babayan. They face charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, acts of genocide, terrorism, and the unlawful seizure and retention of power, stemming from Armenia’s military actions in Azerbaijan’s territories. Judge Zeynal Aghayev presided over the proceedings, with interpreters and defence attorneys provided for the accused. Victims, their representatives, and prosecutors were also present. During the session, defendant Melikset Pashayan admitted to serving illegally in Azerbaijani territories during both the First and Second Karabakh Wars. He detailed his involvement with armed units in regions such as Asgaran, Aghdara, and Aghdam, and acknowledged receiving weapons and a salary for his service. Pashayan also confirmed the planting of mines around combat posts by Armenian forces. The trial is part of Azerbaijan’s broader efforts to address alleged war crimes committed during the decades-long conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Ivory Coast: Human Rights Group Calls for Release of Ivorian Union Leader Following Two Year Sentencing
On 10 April 2025, Amnesty International demanded the release of Ghislain Duggary Assy, a union leader in Côte d’Ivoire, after he was sentenced to two years in prison on 8 April 2025 for organising a legally notified teachers’ strike. Assy is the communications secretary of the Mouvement des Enseignants pour la Dynamique de la Dignité. The rights group criticised the Ivorian government for criminalising union activity, emphasising that the right to strike and organise is protected under both the national constitution and international law. Assy and other union leaders were arrested by unidentified “hooded men” following a strike notice submitted for 3 – 4 April 2025, over poor working conditions and failed negotiations. Amnesty argues the strike complied with legal procedures and highlights concerns that this case could set a troubling precedent for labour rights in the country, especially amidst ongoing protests across various sectors.
US: Judge Rules Student Activist to be Deported
On 11 April 2025, a US immigration judge ruled that Columbia student activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported after the Trump administration revoked his permanent resident status due to his involvement in pro-Palestine demonstrations. While the deportation order stands, a federal court case challenging his detention is ongoing. Khalil and his legal team argue that he broke no laws and that his rights to free speech and due process have been violated. During his hearing, Khalil criticised the court for lacking fairness and due process, claiming his case exemplifies political retaliation. The government, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, claims Khalil’s presence poses “serious adverse foreign policy consequences,” citing legal grounds under immigration law. Critics see this as an attack on First Amendment rights. Khalil was arrested by ICE in March 2025 at Columbia University and taken to a private detention centre in Louisiana. He was a key figure in campus protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. His federal court case has moved to New Jersey, where a judge is considering his potential release.
China-Cambodia: China Launches Military Drills at Newly Renovated Naval Base in Cambodia
On 7 April 2025, it was reported China and Cambodia conducted joint military drills at a newly expanded naval base in Cambodia, along the Gulf of Thailand. This development has raised concerns for the US, who fear the facility could become a military outpost for China. On Saturday, officials from both countries attended the official inauguration of the renovated Ream Naval Base, including Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Manet, and a delegation of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The expanded naval base now includes a new pier able to accommodate larger vessels. It is expected military exercises will occur more frequently at the Ream base, involving naval, land, and air elements. In 2020, Cambodia demolished a US-built facility at the base after rejecting an offer from Washington to restore it. In June 2022, China-funded upgrade works began at the facility, during which China vessels also began to travel through the Ream base. Cambodia has dismissed allegations it has a secret agreement with China to station its forces at the base and has asserted the facility is open to military vessels from other countries.
Dominican Republic: Strengthens Security Measures on Border with Haiti
On 7 April 2025, it was reported the Dominican Republic is set to bolster its border security in response to the escalating violence in neighbouring Haiti. President Luis Abinader made the announcement on Sunday, and indicated there will be a series of measures to increase border security and tighten migration control. The announcement comes despite calls for the country to reduce its strict policies as people flee Haiti seeking refuge from violence. Abinader said surveillance will be increased on the borders with an additional 1,500 troops, joining the 9,500 troops already stationed there. Last year, Abinader was re-elected as President on promises to restrict immigration. Abinader stated a new section of the border wall that divides the two countries will be constructed. The border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti is more than 300 km (186 miles) long. At present, about 54km (33 miles) of the border wall has been constructed. A further 13km (8 miles) will now be built. Haiti descended into chaos last year as violence escalated when gangs took control of parts of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Efforts to restore stability in the country, including a peacekeeping force from Kenya, have been ineffective, as Haiti’s transitional government has been unable to regain control. The UN reports over 5,600 people were killed in the violence in 2024, while more than one million people have been displaced, many fleeing to neighbouring Dominican Republic. As a result, the Dominican Republic has imposed strict deportation policies and aims to repatriate up to 10,000 Haitians each week over the coming months. Reports of human rights abuses have emerged, with advocates calling on countries to pause deportations due to the dangers people face upon returning to Haiti.
Morocco: Thousands Protest Against Israeli War against Gaza and US Support for it
On 7 April 2025, it was reported that tens of thousands of Moroccans protested in Rabat on 6 April 2025 against Israel’s war on Gaza and US support for it. Demonstrators expressed solidarity with Palestinians, waving flags and calling for a “Free Gaza.” The protest was sparked by Israel’s renewed military offensive following a broken ceasefire on 18 March 2025, which has led to mounting casualties and destruction in Gaza. UN experts have called for accountability, suggesting Israeli actions may amount to war crimes. The Moroccan protest is part of a broader wave of regional demonstrations, including in Tunisia and Yemen. Public anger also targets Morocco’s normalisation of relations with Israel through the 2020 Abraham Accords, a move still widely unpopular among Moroccans. Protesters also criticised the US, especially the Trump administration’s proposed Gaza redevelopment plan and recent crackdowns on pro-Palestinian student activists. Internationally, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces an ICC arrest warrant and an ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. However, enforcement is weak, as shown by Hungary’s recent withdrawal from the ICC after hosting Netanyahu.
Greece: Investigation of Possible Human Rights Violations Concerning Treatment of Undocumented Migrants
On 8 April 2025, the EU’s border agency, Frontex, announced it is investigating potential human rights violations by Greece related to its treatment of undocumented migrants in 2024. While specific incidents under investigation have not been disclosed, concerns center on Greece’s border practices, especially on its eastern islands—a key entry point into the EU. Greece denies allegations of unlawful deportations but has faced mounting criticism, including from the Council of Europe, for alleged migrant pushbacks and poor treatment of vulnerable groups. Frontex recently launched a new operational structure in collaboration with Greece and Cyprus to enhance border security across land, air, and sea routes. Past incidents, such as the 2023 migrant shipwreck near Pylos, have further fueled scrutiny. Although the Greek Coast Guard denies wrongdoing, the case is under investigation by a naval court. As Frontex proceeds with its inquiry, international pressure is growing for Greece to uphold human rights, improve transparency, and reform its immigration policies in line with EU standards.
https://apnews.com/article/migration-european-union-greece-frontex-0fe75b634a8c2f3b0e37cc0d111c7065
Honduras: Calls For Human Rights Prioritisation Ahead of Upcoming Presidential Election
On 8 April 2025, Amnesty International urged presidential candidates in Honduras’ upcoming 30 November 2025 election to make strong commitments to human rights. The organisation sees the election as a chance to reverse the country’s troubling human rights record, which includes violence against journalists and activists, suppression of free speech, and failure to ensure public safety amidst widespread gang violence. Amnesty criticised the misuse of the ongoing state of emergency—active since 2022—which has enabled arbitrary detentions and violations of fair trial rights. It called on candidates to end the state of emergency, adopt a new security strategy, and investigate past abuses. Key demands include stronger protections for human rights and environmental defenders, halting the misuse of the legal system to harass activists, and supporting Honduras’ accession to the Escazú Agreement, a regional treaty that defends environmental rights. Amnesty also called for the decriminalisation of abortion and expanded access to contraception, citing high rates of teenage pregnancy. These calls come as Honduras enters its fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and continues to grapple with deep-rooted corruption, despite some recent reforms. The issue gained global attention when former President Juan Orlando Hernández was convicted by the US in 2024 for drug trafficking and money laundering.
Syria: Rights Group Urges Clearance of Remnant Landmines To Protect Civilian
On 8 April 2025, Human Rights Watch (HRW) raised alarm over the danger posed by uncleared landmines and explosive remnants in Syria, which continue to injure civilians—especially children—returning to former conflict zones. The group urged Syria’s transitional government to take immediate action, including creating a civilian-led mine action authority and collaborating with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to clear contaminated areas. During Syria’s 2011–2024 civil war, landmines and other explosive devices were used extensively by government forces, allied militias, and opposition groups. HRW shared personal accounts from victims, including a child injured by an explosive remnant found on a military base. The issue of landmine casualties is global. In 2023, 833 people were killed by anti-personnel mines—the highest toll since 2011—mainly in Myanmar and Ukraine. Anti-personnel mines are banned under the Ottawa Convention, which requires states to clear mined areas within ten years. However, Syria is not a signatory. Adding to international concern, several countries—such as Poland and the Baltic states—have recently withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention, sparking fears of a resurgence in landmine use. Legal experts from the International Committee of the Red Cross warn this trend could endanger vulnerable populations in mine-affected regions.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/04/08/syria-landmines-explosive-remnants-harming-civilians
Spain: To Increase Defence Spending by €2 Billion
On 8 April 2025, the Spanish government announced it will spend an additional €2 billion on defence this year by reallocating funds to Defence Ministry procurement contracts. This comes as the country is under pressure from NATO to meet its spending targets. At present, Spain has the lowest percentage of defence spending of all the 32 NATO members in relation to its economic output, allocating only 1.3%. To meet NATO’s 2% target, the country would need to increase spending by approximately €10 billion annually. Spain had committed to meeting NATO’s 2% target by 2029, however, they recently pledged to reach this goal sooner. Government spokesperson, Pilar Alegria, outlined “the government’s will is to reach (the 2% target) as soon as possible.” She added the additional funding will be used for the “modernisation, maintenance and improvement of personnel, infrastructure and facilities” through existing contracts.
Congo: Severe Flooding in Congo Kills at Least 33 People
On 8 April 2025, it was reported that severe flooding in the Congolese capital of Kinshasa had resulted in at least 33 deaths. On Monday, authorities rushed to rescue hundreds of residents who were trapped in their homes. The torrential rainfall began last week, causing the Ndjili River to overflow its banks, submerging hundreds of buildings. Reports on Monday indicated the situation had improved, however, some roads remained blocked. Many locals have criticised the government for not responding quicker. Officials said most of the deaths resulted from walls collapsing soon after the floods began. The road to the airport that also serves as the main road that links Kinshasa to the rest of Congo was damaged by the floods and is due to reopen within 72 hours. Access to drinking has also been affected in at least 16 communities due to the flooding. The government has set up emergency shelters to support hundreds of displaced families. In 2022, over 100 people were killed during flooding in Kinshasa. The flooding disaster comes amid a humanitarian crisis in the eastern Congo, located over 2,600 km (1,600 miles) from Kinshasa, where fighting with the M23 rebels escalated in February, worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in the country.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: EU Foreign Policy Chief Warns Threats to Bosnia’s Territorial Integrity will Not be Tolerated
On 8 April 2025, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, said the EU will not tolerate threats to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and constitutional order. During a visit to Sarajevo, Kallas said “Any attempts to break up the country are unacceptable.” Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently experiencing its most significant political crisis in years after Bosnian Serb Leader Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska (Bosnia’s autonomous Serb region), was sentenced to one year in prison in February and banned from participating in politics for six years for ignoring rulings from international envoy. In response, Dodik enacted laws prohibiting state judiciary and police from operating in the region. The situation has escalated into a legal and political standoff, with Dodik and his allies Russia and Serbia pitted against the US and the EU. The fallout is one of the most significant threats to peace in the Balkans since the conflicts of the 1990s. Kallas said the Republika Srpska leadership is “undermining the country’s constitutional and legal order, threatening the fundamental freedom of all citizens.” She added the EU’s decision to deploy hundreds of extra EUFOR troops sends a message that the EU is dedicated to ensuring the stability and security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region. Kallas called on political leaders to work together to resolve challenges, but warned “inflammatory rhetoric and divisive actions are dangerous” and go against the commitments the country has made on the path towards EU membership. The Serb Republic and the Bosniak-Croat Federation are two regions within Bosnia and Herzegovina formed after the war. They are linked by a weak central government and are overseen by an international authority to prevent a resurgence of violence.
Haiti: Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti Deteriorating
On 8 April 2025, aid group Save the Children reported the humanitarian crisis in Haiti is deteriorating as underfunded security forces are becoming overpowered by gangs, leaving the capital city Port-au-Prince on verge of collapse. According to Save the Children reports, more than 78,500 people were displaced in the first three months of this year, more than double that of the same period in last year. This comes as the armed gangs are asserting more control over routes out of the capital and control nearly all neighbourhoods in the city. Haitian officials are trying to enhance regional support for its security efforts at the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Honduras. In recent months, Haiti’s transitional council has lost public support as the gangs have widened their power. The current head of the transitional council, Fritz Alphonse Jean, announced this week that the council was collaborating with the Brigade for the Security of Protected Areas, an armed paramilitary group, in a desperate attempt to regain control. The Brigade for the Security of Protected Areas was once an armed environmental agency and has ties to former rebel leader Guy Philippe, who led a rebellion against then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004. The international response in Haiti has been led by Kenya. Currently, around 1,000 troops have been deployed as part of the multinational mission, with three-quarters of them from Kenya. When US President Donald Trump took office in January, he temporarily enacted a freeze on foreign aid programmes. However, over $64 million was subsequently approved to fund the Kenyan-led mission in Haiti.
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