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International Peace & Security Section
Sudan: RSF Accused of Committing War Crimes after Killing 31 Civilians in Omdurman
Nigeria: At Least 22 Killed in Two Attacks in Northeast Nigeria
North Korea: Confirms it Sent Troops to Fight in Russia Against Ukraine
Tunisia: At Least Eight Dead After Migrant Boat Sank off the Coast of Tunisia
US: Rights Group Annual Report Warns of Freefall in Human Rights Crisis
Jordan: Criticized for Forcible Evictions of Palestinian Refugees Amidst Urban Development Project
El Salvador: UN Experts Condemn Unlawful US Deportations to El Salvador Amidst Human Rights Concerns
Philippines-New Zealand: Strengthen Defence Ties with Troop Agreement
Syria: Opposition Group Member on Trial for Alleged War Crimes
On 29 April 2025, Majdi Nema, also known as Islam Alloush, a former spokesperson and senior figure in the Syrian rebel group Jaysh al-Islam, was on trial before the Paris Assize Court. This marks France’s second trial concerning crimes committed in Syria and the first with the defendant present. Nema is charged with complicity in war crimes, including the conscription of minors and participation in a group formed to prepare war crimes between 2013 and 2016. He was arrested in Marseille in January 2020 and has been in pre-trial detention since. The trial is significant as it represents a rare instance of a Syrian opposition figure being prosecuted for war crimes in Europe, highlighting the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows countries to try individuals for serious crimes regardless of where they were committed. Victims and human rights organisations have welcomed the trial, viewing it as a step toward accountability for all parties involved in the Syrian conflict. The proceedings are expected to last five weeks, with Nema facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
https://www.justiceinfo.net/en/144760-a-syrian-rebel-on-trial-in-france.html
ECtHR: Court Rejects Tunisian Migrant’s Detention Claim Against Italy
On 29 April 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) declined to hear a case brought by a Tunisian national who alleged unlawful detention by Italian authorities. The court determined that the applicant had not exhausted all available and effective domestic remedies, a prerequisite under Article 35 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The applicant contended that his confinement aboard the Italian cruise ship Splendid for seven days, following a denied entry due to an expired work permit, violated his right to liberty under Article 5 of the Convention. He claimed he was locked in a cabin without the ability to exit. However, the court noted that the applicant had not pursued specific legal avenues within Italy to challenge the lawfulness of his detention, such as seeking judicial review or compensation, rendering his claim inadmissible. While the court acknowledged that, had domestic remedies been exhausted, it would have considered the case – given that the ship was under Italian jurisdiction and the captain acted on behalf of the state – it emphasised the necessity of first utilising national legal channels. This decision contrasts with a 2015 ruling where the ECtHR found Italy in violation of Article 5 due to the arbitrary detention of Tunisian migrants on the high seas without a legal basis. The ruling underscores the importance of exhausting domestic remedies before seeking recourse at the ECtHR, reaffirming the court’s role as a supervisory body that intervenes only after national legal systems have been fully engaged.
US: Vermont Judge Orders Release of Palestinian Columbia Student Amidst Deportation Dispute
On 30 April 2025, a federal judge in Vermont ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian Columbia University student and US green card holder, from immigration detention. Mahdawi had been arrested on 14 April 2025 during a naturalisation interview, with authorities citing national security concerns linked to his pro-Palestinian activism. US District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ruled that Mahdawi’s detention caused “great harm” to someone not charged with any crime and raised substantial concerns about retaliation against protected speech. The judge denied the government’s request to delay his release. Mahdawi, who co-founded Columbia’s Palestinian Student Union and led protests against the Gaza war, denied allegations of antisemitic behaviour. Supporters, including members of the Jewish community and Israeli students, defended his nonviolent activism. Upon his release, Mahdawi addressed supporters outside the courthouse, stating, “To President Trump and his Cabinet: I am not afraid of you.” He is now subject to conditions including residing in Vermont, with permitted travel to New York for academic and legal purposes, and must attend all court hearings. The Department of Justice has filed an appeal against the judge’s decision. Mahdawi’s case is part of a broader pattern of detentions of student activists during the current administration.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/30/mohsen-mahdawi-released-immigration-detention
Egypt: Court Sentences School Official to Life Imprisonment for Child Sexual Abuse
On 30 April 2025, Egypt’s Damanhour Criminal Court sentenced 78-year-old school administrator Sabry K.G.A. to life imprisonment for the sexual assault of six-year-old Yassin, a student at Al-Karma Language School in Beheira Governorate. The court reclassified the charges from non-violent assault to assault under threat and coercion, increasing the maximum penalty from seven years to life imprisonment. The case began in January 2024 when Yassin’s mother noticed behavioural changes in her son. A forensic medical report indicated signs consistent with sexual assault. Despite initial challenges, including the case being closed twice due to inconclusive findings, persistent efforts by the family led to its reopening in January 2025. The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) assigned a legal team to support the victim’s family. Following the verdict, the Ministry of Education announced the dismissal of the school’s principal and initiated a review of the school’s operations. The case has sparked national outrage and calls for stricter child protection measures in educational institutions across Egypt.
ICJ: Indonesian Foreign Minister Asserts Israel Cause of Humanitarian Disaster in Gaza
On April 30, 2025, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono addressed the International Court of Justice (ICJ), asserting that Israel has caused “the worst humanitarian disaster of this century” in Gaza. During the third day of public hearings on Israel’s obligations under international law, Sugiono urged the ICJ to guide the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in upholding Palestinian rights. He emphasised that Israel must comply with international laws, accept the roles of organisations like UNRWA, and respect their immunity in occupied territories. Sugiono also called for Israel to provide essential services, allow humanitarian aid, and cease hostilities against Palestinians. He condemned forced displacement and collective punishment, stating that such actions violate international law and undermine Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
Congo: Government Formally Seeks to Remove Kabila’s Immunity from Prosecution
On 1 May 2025, it was reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is seeking to revoke former President Joseph Kabila’s legal immunity to prosecute him for alleged war crimes and supporting the M23 insurgency in the country’s eastern region. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced that the army’s attorney general has formally requested the Senate to lift Kabila’s immunity, citing evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and massacres of civilians and military personnel. Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, returned to the country last month after a period abroad, arriving in the rebel-held city of Goma. He has denied the accusations and expressed a desire to assist in peace efforts. The M23 rebellion has intensified since January, resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths and displacing around seven million people. Despite a recent truce effort between the army and M23, fighting continues. Kabila’s political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), denounced the move as political persecution, suggesting it signals desperation within the current government. The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by 2 May 2025, aiming to address the ongoing conflict
Thailand: Prosecutors Drop Royal Defamation Case Against US Academic Amidst Diplomatic Tensions
On 1 May 2025, Thai state prosecutors announced they would not pursue royal defamation charges against Paul Chambers, a 58-year-old American political science lecturer at Naresuan University. Chambers had been arrested on 8 April 2025 for allegedly violating Thailand’s strict lèse-majesté law, which criminalises criticism of the monarchy and carries severe penalties of up to 15 years in prison per offense. The charges, filed by a military officer, accused Chambers of defaming or insulting the monarchy in connection with an academic webinar organised by Singapore’s Yusof Ishak Institute. Although the event centered on Thailand’s military and police, Chambers maintained he had not written or published any offending material. Authorities also cited alleged violations of Thailand’s Computer Crime Act for spreading false information online. Chambers was jailed for two nights before being released on bail under strict conditions, including wearing an ankle monitor. That requirement was eventually lifted by an appellate court after an initial rejection by the provincial court. On Thursday, prosecutors from the attorney general’s office declared they would not indict Chambers, stating the evidence did not meet the threshold required for prosecution under Section 112 of the Criminal Code. Despite this, the final dismissal of the case remains pending as the Phitsanulok Provincial Court and Provincial Police Region 6 retain the authority to review or challenge the non-prosecution decision. The case arrives amidst growing concerns over the use of Thailand’s royal defamation laws against academics, activists, and students. Human rights organisations have cited numerous instances of disproportionate punishment, including a 50-year prison sentence handed down last year. Chambers’ arrest and the surrounding controversy may have wider implications beyond the courtroom. Reports indicate that ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and Thailand have been indefinitely postponed, fueling speculation about rising diplomatic tension between the two countries.
Canada: Supreme Court Refuses Ontario’s Appeal, Clearing Path for Landmark Youth-Led Climate Lawsuit
On 1 May 2025, in a major development for Canadian climate litigation, the Supreme Court of Canada rejected Ontario’s request to appeal a key ruling in the case Mathur v. Ontario. The decision marks a victory for youth climate activists and affirms a lower court’s finding that the province’s climate policies are subject to constitutional scrutiny. At the heart of the case are seven young plaintiffs who argue that Ontario’s weakened climate targets – following the use of Section 16 of the Cap and Trade Cancellation Act to dilute the province’s previous emissions goals – violate their Charter rights. They contend that the resulting high levels of carbon emissions disproportionately endanger young people and Indigenous communities, infringing on rights to life and equality guaranteed under Sections 7 and 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They are asking the courts to require Ontario to adopt science-based emissions targets aligned with international standards. The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal allows the case to return to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for a final ruling, which could set a historic precedent in Canadian law. If the plaintiffs succeed, the government may be forced to revise its climate policies. Mathur v. Ontario reflects a global movement of rights-based climate litigation. Similar victories abroad include a Swiss case where senior citizens successfully argued their government’s climate inaction violated their human rights, and the Dutch Urgenda case, which laid the legal groundwork for such arguments. Meanwhile, the international community is awaiting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on states’ legal responsibilities regarding climate change. With this decision, Canada edges closer to a potentially transformative ruling that could reshape how climate policy is made and enforced across the country.
Sudan: RSF Accused of Committing War Crimes after Killing 31 Civilians in Omdurman
On 28 April 2025, the Sudan Doctors Network reported the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had killed 31 people, including children, in what was the largest reported mass killing in the area. Videos shared on social media showed fighters in RSF uniforms shooting at people in the Al-Salha area of Omdurman city. Among the victims were minors. The victims targeted were accused by the militant group of being affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The Sudan Doctors Network called the attack a “war crime and a crime against humanity.” They warned that the mass killings of unarmed civilians put the lives of thousands of people in the Al-Salha region in danger. The Network called on the international community to urgently rescue the remaining civilians and to create safe routes out of the region. They also urged the international community to increase pressure on RSF leaders to stop committing crimes against civilians in regions under their control.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250428-rsf-killed-31-civilians-in-sudans-omdurman-report-finds/
Nigeria: At Least 22 Killed in Two Attacks in Northeast Nigeria
On 28 April 2025, it was reported that at least 22 people were killed and several others injured in two separate attacks by suspected Islamist militants. The attacks occurred in northeastern Nigeria, a region which has been plagued by violence in recent years. Nigeria’s northwest region has been dealing with a long-running insurgency, which is mainly led by the Islamist armed group Boko Haram and breakaway group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Both attacks occurred on Saturday. The first took place in Borno state, where suspected militants targeted and killed 10 civilians and two security officials. Two others were also injured in the attack. The second assault occurred in neighbouring Adamawa state, where suspected Boko Haram militants killed 10 people, while several others were also injured in the attack on Kopre village. Reports suggest the militants targeted hunters and civilian joint task force (CJTF) members in the attacks. On Monday, Police Spokesperson, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said the Adamawa police have deployed additional officers to Kopre. Earlier this month, the governor of Borno state confirmed that Boko Haram had renewed attacks on the region, undoing previous progress made by security forces.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/least-22-killed-weekend-attacks-nigerias-northeast-2025-04-28/
North Korea: Confirms it Sent Troops to Fight in Russia Against Ukraine
On 28 April 2025, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent troops to Russia to fight in the war against Ukraine. The Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party said in a statement that North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un had sent troops to Russia under the mutual defence treaty. According to a statement sent to state media, Kim praised the troops, saying “They who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honour of the motherland.” The North Korean troops reportedly provided significant assistance in driving out Ukrainian forces from Russian territory. On Saturday, Russia announced all Ukrainian troops had been expelled from the Kursk region and that it had regained control of the territory. Moscow lost control of the region last year, following strong advances from Ukraine. However, Ukraine has denied the claims and says they still have troops in the area. Last year, Ukraine, the US, and South Korea all asserted that North Korea had sent troops to Russia to fight in the Kursk region, where they reported a contingent of 10,000-12,000 troops had been deployed to the battlefield. North Korea had also supplied weapons to Russia. Both Russia and North Korea had previously been vague regarding information on the deployment allegations, instead stressing that their military cooperation is compliant with international law.
Tunisia: At Least Eight Dead After Migrant Boat Sank off the Coast of Tunisia
On 28 April 2025, the Tunisian National Coast Guard said in a statement that eight migrants were found dead after the boat they were in sank off the coast of El Awabed in Sfax province in eastern Tunisia. A rescue operation was launched by the coast guard and naval forces where they rescued 29 survivors. The majority of those rescued were from Sub-Saharan Africa. Rescue efforts are still underway. Tunisia and many other North African countries including Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania have been grappling with a migration crisis for many years. These North African countries are popular departure points for migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, who seek a better life in Europe. While some migrants make it to their destination, others tragically die on the treacherous journey.
India-Pakistan: Exchange of Gunfire at Kashmir Border
On 28 April 2025, it was reported India and Pakistan continued to exchange gunfire for the fourth consecutive night in the aftermath of a terror attack that occurred last week on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The Indian army stated it responded to “unprovoked small arms fire” from Pakistan along the de-facto border dividing the Indian and Pakistani territories of the disputed Kashmir region, which both countries have claimed since their separation in 1947. The ongoing cross-border clashes have heightened fears it could escalate into a wider conflict. The tensions began after 26 people were killed in a terror attack last Tuesday near the town of Pahalgam in Kashmir, making it the deadliest assault on civilians in the region in 25 years. Reports say that during the attack, the assailants segregated men, requested their names, and targeted Hindus before executing them at close range. India has alleged Pakistan is financially supporting and encouraging “cross-border terrorism” in Kashmir. Pakistan has denied these allegations and called for a neutral investigation. In response, India initiated a large-scale security operation, during which they identified two of the three suspects as Pakistani nationals. The countries have now enacted a series of measures against one another. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water distribution agreement. While Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian airlines. On Sunday, Kashmir Resistance, also known as The Resistance Front, issued a statement on social media where they “unequivocally” denied involvement in the attack. The group asserted that a prior message claiming responsibility was due to a cyberattack, implying that it was the action of Indian intelligence.
US: Rights Group Annual Report Warns of Freefall in Human Rights Crisis
On 29 April 2024, Amnesty International’s in its 2024 annual report warned that United States (US) President Donald Trump’s return to office has intensified a global human rights crisis, describing it as a “freefall” in rights protections. The organisation attributes this decline to Trump’s domestic and international policies, which have emboldened authoritarian regimes and undermined multilateral institutions. Domestically, Trump’s administration has targeted immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and racial minorities, implementing mass deportations, restricting asylum access, and rolling back reproductive rights. Internationally, the US has withdrawn from key agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, weakening global human rights frameworks. Amnesty also highlights the US’s reduced foreign aid, impacting humanitarian efforts in crisis zones such as Sudan and Yemen. The report criticises the European Union for its tepid response to these developments, urging democracies to uphold human rights standards. Secretary General Agnès Callamard emphasised the urgency of countering this trend, stating that the erosion of rights in the US has far-reaching implications, potentially normalising repression worldwide.
Jordan: Criticized for Forcible Evictions of Palestinian Refugees Amidst Urban Development Project
On 29 April 2025, Human Rights Watch (HRW), in a report, accused Jordanian authorities of forcibly evicting Palestinian refugees from their homes in the al-Mahatta camp in Amman as part of a state-led urban development project. This initiative, meant to improve infrastructure and living conditions, instead left dozens displaced and distressed, according to HRW, which claimed that the process violated international legal standards. Residents were allegedly given only vague verbal assurances of compensation and as little as two weeks’ notice before their homes were demolished. Many said there was no meaningful consultation or transparency in how the evictions were carried out. HRW emphasised that such actions breached the residents’ fundamental human rights, including the rights to housing, education, and an adequate standard of living. Adam Coogle, HRW’s deputy Middle East director, criticised the government’s failure to uphold safeguards for those displaced. He urged authorities to prioritise human rights in infrastructure planning and ensure that no one is left without shelter or basic protections. Despite international laws requiring states to provide fair notice, public consultation, and just compensation during evictions, Jordanian officials defended the demolitions by claiming the residents were illegally occupying state land. Amman’s Mayor Shawarbeh dismissed the idea of compensation, calling the government’s offer a “donation” rather than a right. HRW countered that forced evictions are unlawful regardless of land ownership status, and called on Jordan to swiftly provide remedies and adequate support to affected families – especially the economically vulnerable. The right to adequate housing, HRW reminded, is enshrined in international law under a treaty that Jordan has signed.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/04/29/jordan-informal-camp-residents-displaced
El Salvador: UN Experts Condemn Unlawful US Deportations to El Salvador Amidst Human Rights Concerns
On 30 April 2025, UN human rights experts raised an alarm over the United States’ deportation of more than 250 Venezuelan and Salvadoran men, criticising the process as unlawful and dangerous. The deportations, many carried out under the Trump administration’s invocation of the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act, allegedly bypassed essential legal protections, including due process, access to independent courts, and evaluation of human rights risks in the receiving country. The experts emphasised that these deportations failed to consider whether individuals might face serious harm if returned to El Salvador – a country with a troubled record of prison violence, torture, and enforced disappearances. They cited binding international laws, particularly the UN Convention against Torture and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which prohibit states from expelling people to countries where they may face torture or vanish in state custody. These principles underpin the broader doctrine of non-refoulement, a core tenet of international human rights law. Their concerns are reinforced by Human Rights Watch, which has documented instances of deported individuals disappearing in El Salvador and highlighted systemic abuse in the country’s prison system. HRW has drawn attention to overcrowding, lack of access to lawyers or family, and widespread physical and psychological mistreatment. The UN experts also criticised the absence of effective legal safeguards in El Salvador, such as fair judicial review and legal counsel, and expressed frustration at both the US and Salvadoran governments for not rectifying wrongful deportations. They called on the United States to halt these expedited removals and uphold its obligations under domestic immigration law and international human rights agreements.
Philippines-New Zealand: Strengthen Defence Ties with Troop Agreement
On 30 April 2025, the Philippines and New Zealand announced they had strengthened defence ties with the signing of a troop pact. The agreement will boost military cooperation amid growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) in Manila. The agreement allows both countries to deploy troops to each other’s territory. Last year, New Zealand participated for the first time in joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea with the Philippines, US, Australia, and Japan. The Philippines and China have repeatedly clashed over the disputed waterway, which is an important international trade route. China has claimed ownership of almost the entire South China Sea, including waters within the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, creating tensions within the region. New Zealand’s signing of the SOVFA is in line with its plan announced recently to increase defence spending by NZ$9 billion (US$5 billion) over the next four years, with the objective to nearly double defence spending to 2% of GDP within the next eight years. In 2026, the Philippines and New Zealand plan to upgrade their diplomatic relations to a “comprehensive partnership,” which solidifies both nations’ commitment to improving maritime security, disaster response, and regional stability.
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