© Photo by UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia via Flickr
International Peace & Security Section
Libya: Rights Group Urges Investigation Into Militia Abuses After Deadly Clashes
Sudan: Sudanese Military Declares Khartoum Free of RSF Rebel Group
Syria: EU Announces Decision to Lifts Economic Sanctions on Syria
Libya: Seven Sudanese Migrants Found Dead After Being Stranded in Libyan Desert
China-Thailand: Agree to Boost their Cooperation in Joint Military Training
Georgia: Rights Group Reports on Resistance Efforts Against Gender Violence Towards Women Protestors
Ethiopia: Rights Group Condemns Crackdown on Striking Medical Workers Amidst Healthcare Crisis
Australia: Widespread Devastation Following Floods, Killing 5 and Stranding Thousands
Netherlands: Dutch Protesters Rally Against Populism and Radical-Right Influence
Lithuania: Case Filed at ICJ Against Belarus for Migrant Smuggling
On 19 May 2025, Lithuania filed a case against Belarus at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the Belarusian regime of orchestrating large-scale migrant smuggling into Lithuanian territory. The lawsuit alleges that Belarus violated its obligations under the UN Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air by facilitating the illegal movement of migrants, particularly from the Middle East and Africa, into Lithuania. Lithuania contends that Belarusian state-owned enterprises increased flights from these regions and that Belarusian security forces escorted migrants to the Lithuanian border, compelling them to cross illegally. The Lithuanian government seeks full compensation for damages incurred, including costs related to border reinforcement and managing the influx of migrants, estimated at a minimum of €120 million. This legal action follows unsuccessful bilateral negotiations and aims to hold Belarus accountable under international law for using vulnerable individuals as political tools. Belarus has yet to respond to the allegations. The case underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations and highlights the broader challenges of addressing state-sponsored migration tactics within international legal frameworks.
ECtHR: Germany Violated Protester’s Right to Assembly Over Plastic Visor Conviction
On 20 May 2025, it was reported that the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Germany breached a protester’s right to freedom of assembly by convicting him for wearing a homemade plastic visor during a 2015 demonstration in Frankfurt. The applicant, Ruß, joined a largely peaceful protest against the European Central Bank’s new headquarters while wearing a visor labeled “Smash Capitalism.” German courts fined him €400 under a law banning “protective weapons” at public gatherings. While the ECHR accepted that the visor could technically be classified under the law, it found that German courts failed to justify how it posed a real threat to public safety. The court concluded that the conviction was disproportionate and unnecessary in a democratic society, thus violating Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The protest was part of the Blockupy movement and drew over 17,000 participants.
Hungary: Moves to Leave ICC Amidst Netanyahu Arrest Warrant Controversy
On 20 May 2025, Hungary’s parliament passed a bill to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), triggering a one-year exit process under Article 127 of the Rome Statute. The move comes shortly after a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing ICC charges for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Though the legislation does not mention Netanyahu, critics argue the timing indicates Hungary is attempting to avoid its legal obligation to arrest him if he enters the country. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán defended the decision as a stand against “politically motivated indictments” and in support of national sovereignty. Amnesty International and EU officials have condemned the move, warning it undermines accountability for grave international crimes. Hungary is the first EU country to begin withdrawing from the ICC, raising concerns about its commitment to international justice and legal norms. Until its exit is finalised, Hungary remains obligated to cooperate with the ICC, including enforcing arrest warrants. Legal experts caution that this decision may harm Hungary’s international standing and embolden other states to challenge the court’s authority.
Israel: Former Prime Minister Condemns War Crimes in Gaza
On 21 May 2025, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert publicly condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, asserting that they verge on war crimes. In a candid interview with Middle East Eye, Olmert criticised the extensive bombing campaigns and the blockade-induced humanitarian crisis, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread suffering. He emphasised that such actions not only undermine Israel’s moral standing but also contravene international law. Olmert’s remarks come amid increasing global scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, the International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to halt military operations in Rafah and to facilitate humanitarian aid, highlighting the dire conditions faced by Palestinians. Despite mounting international pressure, Netanyahu’s administration maintains that its military actions are in self-defence against Hamas. However, Olmert warns that the current approach is not only morally indefensible but also strategically flawed, potentially leading Israel toward increased isolation and long-term insecurity.
Russia: Rubio Warns War Crimes Label for Putin Could Undermine Ukraine Peace Talks
On 22 May 2025, in a recent interview, United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns that labeling Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal could hinder ongoing peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Rubio emphasised that while accountability is important, prematurely assigning such labels might close diplomatic channels necessary for a sustainable resolution. He warned that without concrete proposals from both Russia and Ukraine, the US might withdraw from its mediating role, signaling a potential shift in America’s involvement in the peace process. Rubio’s stance reflects the delicate balance the US seeks to maintain between pursuing justice and facilitating diplomacy. He underscored the urgency of achieving a fair and enduring peace, noting that both Moscow and Kyiv would need to make concessions. The US has assured European allies that sanctions against Russia will remain until a comprehensive agreement is reached. However, frustration is mounting over the lack of progress, with Rubio indicating that the window for successful negotiations is narrowing. The situation remains fluid, and the coming weeks are critical in determining the future of US engagement in conflict resolution efforts.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Court Delivers First Conviction for Genocide Denial
On 22 May 2025, the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina delivered its first conviction under the country’s 2021 law criminalising genocide denial. Vojin Pavlović, head of the Bosnian Serb NGO Istorijska Projekat Srebrenica, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for publicly denying the 1995 Srebrenica genocide. This massacre, recognised by international courts as genocide, involved the killing of over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys by Bosnian Serb forces. Presiding Judge Goran Radević emphasised the verdict’s significance in addressing genocide denial and promoting accountability. The ruling marks a pivotal moment in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts to confront historical revisionism and uphold the memory of the victims. The 2021 law, enacted via decree by then-High Representative Valentin Inzko, criminalises the denial of genocide and war crimes, aiming to foster reconciliation in the post-war nation. While the law has been lauded by victims’ groups and international observers, it has faced criticism from some Bosnian Serb leaders, who argue it suppresses free speech. Pavlović’s conviction underscores the ongoing challenges Bosnia and Herzegovina faces in reconciling its past and ensuring justice for atrocities committed during the 1990s conflict.
https://balkaninsight.com/2025/05/23/bosnian-court-delivers-first-genocide-denial-conviction/
US: Federal Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Attempt to Revoke International Students’ Legal Status
On 22 May 2025, a federal judge in California blocked the Trump administration from revoking the legal status of international students across the US while a lawsuit over earlier terminations is pending. Judge Jeffrey S. White issued a nationwide injunction preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from detaining or relocating students solely based on visa status, after over 4,700 students saw their study permissions abruptly canceled this spring. Though ICE claimed it had reinstated most students’ status, White ruled that the damage to their immigration records could have lasting consequences. He criticised the administration for inconsistent enforcement and policy changes, calling it a “game of whack-a-mole.” The case stems from ICE’s controversial use of an FBI database to revoke student visas without charges or explanation. Many students left the U.S. fearing deportation, while others remain uncertain about their future. White, a George W. Bush appointee, emphasised the need to stop further harm while legal challenges play out.
IACtHR: Court Hears Landmark Case on Peru’s Forced Sterilisation Programme
On 22 May 2025, it was reported that the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) is to commence hearing the case of Celia Ramos this week, a Peruvian woman who died in 1997 after being forcibly sterilised under a brutal state-run family planning policy in the 1990s. This is the first case of its kind to reach the regional court, and it could pave the way for reparations for thousands of women. Ramos, a 34-year-old mother of three at the time, died 19 days after surgery that she was reportedly coerced into accepting. Her daughter, Marisela Monzón Ramos, called the hearing a “huge step” toward justice for victims of a policy that disproportionately targeted poor, rural, and Indigenous women. Implemented under former President Alberto Fujimori, the sterilisation campaign has been widely condemned but has never led to prosecutions. A 2024 UN report described the policy as potentially constituting a crime against humanity and urged Peru to provide compensation. The case was filed by the NGO Demus and supported by international legal groups. In 2023, the Inter-American Commission referred the case to the court after Peru failed to act on its recommendations. Human rights advocates say the court’s ruling could force Peru to acknowledge responsibility and open broader investigations. Legal experts are pushing for the policy to be formally recognised as a crime against humanity, which would remove legal barriers to prosecution.
Libya: Rights Group Urges Investigation Into Militia Abuses After Deadly Clashes
On 20 May 2025, following a deadly outbreak of violence between rival militias in Tripoli, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Libyan judicial authorities to investigate serious allegations of human rights abuses involving powerful armed groups tied to the state. The recent unrest was triggered by the May 12 assassination of Abdelghani “Ghneiwa” al-Kikli, head of the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), a militia officially integrated into Libya’s security forces since 2011. Under Ghneiwa’s leadership, the SSA became infamous for grave human rights violations—including unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and exploitation of migrants. His death exposed the deep entrenchment of militia power in Libya’s state structure and highlighted the ongoing lack of accountability. Ghneiwa’s successor, Lotfi al-Harari, now leads the Internal Security Agency, another armed group implicated in past abuses. Lotfi is accused of overseeing torture and violent interrogations, including firing at detainees during forced confessions. HRW noted that under international law – including the Rome Statute and customary international humanitarian law – commanders like Ghneiwa can be held responsible for crimes committed by their subordinates. After Ghneiwa’s killing, violent clashes broke out between rival factions including the 444 Combat Brigade and the Deterrence Apparatus “al-Radaa.” These firefights left civilians dead, including a young bride-to-be and two brothers hit by stray shells in their homes. A state health agency confirmed collecting six bodies from Tripoli’s streets, though it remains unclear whether they were civilians or combatants. HRW urged Libyan authorities to launch a credible, transparent investigation and to gather evidence from militia-dominated areas. The goal: to break the cycle of impunity and reestablish accountability in a country long dominated by fragmented and often lawless armed forces.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/05/20/libya-civilians-caught-militia-clashes
Sudan: Sudanese Military Declares Khartoum Free of RSF Rebel Group
On 20 May 2025, the Sudanese military announced it had taken full control of the Greater Khartoum region from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This marked the latest gain for the Sudanese military who have been fighting against the RSF in a civil war for over two years, causing devastation across the country, including plummeting some regions into famine. Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah, a military spokesman, confirmed military forces had recaptured the Greater Khartoum region, including the capital city of Khartoum and the cities of Omdurman and Khartoum North. He stated, “Khartoum state is completely free of rebels.” The civil war in Sudan has killed an estimated 24,000 people, though the actual death toll is likely far higher. Approximately 13 million people have been displaced from their homes. The conflict has resulted in atrocities such as widespread sexual violence and ethnic killings which constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The UN has reported such atrocities were particularly prevalent in the Darfur region.
https://apnews.com/article/sudan-war-military-rsf-khartoum-1c03cd653fd667a3c4f5c489bb644193
Syria: EU Announces Decision to Lifts Economic Sanctions on Syria
On 20 May 2025, EU Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas announced the EU’s decision to lift its economic sanctions on Syria. Kallas said they made the decision to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their country after the civil war, and stated “we want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria.” She outlined the EU stood by Syrians during war and they will continue to do so now. Former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024. Assad had been leader for nearly 25 years, and his Ba’ath party had been in power since 1963. Ahmed al-Sharaa, who headed the anti-regime forces that removed Assad has been the transitional president since late January.
Libya: Seven Sudanese Migrants Found Dead After Being Stranded in Libyan Desert
On 23 May 2025, it was reported that at least seven Sudanese migrants were dead after being stranded in the Libyan desert. They were discovered in sand dunes after 11 days, having run out of food and water supplies. According to ambulance services, the car the migrants were travelling in broke down, leaving them stranded. The car was carrying 34 people when it broke down crossing the border of Libya from Chad, leaving them stuck on an isolated path often used by smugglers. There were 22 survivors rescued, including five children. The survivors found were severely dehydrated and showing signs of distress and trauma having been stranded for days and witnessing people around them die. The survivors were transferred to Kufra to receive medical attention. There are also five people still missing, but chances of survival are slim without food and water in the vast desert. Libya is one of six countries who have a long coastline on the Mediterranean and is a main transit point for migrants escaping war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East in an attempt to reach Europe.
https://apnews.com/article/libya-sudan-migrants-desert-395be7a468d3703568d5cabbd2926e17
China-Thailand: Agree to Boost their Cooperation in Joint Military Training
On 23 May 2025, the Chinese Defence Ministry said in a statement that China and Thailand had agreed to strengthen cooperation in joint military training. On Friday, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun met with Thai Chief of Defence Forces Songwit Noonpackdee in Beijing to discuss the agreement. In a statement, Dong outlined China’s commitment to “fully leverage” the current cooperation framework and to further improve their level of cooperation in areas such as joint training and personnel training. Meanwhile, Songwit voiced Thailand’s support for the “one-China principle” and called for cooperation with Beijing to develop the Belt and Road Initiative. On Thursday, Songwit also met China’s Chief of Joint Staff Liu Zhenli, where both parties reached an agreement related to “strengthening strategic communication and deepening cooperation in joint exercises and training.”
Georgia: Rights Group Reports on Resistance Efforts Against Gender Violence Towards Women Protestors
On 23 May 2025, Amnesty International reported that a powerful wave of resistance is rising in Georgia – led by women who refuse to be silenced. According to this report, female protestors opposing the government have faced a campaign of intimidation and gender-based abuse at the hands of state authorities. These women have endured psychological and physical violence, including demeaning strip searches, threats of sexual assault, and sexist verbal attacks. Amnesty International warns that the government’s conduct – raiding homes and offices, detaining protesters arbitrarily, and subjecting them to invasive searches – violates both international and domestic laws. These actions breach the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and contradict the UN Bangkok Rules, which protect the dignity of women prisoners. Georgia’s own constitution, too, promises freedoms of expression, association, and protection from inhumane treatment—all of which, Amnesty argues, are now under threat. Despite this repression, women have not retreated. As Amnesty’s Denis Krivosheev put it, the authorities may have hoped fear would stifle dissent, but instead, women have become more defiant—denouncing abuse, demanding accountability, and transforming repression into resistance. This crackdown comes amid a turbulent political backdrop. Protests intensified in 2024 after Georgia’s parliament passed a controversial “foreign agents” bill that critics say restricts civil liberties. Further unrest followed disputed parliamentary elections in October and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s November decision to suspend EU membership talks until 2028. The government’s handling of dissent has drawn widespread condemnation, not only from rights groups but also from international allies. In December, both EU and US officials criticised Georgia’s increasing suppression of opposition voices and human rights backsliding. Now, Amnesty International is calling on the Georgian authorities to uphold their obligations – both to international law and to their own citizens – by launching full, fair, and independent investigations into every allegation of police abuse. The world watches, as Georgian women continue to rise, defiant in the face of repression.
Ethiopia: Rights Group Condemns Crackdown on Striking Medical Workers Amidst Healthcare Crisis
On 23 May 2025, a growing healthcare crisis in Ethiopia sparked alarm as medical professionals striking for better conditions faced a harsh government crackdown. Amnesty International has urged Ethiopian authorities to engage in dialogue with healthcare workers and to release those detained for peacefully protesting, warning that the situation threatens citizens’ fundamental right to healthcare. The strike, which began on 13 May 2025, has seen doctors and nurses across the country demand fair pay, safer working conditions, and an end to systemic neglect in the healthcare sector. But instead of negotiations, authorities have responded with intimidation, threats, and arrests. At least 121 healthcare workers have reportedly been detained, often without warrants or explanations, according to a list shared with Amnesty by an online group of professionals. Family and legal sources say many of the arrests were accompanied by home raids, officially searching for weapons but seizing only electronic devices. One of the most high-profile cases is Dr. Mahlet Guuesh, who was not practicing clinically at the time of the strike. She was forcibly taken from her home, held incommunicado, and later charged with inciting unrest, collaborating with anti-peace forces, and neglecting public responsibility. Prosecutors claim that the strike, which has severely disrupted public healthcare services, led to patient deaths – a charge leveled against all the accused. Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, condemned the detentions as “shameful and deeply troubling,” calling for immediate dialogue to resolve the crisis and restore essential health services. As the strike enters its second week, Ethiopia faces not only a medical emergency but a deepening human rights challenge.
Australia: Widespread Devastation Following Floods, Killing 5 and Stranding Thousands
On 24 May 2025, it was reported that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launched a cleanup operation in eastern Australia following catastrophic floods that killed five people and stranded tens of thousands. In New South Wales, over 10,000 properties are believed damaged. Although conditions have improved, hundreds remain in evacuation centres, and emergency services continue rescue efforts. The floods, part of a series of extreme weather events linked to climate change, isolated around 50,000 people and caused widespread destruction, including submerged roads, lost livestock, and damaged infrastructure. Sydney Airport and train services were disrupted. Albanese pledged continued support through recovery efforts.
Netherlands: Dutch Protesters Rally Against Populism and Radical-Right Influence
On 24 May 2025, it was reported that thousands gathered in Amsterdam’s Dam Square to protest rising populism, political division, and the influence of radical-right forces in the Netherlands. Organised under the banner De Straat Op (“Into the Streets”) and supported by 240 organisations, the protest emphasised solidarity, inclusion, and resistance to fear-mongering. Despite lower-than-expected turnout, demonstrators marched through the city with signs supporting LGBTQ+ rights and denouncing right-wing rhetoric. A simultaneous protest in Groningen echoed similar themes, with participants advocating for unity, affordable housing, and open democracy. Organisers plan to continue the protests to pressure the Dutch government.
https://nltimes.nl/2025/05/24/thousands-protest-populism-radical-right-influence-amsterdam
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Weekly News Recap (2 – 8 March 2026) © Photo by Paul Keller via Flickr International Justice Section ECtHR: Finds Norway Did Not Violate Property Rights in Indigenous Grazing Rights Case Kosovo: Court Orders Pre-Trial Detention of Four Kosovo Serbs in 1998 War Crimes Investigation UK: Supreme Court Rules Spain
