© Photo by United Nations Photo via Flickr
International Peace & Security Section
UN: Security Council Elects Five New Non-Permanent Members for 2026/27 Term
US: Former US Biden Official Denounces Israeli Actions in Gaza as War Crimes
UN: US Vetoes Security Council Resolution Calling for Unconditional Ceasefire in Gaza
Niger: Red Cross Suspends Operations in Niger after Junta Expulsion Order
US: Trump Implements Sweeping New Travel Ban, Drawing Sharp Criticism
Germany: Court Rules Border Asylum Rejections Violate EU Law
On 2 June 2025, the Berlin Administrative Court ruled that Germany’s policy of rejecting asylum seekers at its borders is incompatible with European Union law, specifically the Dublin III Regulation. The case involved the forced return of three Somalian asylum seekers to Poland, which the court found illegal. The court emphasised that EU law requires a case-by-case assessment, including proper hearings, before transferring asylum seekers to other countries. It rejected the legal justifications cited by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including the use of Article 72 of the TFEU, which allows emergency suspension of EU law. The court ruled that Germany has not demonstrated a sufficient threat to public order to justify such measures. Despite the ruling, Merz and Dobrindt said they would continue the border policy, claiming the decision is a “singular ruling” and not a final judgment. Germany’s move, made without EU consultation, marks the first unilateral halt to Dublin asylum transfer procedures among member states, sparking broader legal and political implications across Europe.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/06/german-court-rules-turning-asylum-seekers-at-border-is-illegal/
Bangladesh: Supreme Court Restores Jamaat-e-Islami’s Political Status After 2013 Ban
On 2 June 2025, it was reported that Bangladesh’s Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, overturning a 2013 ban imposed by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. The ruling allows the party to participate in future elections, expected by June 2026. The court’s 1 June 2025 decision, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, instructed the Election Commission (EC) to restore the party’s registration, while leaving open the question of whether Jamaat can use its traditional “scale” election symbol. The ruling follows the 27 May 2025 acquittal of senior Jamaat figure ATM Azharul Islam, who was previously sentenced to death for war crimes during Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war. The acquittal was linked by observers to public pressure from the July–August 2024 protest movement. Jamaat sought legal reinstatement after Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, following mass anti-government protests that led to over 1,400 deaths, according to a UN report. The interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has since disbanded the ruling Awami League, pending trials over its handling of the unrest. With the Awami League sidelined, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has gained prominence but continues to distance itself from Jamaat-e-Islami. Meanwhile, the country’s war crimes tribunal is preparing cases against former Awami League leaders for their role in the 2024 crackdown.
Hungary: Supreme Court Overturns Ban on Budapest Pride, Declaring It Unlawful
On 2 June 2025, it was reported that the Hungarian Supreme Court ruled on 1 June 2025 that the government’s ban on the annual Budapest Pride march is unlawful. The state had justified the ban by citing a recent constitutional amendment aimed at “protecting children,” which it claimed could override other laws and interests. However, the court found no evidence that banning the Pride event would protect children and noted that similar events had taken place without issue in the past. The controversial amendment, passed in April, effectively bans LGBTQ+ public events and rejects recognition of gender changes, arguing these measures protect families and child development. This has sparked significant domestic and international backlash, including protests in Budapest and a joint declaration from 20 EU member states condemning Hungary for violating EU values. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the ruling Fidesz party continue to face criticism over these policies.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/06/hungary-supreme-court-rules-police-ban-of-pride-march-unlawful/
ICC: Approves In Absentia Hearing for Fugitive Ugandan Warlord Joseph Kony
On 3 June 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) authorised a landmark in absentia confirmation of charges hearing against Joseph Kony, the fugitive leader of Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), who remains at large 19 years after his arrest warrant was issued. The court ruled that reasonable efforts had been made to locate Kony, meeting the requirements under Article 61 of the Rome Statute to proceed without him. While trials in absentia are controversial in international law, the ICC is permitted to hold such proceedings when a suspect’s whereabouts are unknown. Kony faces 12 counts of crimes against humanity and 21 counts of war crimes for atrocities including murder, abduction, sexual slavery, and forced child conscription, mostly targeting civilians and children. Despite international efforts involving the US, UN, and African Union, Kony’s location remains unknown. The ICC has scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for 9 September 2025, and has appointed legal representation to ensure fair process. This hearing is a preliminary step, not a full trial, where judges will determine whether the charges against Kony should proceed.
Greece: Ten Found Guilty in 2018 Mati Wildfire Tragedy That Killed 104
On 3 June 2025, a Greek appeals court found 10 of 21 defendants guilty of negligence for their role in the 2018 Mati wildfire, which killed 104 people near Athens. The convictions include multiple counts of negligent homicide and bodily harm. Among those convicted are senior fire service and civil protection officials, including the former fire service chief Sotiris Terzoudis, for mishandling the emergency response. 11 defendants, including former regional governor Rena Dourou, were acquitted, as the court found no evidence of intent to justify felony charges. The fire began when a man, Konstantinos Aggelopoulos, burned dry grass and was also convicted of arson through negligence. The fire spread quickly, trapping residents and tourists, with some drowning while fleeing to the sea. A 2024 lower court decision had found only 6 people guilty, with suspended sentences that could be bought out at €10/day, sparking public outcry and leading to an appeal. Relatives of victims protested outside the court, condemning the justice system, while the court will now consider mitigating circumstances before sentencing.
Türkiye: 22 Arrested in Corruption Probe Targeting Istanbul Mayor and Opposition Party
On 4 June 2025, a court in Istanbul ordered the arrest of 22 people, including district mayors and senior opposition figures, in a corruption probe targeting the main opposition party, CHP, and jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Those arrested include mayors from Istanbul and Adana provinces, a former CHP MP, and a CHP party board member. They face charges including leading a criminal organisation, bribery, fraud, and rigging public tenders, according to pro-government media. The CHP denounced the arrests, calling them politically motivated. Party leader Ozgur Ozel vowed continued resistance, accusing the government of using the judiciary to silence opposition. Mayor Imamoglu, a key challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in upcoming elections, is also under investigation for terrorism and corruption. He and the CHP deny all charges, framing them as part of a broader crackdown on political dissent. Imamoglu’s arrest in March sparked the largest anti-government protests in Turkey since the 2013 Gezi Park movement.
Kosovo: Court Sentences Serb Man to Five Years for Espionage for Serbian Intelligence
On 5 June 2025, the Pristina Basic Court sentenced Aleksandar Vlajic, a Kosovo Serb, to five years in prison for espionage on behalf of Serbia’s Security Information Agency (BIA). He was also fined €1,000 for illegal weapons possession, with the option to convert the fine into additional jail time. Vlajic pleaded guilty to collecting and transmitting sensitive data to a senior BIA official. He secretly recorded Kosovo Police movements, exposed collaborators within the Serb community, and leaked the identity of a Kosovo Intelligence Agency officer. He also built a network of informants among Serb staff in international organisations to gather political and security information. Vlajic is also a co-defendant in a separate case related to a 2022 attack on election commission offices in North Mitrovica, an incident that triggered weeks-long blockades by Kosovo Serbs. He has been in detention since 26 June 2024, which will be counted toward his sentence.
https://balkaninsight.com/2025/06/05/kosovo-court-jails-serb-for-spying-for-belgrade/
Congo: Rights Group Calls for Criminal Investigations Into Six-Day War
On 5 June 2025, Amnesty International called on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to investigate and prosecute those responsible for atrocities committed during the 2000 Kisangani conflict, known as the Six-Day War. This brutal confrontation between Ugandan and Rwandan forces resulted in over 1,000 civilian deaths and widespread destruction in the city of Kisangani. Despite the passage of 25 years, no criminal investigations or trials have been conducted, either domestically or internationally, for the alleged killings, rapes, and looting that occurred. Amnesty International emphasizes that this lack of accountability has perpetuated a cycle of violence in the DRC. The organisation gathered testimonies from over 50 individuals, including survivors and civil society members, all of whom stressed the urgent need for judicial proceedings and reparations. While the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Uganda to pay US$325 million in reparations to the DRC in 2022, Rwanda was not held accountable due to jurisdictional limitations. The DRC government established a trust fund to manage these reparations, but it has faced criticism for mismanagement and lack of transparency. Amnesty International urges the DRC to fulfill its obligations by providing adequate, effective, and prompt reparations to victims, following genuine consultations with survivors and civil society.
UN: Security Council Elects Five New Non-Permanent Members for 2026/27 Term
On 3 June 2025, the UN General Assembly elected Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia, and Liberia as non-permanent members to the Security Council for the 2026/27 term, which will run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027. To be elected, candidates must receive two-thirds of the votes, which corresponds to 129 votes out of the 193-member General Assembly. Latvia will be serving as a non-permanent member for the first time. The Security Council has five permanent members who hold a veto power – China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US. While there are also 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms, five of which are elected every year. The 10 non-permanent members are elected according to four regional groupings, two seats are allocated to the African Group, one to the Asia-Pacific Group, one to the Latin America and the Caribbean Group, and one to the Eastern Europe Group.
Sudan: Over Four Million Refugees have Fled Sudan Civil War
On 3 June 2025, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said over four million have fled Sudan since the beginning of the civil war in 2023. UNHCR spokesperson, Eujin Byun, said it is currently the “world’s most damaging displacement crisis.” She added that if the conflict continues, thousands more people will flee the country, putting regional and global stability at risk. The North African country shares a border with seven countries – South Sudan, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Central African Republic and Libya. UNHCR official Dossou Patrice Ahouansou stated that over 800,000 of the refugees fleeing Sudan have entered Chad, where they are faced with inadequate shelter conditions due to funding shortages, with only 14% of funding targets have been met. He added the situation is a “crisis of humanity,” where many of the refugees fleeing Sudan have no protection and have reported surviving terror and violence.
US: Former US Biden Official Denounces Israeli Actions in Gaza as War Crimes
On 3 June 2025, former United States (US) State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged that Israel has “without a doubt” committed war crimes during its military operations in Gaza. While he refrained from labeling the actions as genocide, Miller’s admission marks a significant departure from his previous role, where he publicly defended the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel amid widespread international criticism. During his tenure, Miller often dismissed allegations of Israeli misconduct, including incidents involving civilian casualties and attacks on humanitarian infrastructure. He now concedes that Israel’s internal investigations into such incidents have yielded little accountability, stating, “We’re not seeing Israeli soldiers held accountable.” This acknowledgment raises questions about the US administration’s continued military aid to Israel, despite existing laws that prohibit assistance to countries committing human rights violations. Miller emphasised that, as a spokesperson, he was conveying the administration’s official positions, not his personal views. His recent statements contribute to a growing chorus of former officials and human rights advocates calling for a reassessment of US policy towards Israel in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Sudan: Five Killed in Attack on UN Food Convoy
On 3 June 2025, it was reported an attack on a UN food convoy had killed five people and halted food deliveries from reaching families in Sudan’s North Darfur’s al-Fashir region who now face the danger of starvation. In a joint statement issued by the UN children’s agency and the World Food Programme (WFP), they confirmed five members of the convoy were killed, while several others were injured. Supply truckers were burned, and humanitarian aid was significantly damaged. The statement did not outline who was responsible and called for an immediate investigation into the incident, which they deemed a violation of humanitarian law. The attack now leaves a shortfall of supplies, with thousands of people in the al-Fashir region now at “high risk of malnutrition and starvation.” Both the RSF and the Sudanese army have blamed each other for the attack. The UN children’s agency and the WFP said the convoy’s route had been communicated to both parties in advance, and at the time of the attack, talks were underway to secure access to complete the journey. The al-Fashir region is already experiencing famine conditions, and the ongoing fighting and obstacles to aid delivery have cut off the flow of humanitarian aid.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-convoy-attacked-way-sudans-al-fashir-unicef-says-2025-06-03/
UN: US Vetoes Security Council Resolution Calling for Unconditional Ceasefire in Gaza
On 4 June 2025, the US vetoed the UN Security Council’s draft resolution calling for an “unconditional and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza. All other 14 members of the Security Council voted in favour of the proposal. The draft resolution also called for the release of hostages and the easing of restrictions on humanitarian aid. Dorothy Shea, the US Ambassador to the UN, outlined their reasoning for rejecting the proposal and said the resolution would “undermine diplomatic efforts” to reach a ceasefire. She also noted that the UN has not labelled Hamas as a terrorist organisation, while the US, UK and the EU has classified the group as a terrorist organisation. Shea added the US “would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza.” The rejection of the draft resolution comes amid increasing concerns regarding the distribution of aid in Gaza, where the UN has reported that over two million people are at risk of starvation. This comes after an 11-week total Israeli ban on the distribution of food and aid into Gaza. Recently, the shipment of aid has been assumed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group backed by Israel and the US, which seeks to replace the UN and other organisations in Gaza. Barbara Woodward, UK ambassador to the UN, said they supported the proposal because the “intolerable situation in Gaza needs to end” and a ceasefire is the most effective way to attain a longstanding political solution. She also stressed that Israel needs to lift aid restrictions immediately and allow the UN and other organisations to perform their duties to “save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity.”
India: At Least 44 Killed in Floods Due in Northeast India
On 4 June 2025, it was reported at least 44 people were killed in states across India’s northeastern region after heavy floods and landslides. Thousands of people in the region have been displaced due to the crisis. At least 1,489 villages and 617,136 people have been impacted by the floods. In the state of Assam, authorities reported that 12 people had died so far due to the floods, while a further five people died in landslides. In Arunachal Pradesh state, authorities said 12 people were killed in the floods. Meanwhile, in Sikkim state, the Indian army said search and rescue operations were underway with specialised teams to find six missing people. The search is challenging given the extreme weather conditions and treacherous terrain after heavy rains caused a devastating landslide. The army confirmed two soldiers and one porter were killed in the landslide. On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, promised support to authorities in the regions affected by floods.
Niger: Red Cross Suspends Operations in Niger after Junta Expulsion Order
On 6 June 2025, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced it had suspended its operations in Niger following the country’s order to shut down its offices. Last month, Niger junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, said the ICRC had been ordered to leave the country in February, accusing it of colluding and collaborating with Islamist insurgent groups. The ICRC has denied the allegations and stated that to “fulfil its humanitarian mandate to protect and assist victims of armed conflict, the ICRC engages in a spoken or written dialogue with all parties to a conflict.” The organisation denied offering financial or support to groups. The ICRC has operated in Niger for 35 years and expressed regret over the decision. ICRC Regional Director, Patrick Youssef, said that their priority in Niger had been to assist those affected by armed conflicts and to do so with “transparency, independence, neutrality and impartiality.”
UN: Special Rapporteur Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza
On 6 June 2025, Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, unequivocally described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. She cited the systematic destruction, widespread starvation, and explicit declarations by Israeli officials as evidence. Albanese highlighted the alarming rate of casualties, noting that approximately 400 people have been killed weekly in recent months, including numerous children. Albanese attended the Cannes Film Festival to honour Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassouna, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike shortly after her documentary was selected for the festival. She emphasised the critical role of independent media in amplifying Palestinian voices, criticising mainstream outlets for often only highlighting Palestinian narratives posthumously. She also condemned the international community’s inaction and ongoing economic ties with Israel, asserting that such relationships amount to complicity in war crimes. Albanese is preparing a report exposing institutions—banks, pension funds, tech companies, and universities—that she claims are aiding Israel’s violations of international law. She specifically called out EU officials, including Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas, urging they face charges for complicity in war crimes due to their continued support for Israel. Despite facing personal threats and accusations of antisemitism, Albanese remains steadfast in her advocacy, expressing deep skepticism about the political will of UN member states and emphasising her commitment to speaking directly to the public.
US: Trump Implements Sweeping New Travel Ban, Drawing Sharp Criticism
On 4 June 2025, US President Donald Trump issued a proclamation enacting a broad travel ban targeting nationals from 21 countries, primarily affecting Muslim-majority and African nations. Framed as a national security measure, the ban is based on concerns over terrorism, visa overstays, and inadequate information-sharing by foreign governments. Critics, including Amnesty International, denounce the move as discriminatory and racially motivated, citing its disproportionate impact on Black, Brown, and Muslim populations. Leaders from affected countries, such as Chad, have responded with reciprocal visa restrictions and public condemnation. The policy echoes Trump’s controversial 2017 travel ban, using similar legal justifications under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Although the administration insists the bans are not rooted in race or religion, opponents argue they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and violate international human rights norms.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/06/trump-proclamation-blocks-nationals-from-12-countries/
Weekly News Recap (16 – 22 February 2026) © Photo by Coast Guard News via FlickrInternational Justice SectionBosnia and Herzegovina: Court Upholds War-Crimes Convictions for Abuse of PrisonersECtHR: Finds Bulgaria Failed to Investigate Racist Motive in AssaultECtHR: Finds Serbia Failed to Carry Out an Effective Investigation into 1991 Conflict-Era KillingTunisia:
Weekly News Recap (9 – 15 February 2026) © Photo by DW Akademie – Africa via Flickr International Justice Section KSC: Closing Statements Begin in Thaçi’s Trial Hong Kong: High Court Sentences Jimmy Lai to 20 Years’ Imprisonment Mali: Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentence Against Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara
Weekly News Recap (2 – 8 February 2026) © Photo by Óglaigh na hÉireann via Flickr International Justice Section France: Judges Issue Criminal Summonses in Gaza Aid Blockade Investigation Libya: Death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Ends Prospects for ICC Trial in Libya Case Switzerland: Foreign Minister Reported to ICC for
