© Photo by Alisdare Hickson via Flickr
International Peace & Security Section
Nigeria: Rights Group Condemns Attack That Killed 200 and Urges Immediate Governmental Action
Tunisia: Rights Group Accuses Authorities of Silencing Peaceful Dissent Through Legal Crackdown
Libya: At Least 60 People Missing After Shipwrecks off Libyan Coast
OHCHR: Reports a 40% Increase in Civilian Deaths in Conflicts Globally
EU: Countries Reach Agreement on New Defence Funding Programme
Australia: To Begin Negotiations on Security and Defence Partnership with EU
Syria: Over Two Million Syrian Refugees Return Home Since December
Uganda: Law Enacted Allowing Civilians to Be Tried in Military Courts Amidst Legal and Human Rights Backlash
On 16 June 2025, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed into law the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025, authorising military courts to try civilians under specific circumstances. While the law primarily targets civilians accompanying military units, it includes broader provisions—such as trying civilians found with firearms or ammunition—that could significantly expand military court jurisdiction. This move follows a January Supreme Court ruling that declared military trials for civilians unconstitutional, citing violations of the rights to a fair and impartial trial. Despite this, the updated bill was passed by parliament and signed by Museveni, incorporating mechanisms to coordinate civilian and military judicial systems, ostensibly to align with constitutional standards. The legislation has sparked mixed reactions. UPDF officials praised it as essential for combating armed crime and preventing subversive political movements. However, human rights groups, UN officials, and the Uganda Law Society strongly condemned the law, warning it undermines civil liberties and the rule of law. The Law Society has vowed to challenge the law’s constitutionality in court.
Germany: Court Sentences Syrian Doctor to Life for Crimes Against Humanity Under Universal Jurisdiction
On 16 June 2025, a regional court in Frankfurt, Germany, sentenced former Syrian doctor Alaa M. to life in prison for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and murder committed during Syria’s civil war. The court found that Alaa M., aligned with the Assad regime, tortured, mutilated, and killed detainees, many of whom were opposition members, in a hospital wing reserved for political prisoners. He was convicted of 10 crimes against humanity, including eight counts of torture, and two counts of murder or homicide—one through a lethal injection used as a deterrent, and another by prescribing a deadly pill to a patient denied treatment. The court found his crimes also met the definition of war crimes, having been committed in a military intelligence prison during Syria’s internal armed conflict. This case relied on universal jurisdiction, allowing the German court to prosecute international crimes without any direct connection to Germany. The ruling reflects Germany’s application of both national and international criminal law, including the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The verdict follows evidence from over 50 witnesses, including former colleagues of the accused. Alaa M. received a life sentence without parole and security detention, though his defence has announced plans to appeal the decision, citing allegedly inconclusive evidence. This landmark trial is part of a broader trend of European courts pursuing justice for crimes committed during Syria’s civil war, especially in light of the UN Security Council’s failure to refer Syrian cases to the ICC due to Russian and Chinese vetoes.
Hungary: EU Criticism of Hungary Withdrawal from International Criminal Court Over ICC Warrants for Israeli Leaders
On 16 June 2025, Human Rights Watch (HRW) strongly criticised Hungary’s announced withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), triggering concern within the European Union. The move, officially set to take effect on 2 June 2026, follows ICC arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, linked to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Until the withdrawal takes effect, Hungary is still legally obligated to enforce the Rome Statute, including any arrest warrants. However, Hungary already hosted Netanyahu in April without taking action, casting doubt on its intent to comply during the transition period. HRW urged ICC member states—especially other EU members—to pressure Hungary to reconsider. If Hungary proceeds, it will become the only EU country outside the ICC, potentially violating EU law, which mandates commitment to international legal norms. The EU is currently reviewing the legality of Hungary’s move and could withhold funding if it deems the withdrawal a breach of foundational EU values. Hungary claims the ICC is politically biased and anti-Semitic, aligning with US criticism of the Court, particularly after ICC investigations involving American and Israeli actions. The decision adds to ongoing tensions between Hungary and the EU over democratic backsliding and the rule of law.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/06/16/hungary-orban-government-withdraws-from-icc
Israel: UN HRC Hears Allegations of War Crimes in Gaza
On 17 June 2025, in a powerful address to the UN Human Rights Council, Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, presented the findings of a recent report condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. She described the war in Gaza as the most severe assault on Palestinians since 1948, citing the near-total destruction of educational infrastructure—90% of Gaza’s schools and universities—due to Israeli attacks. The Commission concluded these attacks lacked military necessity and constituted war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly extermination. Pillay highlighted that Israel’s justification for targeting schools—alleged Hamas presence—was largely unsubstantiated, with only one verified case. In the West Bank, educational access is also under threat from demolitions, raids, and settler violence. The report also documented Israel’s destruction or damage of over half of Gaza’s religious and cultural sites and the seizure of heritage locations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These actions, the Commission stated, amount to war crimes and violations of international law, including the ICJ’s 2024 advisory opinion. Pillay concluded by urging Israel to cease its occupation, halt attacks on vital civilian infrastructure, and respect Palestinians’ rights to self-determination, culture, and education under international law.
Russia: Ukrainian Man’s Espionage Conviction Upheld by Russian Court Despite Claims of Humanitarian Mission
On 17 June 2025, the Second Court of Appeal of St. Petersburg upheld the espionage conviction of Ivan Zabavsky, a Ukrainian national, sentencing him to 11 years in prison. His appeal was denied in a closed-door hearing. Ivan was arrested in Russian-occupied Kharkiv Oblast, where he admitted to being without authorisation. He claimed he was searching for his mother in a war zone and had entered the area with humanitarian aid. Despite this, Russian authorities charged him under Article 276 of Russia’s Criminal Code, which mandates 10–20 years in prison for espionage. Ivan was held in pre-trial detention for 10 months, during which he reported torture and inadequate food, potentially violating Article 7 of the ICCPR, which bans torture and cruel treatment. An earlier appeal to his arrest was filed but later withdrawn.
France: Former French Prime Minister Receives Suspended Sentence for Embezzlement
On 17 June 2025, former French Prime Minister François Fillon was sentenced to four years of suspended prison on Tuesday for embezzling public funds. He was also fined €375,000 and barred from holding public office for five years. The case stemmed from a fictitious job he created for his wife, Penelope Fillon, who was paid public funds without doing actual work. Originally convicted in 2020 and sentenced to five years (three suspended), his sentence was later reduced on appeal. However, France’s Court of Cassation ruled in 2024 that the revised prison term lacked justification, prompting a resentencing. Fillon’s lawyer stated that the ruling confirms he will serve no jail time and remains a free man, though an appeal is being considered. This verdict adds to a series of legal troubles for French political figures, including Nicolas Sarkozy and Marine Le Pen, who are both involved in ongoing or recent legal proceedings.
US: NYC Mayoral Candidate Arrested by ICE While Defending Immigrant at Manhattan Court
On 17 June 2025, New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested by ICE agents while accompanying an immigrant, “Edgardo,” from a deportation hearing in Manhattan. Lander, who has attended such hearings in solidarity with immigrants, linked arms with Edgardo as they exited the courthouse. ICE agents intervened, prompting Lander to demand a judicial arrest warrant. A confrontation followed, and agents handcuffed Lander after pushing him against a wall. DHS claimed Lander was charged with assaulting and impeding a federal officer, citing a rise in attacks against ICE personnel. Lander denied the accusations, asserting he was simply refusing to let go of the immigrant’s arm. The charges were later dropped, and Lander was released after several hours. The arrest, occurring just a week before the June 24 mayoral primary—where Lander is polling third or fourth—has sparked political outrage. Several New York officials condemned the incident, labeling it an abuse of power. Attorney General Letitia James called it a “shocking” and “grotesque” escalation, while others described it as “fascism” and “thuggery.” Lander later stated he was fine, despite losing a button, and expressed concern over the immigrant’s treatment—who lacked legal representation and now faces ICE detention without a credible-fear hearing. The incident underscores growing tensions between ICE and Democratic officials over immigration enforcement at courthouses.
CAR: Special Court Convicts Six Combatants for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
On 20 June 2025, the Special Criminal Court (SCC) in the Central African Republic (CAR) delivered a landmark judgment in the Ndélé 2 case, convicting six former combatants of the Popular Front for the Rebirth of the Central African Republic (FPRC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The crimes stem from a March 2020 attack in the town of Ndélé, where dozens were killed and hundreds displaced. The convicted individuals received prison sentences ranging from 18 to 25 years. Amnesty International hailed the verdict as a significant step in the fight against impunity. However, it raised serious concerns over the fairness of the trial, as four of the six defendants were tried and sentenced in absentia. Amnesty emphasised that a fair trial requires the presence of the accused, the ability to prepare a defence, and direct access to the court. Amnesty further called on authorities to execute outstanding arrest warrants, warning that selective justice undermines victims’ rights to truth and accountability. The Ndélé 2 case marks only the third trial concluded by the SCC since it began operating in 2018. Amnesty reiterated its call for stronger international support and transparency to ensure the court fulfills its mandate to prosecute the most serious crimes committed since 2003.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/06/central-african-republic/
Nigeria: Rights Group Condemns Attack That Killed 200 and Urges Immediate Governmental Action
On 16 June 2025, it was reported that Amnesty International Nigeria condemned a brutal attack on the Yelewata farming community in Benue State which took place on 14 June last, which resulted in the deaths of around 200 people. The attack, allegedly carried out by gunmen believed to be part of the Fulani Militia, is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in the region, particularly targeting Christian communities. Local leader Matthew Mnyan criticised the inaction of authorities during the attack, alleging that the attackers aimed to seize land. Many victims, including families and children, were reportedly burned alive in their homes. Following the massacre, regional protests were met with tear gas and force. Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the deployment of federal tactical teams to protect at-risk areas and stressed the state’s commitment to justice and security. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Pope Leo both condemned the violence. Abubakar labeled it a national emergency and called for a transparent investigation, while the Pope offered prayers and solidarity with the Christian victims. The ongoing violence in Benue is part of a larger crisis, with over 10,000 people reportedly killed by non-state armed groups in Nigeria since 2023.
https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/06/nigeria-terror-attack-sparks-renewed-demands-for-accountability/
Tunisia: Rights Group Accuses Authorities of Silencing Peaceful Dissent Through Legal Crackdown
On 17 June 2025, Amnesty International accused Tunisian authorities of intensifying their suppression of peaceful dissent and opposition, particularly targeting marginalised groups, activists, and protesters. In a report titled “We were only asking for our rights and dignity,” Amnesty documented at least 90 arrests or prosecutions between February 2020 and January 2025, mainly for protesting poor conditions, pollution, and lack of water. Many were charged under vaguely worded “obstruction” laws in Tunisia’s Penal Code. The report highlighted abuses such as coercion, denial of fair trials, and suppression of community protests, notably in Sfax where female forestry workers were pressured not to protest. Amnesty urged the Tunisian government to drop charges related to peaceful protest and amend or repeal repressive legal provisions. The crackdown is part of a broader erosion of civil liberties in Tunisia. In a controversial April ruling, 40 opposition figures—including journalists and former officials—were sentenced to lengthy prison terms under anti-terrorism laws. Human Rights Watch called the case politically motivated, noting widespread arbitrary detentions, lack of due process, and violations of Tunisia’s own legal standards.
Libya: At Least 60 People Missing After Shipwrecks off Libyan Coast
On 17 June 2025, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that at least 60 migrants are missing and feared dead after two shipwrecks off the coast of Libya. Othman Belbeisi, IOM’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, called on the international community to “scale up search and rescue operations and guarantee safe, predictable disembarkation for survivors.” The first shipwreck happened on 12 June close to Alshab port in Tripolitania, where five survivors were rescued and 21 people remain missing. Those feared dead reportedly came from Eritrea, Pakistan, Egypt, and Sudan. The second shipwreck occurred on 13 June, approximately 35 km (22 miles) west of the city of Tobruk. One survivor was rescued by fishermen, while 39 people remain missing. So far this year, at least 743 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, including 538 on the Central Mediterranean route, one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. In response, the EU has increased measures to limit migration, which includes providing equipment and financial support to the Libyan coastguard, a quasi-military group with connections to militias that have been accused of human rights abuses and other crimes. NGOs have warned that the decline of state-run search and rescue operations has made journeys across the Mediterranean more dangerous. As a result, many migrants find themselves stranded in Libya, often held in detention centers, and subjected to inhumane conditions. Libya has received criticism for its treatment of refugees and migrants, with accusations ranging from extortion to slavery, while smugglers and human traffickers exploit the country’s instability.
OHCHR: Reports a 40% Increase in Civilian Deaths in Conflicts Globally
On 18 June 2025, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a report containing new data which indicated civilian deaths in conflicts globally increased by 40%, while also revealing widespread levels of discrimination. In 2024, at least 48,384 individuals, mostly civilians, were killed, including 502 human rights defenders. UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, said these numbers reveal “sobering failures to protect some of the most vulnerable people in peacetime and conflict situations.” Additionally, the report revealed that nearly one in three individuals with disabilities reported facing discrimination, compared to one in five without disabilities. This indicates that marginalized groups are “disproportionately” affected by discrimination. While women reported experiencing gender-based discrimination at more than double the rate of men. The report highlighted that in 2024, attacks against human rights defenders, journalists, and trade unionists remained alarmingly high, where at least one individual from this group was killed or went missing every 14 hours. The number of journalists and media workers killed increased by more than 10%, with at least 60% occurring in conflict zones, the highest figures recorded in over a decade. In 2024, at least 625 human rights defenders were killed (502) or disappeared (123). The report also revealed an alarmingly high rate of violence against children and women in armed conflicts over the last two years. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of women and children killed in armed conflicts was about four times higher than in 2021-2022. According to the UN human rights office, between the years 2023 and 2024, 21,480 women and 16,690 children were killed in conflicts globally, with Gaza alone making up 80% of child deaths and 70% of women’s deaths.
EU: Countries Reach Agreement on New Defence Funding Programme
On 18 June 2025, EU governments reached an agreement on a €1.5 billion EU scheme to fund defence investments. However, some diplomats criticised the ‘buy European’ provisions as overly restrictive. For over a year, governments have debated the European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP), which is part of a broader initiative to re-arm Europe driven by concerns over Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. France advocated for strict ‘buy European’ policies to support European industries, while countries like the Netherlands called for flexibility to buy arms from the US, the UK, and other nations. Under the final agreement, at least 65% of the costs of the components of any item funded under the programme must come from the EU or certain associated countries. The agreement is set to be approved on Monday by ambassadors from the EU’s 27 countries, and it will then go through negotiations with the European Parliament before it can enter into force. A group of 10 countries, the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Slovakia, and Finland argued that Europe’s urgent need to strengthen its defences should have been considered in the provisions. In a joint statement, they outlined they fully support the aim of enhancing European security through increased cooperation and investment but expressed the urgent threat facing European territory and interests. They stressed that the EU defence industry “still depends – especially in the short to medium term – on critical components, technologies and know-how from like-minded third countries, in particular transatlantic allies.” Although they had concerns, the group did not want to delay the start of negotiations with the European Parliament.
Australia: To Begin Negotiations on Security and Defence Partnership with EU
On 18 June 2025, Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, announced they would begin negotiations on a security and defence partnership with the EU. He added they were also hopeful of reaching a trade deal with the EU. Albanese discussed a defence partnership with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa during the G7 summit. Australian officials have said the partnership would not include military deployment obligations. Albanese outlined that this will be a significant deal in areas like defence industry, cyber and counter-terrorism. He stressed how “deeply connected Europe’s security and the Indo-Pacific region have become.” The EU has already agreed defence partnerships with Japan and South Korea. EU officials have previously stated that these agreements do not constitute military alliances.
Syria: Over Two Million Syrian Refugees Return Home Since December
On 19 June 2025, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi announced that over two million Syrian refugees and displaced people have returned home since December, which he said was “a sign of hope amid rising regional tensions.” Grandi repeated the urgent need for a “political solution” in Syria to avoid “another wave of instability and displacement.” During former leader Bashar-al-Assad’s rule, millions of Syrians fled the country to seek safety amid the civil war and humanitarian crisis that engulfed the country. After enduring years of hardship in refugee camps, thousands of Syrians began to return home as peace and security started to improve following the fall of the Assad regime. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces that removed Assad, was appointed president for a transitional period in January.
Russia-Ukraine: Complete Another POW Swap
On 19 June 2025, Russia and Ukraine said they had completed another prisoner of war (POW) swap as part of a deal reached at peace talks in Istanbul in early June. During the talks, both countries agreed to release more than 1,000 POWs from each side, all of whom were wounded, ill or under 25 years old. While neither side announced how many POWs were released in Thursday’s swap, the Ukrainian government confirmed that the exchange involved “seriously ill and wounded” soldiers. At the Istanbul talks, Kyiv and Moscow also agreed to repatriate more than 6,000 dead Ukrainian soldiers. However, Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately complicating the identification of the bodies. On Thursday, Ukrainian Interior Minister, Igor Klymenko, reiterated this accusation and stated that Moscow had mixed “the bodies of Russian soldiers with those of Ukrainians.” Klymenko gave details of one Russian soldier whose body was handed over to Ukraine in a Russian military uniform. He had a Russian passport, a military ID card, and a military certificate. Attempts to reach a peace deal in Ukraine do not appear any closer, with Moscow rejecting calls for an unconditional ceasefire, instead demanding that Ukraine surrender more territory and abandon Western military support as a condition for peace agreement.
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250619-russia-and-ukraine-carry-out-another-pow-exchange
Congo-Rwanda: To Sign Peace Agreement on 27 June
On 19 June 2025, the US Department of State announced that Congo and Rwanda are set to sign a peace deal in Washington on 27 June that aims to end fighting in eastern Congo. Congo has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels who are fighting in eastern Congo. UN experts have reported that the M23 rebels are backed by about 4,000 Rwandan troops. Rwanda has denied the accusations. The conflict escalated in January, when the M23 rebels made a lightning advance and captured the city of Goma, and subsequently the town of Bukavu. The draft peace agreement includes provisions on “respect for territorial integrity and a prohibition of hostilities; disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups.” Although Congo and Rwanda are not officially at war, they previously held peace negotiations over the situation in eastern Congo, which ultimately came to a standstill. Christian Moleka, a political scientist at the Congolese think tank Dypol, said that success of the peace deal will depend on Congo’s willingness to “undertake structural reforms of the security apparatus, and the commitment of the international community to accompany the reforms to the end.” He noted the current peace deal was not significantly different from previous proposals. M23 is one of about 100 armed groups fighting for control in mineral-rich eastern Congo. The group is primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis who were unable to integrate into the Congolese army. M23 claims it is defending both ethnic Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan origin from discrimination. However, critics argue their campaign, supported by Rwanda, is more about gaining economic and political control over eastern Congo.
https://apnews.com/article/congo-peace-talks-us-e6c714e70fcd9b5c792824414d01f820
Niger: 34 Soldiers Killed in Attack Near Mali Border
On 20 June 2025, it was reported armed attackers had killed 34 Nigerien soldiers and wounded 14 others in western Niger near the tri-state border with Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger’s defence ministry said the attack occurred on Thursday morning in the town of Banibangou, executed by attackers using vehicles and motorbikes. Niger said its forces killed dozens of attackers who they described as “terrorists,” and added that they were carrying out search operations by land and air to find other attackers. For over a decade, Niger and neighbours Burkina Faso and Mali have been fighting a jihadi insurgency, which includes some groups associated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. In recent years, all three nations have had military coups, and the ruling juntas have ended defence agreements with France. Instead, they have turned to Russia for security support from mercenary units. Additionally, the three countries have pledged to strengthen cooperation by setting up their own security alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States. However, the security situation in the Sahel region has deteriorated since the military juntas gained power, with a record number of attacks and civilian deaths by Islamic militants and government forces.
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