© Photo by Nestlé via Flickr
International Peace & Security Section
Sudan: 17 IDPs Found Dead in Desert While Attempting to Reach Northern Sudan
Jordan: Rights Group Reveals Forcible Eviction of Bedul Bedouins in Petra
UN: Security Council Adopts Resolution Promoting Peaceful Settlement of Disputes
UK-Türkiye: Signs Memorandum of Understanding for Eurofighter Typhoon Jets
Nigeria: WFP Warns Funding Shortfall Could Lead to Aid Collapse in Northeastern Nigeria
Belgium: Authorities Investigate Two Israeli Tourists Amidst Legal Complaints For International Humanitarian Law Violations
On 21 July 2025, Belgian authorities briefly held and questioned two Israeli citizens attending the Tomorrowland music festival near Antwerp amidst legal complaints accusing them of “serious violations of international humanitarian law” in Gaza. The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) and Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) filed the complaints, identifying the individuals via social media as Israeli soldiers seen waving a Givati Brigade flag, a unit linked to alleged war crimes in Gaza. Under a 2023 Belgian law permitting investigation of international crimes committed abroad, prosecutors ordered police to locate and interview the two individuals. They were released shortly after questioning, and authorities have opened a criminal investigation, but provided no further details at this stage. Belgium officially referred to both as soldiers; Israeli officials responded that only one of them serves in the military. The HRF has hailed the incident as a “turning point in global accountability.”
ECtHR: UK Response to Russian Election Interference Not A Breach of Political Rights of MPs
On 22 July 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that the United Kingdom (UK) did not violate the political rights of former Members of Parliament in connection with alleged Russian interference in recent elections. The judgment, in Bradshaw and Others v. The United Kingdom found no breach of Article 3 of Protocol No. 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguards the right to free elections. The applicants—three MPs elected in 2019—claimed that the UK government failed to adequately investigate or respond to credible Russian efforts to manipulate the democratic process. Two of the applicants did not run for re-election; the third lost his seat. They relied on two official reports: one from the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee and another from the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, both highlighting Russian involvement in UK political affairs Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the interference allegations and the government’s delayed and limited reaction, the ECtHR held that these shortcomings were not grave enough to constitute a denial of the “very essence” of the right to stand for and sit in Parliament. The Court emphasised that States are only obligated to investigate foreign interference when a failure to do so would fundamentally undermine electoral integrity. Between 2022 and 2023, the UK adopted a suite of legislative reforms—namely the Elections Act 2022, the National Security Act 2023, and the Online Safety Act 2023—aimed at countering foreign disinformation and strengthening democratic safeguards. The Court found these measures to be sufficient evidence of the government’s intent to address the threat and uphold electoral standards. The ruling comes amidst a wider European reckoning with alleged Russian electoral manipulation. In Romania, claims of Russian interference led to the resignation of the president and the disqualification of a leading presidential candidate earlier this year. In Georgia, large-scale protests erupted following the 2024 election, with opposition groups citing foreign meddling. The ECtHR’s judgment may set an influential precedent on how democratic States are expected to respond to external threats without infringing on political rights.
Niger: Rights Group Demands Release of Ousted and Arbitrarily Detained President Mohamed Bazoum
On 23 July 2025, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for the immediate release of Niger’s former president Mohamed Bazoum, who has remained in detention since a military coup removed him from power in July 2023. In their statement, the organization condemned the detention as politically motivated and in violation of international human rights obligations. “Niger’s military junta demonstrates its contempt for the rule of law every day it detains former President Bazoum and his wife,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior researcher at HRW. “His politically motivated detention and prosecution discredit any junta claims to a more democratic Niger.” Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021, is being held on charges of high treason and conspiracy to undermine state authority. Nigerien authorities have defended his continued imprisonment on national security grounds. Justice Minister Aliyou Daouada asserted in April 2025 that “the question of his release is an internal matter in Niger and only concerns Niger.” The country has been governed since the coup by the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. Niger’s constitution remains suspended, and reports of widespread repression—including restrictions on political opposition, civil society, and independent media—have drawn mounting international concern. Bazoum’s detention has already been declared arbitrary by the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which ordered his release in December 2023. However, the ruling has gone unenforced, and Niger formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025, effectively removing itself from the court’s jurisdiction. In addition to regional pressure, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention also called for the release of Bazoum and his wife in February 2025, warning of potential legal and diplomatic consequences if the junta continues to ignore international norms. Human rights groups argue that Niger is bound by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which prohibit arbitrary detention and guarantee the right to fair trial. Allegations of due process violations, including Bazoum’s lack of access to legal counsel during the June 2024 lifting of his immunity, have further undermined the junta’s legitimacy. As political isolation deepens and pressure mounts, rights advocates warn that Bazoum’s continued detention will only exacerbate Niger’s diplomatic and human rights crisis.
https://newscentral.africa/bazoum-held-for-years-as-human-shield/
Yemen: Houthis Accused of War Crimes Against Cargo Ships in the Red Sea
On 23 July 2025, Human Rights Watch (HRW) deemed recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on two commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea as violations of the laws of war amounting to war crimes. Between 6 – 9 July 2025, Houthi naval forces targeted and sank the MV Magic Seas and the MV Eternity C, both civilian-operated, killing and injuring crew members and unlawfully detaining six rescued sailors. Neither vessel was linked to Israel nor engaged in any military activity at the time, and at least one was carrying humanitarian cargo for the UN World Food Programme. HRW emphasises that under established international maritime law (the 1994 San Remo Manual), attacks on non‑military merchant vessels are prohibited, and holding rescued crew in custody is also unlawful. In a public statement, Yemen researcher Niku Jafarnia urged the Houthis to cease targeting civilian shipping and to release detained sailors immediately.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/07/23/yemen-houthis-attacks-on-cargo-ships-apparent-war-crimes
ICC: Convicts Militia Leaders of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity in CAR
On 24 July 2025, International Criminal Court (ICC) judges in The Hague convicted Patrice‑Edouard Ngaïssona and Alfred Yekatom, leaders of the predominantly Christian anti‑Balaka militia in the Central African Republic (CAR), for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the 2013‑2014 conflict. Ngaïssona, formerly president of the national football federation, was sentenced to 12 years, while Yekatom, known as “Rambo”, received a 15-year sentence for atrocities including murder, torture, persecution, and forcible displacement of Muslim civilians. Presiding Judge Bertram Schmitt described horrific acts: one victim had fingers, toes, and an ear amputated before being disappeared. Homes, mosques, and businesses were looted during the sectarian violence that displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the trial began in 2021. This landmark verdict marks the ICC’s first conviction for atrocities committed after Seleka forces seized power in CAR in 2013, while proceedings against another Seleka commander, Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, continue.
France: Court Upholds Assad’s Immunity For Actions Committed While in Power
On 25 July 2025, France’s highest court upheld former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad’s immunity for actions committed while he was in power, but left open the possibility of prosecuting him for war crimes now that he has been ousted. The Cour de Cassation ruled that international law protects sitting heads of state from prosecution for atrocities, frustrating human rights lawyers and Syrian activists who had hoped for a precedent that would allow leaders to be tried even while in office. Still, the court noted that since Assad fled to Russia in December 2024 after rebels seized Damascus, new arrest warrants could now be issued for acts that may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity, including the 2013 sarin gas attack in Ghouta. The decision drew mixed reactions: activists like Mazen Darwish, who has spent years gathering evidence of Assad’s crimes, called it a “huge mistake” that risks emboldening dictators, while others pointed to progress in the court’s willingness to prosecute other high-ranking Syrian officials. Indeed, the same ruling cleared the way for charges against Assad’s former finance minister, Adib Mayaleh, and affirmed that anyone short of a sitting head of state, head of government, or foreign minister could face prosecution in France for genocide or war crimes. Assad, who denies ordering chemical attacks, held onto power for more than a decade with the backing of Russia and Iran, presiding over a conflict that killed over half a million people and displaced millions more. While Friday’s ruling disappointed many who sought immediate accountability, it paves the way for Assad to face trial in absentia in France—or arrest if he ever leaves Russian protection—as evidence collected by Syrians under grave personal risk continues to mount.
Kenya: Activist Arrested over Alleged “Terrorism Facilitation” Amidst Regional Rights Lawsuit
On 25 July 2025, Kenyan human rights defender Boniface Mwangi was arrested at his Nairobi home for allegedly “facilitating terrorist activities” during youth-led protests on 26 June 2025. His arrest follows a lawsuit he filed at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) against the governments of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, accusing them of torture and multiple rights violations. Mwangi and fellow activist Agather Atuhaire allege they were arbitrarily detained, tortured, and deported by Tanzanian authorities in May while attempting to observe the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The EACJ is reviewing the case under the East African Community Treaty, though it lacks direct human rights jurisdiction. The pair are seeking over US$1 million in reparations. Several rights groups, including ICJ Kenya and the Civic Freedom Forum, condemned the arrest. “Today it is Boniface Mwangi. Tomorrow it could be a student. A teacher. A mother,” Civic Freedom Forum said in a statement. Mwangi, a prominent critic of President William Ruto’s government, had accused police of brutality and government-backed militias during the June protests, which left hundreds injured and arrested. Authorities have confirmed an investigation is underway, but no formal charges have been announced.
Afghanistan: Red Cross Warns of Deteriorating Crisis as Over 2.6 Million People Return and Overwhelm Communities
On 21 July 2025, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) issued a warning regarding the worsening situation in Afghanistan, with multiple ongoing crises and the influx of returnees the country is struggling to cope with the pressures. According to UNHCR data, over 2.6 million people have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran, many arriving with few belongings and in need of assistance to rebuild their lives. In a statement, the IFRC outlined they are “deeply concerned about the future of people living in and returning to Afghanistan.” The Head of Delegation of IFRC Afghanistan, Sami Fakhouri, stated that if the international community does not act now, communities in Afghanistan will be overwhelmed by the influx of returnees. The IFRC stressed that humanitarian operations are under severe pressure due to critical funding shortfalls. Fakhouri outlined they are being forced to make tough decisions, for example, determining if they have enough funding to provide basic support, such as food for returnees at the borders. Currently, they have only secured 10 percent of the necessary funding.
Sudan: 17 IDPs Found Dead in Desert While Attempting to Reach Northern Sudan
On 21 July 2025, Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commissioner in Northern State, Abdul Rahman Ali Khairi, reported that 17 Sudanese internally displaced persons (IDPs) died while crossing the desert travelling from the border town of Tina in North Darfur State to Ad-Dabba in Northern State. Meanwhile, 10 women and 13 children who survived were rescued and taken to hospital. This incident occurs as violence escalates in Darfur, following a series of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on regions north of Kutum, Al-Maliha, and Al-Fasher, which have forced thousands to flee. According to Hiam Omar, a child development official in the state, some IDPs were attacked by the RSF after they fled Tina, worsening their suffering during their journey through the desert. This incident highlights the dire conditions faced by displaced people fleeing conflict and the urgent need for safe passage and humanitarian assistance.
Thailand: Accuses Cambodia of Planting Landmines in a Disputed Border Area Where Three Soldiers were Injured
On 21 July 2025, Thailand accused Cambodia of planting new landmines in a disputed border region following an incident where three soldiers were injured. However, Cambodia has denied the claim, instead asserting the soldiers had deviated from the agreed patrol route and triggered an old mine left from years of war. The incident occurred on 16 July on the Thai side of the disputed border between Ubon Ratchathani and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province. Three soldiers suffered injuries in the explosion, with one soldier losing a foot. The Thai army reported the discovery of 10 newly planted Russian-made PMN-2 type landmines between 18-20 July, close to where the soldiers were injured. The Cambodia Mine Action Centre estimates that there are still 4 to 6 million landmines dispersed across the country. In the first four months of 2025, five people were killed and approximately a dozen more injured by mines and unexploded ordnance in Cambodia. The area where the landmine injured the Thai soldiers is near to where a Cambodian soldier was killed in May, during an exchange of gunfire between forces of both countries. That shooting incident has escalated into a wider diplomatic dispute, contributing to political instability in Thailand, which has led to the suspension of the Prime Minister. Thailand has announced it will issue a formal condemnation and demand accountability from Cambodia for violating the landmine treaty. While Cambodia has said the landmine incident highlights the need to resolve the border dispute at the International Court of Justice. However, Thailand has refused to recognise the court’s jurisdiction on the matter, opting instead to settle it through bilateral channels.
Gaza: At Least 85 People Killed Seeking Aid
On 21 July 2025, it was reported at least 85 Palestinians had been killed while trying to seek aid on Sunday, marking one of the deadliest days for aid-seekers in over 21 months of the war. The reported deaths occurred as evacuation orders were issued by the Israeli military for parts of central Gaza, which is one of the few areas where Israeli military ground operations were limited, and where many international aid organisations are stationed. Northern Gaza recorded the highest number of deaths, where the conditions are particularly dire. At least 70 Palestinians were killed while attempting to access aid that was entering through the Zikim crossing with Israel. According to the UN World Food Programme, 25 aid trucks arrived in the area to assist “starving communities,” where they were met with large crowds. A witness account from Ehab Al-Zei described being trapped, surrounded by tanks as gunshots rained down. Another witness, Nafiz Al-Najjar, who was injured during the incident, reported that tanks and drones targeted people “randomly.” The Israeli military said its soldiers opened fire at large crowds of Palestinians in northern Gaza who posed a threat. They also acknowledged there were some casualties. The Israeli military claimed the death toll reported by Gaza officials was significantly higher than those found in its investigation, and they accused Hamas of intentionally creating chaos.
Jordan: Rights Group Reveals Forcible Eviction of Bedul Bedouins in Petra
On 22 July 2025, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that the Jordanian government is carrying out forced evictions of a Bedouin tribe in Petra in Southern Jordan. The Bedul tribe, a semi-nomadic group residing in caves and tents on the Stooh al-Nabi Harun Mountain in Petra, first encountered eviction by Jordan in 1985 when Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, around 50 Bedul families refused to leave and have remained at the site. The Bedul tribe is recognised as the oldest known inhabitants of the land surrounding Petra, which is a global tourist attraction with over a million visitors each year. According to HRW, interview footage and court documents expose measures by the Jordanian government intended to evict the Bedul tribe, which HRW describes as “coercive.” These include the suspension of water services, the halting of social security payments and salaries for Bedul residents employed by the Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority (PDTRA). Additionally, some Bedul residents have reportedly been arbitrarily detained without charge, with their release dependent on agreeing to leave their homes. Adam Coogle, Middle East and North Africa deputy director at HRW, called on the Jordanian government to stop the relocations, adding such measures risk the cultural heritage of the Bedul community. Fares al-Braizat, chair of the Board of Commissioners of the PDTRA, said the evictions were part of an initiative to strengthen the rule of law and to remove “sources of threat” to tourists. However, Coogle asserted that “Jordan can’t claim to protect Petra’s living heritage while sidelining the very community that embodies it.” Historically, Bedouin settlements have faced persecution throughout the region, including in the nearby occupied West Bank, where Palestinian Bedouins have been subjected to attacks by Israeli settlers.
UN: Security Council Adopts Resolution Promoting Peaceful Settlement of Disputes
On 22 July 2025, the UN Security Council passed a resolution urging all member states to use mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes. The resolution was put forward by Pakistan and all 15 members of the Council voted in favour. The resolution calls on all member states to “utilise effectively” the mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes as outlined in the UN Charter, including “negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements,” or other peaceful methods. Additionally, the resolution reaffirms the obligations of all member states to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Council members also called on member states to adopt the necessary measures to ensure Security Council resolutions are effectively implemented to achieve the peaceful settlement of disputes. The resolution encourages regional and sub-regional organisations to improve their efforts for peaceful settlement of disputes, in accordance with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions. Also, the resolution requests that within one year, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres must submit “concrete recommendations” to further bolster the frameworks for the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the establishment of regular briefings to monitor progress.
UK-Türkiye: Signs Memorandum of Understanding for Eurofighter Typhoon Jets
On 23 July 2025, the UK and Türkiye signed a preliminary agreement for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye, as Ankara looks to modernise its fleet of military aircrafts. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and UK Defence Minister John Healey during a defence industry fair in Istanbul. Türkiye has long expressed a desire to buy 40 Eurofighter jets, which are developed by a consortium of companies from the UK, Germany and Italy. It was reported Germany was initially against the sale but has since changed its stance. The UK led negotiations with Türkiye on behalf of the consortium. Türkiye’s defence ministry said the agreement brings the two countries “one step closer to a full agreement on the Typhoon.” They added that both countries “share a mutual ambition to conclude the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.” Officials in Türkiye have said negotiations are still ongoing over pricing and technical terms. Meanwhile, Türkiye is also aiming to rejoin the US-led F-35 fighter jet program, following its removal in 2019 after the country purchased Russian-made S-400 missile defence systems, which the US said posed a threat to the F-35s. Additionally, Türkiye is developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet, the KAAN, which is expected to be in operation by 2028.
Nigeria: WFP Warns Funding Shortfall Could Lead to Aid Collapse in Northeastern Nigeria
On 24 July 2025, the World Food Programme (WFP) issued a warning that critical funding shortages could force them to halt its emergency food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeastern Nigeria by the end of the month. In a statement, the WFP said that “millions of vulnerable people will face impossible choices,” such as extreme hunger, forced migration, or becoming vulnerable to exploitation by extremist groups. The WFP said its food and nutrition supplies ran out in early July, and the current aid distribution will be the last unless new funding is secured. David Stevenson, WFP’s country director for Nigeria, outlined that nearly 31 million people are now experiencing acute hunger in Nigeria, and that without urgent funding WFP’s operations in northwest Nigeria will collapse. In the first half of 2025, the WFP reported it supported 1.3 million people in northern Nigeria with life-saving aid. However, a major funding deficit risks support for an additional 720,000, with WFP requiring US$130 million to continue operations for the remainder of the year. Stevenson warned that the suspension of emergency aid could force many people to migrate in search of food and shelter, while others will resort to dangerous measures, including joining insurgent groups to survive.
Weekly News Recap (6 – 12 April 2026) © Photo by United States Department of Defense via Wikimedia CommonsInternational Justice SectionRomania: Appeals Court Lifts Judicial Controls on Social Media Influencer in Human Trafficking CaseRussia: Court Jails Former Kursk Governor for 14 Years in Corruption CaseIndonesia: Files Genocide Complaint Against New
Weekly News Recap (30 March – 5 April 2026) © Photo by EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid via Flickr International Justice Section ECtHR: Rules Denmark Breached Prohibition of Inhuman Treatment in Prolonged Restraint of Psychiatric Patient ECtHR: Rules Russia Violated Right to Fair Trial in Conviction Based on Testimony
Weekly News Recap (23 – 29 March 2026) © Photo by EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid via Flickr International Justice Section China: Court Sentences Human Rights Lawyer Xie Yang to Five Years for Inciting Subversion Following Secret Trial India: Court Sentences Kashmiri Separatist Leader Aasiya Andrabi to Life Imprisonment
