© Photo by EPP Group via Flickr
International Peace & Security Section
Australia: Signs Mutual Defence Treaty with Papua New Guinea
France: Outgoing French Prime Minister Tries to Negotiate Exit from French Political Crisis
UN: Human Rights Council Establishes Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan
Israel-Gaza: Israeli Cabinet Approves US-Brokered Ceasefire and Hostage Deal to End War
Peru: President Dina Boluarte Impeached Amid Crime Crisis and Political Turmoil
Venezuela: Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
Ukraine: Russian Drone Attack Injures At Least 20 People in Kyiv
ICC: First Darfur Militia Commander Found Guilty of Atrocities After Landmark Trial
On 6 October 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) delivered a landmark conviction against Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, commonly referred to as Ali Kushayb, for 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. These offenses were committed during the Darfur conflict in Sudan from 2003 to 2004, with charges encompassing murder, rape, persecution, and deliberate assaults on civilian populations, specifically targeting non-Arab groups. This judgment represents the ICC’s inaugural conviction stemming from the Darfur situation, following the United Nations Security Council’s referral of the case in 2005. The court’s findings characterised Abd-Al-Rahman as a pivotal figure in the Janjaweed militia, highlighting his central role in orchestrating systematic violence during the conflict. Sentencing is expected to occur in a separate proceeding. This ruling signifies a crucial milestone for the victims of the Darfur conflict and reaffirms the ICC’s ongoing relevance in addressing mass atrocities despite historical delays and the complexities surrounding the custody of suspects.
https://www.justiceinfo.net/en/150750-ali-kushayb-the-convicted-symbol-of-crimes-in-darfur.html
Iran: French-German National Acquitted of Espionage Charges After Lengthy Detention
On 6 October 2025, Iranian judicial authorities acquitted Lennart Monterlos, a French-German national, of espionage charges, following an extended period of detention. Monterlos, 19, was arrested on 16 June while cycling alone across Iran on a bike trip. He was detained in the city of Bandar Abbas on the third day of the war between Iran and Israel. Monterlos denied all charges against him. The Revolutionary Court, based on legal principles and recognising uncertainties about the crime, issued an acquittal. The prosecutor could still appeal this decision. Two other French citizens, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, remain detained in Iran. They were arrested on 7 May 2022 on espionage charges and face the death penalty. Meanwhile, Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian national, was arrested in France in February for allegedly advocating terrorism on social media. Iran has continuously described her detention as arbitrary but insists that Kohler and Paris were spying for Israel. The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that the possible release of the two French citizens and Ms Esfandiari is currently under consideration. Baqaei stressed that the two cases are distinct, noting that they “believe that the detention of the Iranian national in France was unlawful,” while the French citizens “face clearly defined charges.”
France: Launches War Crimes Investigation into Death of Photojournalist in Ukraine
On 6 October 2025, it was reported that prosecutors in France launched a war crimes investigation into the death of French photojournalist Antoni Lallican, who was killed in a drone strike in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials stated that Lallican was on assignment close to the front line in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, integrated with Ukraine’s Fourth Armoured Brigade when he was killed. The Central Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crimes will conduct the investigation, according to France’s anti-terror prosecutor (PNAT). PNAT confirmed the investigation involves potential war crimes, defined as “deliberate attacks on the life and physical or mental integrity of a person protected by international humanitarian law.” The European and International Federations of Journalists reported that at least 17 journalists have been killed in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion. While UNESCO estimates the number to be higher, at 22. Lallican is reportedly the first journalist to have been killed by a drone attack in Ukraine.
Bangladesh: Tribunal Launches Investigation into Awami League for Crimes Against Humanity
On 7 October 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) launched an investigation into the Awami League, a political party in Bangladesh. The investigation is a result of a petition put forward by Bobby Hajjaj, Chair of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) in early October 2024, accusing the Awami League of committing crimes against humanity. The petition alleges that the party ordered mass killings and should be held accountable as a criminal organization for its actions. It also requests the Awami League be tried and disqualified from political activities. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam stated that the preliminary investigation will decide whether the Awami League as an organisation can be held accountable for crimes against humanity. He added they are “carefully examining the allegations.” Following the conclusion of the investigation, the tribunal will decide whether to initiate formal legal proceedings, based on the findings of the investigation.
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/court/393396/war-crimes-tribunal-opens-inquiry-awami-league
ICC: Italian Prime Minister Reported for Alleged Complicity in Gaza-Related Offences
On 7 October 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that she, along with her defence and foreign ministers, had been reported to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged complicity in genocide in connection with Israel’s military activities in Gaza. She added that Roberto Cingolani, the head of defence group Leonardo, may also be named. The complaint, signed by various law professors, lawyers, and public figures, accuses Italian officials of indirectly facilitating war crimes through military and political support for Israel. Meloni has dismissed the complaint and said she was “amazed” by the accusation, asserting that Italy has not authorised any new arms exports to Israel since late 2023. The ICC has not confirmed the receipt of the complaint. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated that Italy is providing arms to Israel under contracts agreed prior to 7 October 2023, and that they have requested guarantees that these weapons will not be used against civilians in Gaza. The news of the complaint against Meloni comes amid recent protests, during which hundreds of thousands have rallied across Italy opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Burkina Faso: Eight NGO Workers Detained on Charges of Espionage
On 8 October 2025, Burkina Faso’s military government said it had arrested eight people working for the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), a Netherlands-based NGO specialised in humanitarian safety. The eight humanitarian workers, French, Czech, Malian, and Burkinabe nationals were accused of providing sensitive information to foreign powers and arrested on spying charges. INSO denied the allegations, stating that the information it collects is solely intended to ensure the safety of aid workers. The arrests occur amid ongoing instability in the country. Since the military coup in 2022, which brought the junta to power amid efforts to stabilise the deteriorating security situation, attacks by armed groups that control large parts of the country have increased, leaving civilians and aid workers particularly vulnerable.
ICC: Judges Deny Duterte’s Request for Release Over Flight Risk Concerns
On 10 October 2025, the ICC denied a request from former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for conditional release from detention while awaiting trial. Duterte, who faces charges of crimes against humanity related to murders committed during his controversial “war on drugs,” argued that his deteriorating health and age warranted his release. However, the Pre-Trial Chamber determined that Duterte represented a significant flight risk and could potentially influence or intimidate witnesses, which necessitated his continued detention to preserve the integrity of the proceedings. Duterte was arrested in March, with the ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, describing it as “a crucial step in our continuous work to ensure accountability for the victims of the most serious crimes under ICC jurisdiction.”
Australia: Signs Mutual Defence Treaty with Papua New Guinea
On 6 October 2025, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape signed a mutual defence treaty in Canberra, formalising greater military cooperation between the two neighbouring nations. The agreement, known as the “Pukpuk Treaty,” commits both countries to enhanced interoperability between their defence assets. The signing holds particular significance as it occurred just weeks after PNG celebrated 50 years of independence from Australia, which had previously exercised colonial control over its northern neighbour. Although Marape dismissed the notion that the pact was conceived due to broader geopolitical issues, stating, “we maintain friendships to all enemies,” the treaty is widely viewed as a strategic step amid growing military interest from global powers like China and the United States (US) in the Pacific region. This move aligns with Australia’s efforts to cement regional security, evidenced by its pursuit of a security agreement with Fiji and its recent landmark treaty with Tuvalu, which offers visas for resettlement due to climate displacement. Experts note that climate change remains a key security concern for many countries in the region, a fact underscored by Australia’s current bid to host the 2026 UN COP climate change meeting alongside its Pacific partners.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/6/australia-papua-new-guinea-sign-mutual-defence-treaty
Myanmar: Activists to Take Legal Action Against Norway’s Telenor for Handing Data to Myanmar Military
On 7 October 2025, a coalition of civil society organisations in Myanmar issued a notice of intent to sue the Norwegian telecoms firm Telenor for allegedly providing customer data to the country’s military government, which was then used in its campaign of repression following the 2021 coup. The claimants, supported by the Netherlands-based Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO), allege that the military used this data to track and target anti-coup activists, some of whom were subsequently tortured or executed. Telenor, majority-owned by the Norwegian government, maintains it faced a “terrible and tragic situation” with “no good options,” arguing that refusing military orders would have put its employees in direct danger. However, the activists assert that Telenor should have deleted all sensitive data before selling its business in 2021, and they are seeking accountability for what they described as a betrayal of customer trust.
France: Outgoing French Prime Minister Tries to Negotiate Exit from French Political Crisis
On 7 October 2025, France’s outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu launched a final effort to secure cross-party support and define a path out of the country’s deepening political crisis. This move came just one day after Lecornu offered his resignation when his proposed cabinet was rejected, having been in office for only 27 hours, making it the briefest administration in modern French history. Despite the confusion, President Emmanuel Macron tasked Lecornu with conducting final negotiations by the following evening to establish a “platform of action and stability for the country.” Critics and politicians from across the spectrum, including former prime ministers, reacted with shock and suggested that the situation necessitates either the dissolution of parliament or an early presidential election, highlighting the political chaos that has ensued since Macron announced snap elections in 2024.
UN: Human Rights Council Establishes Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan
On 7 October 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) achieved a significant advancement in international human rights advocacy by voting unanimously to establish a permanent independent investigative mechanism. This initiative is designed to document and preserve evidence of human rights violations in Afghanistan, specifically focusing on crimes perpetrated against women and girls under Taliban governance. The resolution mandates that investigators collaborate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other relevant organisations to facilitate potential future prosecutions. This measure is in direct response to escalating international concerns regarding systematic gender persecution and extrajudicial abuses occurring since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021. The establishment of this mechanism is viewed as a critical structural advancement within the UN framework aimed at fostering long-term accountability in the absence of comprehensive judicial access in Afghanistan. Rights advocates have lauded this initiative as an essential link between human rights documentation and prospective criminal proceedings under international law, thereby enhancing global oversight of Taliban governance and violations of binding human rights treaties.
UN: Cuts 25% of Peacekeepers Amid US Funding Strains
On 9 October 2025, the United Nations announced a 25% reduction in its peacekeeping forces and operations as a result of major US funding cuts, the UN’s largest donor. The UN plans to reduce the peacekeeping force’s budget by approximately 15% followed a meeting on Tuesday between UN Secretary-General Guterres and representatives from major donor countries, including the new US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz who argued that the UN’s budget and agencies are “bloated and redundant.” Consequently, in the coming months, around 14,000 of the 50,000 military and police personnel deployed across nine global missions – including Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Kosovo – are expected to be withdrawn. UN officials warned the cuts could severely impact ongoing efforts to stabilise conflict zones and protect civilians. The move reflects President Donald Trump’s renewed “America First” policy and growing tensions between Washington and international institutions. Since his re-election, Trump has ordered a review of the UN and other multilateral institutions, which has already led the US to cut ties with UNESCO, the World Health Organisation, and the top UN human rights body.
https://apnews.com/article/trump-united-nations-cuts-review-154e7b2756a08140c6fcecd6c38ce0f5
Israel-Gaza: Israeli Cabinet Approves US-Brokered Ceasefire and Hostage Deal to End War
On 10 October 2025, Israel’s Cabinet approved a US-brokered ceasefire plan proposed by President Donald Trump, paving the way for the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas and the potential end of the two-year Gaza war. The agreement includes an immediate ceasefire, a phased Israeli military withdrawal from most of Gaza, and the release of around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for all surviving hostages. According to officials, five border crossings, including Rafah, will reopen, allowing humanitarian aid into the enclave. An international monitoring team, including around 200 US troops, will help oversee the truce. The plan also outlines a long-term security presence for Israel along its border and an international force, largely from Arab and Muslim states, to manage Gaza’s internal security. The conflict, beginning with Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attacks, has killed over 67,000 Palestinians and displaced millions, while around 1,200 Israelis were killed in the initial assault. Though the deal represents the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the war began, major uncertainties remain over the scope of Israel’s withdrawal, Gaza’s future governance, and prospects for a sustainable peace or viable Palestinian state amid trauma and devastation.
https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-trump-peace-plan-e3d0ce091be56cc29207e566ff1603af
Peru: President Dina Boluarte Impeached Amid Crime Crisis and Political Turmoil
On 10 October 2025, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was impeached and removed from office after a unanimous 122-0 congressional vote. Lawmakers invoked the constitutional clause of “permanent moral incapacity” against Ms. Bolouarte, following a surge in gang violence, including a machine-gun attack this week at a concert in Lima, and mounting frustration with her failure to stem extortion. The now former President, who took office in 2022 after the removal of Pedro Castillo, had faced multiple scandals ranging from alleged bribery and misuse of power to human rights investigations over deadly state crackdowns on protests. Boluarte, who initially emerged from the left of Peruvian politics alongside Castillo, later relied on a coalition of right-wing and centrist factions in Congress. However, she was abandoned by her allies as her approval rating plunged to below 5%, leaving her position untenable ahead of elections scheduled for April 2026. Congressional president José Jerí will now assume the presidency on an interim basis. Boluarte’s removal extends Peru’s cycle of instability, with six former presidents imprisoned in two decades. Public fury over corruption, crime, and inequality continues to erode trust in democratic institutions, mirroring wider regional trends.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/10/world/americas/peru-president-boluarte-impeached.html
Venezuela: Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
On 10 October 2025, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to democracy and human rights in Venezuela. The Nobel Committee lauded her as a “brave and committed champion of peace,” acknowledging her role in keeping “the flame of democracy burning during a growing darkness.” With over two decades in politics, Machado has long been one of Chavismo’s most vocal and influential critics. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, she was barred from running by Venezuela’s pro-regime supreme court, prompting former ambassador Edmundo González to represent the opposition. Machado has spent the last year in hiding after her political movement was widely believed to have won the 2024 presidential election, beating the country’s president Nicolás Maduro. Maduro refused to accept election results and responded by launching a broad campaign against dissent that forced her ally Edmundo González into exile and Machado into hiding. Today, Maduro is still in power, backed by Venezuela’s military and key international backers, including China and Russia. The Nobel Committee highlighted the dire conditions in Venezuela, describing the country as having evolved from a relatively democratic and prosperous state into a “brutal, authoritarian state” suffering from widespread poverty and a mass exodus of its citizens. Nearly eight million people have left the country, and the opposition has been systematically suppressed through election rigging, legal prosecution, and imprisonment. While Machado’s recognition has been celebrated internationally, some Venezuelans remain sceptical due to her past advocacy for foreign intervention and associations with right-wing foreign leaders.
Ukraine: Russian Drone Attack Injures At Least 20 People in Kyiv
On 10 October 2025, Russian forces launched over 450 drones and 30 missiles overnight, wounding at least 20 people in Kyiv and killing a child in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, according to Ukrainian officials. In the capital, residential buildings sustained heavy damage as fires spread through a 17-storey apartment block, prompting large-scale rescue operations. Power outages were reported across the Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Cherkasy regions following strikes on key energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as part of Russia’s ongoing campaign to cripple Ukraine’s power grid ahead of the winter months. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted or jammed the majority of incoming weapons, including 405 drones and 15 missiles. Authorities warned that the latest assault marks a renewed escalation in Russia’s efforts to undermine Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, echoing similar winter offensives from previous years.
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-airstrikes-74c456c48b64e93300b4cf05bc60f6dd
Weekly News Recap (25 – 31 May 2026) © Photo by USAID U.S. Agency for International Development via FlickrInternational Justice SectionTunisia: Court Sentences Presidential Critic Sonia Dahmani to New Two-Year Prison TermCambodia: Opposition Leader Kem Sokha Granted Royal Pardon by King Norodom Sihamoni for Treason SentenceFrance: Appeals Court Orders Release
Weekly News Recap (18 – 24 May 2026) © Photo by Aerous via Wikimedia Commons International Justice Section Yemen: Court Sentences 19 to Death for Alleged Collaboration with Saudi-Led Coalition Bahrain: Court Sentences Man to Life Imprisonment for Alleged Links to IRGC and Hezbollah South Korea: Former Defence Minister Sentenced
Weekly News Recap (11 – 17 May 2026) © Photo by Climate Centre via Flickr International Justice Section ICC: Unseals Arrest Warrant for Senator Ronald Dela Rosa Over Duterte Drug War Killings Philippines: Senator Ronald Dela Rosa Files Urgent Supreme Court Appeal Against ICC Arrest Warrant Bosnia and Herzegovina: Criminal
