The following media round up on international and foreign policy issues from around the world for the period of 18 to 25 November 2024.
Guernica 37 will provide weekly media updates from the International Criminal Court, European Court of Human Rights, United Nations, European Union and other sources. Should you wish to contribute or submit a media summary, opinion piece or blog, please send to Ned Vucijak at nenadv@guernica37.com for consideration.
Lebanon – 25 November 2024
A US-manufactured missile used by Israel in an airstrike that killed three journalists in Lebanon has reignited debates about accountability in arms sales.
Critics argue that the incident underscores the need for stricter controls on the transfer of arms to states accused of violations of international humanitarian law. The strike, targeting civilians, has fueled calls for investigations into both the responsible parties and the arms suppliers.
The Hague – 25 November 2024
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel; Yoav Gallant, former Israeli Minister of Defence and al-Qassam brigades commander Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri , known as Deif.
Calls for the three to face prosecution have intensified.
Germany – 24 November 2024
The question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face arrest in Germany has resurfaced amid intensified scrutiny of international criminal law obligations.
Legal experts debate whether Germany’s enforcement of international law will prove to be selective when it comes to high-profile political leaders of Germany’s allies.
Russia – 24 November 2024
President Vladimir Putin has signed legislation offering debt relief to new military recruits serving in Ukraine, a measure aimed at bolstering enlistment.
Critics see the law as an incentivization of military participation in a controversial conflict that has drawn widespread international condemnation. This development highlights Russia's strategic use of economic incentives to sustain its protracted war efforts.
Nicaragua – 24 November 2024
Nicaragua’s legislature has unanimously approved constitutional reforms establishing a "co-presidency," effectively consolidating power within the ruling regime.
Critics argue that this move undermines democratic governance and entrenches authoritarian rule. The reforms reflect a broader trend of legal manipulation to solidify political control in the region.
Ukraine – 23 November 2024
An international initiative to establish a special tribunal for prosecuting the crime of aggression against Ukraine marks a significant development in global justice.
This tribunal seeks to address Russian leaders' accountability for the invasion, which experts view as a blatant violation of the UN Charter. The establishment reflects mounting pressure for robust legal mechanisms to deter future acts of aggression.
Thailand – 22 November 2024
A Thai court has dismissed a lawsuit against an Israeli spyware company, citing insufficient evidence to proceed. The case raised concerns about the use of surveillance technology in human rights violations, particularly against political activists and journalists. The dismissal signals the challenges of holding corporations accountable for complicity in state surveillance abuses.
Myanmar – 20 November 2024
The use of landmines in Myanmar has surged, with devastating impacts on civilian lives and livelihoods. Rights groups report a sharp increase in casualties, including among children, and warn that these practices may constitute war crimes. The ongoing crisis reflects the pervasive disregard for international norms in Myanmar’s escalating conflicts.
Iran – 20 November 2024
Iran has issued a wave of new death sentences, raising alarm among international observers and human rights advocates.
The move is seen as an attempt to suppress dissent and instill fear amid growing unrest within the country. Critics argue that the escalation in capital punishment highlights systemic violations of fair trial standards and human rights in Iran.
Thailand – 20 November 2024
The resurgence of insurgent violence in southern Thailand, marked by deliberate attacks on civilians, has drawn condemnation. The targeting of civilians violates international humanitarian law and exacerbates the protracted conflict in the region. Analysts point to the need for renewed dialogue and accountability mechanisms to address grievances and end the cycle of violence.
United Nations – 22 November 2024
A recent resolution urging states to negotiate a robust treaty on crimes against humanity represents a critical step toward strengthening international accountability.
Advocates argue that such a treaty would fill gaps in the current legal framework and ensure justice for widespread atrocities. The resolution underscores the international community's evolving commitment to combating impunity.
Kenya/Uganda – 20 November 2024
The abduction of a Ugandan opposition politician in Kenya has spotlighted a disturbing trend of transnational repression.
Critics warn that such incidents violate international law and erode regional stability. The case exemplifies the increasing use of extraterritorial tactics to suppress political dissent in East Africa.