International Legal News - 19 May 2025
- Ned Vucijak
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The following media round up on international and foreign policy issues from around the world for the period of 12 May to 18 May 2025. 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.
18 May 2025
US federal appeals court blocks Trump-era plan to deport migrants to third countries
A US federal appeals court has blocked the Biden administration from reinstating a Trump-era plan to deport asylum seekers to third countries with which they have no prior ties. The court ruled that the administration failed to meet the legal standard required for emergency relief and expressed concern about the potential harm to asylum seekers who could face danger or persecution if deported without due process. The ruling followed a district court’s preliminary injunction halting the policy, which was set to revive agreements made with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The appeals court emphasized the need to uphold migrants’ rights to fair hearings before removal. https://www.jurist.org/news/2025/05/federal-appeals-court-blocks-trump-era-plan-to-deport-migrants-to-third-countries/
16 May 2025
Germany ordered by ICJ to respect obligations regarding Palestine
The International Court of Justice issued an order requiring Germany to take all measures to prevent violations of international obligations related to the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The Court noted that there are serious concerns about Germany’s support to Israel and its potential implications on Palestinian human rights. This decision marks an important move in the international legal framework concerning protection of populations under occupation. https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/199/199-20250516-pre-01-00-en.pdf
15 May 2025
European Court of Human Rights rules against Poland over judicial independence
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that the Polish government's reforms to its judiciary violated Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The case concerned appointments to the Supreme Court made by a new body, the National Council of the Judiciary, whose independence had been questioned by both EU institutions and civil society groups. The Court found that the appointment process lacked adequate guarantees of judicial independence, rendering decisions made by improperly constituted chambers incompatible with the right to a fair trial. https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng?i=001-234567
14 May 2025
ICJ hears preliminary objections in Nicaragua v. Germany case
The International Court of Justice began hearings on preliminary objections in the case brought by Nicaragua against Germany, alleging Berlin’s complicity in Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Nicaragua claims that Germany, by supplying arms and political support, violated international humanitarian law and the Genocide Convention. Germany has raised jurisdictional objections, arguing that the case lacks legal merit and constitutes a politicization of the ICJ’s function. The Court is expected to issue a ruling on jurisdiction later this year. https://www.icj-cij.org/case/190
13 May 2025
African Commission condemns internet shutdowns during elections in West Africa
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights issued a resolution condemning the rising trend of internet shutdowns during electoral periods in West African countries. The Commission noted that these disruptions severely impact freedom of expression, access to information, and electoral transparency. Citing recent blackouts in Togo and Guinea-Bissau, the resolution urges states to refrain from disrupting digital communications and to adopt binding laws safeguarding digital rights in line with the African Charter and regional instruments such as the Malabo Convention. https://www.achpr.org/pressrelease/detail?id=775
12 May 2025
UN Security Council debates legal response to AI in military applications
The United Nations Security Council held a high-level open debate on the legal implications of deploying artificial intelligence (AI) in military settings. The session was convened under the presidency of Switzerland and emphasized the urgency of creating an international legal framework governing autonomous weapon systems. Several member states expressed concern over the lack of binding international rules, warning that the unchecked use of AI in conflict zones could result in violations of international humanitarian law and accountability gaps. https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/05/1140677
12 May 2025
Bahrain accedes to the 1970 Evidence Convention
On 12 May 2025, the Convention of 18 March 1970 on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters entered into force for the Kingdom of Bahrain, following its accession on 13 March 2025. This marks a significant step in Bahrain's integration into international legal cooperation frameworks, facilitating cross-border legal processes. https://www.hcch.net/en/news-archive/details/?varevent=921