The following media round up on international and foreign policy issues from around the world for the period of 14 to 21 October 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.
Gaza – 21 October 2024
The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances has catalogued tens of thousands of cases of disappeared persons in Gaza. Calls are growing for an international investigation into disappearances as crimes against humanity under international law. Legal experts argue that their systematic nature, often linked to the ongoing conflict, require immediate scrutiny by international bodies and the International Criminal Court, to ensure accountability and delivering justice to the families of the disappeared.
Philippines – 21 October 2024
Ongoing congressional hearings in the Philippines have revealed disturbing details about former President Duterte's "War on Drugs," including state-sanctioned extrajudicial killings and systemic police misconduct. Testimonies indicate widespread falsification of reports and a culture of impunity within law enforcement. These developments are likely to amplify calls for accountability at both national and international levels, potentially involving the International Criminal Court.
India – 19 October 2024
India’s Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling permitting the granting of citizenship to foreign migrants who have entered Assam. This decision, which follows years of contentious debate surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act, has significant implications for the legal status of thousands of refugees and stateless individuals in India. The ruling is expected to reshape the country's immigration and citizenship policies, especially in the northeastern regions.
Venezuela – 18 October 2024
An international arbitration tribunal has awarded compensation to a telecommunications investor following a successful claim against Venezuela for unlawful expropriation. The tribunal found that Venezuela's actions breached international investment agreements, resulting in significant financial penalties. This decision could influence future investment disputes, reinforcing protections under bilateral investment treaties.
Thailand – 18 October 2024
Despite longstanding arrest warrants for officials involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre, Thai authorities have yet to act, prompting renewed demands from human rights groups for immediate enforcement. The failure to bring those responsible to justice perpetuates a cycle of impunity for state violence in Thailand. As the 20th anniversary of the massacre approaches, international legal bodies may intensify scrutiny of Thailand’s human rights record.
Ethiopia – 18 October 2024
The escalation of armed conflict in Ethiopia has raised serious concerns over the growing number of Sudanese refugees fleeing into the region. The humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating, with international observers warning that Ethiopia's internal strife is compounding an already fragile refugee crisis. Calls for intervention and protection of refugees are increasing as the conflict shows no sign of resolution.
Israel – 18 October 2024
UN experts have raised concerns that countries aiding Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories may be complicit in violations of international law. The experts argue that providing military and financial support enables the continuation of human rights abuses and breaches of the Geneva Conventions. This legal analysis may prompt deeper scrutiny of international actors involved in the conflict and calls for accountability at the global level.
Palestine – 15 October 2024
Human rights groups are urging Israel to rescind evacuation orders for northern Gaza, which they claim are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. These orders, combined with restricted access for humanitarian aid, have drawn significant criticism from the international community. Legal experts argue that Israel's actions could amount to violations of international humanitarian law, particularly concerning the treatment of civilians in conflict zones.