International Legal News - 22 December 2025
- Ned Vucijak
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The following media round up on international and foreign policy issues from around the world for the period of 15 December to 19 December 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.
19 December 2025
House of Commons Library Research Briefings: Yemen in 2025
A new research briefing by Philip Loft provides an update on the present situation in Yemen, and in particular the Yemen separatist movement, the Southern Transitional Council (“STC”) who have expanded their control over non-Houthi controlled Yemen over December 2025.
To read this research briefing, see here.
19 December 2025
International Arbitration: Pending case may overturn the rules on arbitral awards in Mexico
Mexico is viewed as an international hub for the resolution of cross-border arbitral disputes. A case pending in the Mexican courts however represents a possible challenge to the current status quo.
Citigroup’s prominent subsidiary Banamex – one of Mexico’s largest banks - is presently seeking the nullification of an arbitral award rendered in favour Axis Asset Management a boutique Mexican investment firm in the Fourteen Federal District Court for Civil Matters in Mexico City.
The dispute stems from an application by the latter to recover damages from a failure on part of Banamex to pay for management fees owed in relation to the administration of an irrevocable trust.
Last year, Mexico enacted significant judicial reforms, turning out its entire judiciary and introducing a fully elected system. According to one report, these reforms introduce judicial uncertainty as to the enforceability of arbitral awards, and the outcome, possibly having wider ramifications for dispute resolution in the country.
For more on this story, see here.
18 December 2025
International Criminal Law: Further Sanctions by US against ICC judges
It has been reported that another round of sanctions has been issued by the US against staff members of the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) following a recent ruling blocking Israel’s effort to halt a war crimes investigation into the situation in Gaza.
The new sanctions affect two judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia.
The recent move was condemned by The Netherland’s foreign minister, David van Weel, who stated:
“International courts and tribunals must be able to freely carry out their mandates,” and “We will continue to work with partners to this end. We support the court and its staff.”
For more on this story, see here.
17 December 2025
Blog Corner: “Countering the Coup in Benin: A jus ad bellum perspective”
A post by Julien Antouly, assistant professor at Université de Rouen Normandie (France), for EJIL: Talk! will be of interest to academics and practitioners with a specialism in International Law in armed conflict.
Antouly examines the recent attempted coup that took place in Benin this month, after gunfire was heard and armed soldiers appeared on national television announcing that they had deposed President Patrice Talon, only for the President and his Minister of Interior to declare that the situation was under control by the afternoon.
It is reported that the regional organisation ECOWAS issued two communiqués – the result of which, saw reported military assistance from Nigeria and Ivory Coast, as well as intelligence support from the French Republic.
Antouly offers an analysis of the legal framework for military assistance to counter a coup d’État, and about the role of ECOWAS in the region.
To read this article, see here.
16 December 2025
International Investment Arbitration: UK property investor threatens claim against Russia
A UK commercial property group has threatened to file an investment claim against Russia over the nationalisation of its billion-dollar assets in the country.
For more on this story, see here.
15 December 2025
International Shipping: Venezuela accuses Trinidad and Tobago of taking part in US seizure of oil tanker
It has been reported that Venezuela has accused the government of Trinidad and Tobago of taking part in US seizure of an oil tanker of the former’s coast last week, following pressure by the US President against the Venezuelan government.
In a statement, President Maduro accused Trinidad and Tobago of participating in:
“…the theft of Venezuelan oil, committed by the US administration on 10 December with the assault on a vessel transporting this strategic Venezuelan product”.
The tanker in question was believed to be carrying around 2m barrels of heavy crude. For more on this story, see here. The Editors at G37 International News, would like to wish our readers a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!