Myanmar begins defence in landmark genocide case at UN World Court

  Addressing judges in The Hague, Ko Ko Hlaing, speaking as Myanmar’s agent, said his country fully recognizes the importance of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide but firmly denies breaching its obligations under international law. “A finding of genocide would place an indelible stain on my country […]

UN rights chief decries ‘relentless intensification’ of US sanctions against International Criminal Court staff

UN rights chief decries ‘relentless intensification’ of US sanctions against International Criminal Court staff

His call comes a day after four more Court personnel – two judges and two deputy prosecutors – were slapped with sanctions in connection with efforts to investigate alleged war crimes committed by the US and Israel. This follows sanctions imposed earlier on four other judges and the ICC Prosecutor. Measures imposed could include blocking […]

New judge elected to the International Court of Justice

New judge elected to the International Court of Justice

Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud was appointed following a parallel and independent voting process in the General Assembly and Security Council, conducted by secret ballot. He will fill the vacancy left by former ICJ President Nawaf Salam of Lebanon, who resigned in January to become the country’s Prime Minister. He will hold office for the remainder of […]

International Criminal Court: Deputies take over amid Prosecutor misconduct probe

International Criminal Court: Deputies take over amid Prosecutor misconduct probe

In a statement on Monday, the prosecutors’ office confirmed that deputies Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang are taking the lead, ensuring continuity across all cases and operations. The transition follows Prosecutor Khan’s announcement on 16 May that he would temporarily step aside while the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) conducts an […]

World News in Brief: Deadly attacks in South Sudan and Ukraine, World Court rejects Sudan case, lifesaving aid in Yemen

World News in Brief: Deadly attacks in South Sudan and Ukraine, World Court rejects Sudan case, lifesaving aid in Yemen

According to the UN relief coordination office (OCHA), the hospital in Old Fangak was struck early Saturday, killing seven civilians and injuring at least 20 more. The attack also destroyed vital supplies and forced the withdrawal of aid workers, leaving the town’s population without access to critical care. “People in these areas are already battling […]

Israel’s restrictions on UN agencies in Gaza in spotlight at world court

Israel’s restrictions on UN agencies in Gaza in spotlight at world court

The ICJ, which sits in The Hague and is the UN’s top court, is expected to hear from 40 States and four international organizations in proceedings slated to last all week. Representing Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Legal Counsel Elinor Hammarskjöld reiterated his many calls for a ceasefire, for humanitarian aid to reach all people in […]