From the first trial held under the principle of universal jurisdiction for international crimes committed in Gambia under former President Yahya Jammeh, to the first conviction of the Belgian state for crimes against humanity during its colonial rule, December has been full of remarkable developments regarding international justice.
Read about legal advances in corporate accountability, an inquiry into British military abuses in Kenya, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
Read about a ground-breaking appeal decision in the Kunti Kamara case, a fact finding mission reports crimes against humanity in Iran, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
The International Criminal Court has relaunched its investigation into former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, rejecting the Philippines’ attempt to block the probe. Despite the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes that occurred beforehand, aiming to bring accountability for thousands of victims.
A Swiss court upheld the conviction of Alieu Kosiah, a former Liberian rebel leader, for war crimes, marking the first conviction for crimes against humanity in Switzerland. Meanwhile, a new treaty on international crimes was adopted, and a US arms dealer was convicted for torture in Iraq.
Benjamin Ferencz, the last Nuremberg prosecutor, passed away this month, leaving a legacy of accountability in international law. His work resonates amid significant legal actions, including the Swiss indictment of Gambia’s ex-minister for crimes against humanity and France’s upcoming trial of Syrian officials for war crimes.
January 2023 highlighted the growing impact of universal jurisdiction, with Switzerland’s first war crimes trial involving Liberian Alieu Kosiah. Meanwhile, former rebels faced charges in Finland, and the trial of Gambian death squad member Bai L. marked a historic moment for accountability. Global efforts against impunity continue to expand.
The monthly round-up underscores significant progress in prosecuting international crimes, including the landmark trial of Liberian ex-rebel Kunti Kamara in France. Kenya initiated its first crimes against humanity trial, while TotalEnergies faces accusations of complicity in war crimes in Ukraine. Global efforts continue to hold perpetrators accountable.
