Despite its legal clarity and direct evidence in cases like Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the crime of aggression remains almost untried—prompting calls for a special tribunal and renewed focus on international justice
International justice in 2025: threatened with death, yet unstoppable
U.S. sanctions against its judges and prosecutors, contempt for its authority: attacks against the International Criminal Court continue relentlessly. National courts, however, have picked up the mantle in prosecuting international crimes and this movement has now become the true flagship of international criminal justice.
When politics muzzles justice
Anyone working to deliver justice for victims of international crimes knows that the judicial process can be hindered by political considerations at every stage. Recent news has once again reminded us of this harsh truth.
Compensation for victims of mass crimes after all?
While he welcomes the intense recent developments in the field of international law, with several cases of states or suspects under judicial scrutiny. Alain Werner, director of Civitas Maxima, warns that one should not raise hopes of compensation for victims of mass crimes without being able to ensure that these compensations can actually be provided.
Focus on International Justice (FIJ) – January
Read about a former rebel commander acquitted on appeal in Finland, investigations moving forward for atrocity crimes in Darfur, as well as more updates, insights, and key developments in the world of international justice.
War crimes round-up: can Central African Republic set an example for justice on the continent?
International justice has seen major developments recently, including France charging alleged Liberian and Rwandan war criminals, and Switzerland’s first-ever enforced disappearance case. The Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic continues delivering justice despite challenges, showcasing Africa’s potential for prosecuting war crimes locally, rather than relying solely on international courts.
War crimes round-up: Swiss court upholds war crimes conviction against Liberian rebel, ‘historic’ crimes treaty adopted
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.
War crimes round-up: Gambian former minister charged in Switzerland, trial against Kosovo ex-president begins
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.
The International Criminal Court is finally at the center of the global game
The International Criminal Court is finally at the center of the global game After the failed prosecutions a few years back against former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, then former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Deputy Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo Jean-Pierre Bemba, the International Criminal Court (ICC), based in The Hague, […]
War crimes round-up: Putin wanted by ICC, Australian soldier charged for war crimes in Afghanistan
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children to Russia. This action highlights Putin’s direct involvement. The warrants, while unlikely to lead to immediate arrests, symbolize accountability for atrocities in Ukraine and restrict their foreign travel.
