UN: Further crimes in Myanmar and South Sudan are avoidable, according to UN statement

The UN issues a statement that massacres in Myanmar and South Sudan could be avoided by states standing strong against hate speech and impunity. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, describes genocide as a process that starts with hate speech and builds as states plan and gain resources. Mr. …

Amnesty International: Crimes in Myanmar may amount to crimes under international law

Amnesty International issues a report detailing crimes and activities in Myanmar aimed at preventing Rohingya refugees from returning, some of which may amount to crimes under international law. (Via Amnesty International)

UN: Duterte calls UN expert a terrorist

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte labels a UN human rights expert a terrorist, likely in response to her comments on the killing of indigenous people in Mindanao. The ICC opened an examination into the Philippines in February. (Via UN)

UN: U.S. planned execution of seriously ill man may amount to torture

Two UN Special Rapporteurs warn the United States that the planned execution of a seriously ill person, Doyle Hamm, may amount to torture. The execution in question is set to take place on 22 February. (Via OHCHR)

ICC: Initial investigation into alleged abuses by Venezuela announced

The ICC announces its plan to open an initial investigation to examine information regarding alleged crimes committed by Venezuela since April 2017. Specific allegations include excessive force to disperse protests, arresting political opponents, and abuse of opponents while detained. (Via ICC)

ICC: Prosecutor announces preliminary examination into the Philippines and Venezuela

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announces that she will open a preliminary examinations into the situations in The Philippines and Venezuela. The preliminary examination in the Philippines will look into alleged crimes associated with the country's "war on drugs" since at least July 1, 2016, specifically extrajudicial killings in the course of police anti-drug operations. In …

UN: “Alarming level of violations” regarding children in warfare

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared an “alarming level of violations” regarding the use and abuse of children in warfare. His report specifically pinpointed Afghanistan as having widespread child casualties, Syria and Somalia as having significant child recruitment, and the DRC, Nigeria, and South Sudan as having widespread sexual violence against children.

UN: Famine can be considered a war crime

UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food Hilal Elver announced that famine can be considered a war crime or crime against humanity if it is the result of deliberate, man-made action. Although allegations of man-made famines have previously never been referred to the ICC, using food as a weapon of war is an international …

ICC: Secessionist leaders in Cameroon request investigation into President Paul Biya, government officials

Leaders of the Ambazonia secessionist movement in Cameroon refer President Paul Biya and other government officials to the ICC alleging crimes against humanity and genocide. Ambazonia, formerly known as The United Nations Trust Territory of Southern Cameroons Under The United Kingdom Administration, is located between Cameroon and Nigeria. Ambazonia formally proclaimed independence from Cameroon in …

UN: Investigation into ISIL

The United Nations Security Council authorizes an investigation into potential war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.  The Council announced that this investigation will be pursued with full respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over crimes committed on its territory.