War Crimes

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 12 under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is investigating allegations of crimes against humanity related to his "war on drugs." The ICC has jurisdiction over crimes like genocide and war crimes and can intervene when countries fail to prosecute such offenses. Duterte's drug war, which led to the deaths of over 6,000 people during his presidency (2016-2022), has drawn widespread condemnation. A UN report revealed police abuses, including unlawful raids and forced confessions. Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, but an investigation started in 2021. His arrest follows growing political tension with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte, who is still popular in the Philippines, denies the charges. He now faces trial at the ICC, potentially becoming the first Asian former head of state to stand trial for crimes against humanity.

Russia-Ukraine war: Possibility of ceasefire remote, report says

There are too many issues-- political, legal, security and economic-- to be resolved.

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli airstrikes kill 18 in Gaza, including five children

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza kill 18, including 5 children, amid escalating conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah; refugee camps targeted, humanitarian crisis deepens.

UN General Assembly: World leaders in NYC | Biden and Zelensky push for international war support

World leaders are gathering in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy are using the event to continue their push for international war support, but partisan politics in Washington may also loom.

Putin makes surprise trip to Russian-occupied Mariupol in wake of ICC warrant

Russian President Vladimir Putin made the surprise visit to the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol -- the scene of some of the worst devastation of his year-old invasion -- a day after being accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

EU seeks tribunal to probe possible Russian war crimes in Ukraine

"We are ready to start working with the international community to get the broadest international support possible for this specialised court," von der Leyen said.

45 nations pledge to coordinate evidence of war crimes in Ukraine

With more than 20,000 war crimes investigations now open and different countries heading teams, evidence needs to be credible and organised.

U.N. Security Council meeting aims to examine possible war crimes by Russia

The evidence gathering is a crucial first step toward prosecution delivering accountability and justice, diplomats said.

Russia threatens states with consequences over UN vote on Human Rights Council

A two-thirds majority of voting members – abstentions do not count – can suspend a country from the 47-member Geneva-based Human Rights Council for committing gross and systematic violations of human rights.

UK says alleged attacks on civilians in Ukraine must be investigated as war crimes

"As Russian troops are forced into retreat, we are seeing increasing evidence of appalling acts by the invading forces in towns such as Irpin and Bucha," Truss said in a statement, referring to places near Kyiv.

Europe warns Russia faces new sanctions for ‘war crimes'

The European Commission was already honing measures that would mostly focus on closing loopholes, strengthening existing actions and expanding the list of sanctioned individuals.

UN experts: Islamic State committed genocide against Yazidis

UNITAD report details how ISIS used laboratories at Mosul University to make chemical weapons, and committed genocide and abuses against minority Yazidis in Iraq and Syria.

UN denounces Sri Lanka's slow pace in addressing war crimes

The UN today denounced Sri Lanka's "slow pace" in addressing war crimes and warned that it may "derail" the momentum towards lasting peace and reconciliation with the minority Tamil community.

Finding out grandfather was an SS officer

Martin Davidson's German grandfather was a loud, gregarious and difficult man who exuded a coarse, but infectious, bonhomie. He also carried a sense of secret intrigue and forbidden knowledge that he appeared to enjoy.