ICC Secures First Conviction for Darfur Atrocities by Sudan Militia After Two Decades

The Hague, 7 October 2025 — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has delivered a landmark ruling, convicting Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, a former commander of Sudan’s Janjaweed militia, for atrocities committed in Darfur more than 20 years ago. It marks the ICC’s first conviction linked to the Darfur conflict, a […]

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France Opens War Crimes Investigation After Journalist Killed in Ukraine

Paris, 7 October 2025 — French prosecutors have launched a formal war crimes investigation following the death of photojournalist Antoni Lallican, who was killed on 3 October while reporting near the front lines in southeastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. Legal Action and Jurisdiction The investigation was announced by France’s National Anti-Terror Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) and assigned […]

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In landmark labour case, UN World Court weighs in on right to strike

The case stems from a 2023 request by the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which asked the Court for an advisory opinion on whether the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) includes the right to strike. Adopted in the aftermath of World War Two, […]

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UN Extends Evidence-Gathering Mandate for Sri Lanka War Crimes

The United Nations Human Rights Council on October 6 extended a project to gather evidence of human rights violations and war crimes associated with Sri Lanka’s civil war for at least two more years. The resolution adopted by consensus offers a ray of hope to victims of abuses and their families that they may one […]

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US Federal Court Blocks ICE From Detaining Unaccompanied Minors Turning 18

Washington, 6 October 2025 — A federal judge has temporarily barred U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from automatically transferring unaccompanied migrant children into adult detention facilities once they turn 18, ruling that the practice violates existing legal protections. Court Ruling The decision, issued by Judge Rudolph Contreras of the U.S. District Court for the […]

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Human rights groups urged to ‘unite more than ever’ in efforts to end racism

Martin Kimani, chairperson of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, presented its annual report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva during an interactive dialogue with country representatives. “Every year, events captured in news headlines and in the lived experiences of people of African descent tragically confirm that even at this stage of […]

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Calls grow louder for more age-inclusive societies

“Every older person has the right to age with dignity security and access to opportunities that enrich their lives,” said one of the key organisers of the International Day of Older Persons, Arjanita Elezaj. “These are not privileges, they are human rights,” she told a meeting at UN Headquarters to commemorate the day, where key […]

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Israel/Palestine: States Should Act to Halt Atrocities

(Jerusalem) – United States President Donald Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” announced on September 29, 2025, is no substitute for the urgent action governments need to take to protect civilians and support justice after two years of grave abuses in Israel and Palestine, Human Rights Watch said today.  The 20-part plan does not directly address […]

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Ukraine: ‘This war needs to end,’ Türk tells UN Human Rights Council

The full-scale Russian invasion of the country began in February 2022 and “this year has seen intense attacks along the frontline, and massive airstrikes, largely in populated areas,” he told the Human Rights Council in Geneva. “In some towns in frontline communities, nearly all the housing has been damaged or destroyed.”  Furthermore, on 6 September, […]

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UN Torture Prevention Experts Urge New Zealand to Reduce Prison Population and Address Systemic Inequities

The United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) has called on New Zealand to take urgent steps to reduce its rising prison population, citing concerns over long-term incarceration trends and the disproportionate impact on Māori and Pasifika communities. Alarming Forecasts and Structural Concerns Following a September visit, SPT Chair Aisha Shujune Muhammad warned that […]

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