World Cup football- more than just a beautiful game

At a time when the International Criminal Court is facing significant challenges, many are questioning the trajectory of the global international criminal justice project. However, universal jurisdiction presents refreshed avenues for justice, particularly in the case of the atrocities committed in Liberia during the civil war in 1989-2003. Last week, the Swiss Office of the […]

Sunday 29 July 2018 marked the 28th anniversary of the St Peters Lutheran Church Massacre where 600 women, men and children died, in Monrovia, Liberia in 1990. Despite new leadership in Liberia, domestic justice for this Massacre, and other heinous crimes committed during the civil wars remains elusive. The First Liberian Civil War, which started […]

**By Navi Pillay and Angela Mudukuti This article first appeared in the Daily Maverick on 19 June 2018 The introduction of the International Crimes Bill before the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, two weeks ago, signals steadfast resolve to eventually withdraw from the Rome Statute. Impetus and momentum for withdrawal was generated by […]

The assassination of prominent individuals agitating for positive change has left an indelible mark on the struggle for equality and human rights. As fate would have it, a few of the most influential and iconic advocates for human rights were murdered in the month of April- Chris Hani, Martin Luther King Jr and Abraham Lincoln […]

Last week the “Butcher of Bosnia,” Ratko Mladić, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Bosnian War. The day his verdict and sentence were announced I happened to be in Rwanda, Kigali walking the halls of the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, where […]

There are great changes afoot on the international criminal justice landscape. Last week the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court announced its decision to request judicial authorisation for an investigation into the situation in Afghanistan. Given that this situation involves investigating the conduct of American troops, it could do wonders for […]

Last week on 27 October 2017 Burundi’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court became effective, making it the first country to leave the ICC. Given the ongoing perpetration of human rights violations, and lack of accountability, the future of the east African nation hangs in the balance. With the Burundi’s presidential office calling it a […]

On 12 October, a High Court judge found that anti-apartheid stalwart Ahmed Timol was in fact murdered and did not, as alleged by the Security Branch police, commit suicide by jumping from the 10th floor of the John Vorster Square Police Station. It has been an arduous journey for the Timol family in their quest […]

Earlier this month, Liberian Agnes Reeves Taylor was arrested by UK Metropolitan Police- War Crimes Unit, and charged with torture committed during the First Liberian Civil War. Due to the existence of universal jurisdiction, suspected perpetrators of such crimes will find no safe haven. This case could be of huge significance for victims and a […]

Last week, the Associated Press went public with yet another scandal detailing the sexual abuse of children at the hands of United Nations peacekeepers in Haiti. Whilst allegations existed previously, the extent of the abuse is far greater than initially reported a few years ago. Those sent to protect civilians continue to exploit innocent women […]