International Law

Just Security offers expert analysis of international law and its role in addressing global challenges. Our coverage includes litigation in international and regional tribunals, the process of international law-making, analysis of compliance and accountability for international law violations–including international criminal justice, and challenges to the international legal order.

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3,768 Articles
Smoke rises from a Russian tank destroyed by the Ukrainian forces on the side of a road in Lugansk region on February 26, 2022.

Mobilized to Commit War Crimes?

As Russia mobilizes its troops against Ukraine, States must review the asylum claims of those who desert, surrender, or flee conscription.
Russian Federation Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey V. Lavrov speaks during the United Nations Security Council meeting at the United Nations Headquarters to discuss the conflict in Ukraine on September 22, 2022 in New York City.

The Case for Creating a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression Committed Against Ukraine

Discussing details for an international tribunal for aggression against Ukraine including outreach, victim participation, and more.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remotely speaks on a screen during the United Nations General Assembly. Next to the screen is the United Nations emblem.

The Case for Creating a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (Part III)

Rules of procedure and evidence; how many to prosecute; rights of accused; double jeopardy (non bis in idem); amnesty; immunity; penalties.
People attend a rally and a concert in support of annexation referendums in Russian-held regions of Ukraine, in Saint Petersburg on September 23, 2022. - Voting on whether Russia should annex Kremlin-controlled regions of Ukraine opened Friday as the West denounced the referendum that has dramatically raised the stakes of Moscow's seven-month invasion.

Q&A on Russia-Backed Referendums in Eastern Ukraine and International Law

"There is simply no legal route through which a referendum can take place unilaterally without the consent of the territorial state."
A pair of hands behind metal bars.

How Biden Can Bring Detained Americans in Iran Home

This week, the Biden administration agreed to swap Afghan drug lord Bashir Noorzai for the freedom of U.S. citizen Mark Frerichs, who the Taliban held in captivity for the last…
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) speaks at a Security Council meeting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He is surrounded by others, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Case for Creating a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (Part II)

Ця стаття також доступна українською мовою тут. [Editor’s Note: This article is part of a Just Security series, Prosecuting the Crime…
A woman displays photographs of her family.

In ICC Investigation of 2008 Russia-Georgia War Crimes, Don’t Let Justice Delayed Become Justice Denied

Delivering justice at the ICC for the long-neglected victims of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war requires international community support.
Different national flags fly in front of the General Secretariat Building at the United Nations Headquarters.

Tracking UNGA 77: Notable Moments and Key Themes

During the next two weeks, Just Security will highlight expert analysis and issues relating to the 77th United Nations General Assembly.
A youth looks out through a metal fence as she stands in the rain in front of a campground.

European Court Tackles the Thorny Issue of Family Repatriation From Northeast Syria

Despite its shortcomings, the ECHR decision on repatriation of alleged IS family members from Syria marks an important turning point.
This photo taken on September 16, 2022, shows the tree used to beat children to death in the former Khmer Rouge prison camp at the Choeung Ek killing fields memorial in Phnom Penh. Mementos such as beads and candles hang from the tree and surround the base, and a sign at the base of the tree says, “Killing tree against which executioners beat children.” Cambodia's UN-backed court set up to try Khmer Rouge leaders ends its work on September 22, but with just three convictions after 16 years' work the tribunal has brought only limited solace to survivors of the genocidal regime. (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP via Getty Images)

On Crimes Against Humanity, Protect the UN Sixth Committee’s Integrity With Action

The process and the International Law Commission risk irrelevance if the well-supported Draft Articles do not progress to the next phase.
A wide shot of the United Nations General Assembly hall.

Addressing Atrocity Crimes at the United Nations General Assembly’s 77th Session

As the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly’s 77th annual session kicks off, atrocity crimes are being committed in many parts of the world. The U.N. Security Council, with…
Ukrainian and Russian flags.

Richard Gowan on Ukraine and How Russia’s War Reverberates at the United Nations

"This is a wartime General Assembly, and both Ukraine’s allies and the Russians are in town to gain political advantage, not talk peace."
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