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101 Articles

Death Toll Climbs in Ukraine With Russia’s ‘Double-Tap’ Strikes

The tactic adds to evidence of intent to kill civilians through targeted or indiscriminate attacks, including on aid workers and institutions.
Smoke billows from a city neighborhood of tan, brown buildings.

Assessing Jus Ad Bellum Proportionality: A Factored Approach

Nine factors, considered in their totality, would provide a more nuanced understanding of jus ad bellum proportionality and assist States in identifying specific concerns with…
Fighters from the Free Syrian Army cheer and react as they fight against the Islamic State (IS) group jihadists on the outskirts of the northern Syrian town of Dabiq, on October 15, 2016.

​​Combatant Privilege vs. Criminal Responsibility for Organized Armed Groups

Editor’s Note: This article is part of the Armed Groups and International Law Symposium, building on the volume edited by Katharine Fortin and Ezequiel Heffes. During international…

Armenia and Azerbaijan in the International Court of Justice Over Nagorno-Karabakh

Learn how cases related to the conflict develop international jurisprudence, including for enforcing State accountability.
The producer/director of the program is sitting in silouette in the foreground in a control booth, with two monitors in front of her, and the studio set in the background where the co-hosts are sitting at the set desk, against a blue-green backdrop.

Support Grows for Gender Justice at UN Session on Draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty

Track how States for the first time addressed proposals to better integrate gender justice and the needs of victims and survivors.

Key Takeaways from Biden Administration Report on Israeli Use of US Weapons

On Friday, May 10, the Biden administration released its overdue first report required by National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM-20) assessing the conduct of Israel and other foreign…
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), talks to reporters with (L-R) Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senate Minority Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA), Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI)

State Department Submits Key Report to Congress on Israel’s Use of US Weapons

The State Department submitted its NSM-20 report on Israeli assurances that use of U.S. weapons will follow international law.
This video grab from AFPTV shows an aerial view of destroyed buildings in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip

Report of the Independent Task Force on National Security Memorandum-20 Regarding Israel

It is our hope the Task Force's work facilitates drafting efforts currently under way within the administration to meet the reporting requirements of NSM-20, resulting in the overdue…
A girl carries a canvas bag filled with food aid bearing the logo of non-profit non-governmental organisation World Central Kitchen, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on March 17, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

“Famine is Setting in”: The International Court of Justice Returns to Gaza

The Court ordered Israel to ensure the unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance, in full cooperation with the United Nations, including by opening new land crossing points.

Assessing the DoD Law of War Manual’s Approach to Treaties and Customary International Law

Identifying how the DoD's Law of War Manual could be improved in its methodological approach to sources of international law.
Shot of the UN Security Council

Proportionality in Self-Defense: A Brief Reply

A response to an article published on how military campaigns can never be rendered disproportionate by the total harm inflicted on civilians.

The Problem of Proportionality: A Response to Adil Haque

Whether the magnitude of State responses to terror is ethical and wise goes beyond determinations of legal compliance.
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