07 August 2019 - NPWJ News Digest on International Criminal Justice

Articles

India: Basic Freedoms at Risk in Kashmir
Human Rights Watch, 06 Aug 2019

Indian authorities have adopted measures in anticipation of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir state that raise serious human rights concerns, Human Rights Watch said today. The government announced on August 5, 2019 that it was altering the special constitutional status of the state. Before making the announcement, the government detained several political leaders, imposed broad restrictions on freedom of movement, and banned public meetings. It also shut down the internet, phone services, and educational institutions. The Indian government should take all necessary steps to ensure that security forces act with restraint, Human Rights Watch said.

Continua

Prominent human rights lawyer urges ICC to open investigation into ex-president Jammeh’s gov’t
The Voice, 04 Aug 2019

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana of Nigeria, has called on the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, to “immediately open an investigation into allegations of international crimes committed by the government of former Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh”.Addressing a forum, organised by the African Network on International Criminal Justice in Dakar, Senegal, on Wednesday, Falana frowned at the ICC for its alleged failure to intervene in The Gambia. In the paper, titled: “Africa and the ICC: Achieving justice for victims and ending impunity across the continent,” Falana said “If the ICC wants to be relevant in Africa it cannot continue to pick and choose the cases to investigate and prosecute.”

Continua

Japan: Two hanged in deplorable move
Amnesty International, 02 Aug 2019

In response to the news that two people were executed in Japan on Friday morning, Roseann Rife, East Asia Research Director at Amnesty International, said: “These executions demonstrate the Japanese government’s shocking disregard for human life. While the rest of the world increasingly turns its back on the death penalty, Japan remains stuck in the past by continuing with this ultimate cruel and irreversible punishment. “It is deplorable that the government continues to carry out executions. As Japan prepares to host the UN Crime Congress next April, it is high time that its criminal justice system is reviewed to fully comply with international human rights law and standards.

Continua

Achieving Justice For Victims And Ending Impunity Across The Continent
Sahara Reporters, 31 Jul 2019

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) recognizes "that during this century millions of children, women and men have been victims of unimaginable atrocities that deeply shock the conscience of humanity" owing to armed conflicts. These "grave crimes threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world".' Africa has had its fair share of the problem. As such, various efforts to pursue, make and keep the peace have been intensified over the past half a century. The pursuit of international criminal justice in Africa through the International Criminal Court (ICC) platform has not been without hitches.

Continua

International criminal justice fails to meet the challenge of environmental crimes
intercontinentalcry.org, 31 Jul 2019

Should massive deforestation be considered a crime? The destruction of tropical forests carries with it not only the destruction of the peoples they support, but also the destruction of humanity, since it is the cause of about 17% of carbon emissions. And yet, says lawyer Maud Sarliève, international justice remains inadequate in the face of these challenges. The situation in Brazil illustrates a sad fact: none of the mechanisms in place make it possible, as it stands, to effectively combat ecocide and associated criminal practices. Data published by the Brazilian Space Agency reveal that in June 2019, deforestation in the Amazon increased by 88% compared to June last year.

Continua