Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Amnesty International –

Military courts continue to investigate possible human rights violations and crimes under international law committed by members of the Colombian security forces, despite express prohibitions in national and international standards, Amnesty International said today in a new report.

The report Insist, persist, resist and never give up? Impact of the use of military criminal justice on impunity for human rights violations in Colombia shows that use of the military criminal justice system (JPM) prevents access to justice, violates the rights of victims and exacerbates the damage caused by impunity.

“The use of military criminal justice in possible human rights violations is not a technical error: it is a structural obstacle that contributes to impunity,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

The use of military criminal justice in possible human rights violations is not a technical error: it is a structural obstacle that contributes to impunity.” 

Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

Source: Amnesty International –

Ahead of an expected vote in Slovenia’s parliament on hastily proposed sweeping changes which would significantly expand police powers, restrict welfare rights and weaken key safeguards, Esther Major Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Research in Europe, said:

“This draconian bill risks stripping all people in Slovenia of an array of vital human rights protections as well as posing a specific risk to a Roma population that already faces daily discrimination, exclusion and poverty.

“Under the guise of providing security these unjustified and disproportionate measures would significantly expand police and judicial powers, removing internationally recognized and crucial procedural safeguards.

“While not explicitly aimed at the Roma population, the vitriolic rhetoric used by the government to justify these measures raises serious fears that they would be deployed arbitrarily and discriminatorily against the Roma population. Coupled with the security crackdown, punitive restrictions on social benefits could further penalize the most marginalized families.

Under the guise of providing security these unjustified and disproportionate measures would significantly expand police and judicial powers

“Slovenian MPs must reject these harmful measures due to the dangerous consequences they could have for all Slovenians, particularly Roma people, placing them at heightened risk of human rights violations”

Background

The vote is expected on 17 November.

The draft Act on Urgent Measures to Ensure Public Security (dubbed the ‘Sutar Law’) was introduced by the Slovenian government on 6 November 2025, two weeks after a fatal incident in Novo Mesto involving a member of the Roma community.

The government has justified the proposed measures as necessary to restore public confidence in security institutions and to prevent future incidents of serious violence.

If adopted, the draft law would amend eight existing acts.

Source: Amnesty International –

By Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International

South Africa has played a leading role in international efforts to prevent, stop and punish Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. Now, as the nation prepares to host the first G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil, it has an important opportunity to step up that pressure and fill the alarming void that has emerged in the international order.

While superpowers are undermining multilateralism through inaction and double standards, or actively attacking the international justice system, we look to states like South Africa to show principled leadership and champion a global vision that upholds and protects human rights universally.

The international community’s complicity or inaction in the face of Israel’s livestreamed genocide has been shameful and indefensible. World leaders’ collective failure to put a stop to Israel’s crimes under international law will stain their reputations for generations to come. Sadly, this was not for the first time. They have far too often allowed international law to be trampled on, betraying the legacy of the global consensus who said “never again” to the horrors of the Holocaust and the Second World War.

It has been particularly disconcerting to see the architects of the rules-based order take a sledgehammer at the values, principles or institutions underpinning it, from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the United States’ military support to Israel and its shameless sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the Palestinian NGOs al-Haq, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights.

The G20 summit in Johannesburg comes after the African Union became a permanent member in 2023, affording the group and its members enhanced influence on the international stage. Amid the global leadership vacuum and the Trump administration’s “America First” approach to foreign policy, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government must seize this opportunity to reinvigorate multilateralism and forge a new order truly committed to upholding international law and equality.

South Africa has set a strong example and shown much-needed leadership in protecting Palestinian rights, including through the case it brought against Israel under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice in December 2023, and in co-founding the Hague Group, a coalition of nations determined to hold Israel accountable, including through the ICC. This is an encouraging start, but the gravity of the situation around the world, with international law set aside in favour of the principle that “might is right”, means South Africa must help build a bigger tent by forging larger and stronger international alliances to press powerful states and their regional proxies into abiding by international law.

To be a credible advocate at global level, South Africa must show greater consistency in its own human rights record.

South Africa must use all its leverage to compel Israeli authorities to lift their 18-year-long illegal blockade and allow unimpeded access to humanitarian aid to civilians in the entire Gaza Strip. All parties must respect the cessation of hostilities and ensure international law and respect for human rights are adhered to. South Africa, like other states, must press Israel to end its unlawful occupation of the Palestinian Territory and dismantle its cruel system of apartheid against Palestinians.

Elsewhere, South Africa should leverage its influence over Russia to press for an end to its crimes and human rights violations in Ukraine and step up its international advocacy work around the overlooked conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It must throw its full diplomatic weight behind regional and international accountability efforts and ensure the African Union urgently presses the Sudanese and DRC governments and forces such as the RSF and M23 to end their human rights abuses.

The world is also facing growing economic inequality both within and between countries. Much of this is a continuing legacy of colonialism and racial injustice, which South Africa itself still wrestles with, and is compounded by new and perpetuated inequalities driven by the response to human-induced climate change. African countries, including South Africa, have been instrumental in progressing a UN Tax Treaty to replace the current OECD-dominated one to ensure a fairer global tax system and address the billions lost every year to tax abuse. Yet there is still much to do, including a similar process and treaty on debt to tackle the unsustainable amounts owed by low-income countries, which are crippling their ability to deliver better and more climate-resilient economic and social rights enjoyment for their people. At 80 years old, the Bretton Woods financial system is clearly unfit for purpose and remains dominated by high-income countries who set the rules with often catastrophic consequences for lower-income nations. As a powerful voice for the global south, South Africa must ensure the G20 does not continue to neglect these vital issues but grasps the nettle and pushes for radical reform.

That said, to be a credible advocate at global level, South Africa must show greater consistency in its own human rights record. The Ramaphosa administration should address domestic issues, including mounting concern over corruption and impunity, and access to essential services such as water, sanitation and adequate housing. It must reassert its commitment to the ICC, which it had threatened to leave. And it should ensure it does not exhibit the double standards that are destroying universal values and the credibility of international law, by denouncing violations committed by its allies and using its influence to ensure these abuses are stopped and remedied.

From Gaza to Sudan, the DRC, Ukraine and Myanmar, to the planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, the world is crying out for principled global leadership to help deliver justice, stability and accountability. South Africa should heed those calls, lead or support principled, collective and robust international action, and step up for humanity.

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This article was originally published by The Daily Maverick

Source: Amnesty International –

Let love win this Christmas and choose gifts with purpose from the Amnesty Shop  

Samples and high-res images available  

‘Giving and receiving a gift from the Amnesty shop feels like a giant hug and a high five for humanity’ – Kerry Moscogiuri 

Amnesty International UK has launched its Christmas Catalogue 2025, with hundreds of ethical and sustainable gift ideas that will bring joy to friends and family whilst supporting vital human rights work.  

From homeware and quirky stocking fillers, to a whole range aimed to show support for the people of Palestine, Amnesty’s diverse and unique gift collection means you will find something for everyone.   

Kerry Moscogiuri, Amnesty International’s Director of Campaigns and Communications, said:   

“When the world feels more divided than ever, choosing your gifts from Amnesty International UK’s beautiful array of ethically sourced items is a small act of kindness and solidarity.  

“It’s a gesture that goes a long way to support our vital human rights work and means you can share the ever-important messages of freedom, justice and equality with your loved ones.  

“Giving and receiving a gift from the Amnesty shop feels like a giant hug and a high five for humanity.” 

Proceeds will be used to enable vital human rights work in the UK and around the world – wherever it is needed most. 

Messages of love and light 

Amnesty’s creative range of sustainable festive cards, sold in packs of ten, mean that there is no need to leave anyone off your Christmas list this year. Designs include snowy puffins, cuddly hedgehogs and candles for peace and include a message of ‘Seasons Greetings’ in 9 different languages with space for your own message. For those who prefer not to send a paper card, why not send a Virtual Gift via one of our e-gift cards. Amnesty’s virtual gifts provide minimum fuss and maximum impact.  

Our fragrant, hand-poured candles are another meaningful way to share the message of peace in the world this year. Choose from our Amnesty International Christmas Candle with notes of nutmeg, orange and cinnamon or the ‘Gaza in our Hearts’ candle made with grape and fig (part of the Gaza Pride and Resilience collection).  

Secret Santa and stocking fillers 

Ditch the tat and nab ethically sourced and fairtrade gifts for under a tenner. Try the mulled wine vegan soap bar, mini matchbox cross stitch packs  or hangover incense as welcome relief after the office Christmas party.  

We’ve got you covered with keeping the kids entertained while you cook the Christmas feast this year. From Love Wins activity packs and stickers to gingerbread decorating kits, eco dough, spiral designers and puzzles, there is no need to look anywhere else for gifts for your little ones.  

Home is where the heart is 

There is a delightful range of handmade homeware to bring warmth and cosiness during the cold winter months. Shoppers can choose from hand-knitted water bottle covers, quirky Ian Snow candle stick holders, and embroidered cushion covers to bring style and comfort to their homes.  

For foodie friends and family there are some delicious ethical food gift ideas for the Christmas menu which could all be displayed beautifully on our vibrant fairtrade linen tablecloths and traditionally made Palestinian ceramics.  

Why not try some Palestinian artisan foods including olive oil, dates and roasted nuts, add flavour with a Spice Kitchen feasting kit, or indulge with hot chocolate kits and Delicious Dissent chocolate bars in a range of flavours, including Christmas Pudding!   

So, whatever you do this Christmas, fill up your Christmas shopping trolley with ethical, fair-trade gifts and support our fight for human rights.  

Source: Chatham House –

Syrian foreign minister says Assad regime made Syria an ‘exporter of threats’ – new government wants to restore trust 
News release
jon.wallace
14 November 2025

Asaad Al-Shaibani addressed relations with the US, UK, Israel and Russia – and also responded to questions on Syria’s domestic situation.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani visited Chatham House on 13 November in his first public event in the United Kingdom, for a discussion with Institute Chair, Sir Simon Fraser, followed by questions from the audience. 

The visit followed the historic raising of the Syrian flag outside the country’s re-opened London embassy on 12 November (the embassy had been closed for 12 years). The event also took place shortly after the visit of Syrian President Al-Sharaa to the White House in Washington on 10 November. 

During the event, Sir Simon asked the foreign minister about UK and US relations, challenged him about attacks on Alawite and Druze minorities, and questioned him on Syria’s commitment to inclusive governance. Sir Simon said:

‘The American, the British and other governments…will want to know: what sort of Syria are we engaging with? …There are people who are concerned that this will become a Sunni Islamist led government, in which other parts of the communities and some of the regions may not be represented. Can you give us more reassurance on that point?’

The foreign minister responded that his government is working towards pluralism and inclusiveness, but highlighted the challenges of reconstruction after years of civil war:

‘The moments that we face now can be likened to a patient who is in the intensive care unit,’ he said, ‘and we want them to get into a marathon on the second day. Syria is exhausted and sick, and it needs time to be able to represent itself better. What we are doing today is that we are raising up the expectations of the Syrian people.’

Asked about Israel, the foreign minister said ‘we believe that it is a negative actor right now for the future of Syria’. Highlighting Israel’s presence on Syrian territory and its air strikes on the country, Mr Al-Shaibani expressed a wish to reach an agreement with Israel.

Discussing the direction of Syria’s foreign policy, Mr Al-Shaibani said the ambition was to restore trust, after Syria became an ‘exporter of threats’ under the previous Assad regime.

Questioned by the audience on Syria’s relations with Russia, a key ally of the previous Assad regime, the foreign minister stated that the new government’s approach was ‘pragmatic’. 

Questions from the audience also covered the time pressure on Syria’s new government, the rights of women in the new Syria, and foreign investment in the country.

Watch the event in full here: https://www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/open-event/foreign-policy-new-syria 

The mission of Chatham House is to address geopolitical challenges and international problems. Through this, we aim to help governments and societies to build a secure, sustainable, prosperous and just world.

We do this by providing independent analysis and advice, and convening meetings of the people and organizations that can bring about change.

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

BELÉM, BRAZIL, Friday 14 November 2025 — In response to calls for a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap at COP30, Dr Simon Bradshaw, COP31 Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said:

“Phasing out fossil fuels is fundamental to protecting everything we love and depend upon. Without real action on this front, we will soar past 1.5°C of warming, with catastrophic consequences for Australia, the Pacific, and the world at large.

“Here in Belém at COP30, governments have the opportunity to kickstart the development of a real action plan for the managed phase out of fossil fuels and rapid transition to renewable energy. This could then be handed to Australia, a prospective COP31 President, to finish the job.

“Australia must be a champion for the fair, fast phase out of fossil fuels. We expect our government to get behind the strongest possible outcome here in Belém, and be ready to help ensure the delivery of the genuine action plan that the world desperately needs.

“It’s time for Australia to follow the leadership of Pacific Island nations, who once again are leading the fight here for a fossil fuel free future.”

Jasper Inventor, Deputy Programme Director, Greenpeace International said: “At COP30, we need an actionable outcome, not another roadmap to nowhere. While it’s positive to see progression in Belém, we must ensure that this actually leads towards a clear plan to phase out fossil fuels and one that fast-tracks renewables. 

“It must also make polluters pay for a just transition with clear timelines and an immediate fossil-fuel decline to keep the 1.5°C limit alive.”

-ENDS-

High res images for media use can be found here 

For more information or interviews contact Kate O’Callaghan on +61 406 231 892 or [email protected]

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

Belém, 14 November 2025 – Greenpeace International has joined the Climate Action Network (CAN)^[1] – a coalition of more than 1,900 civil society organizations worldwide – to oppose the so-called “Belém 4x Pledge,” an initiative to increase biofuel use fourfold over the next decade. Biofuel expansion has been proven to threaten forests, food, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, as well as climate targets. Biofuels are a false solution to address the energy and climate crises.

Syahrul Fitra, Head of the Global Forest Solutions Campaign at Greenpeace, said, “Increasing biofuel production clearly threatens the existence and territories of Indigenous Peoples, as well as remaining natural forests, while raising the risk of forest and peatland fires. Even without the Belém 4x Pledge, the Indonesian government already intends to sacrifice forests for energy projects like biodiesel and bioethanol.

“The Belém 4x Pledge initiative will only serve to legitimize the destruction of natural forests and the seizure of Indigenous land in Indonesia under the guise of green energy, even though biofuels are clearly a false solution.”

Refki Saputra, Forest Campaigner at Greenpeace Indonesia, added, “The 560,000 hectare National Strategic Project (PSN) for sugarcane and bioethanol in Merauke, West Papua, is an example of how ‘bioenergy’ destroys forests and tramples on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. According to our calculations, clearing the natural vegetation for this project could produce emissions equivalent to 221 million tons of CO₂,^[2] or as much as the annual emissions of 48 million cars.^[3] It dwarfs by almost twenty times the annual FOLU carbon sink that Indonesia hoped to achieve by now.^[4] This alone makes Indonesia’s climate target, presented at COP30 Belém, impossible to achieve.

“A further example is the additional 380,000 hectare area newly designated by the Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan,^[5] to produce B50 biodiesel fuel in West Papua. The complete conversion of these landscapes would release an additional 162 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent into the atmosphere.”^[2]

Notes:
[1] COP30: CAN Rejects Belém 4X Pledge on Sustainable Fuels as Credible Pathway to Just Transition – Climate Action Network.

[2] This figure has been obtained by calculating the above and below ground biomass stocks for the different mapped vegetation types and converting these to CO2 equivalents according to the Indonesian government’s method.

[3] Based on estimated annual emissions of 4.6t CO₂ per car.

[4] Under the LCCP_L scenario set out in Table 1 of Indonesia’s 2nd NDC (2025).

[5] According to maps of the B50 plan involving Merauke and Boven Digoel districts in a presentation by the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs dated 29 September 2025.

Media Contacts:
Budiarti Putri, Greenpeace Indonesia, +62 811-1463-105
Igor O’Neill, Greenpeace Indonesia, [email protected] +61 414-288-424

Source: Chatham House –

Chatham House hosts conference in Addis Ababa on Africa’s rising influence
News release
jon.wallace
13 November 2025

More than 700 virtual and in-person guests convened to discuss continental coordination and African-led solutions in international affairs.

The Chatham House Africa Programme partnered with Amani Africa and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to host a conference on 5–6 November in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on ‘Africa’s rising influence: Advancing agency in foreign policy and global governance’.

More than 700 in person and virtual participants joined the conference, including representatives from multilateral organizations, diplomatic missions, research institutions, business, civil society and media communities.

Over the course of two days, the conference offered a rich programme of sessions exploring African approaches to multipolarity, the imperative of deeper regional and continental coordination, and the role of African-led solutions in peacebuilding, the global economy, climate action and soft power diplomacy.

Speakers at the event included Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Dr Gedion Timothewos; Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Chief of Staff to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security; Hanna Tetteh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya; and Dr A. Korir SingOei, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya.

Opening the conference, Chatham House Africa Programme Director, Tighisti Amare, said:

‘This gathering comes at a defining time for our continent: the rules-based international system is in flux, old alliances are being tested, new partnerships are emerging, and the global balance of power is shifting in complex and often unpredictable ways. In this context, Africa’s role, agency and responses to the global order are being redefined.’

HE Dr Gedion Timothewos said:

‘African agency, solidarity and cooperation are the foundations of our rising collective influence. The world’s challenges cannot be solved without African participation and leadership. Yet, participation alone is not enough. We must turn presence into influence, and influence into tangible outcomes for our people.’

The Africa Programme would like to thank the speakers, partners, funders and all those who attended the conference. 

Source: Amnesty International –

Tunisian authorities have increasingly escalated their crackdown on human rights defenders and independent non-governmental organizations (NGOs) through arbitrary arrests, detention, asset freezes, bank restrictions and court-ordered suspensions, all under the pretext of fighting “suspicious” foreign funding and shielding “national interests,” Amnesty International said today.

In an unprecedented step six NGO workers and human rights defenders working for the Tunisian Council for Refugees are being criminally prosecuted on charges solely related to their legitimate work supporting refugees and asylum seekers. The opening trial session on 16 October was adjourned until 24 November. 

In the past four months alone, at least 14 Tunisian and international NGOs received court orders to suspend their activities for 30 days. This includes four prominent organizations in the past three weeks; the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women (ATFD), the Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights (FTDES), Nawaat and the Tunis branch of the World Organization against Torture (OMCT).

“It is deeply alarming to witness the steady erosion of Tunisia’s once-vibrant civil society, one of the most significant achievements of the 2011 revolution, made possible at the time by the adoption of Decree Law 88 on Associations. Authorities are systematically dismantling the rule of law, shrinking civic space and stifling any form of dissent. This is part of a broader trend of authoritarian practices unfolding in different parts of the world,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International.

“Instead of targeting organizations working to support economic, social and political rights, Tunisian authorities must end this campaign of intimidation and immediately release all NGO workers and human rights defenders detained or prosecuted in reprisal for exercising their civic rights and lift all related provisional measures, such as asset freezes. They must drop abusive charges, lift arbitrary suspensions, and end criminal prosecutions of organizations lawfully conducting their activities.”

Since 2023, Tunisian authorities have frequently smeared NGOs receiving foreign funding. In May 2024, President Kais Saied accused NGOs working on migration of being “traitors” and “[foreign] agents,” and of seeking the “settlement” of Sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia. 

One day later, the public prosecutor in Tunis announced the opening of an investigation against NGOs for providing “financial support to illegal migrants.” Over the following weeks, Tunisian authorities raided the offices of three NGOs and opened investigations into the finances and activities of at least 12 Tunisian and international organizations working in migration. 

This multi-pronged judicial and administrative harassment has created a pervasive climate of fear, restricting the rights to association and freedom of expression and smothering Tunisia’s civic space.

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International

Police arrested and arbitrarily detained eight directors or staff, and sometimes former staff, of these organizations on accusations linked to supporting irregular migrants or supposed “financial crimes” tied to lawful NGO funding. Two of these organizations have been prosecuted on unfounded criminal charges carrying heavy prison sentences. 

In September 2024, shortly before the presidential elections, the crackdown extended to organizations working on election monitoring, corruption and human rights. By October 2024, the Ministry of Finance had opened investigations into at least 10 organizations, including Amnesty International’s International Secretariat Office in Tunis. During the same period at least 20 NGOs started to experience undue banking restrictions and delays that obstructed the receipt of foreign funds.