Illegal wildlife traffickers target 4,000 plant and animal species
About 3,250 of the illegally traded species are listed as endangered plants and animals in the CITES global treaty.
Justice & Accountability
Justice and accountability are the bedrock of peace. We report on the global efforts to hold perpetrators of violence and atrocities responsible, exploring how international courts and the rule of law work to restore trust and break cycles of conflict. This coverage is essential to building strong societies and preventing future human rights violations. Follow our reporting on @aretenews.bsky.social.
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Probe of claims against UNRWA finds lack of evidence in some cases
Fourteen cases remain under investigation by U.N. investigators, who have met with authorities in Israel.
Most countries side against Israel during ICJ's six days of hearings
The International Court of Justice heard testimony on the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestinian territories.
ICJ largely rejects Ukraine's ‘terrorism’ case against Russia
The ruling is the first of two that are expected this week from a decade of conflict-turned-war between Russia and Ukraine.
Gaza aid disruptions prompt U.N. vows to punish staff 'acts of terror'
Nine staff were immediately identified and terminated. Two were still being identified; one was confirmed dead.
ICJ tells Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza, but doesn't order a cease-fire
Justices at The Hague granted South Africa's request for provisional measures against the Israeli military in Gaza.
U.N. court hears S. Africa case alleging Israeli genocide in Gaza
Though it cannot enforce its orders, the court issues advisory opinions that carry legal weight and moral authority.
'World Court' gains new judges and Russia loses seat with U.N. election
The election adds only the sixth female judge and denies Russia a seat for the first time in the court's 77-year history.
Human rights groups protest lack of justice, closure in Khashoggi murder
'The path to justice for his killing remains fully blocked,' said Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard.
Fearing precedent, Pentagon won't cooperate with top global court
A top U.S. diplomatic official said the ICC won't pursue war crimes charges against Americans if the U.S. courts handle it.
Council of Europe presses ex-member Russia for accountability
The 46-nation council reaffirmed support for Ukraine and initiated a register to account for damages by former member Russia so human rights victims can be compensated.
Ukraine's leader presses for war accountability at The Hague
Zelenskyy conveyed his confidence that Russia's leaders would someday face justice for war crimes.
At U.N., leaders link debt, climate to unity in fighting counterterrorism
Mozambique hosted a talk on how the U.N. and regional organizations can curb terrorism and violent extremism.
Court issues warrant for Putin over Ukrainian child abductions
The prosecutor says the charges involve deportation of 'at least hundreds of children' taken from orphanages and homes.
Experts urge accountability for Russian war crimes in Ukraine
The report's alleged war crimes in Ukraine include killings, torture, rape, kidnapped children and attacks on civilians.
Watchdog finds scant progress in the global fight against corruption
A new report finds a clear connection between more violence and corruption as the world becomes a less peaceful place.