Publications

The blindfold of justice in the fog of war: genocide, military necessity and the limits of armed force under international law

The article explores the boundary between lawful military actions and acts of genocide under international law, referencing the International Court of Justice case South Africa v Israel. It contends that international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international criminal law are three separate yet interconnected frameworks – actions lawful under one might still lead to liability under another – with genocide serving as the clearest example. The main argument is that military necessity is a legitimate but limited doctrine, insufficient to justify acts committed with dolus specialis; the crucial factor distinguishing lawful warfare from genocide is proven intent, not the outcomes of military operations.

Released on Jul 13, 2026

Human rights and nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands webinar - summary

The IBA Human Rights Law Committee hosted a webinar on ‘Human rights and nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands’ on 1st July 2026, which was co-presented by the IBA Rule of Law Forum, the IBA Environment, Health and Safety Law Committee, and the IBA Human Rights Institute.

Released on Jul 12, 2026

Getting to know the ERF - Tine Mišic

Get to know our members of the European Regional Forum with this series throughout 2026. Tine Mišic describes his experience of being European as both something personal and something that is created through shared experiences and cultures.

Released on Jul 08, 2026

The United Nations legacy of international criminal justice: Part 2 of the analysis of the acquitted and released men dying unfree in Niger

This article gives an update on developments with the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and the four-year long protracted crisis regarding relocation of acquitted and released Rwandan men

Released on Jul 07, 2026