Law

UNESCO’S Peace Vocation

by Alfred de Zayas,* Geneva

(15 November 2024) The UNESCO Constitution,¹ adopted in London on 16 November 1945, places great importance on the dialogue of civilizations and the necessity of mutual respect for the promotion of peace and prosperity through enhanced educational, scientific and cultural cooperation. The Constitution, which has been amended and strengthened over the years, promotes learning about other cultures and trying to understand the perspectives of other peoples, always recognizing our commonalities as human beings and our responsibility vis-à-vis the common heritage of mankind.

Accusations of US Regime-Change Operations in Pakistan and Bangladesh Warrant UN Attention

The very strong evidence of the U.S. role in toppling the government of Imran Khan in Pakistan raises the likelihood that something similar may have occurred in Bangladesh.

by Jeffrey D. Sachs,* USA

(30 August 2024) Two former leaders of major South Asian countries have reportedly accused the United States of covert regime change operations to topple their governments. One of the leaders, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, languishes in prison, on a perverse conviction that proves Khan’s assertion. The other leader, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheik Hasina, fled to India following a violent coup in her country. Their grave accusations against the U.S., as reported in the world media, should be investigated by the UN, since if true, the U.S. actions would constitute a fundamental threat to world peace and to regional stability in South Asia.

ICJ Ruling 19 July 2024 on Israel

Israel is called upon to abide by international law

Analysis by Pascal Lottaz,* Neutrality Studies, Kyoto, Japan

(23 August 2024) (CH-S) The Swiss historian and professor of international relations, Pascal Lottaz, analyses the fundamental dimensions of the opinion of the “International Court of Justice” (ICJ) of 19 July 2024 regarding the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel. After a written introduction by the author, we reproduce the content of his English-language video contribution.

Blackmailing international criminal justice

by Alfred de Zayas,* Geneva

(25 May 2024) The prosecutor and the judges of the “International Criminal Court” (ICC) are bound to observe the “Statute of Rome” and apply it uniformly, without preferences or double standards. Otherwise, they will forfeit their authority and credibility. They must resist blackmail by any country that pretends to instrumentalize the Court for geopolitical games.

“The only legal sanctions are those imposed by the Security Council”

UN Charter, UN Credibility and unlawful UCMs

by Alfred de Zayas,* Geneva

(CH-S) On 25 March 2024, Russia has convened a meeting “under the Arria formula” on the impact of “Unilateral Coercive Measures” (UCMs) on the global fight against terrorism.

Individual members of the UN Security Council have the option of convening an informal meeting on important topics in accordance with the Arria formula. It owes its name to the Venezuelan ambassador Diego Arria, who initiated this type of meeting for the first time in 1992.

Switzerland and the EU have gone astray with their sanctions policy against Russia

Russians, whether sanctioned or not, are placed under general and suspicion in the sense of collective punishment. A reorientation is overdue

by Carl Baudenbacher,* Switzerland

(29 March 2024) February 24, 2024 marks two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. The European Union then imposed sanctions, which Switzerland joined. In Europe, the United Kingdom has also set up its own sanctions regime. In addition to companies and organizations, the sanctions list includes individuals accused of supporting, financing or carrying out actions that undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, or of profiting from such actions. Sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes.