International Justice System Faces Landmark Decisions Amid Global Crises
The international legal and cultural landscape is being reshaped by a series of landmark decisions at global institutions, ranging from a historic conviction for war crimes in Darfur to a first-ever legal review of the right to strike and the appointment of a new director for UNESCO.
In a first, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has opened hearings to determine whether the right to strike is protected under international law. According to the UN’s official website, this marks the first time the world’s highest court will comment on the balance between worker rights and employer interests.
While the relevant international labor convention does not explicitly mention striking, labor rights advocates argue it is an implicit component of the fundamental freedom of association. The court’s eventual ruling is anticipated to establish a significant international precedent for labor movements worldwide.
The United Nations’ cultural agency, UNESCO, has selected former Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled El-Enany, 54, as its new chief. El-Enany, who secured the post with 55 votes from the 58-member board, is tasked with reviving the agency’s fortunes following the United States’ second withdrawal.
The U.S. withdrawal, set to take effect at the end of 2026, will cut approximately 8% of UNESCO’s budget. The White House, under the previous administration, justified the move by accusing the agency of supporting “woke, divisive cultural and social causes.” El-Enany, known for his strong regional backing, will be put forward for final approval by UNESCO members on November 6.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has delivered its first-ever conviction for crimes committed in the Sudanese region of Darfur. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–al-Rahman (known as Ali Kushayb), a leader of the infamous Janjaweed militia, was convicted on 27 counts, including mass murder and rape.
Presiding Judge Joanna Korner stated the atrocities were part of a government plan to crush a rebellion two decades ago. Korner detailed harrowing accounts, noting that Abd-al-Rahman was not only giving orders but was “personally involved in the beatings” and executions.
The conviction is a major step for the ICC, which is also seeking the extradition of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on genocide charges. Prosecutors are also looking to issue new arrest warrants related to the current, devastating conflict in Sudan between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (which grew out of the Janjaweed). The Darfur conflict in the 2000s resulted in the deaths of 300,000 people and displaced 2.5 million.
