ISSN 2965-8780
Jan 23 2024 | Nº. 1 | Editorial Staff: Henrique Napoleão Alves, Sarah Ebram Alvarenga, João Fernando Martins Posso, Felipe Martins Anawate |
Editorial
Welcome to the first issue of the Facts and Norms Institute's Newsletter, a significant step forward in our mission to foster education in international law, human rights, and international peace!
In this issue, we cover a range of topics, including the upcoming hearings of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the upcoming decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, and the actuality of the work of the International Court of Justice in relation to the conflicts and happenings in the Gaza strip.
We also include a section on academic and professional opportunities, offering our readers access to valuable career and learning prospects. These third-party opportunities are provided for informational purposes only. We encourage our readers to independently verify their details.
This Newsletter is in preparation of the most anticipated I Advanced Course on International Law and Human Rights, set to take place in Coimbra, Portugal, between January 30 and February 2, 2024. A collaboration between the Facts and Norms Institute and the Ius Gentium Conimbrigae (IGC) | Human Rights Center of the University of Coimbra, the course is an unmissable event for those looking to deepen their knowledge and make impactful connections.
Participants will enjoy academic conferences from internationally renowned academics; presentations from researcher-participants; a guided tour of the historic complex of the University of Coimbra (part of the world's cultural heritage according to UNESCO); and more.
As we launch this newsletter, we invite you to engage with the content, explore the opportunities presented, and join us in our continuous endeavor to address global challenges through a human rights lens.
Stay informed, stay engaged, and let's work together towards a future where facts and norms converge to uphold human dignity for all.
Henrique Napoleão Alves, Chief Editor
Universal and Regional Highlights
FORTHCOMING HEARINGS OF THE INTER-AMERICAN COURT.
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights will hold, between January 24 and February 9, 2024, its 164th Regular Session. Which will be developed in a hybrid way, combining in-person and virtual activities. The public hearings and the Opening Ceremony of the Inter-American Judicial Year 2024 will be broadcast through the Court's social networks. Among the main activities, the Court will hold public hearings in the following Contentious Cases: Case of Ubaté and Bogotá v. Colombia; Case of Reyes Mantilla et al. v. Ecuador; Case of Aguirre Magaña v. El Salvador; Capriles v. Venezuela Case; Case of Galetovic Sepunar and others v. Chile; and Case of Muniz Da Silva et al. v. Brazil.
FORTHCOMING JUDGMENTS OF THE EUROPEAN COURT.
On 23 and 25 January 2024, the European Court of Human Rights will announce judgments and decisions in writing for five cases. On the 23rd, the Court will address two cases: "O.G. and Others v. Greece," involving eleven Greek nationals contesting the non-consensual release of their HIV-related medical data, and "O.R. v. Greece," where an Afghan minor, O.R., challenges his living conditions and lack of legal guardianship in Greece.
The rulings on 25 January will cover three additional cases: "Dimitrova v. Bulgaria," "Rousounidou v. Cyprus," and "Diethnis Akadimia Agios Kosmas O Aitolos v. Greece."
These cases relate to various human rights issues, including privacy, inhuman treatment, and procedural concerns. The decisions and press releases will be available on the Court's website and can also be accessed through its online database HUDOC.
ICJ CONCLUDES FIRST HEARINGS ON SOUTH AFRICA'S GENOCIDE CASE AGAINST ISRAEL.
On January 11 and 12, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded public hearings on a request for provisional measures filed by South Africa against Israel. The case pertains to the alleged violation of the Genocide Convention in Gaza. South Africa's delegation, led by Ambassador Vusimuzi Madonsela and legal advisor Cornelius Scholtz, requested urgent interim measures to protect the Palestinian people, citing the Genocide Convention. Their demands included immediate suspension of Israeli military operations in Gaza, prevention of actions that could lead to genocide, and ensuring no disruption to Palestinian access to essentials like food, water, and healthcare. Israel, represented by Deputy Attorney General Gilad Noam and others, asked the Court to reject South Africa's request and remove the case from its docket. The case originated from a December 29, 2023, filing by South Africa, accusing Israel of breaching obligations under the Genocide Convention regarding Palestinians in Gaza. The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the UN, will now deliberate and announce its decision in a future public session. The Court's press releases are for information purposes only and are not official documents.
WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF (UN NEWS).
On January 18, 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over escalating military tensions between Iran and Pakistan, marked by reciprocal airstrikes. Iran's initial strikes in Pakistan and Iraq targeted Sunni terrorist camps, which followed an ISIL suicide bombing in Iran's Kerman city. Pakistan's response included precision strikes near the Iranian border. Both sides reported casualties, including women and children, with Iran urging restraint to preserve Tehran-Islamabad relations.
Concurrently, a UN-appointed team began investigating war crimes in Sudan, focusing on sexual violence and child military recruitment.
In healthcare, the WHO released guidance on using generative AI, like ChatGPT, emphasizing the importance of managing risks like bias and misinformation.
Finally, UN human rights chief Volker Türk highlighted the need to integrate human rights into the global financial system, proposing reforms for sustainable development and better handling of economic crises post-COVID-19.
UN URGES THE U.S. TO HALT EXECUTION BY ASPHYXIATION.
On January 16, 2024, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed serious concerns over the planned execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith in Alabama, set for January 25. This execution, involving nitrogen gas asphyxiation, would be the first of its kind in the United States. OHCHR warned that this method could constitute torture or other inhumane treatment under international human rights law. The office urged Alabama to halt the execution, highlighting that Smith’s case still has unresolved proceedings in federal court.
Additionally, the protocol for nitrogen asphyxiation in Alabama does not include prior sedation, a practice even recommended for euthanizing large animals. The OHCHR stressed the death penalty's inconsistency with the right to life, lack of evidence for deterring crime, and risk of executing innocent individuals. The office advocates for a moratorium on capital punishment as a step towards its universal abolition.
Selected Academic & Professional Opportunities
OCHA SEEKS A HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OFFICER.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva is seeking a Humanitarian Affairs Officer, P-3 level (base salary is usually between USD 74,649 and 97,747 /year). Posted on January 18, 2024, with a deadline of March 2, 2024, tte position involves supporting the Chief of the Assessment, Planning and Monitoring Branch in various aspects of the humanitarian programme cycle, including needs assessment, response planning, and strategic communication. The ideal candidate should possess advanced knowledge and skills in humanitarian assistance, emergency relief, and related human rights issues. Applications can be submitted through the UN's online recruitment platform, inspira (https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/223492?language=e n).
REMOTE OPPORTUNITIES AT UN AGENCIES.
From January 23 to January 28, there are several remote opportunities available with UN agencies, such as the vacancies of Development Law Specialist at FAO, closing on January 28 (https://lnkd.in/deceeVtC); SWA Strategic Framework Consultant at UNICEF (closing on January 23, https://lnkd.in/dh25j5JN); Gender Review Consultant at UNICEF (closing on January 24, https://lnkd.in/d-_fUAVP); and Management Consultant at UNICEF (closing on January 25, https://lnkd.in/d5stqZw4).
RESEARCHER AT THE UEF LAW SCHOOL.
The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is looking for a Researcher in Sustainability Transformation. For a Postdoctoral Researcher/Project Researcher, the job-related salary element is EUR 3,213.15 /month. For a Doctoral Researcher, the job-related salary element is EUR 2,222.83 – 2,775.28 /month. Closing date: February 13 (https://uef.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:693656/type:job/where: 4/apply:1).
THE BRAZILIAN ACADEMY OF INTERNATIONAL LAW CALLS FOR ABSTRACTS.
The Brazilian Academy of International Law – ABDI makes public and calls on all teachers, researchers, students and professionals in the field of Law and International Relations to participate in the selection process of drafts to be presented at the 22nd Brazilian Congress of International Law, an event to be held in Campos do Jordão, São Paulo, between May 22nd and 25th, 2024 and in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, between August 21st and 24th, 2024 (https://cbdi.sistemaabdi.com.br/site/detail/22o-congresso-brasileiro-de-direito-internacional).
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