human rights

Of Statelessness, Detention Camps and Deportations: India and the “National Register of Citizens” in Assam

The legal process relating to a citizenship register in the state of Assam in India is violative of multiple human rights obligations. With the deadline of 31 July 2019 looming large, I look at the flaws in the process and international law obligations.

Enforced Disappearances: A Global Scourge, Increasingly Under the Radar

With the disappearances of Jamal Khashoggi, the head of Interpol in China, and thousands of others across the globe, I look at ‘short-term’ disappearances and the legal interpretation catching up to this increasingly prevalent phenomenon.

“Comfort Women”, the “Birangona” and historical war time sexual violence: Ignoring wounds of the past?

“Comfort Women”, the “Birangona” and historical war time sexual violence: Ignoring wounds of the past?

I attended the opening of the exhibition on Women & War at the Ayala Museum in the Philippines. Hearing a Lola - or grandmother who survived the ordeal of being a “Comfort Woman” - made me think of this issue more, and also look into the often forgotten '“Birangona” of Bangladesh. What hope for justice and redress?

Women in International Law: A Vanishing Act?

Women in International Law: A Vanishing Act?

A few thoughts on gender diversity in international law, sparked by the nominations for the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). I assess International courts, UN treaty bodies and mandate holders. The results are not pretty!

Philippines withdrawal from the International Criminal Court: Legal challenge at the Supreme Court

Philippines withdrawal from the International Criminal Court: Legal challenge at the Supreme Court

The withdrawal of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court is being challenged before the Philippine Supreme Court. Attending the hearings have given me an insight into the way the case may proceed - here are my reflections on issues of international law and domestic law - and a prediction about the case.