International Law, Human Rights
& Human Security
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The exploration of human rights and human security involves a deep examination of the fundamental rights and protections that individuals are entitled to, as well as the conditions necessary for individuals and communities to live in security and dignity. It allows cross-cutting themes to prioritize livelihoods, look at conflicts around the world, while also highlighting perspectives of international law.
Report
Confronting Impunity: When Powerful States Weaponize Hunger
​By Samira Rashwan - Founder and Managing Director of the Strategic Priorities Hub
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The report argues that powerful states, including Israel, are deliberately using starvation as a military strategy to achieve political objectives. This is accomplished through systematic tactics like destroying food systems, implementing blockades, and intentionally obstructing humanitarian aid. Despite clear prohibitions under international law, which classify starvation of civilians as a war crime, a significant "accountability gap" persists due to political realities such as the UN Security Council veto, strategic alliances, and economic leverage that shield powerful states and their allies. To counter this, the report proposes a multi-faceted approach: strengthening legal mechanisms like universal jurisdiction, investing in evidence collection, bypassing Security Council deadlocks via the UN General Assembly, reforming international norms on veto use, and empowering civil society and independent media to document these crimes and hold perpetrators accountable.​
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Photo: Jehad Alshrafi / AP​​​​