Die Fiktion der Nichteinreise ist ein Instrument der Entrechtung

Die Fiktion der Nichteinreise klingt ein bisschen verrückt – aber können wir uns alle daran gewöhnen, nachdem wir uns einmal kräftig gewundert haben? Nein, wir dürfen uns nicht mit Fiktionen abfinden, die Rechte aushebeln. Das Recht kennt verschiedene Fiktionen, aber sie dienen der Wahrung von Rechten. Wenn wir Fiktionen akzeptieren, die Rechte umgehen, befinden wir uns im düstersten Gruselkabinett des rechtlichen Unrechts.

In Praise of Limiting Democracy: a Defense of ISDS

With the UK Parliament debating CETA and the CJEU hearing arguments on the compatibility of EU law with the dispute resolution provisions, investor-state dispute resolution (ISDS) is very much in the news again. Many seem to be concerned about the integrity of the nation state, the ability of the people (within national boundaries) to order and determine their fates. Why should we not view ISDS as a threat to national wellbeing? The reason is that sometimes we need constraints on sovereign discretion.

Wurde Ali B. rechtswidrig aus dem Irak nach Deutschland geholt?

Nun, wo die „Heldenpolizisten“ in die Heimat zurückgekehrt sind, geht das Drama um den gewaltsamen Tod der 14-jährigen Susanna in den dritten Akt. Was war das eigentlich rechtlich, das da am vergangenen Samstag in Erbil geschah und letztlich zur Festnahme des Tatverdächtigen Ali B. durch die Bundespolizei führte? Eine „Auslieferung“? Eine „Abschiebung“? Oder doch ein „Rechtsverstoß“ oder „Freiheitsberaubung“?

Völkerrecht klar benennen: Deutschland im Sicherheitsrat und der Einsatz für die »regelbasierte internationale Ordnung«

Am Freitag ist Deutschland für eine zweijährige Amtsperiode in den Sicherheitsrat der Vereinten Nationen gewählt worden. In ihrer Kampagne hatte die Bundesregierung unter anderem für eine Stärkung der Völkerrechtsordnung geworben. Dafür ist es zentral, dass Deutschland seine Rechtsauffassung im Sicherheitsrat deutlich artikuliert.

Lithuania and Romania Complicit for Hosting CIA »Black Sites«

On 31 May 2018, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) confirmed in two simultaneously published judgments, Abu Zubaydah v. Lithuania and Al Nashiri v. Romania, that Lithuania and Romania were involved in the running of secret detention facilities of the CIA, so-called “black sites”, on their territories as well as their “complicity” in the execution of CIA’s secret extraordinary rendition programme for suspected terrorists.

Bumps on the Roadmap towards the Republic of Northern Macedonia?

Greece and the Republic of Macedonia are one step closer to re-naming R. Macedonia into the “Republic of Northern Macedonia” or “Republic of Upper Macedonia”. On 28 May 2018, the Foreign Ministers of both countries have announced significant progress towards the bilateral treaty regarding the name issue. At the same time, a road map for the name change of the Republic of Macedonia was announced that includes a binding referendum by the Macedonian people. But what happens if the treaty is already signed and binding, and the people of Macedonia vote against the name change in the referendum?

Corporate Liability for Extraterritorial Human Rights Violations – the US in Retreat?

Last week, in Jesner v. Arab Bank, the United States Supreme Court decided that foreign corporations cannot be sued in federal court for human rights violations that occurred outside the US and have no substantial link to the US. The decision is the latest piece of an ongoing debate around the question: just how far can the US meddle in affairs of other countries? More pragmatically, it makes international human rights litigation - a successful counterpart to diplomatic intervention in the past - much more difficult today.

Lebanon – Plaything of Regional Powers: The Case of Saad Hariri

The forced temporary resignation of the Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Harari under pressure from Saudi-Arabia has raised not just political, but also legal questions. Saudi-Arabia violated the principle of non-intervention, Hariri’s personal inviolability and his human right to personal liberty. Maybe this time the Lebanon escaped a new political crisis, but the situation remains tense. Living in fear of a new conflict seems to be Lebanon’s destiny.

Bye bye, ICC! The Philippines‹ farewell put into perspective

On 14 March 2018, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the Philippines will withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC, the Court) “effective immediately.” Duterte’s intention to reject the ICC’s jurisdiction exemplifies the Court’s fragile foothold across Southeast Asia. Cambodia and the Philippines have been the only two ICC members among the ten ASEAN countries. Thailand signed the Statute in 2000, but not yet proceeded to ratification. An explanation of this Southeast Asian hesitation may be found in distinct attitudes and principles within and between the ASEAN countries.