Legality Over Accountability?

On April 23, 2025, public prosecutors in Guatemala executed an arrest warrant against Luis Pacheco, the Deputy Energy Minister. This case is only the latest in a series of politically motivated prosecutions that place the Attorney General at the center of Guatemala’s democratic backsliding. She has systematically targeted journalists, public officials and civil society actors, undermining democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. What can be done when legal mechanisms to hold public officials accountable are effectively blocked? When there are credible grounds to believe that a public official is abusing their mandate, accountability must take precedence in legal and political debate.

Elisabeth Mann Borgese

In public international law circles, especially those indulging in the law of the sea, Elisabeth Mann Borgese, the youngest daughter born to German Nobel Prize-winning novelist Thomas Mann in 1918, is perhaps best known for her pioneering work on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Her convictions and contributions to the UNCLOS focused on social justice, equitable access to resources, and environmental protection. By offering a glimpse into her contributions to the UNCLOS, this post highlights how Elisabeth Mann Borgese’s ideology – influenced in part by her cautious feminist beliefs – permeates her legacy.

»The Existence of the ICC Is Largely Due to the Traditions and Experiences of Latin American Countries«

In an exclusive interview, our partner Agenda Estado de Derecho spoke with Osvaldo Zavala Giler, the first Latin American to assume the position of Registrar of the International Criminal Court, who grants us access to the fascinating and challenging world of international criminal justice. From the operational core of the Court, Zavala leads efforts to ensure that this institution, responsible for adjudicating the most atrocious crimes, operates effectively within an increasingly complex global landscape.

Exekutive Brecheisen

Das Landesamt für Einwanderung Berlin (LEA) hat nach übereinstimmenden Presseberichten drei Unionsbürger:innen wegen Straftaten im Zusammenhang mit der Teilnahme an der Besetzung des Präsidiums der Freien Universität Berlin im Oktober 2024 (unter anderem der Verwendung von „Äxten, Sägen und Brecheisen“) des Landes verwiesen, also den Verlust ihrer Freizügigkeit festgestellt. Ob diese Vorwürfe stimmen, kann jedenfalls dahinstehen, da die Maßnahme für sie als Unionsbürger:innen auch dann rechtswidrig sein dürfte.

How Hungary’s Withdrawal from the International Criminal Court Affects the Credibility of the European Union

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán launched another attack on the rules-based world order. He invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is under an arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, for a state visit to Budapest. On this occasion, Orbán announced Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC, which he defined as “a politically biased” institution. With this move, Hungary undermines the EU’s long-standing and consolidated support for the ICC.

The Status of the Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment Under Customary International Law

The recognition of a right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment remains contested under customary international law. Some view recent UN resolutions as evidence of its emergence, while others argue they merely reinforce existing obligations. The Human Rights Council and General Assembly have acknowledged this right, but states differ on its legal impact. As the International Court of Justice examines the issue, the focus is shifting from recognition to implementation, with institutions now working to monitor and enforce environmental human rights.

Weniger Spielraum als behauptet

Im Januar 2025 versuchte die CDU/CSU-Fraktion mit Stimmen der AfD, FDP und BSW, ihr sogenanntes „Zustrombegrenzungsgesetz“ zu beschließen. Der Gesetzentwurf sah unter anderem vor, den Familiennachzug zu subsidiär Schutzberechtigten vollständig und unbefristet auszusetzen. Zwar scheiterte das Vorhaben, doch nun planen CDU/CSU und SPD laut Sondierungspapier den Familiennachzug zu subsidiär Schutzberechtigten befristet auszusetzen. Wer eine erneute Aussetzung als rechtlich haltbare und politisch sinnvolle Maßnahme darstellt, verkennt die tatsächliche Lage der Betroffenen und ignoriert, dass Visa ohnehin regelmäßig nach § 22 Satz 1 AufenthG zu erteilen wären.