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International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is a prominent international judicial body based in the Hague, Netherlands and is the principal judicial organisation of the United Nations. Established in 1945, its primary mission is to settle legal disputes between states and provide advisory opinions on international legal questions. Located at the Peace Palace, it is the sole principal UN organisation outside of New York. The ICJ is recognised for its crucial role in fostering international peace, promoting the rule of law and enabling countries to resolve issues without conflict, thereby contributing significantly to global security.

A Sudanese man pulls a donkey cart filled with water for sale in Port Sudan on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Africa

Sudan enters 4th year of war as ‘abandoned crisis’ grows

The war has pushed parts of Sudan into famine and the UN says about 34 million people, or almost two of every three Sudanese, need help.

16 Apr 2026 - 12:07AM

Indonesia

Indonesian activists target Myanmar’s president in genocide case against him

9 Apr 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

The Philippines

Will Philippine ex-president Duterte stand trial at the ICC, and for how long?

9 Apr 2026 - 5:42PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump’s ‘Stone Age’ threats against Iran spark war crimes alarm

Over 100 US experts warn that strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran may violate international law.

3 Apr 2026 - 9:26PM

A US B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft during Operation Epic Fury. Photo: US Air Force via AFP

The Philippines

Support for Duterte’s ICC trial has halved in a year. Here’s why

Only 30 per cent of Gen Z Filipinos now back the ICC drugs war case, as AI-generated disinformation floods TikTok.

19 Mar 2026 - 7:12PM

The Philippines

Allies of Philippines’ Duterte step up online attacks as drug war trial looms

The efforts have focused on undermining the ICC itself, targeting victims and witnesses and normalising mockery of the dead.

3 Mar 2026 - 2:00PM

Rodrigo Duterte

Video | From drug tsar to ICC detainee: the rise and fall of Rodrigo Duterte

The former Philippine leader has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and has always defended the drug crackdown.

26 Feb 2026 - 3:44PM

05:18

The Philippines

Duterte was ‘pivotal’ in murder of thousands, ICC prosecutors say

He has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and has always defended the drug crackdown.

26 Feb 2026 - 3:45PMvideocam

US-China trade war

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

23 Feb 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

France

France to summon US ambassador over comments on activist killing

France’s foreign minister reacts to a US statement about the death of Quentin Deranque, rejecting ‘instrumentalisation of this tragedy’.

23 Feb 2026 - 12:09PM

Protesters hold a portrait of far-right activist Quentin Deranque, who died after being attacked on the sidelines of a far-right protest in Lyon. Photo: AFP

The Philippines

Families of Philippine drug war victims seek ICC justice as Duterte trial looms

A hearing that begins in The Hague on Monday will determine whether the ex-president will stand trial over at least 76 of those deaths.

20 Feb 2026 - 9:11PMvideocam

Catholic priest Flavie Villanueva (right) joins hands with relatives of those killed in former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war during inurnment rites on Friday. Photo: AFP

South Africa

Trump’s new ambassador to South Africa arrives in country amid strained ties

The US president has accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority, criticised its ties with China and imposed tariffs on exports.

17 Feb 2026 - 6:21AM

The Philippines

ICC naming of Duterte’s allies sharpens Philippines’ political fault lines

Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Christopher Go named as alleged ‘co-perpetrators’ in the former president’s crimes against humanity case.

16 Feb 2026 - 9:22PMvideocam

United Nations

Opinion | More than funding, the UN needs restructuring

The UN’s financial strain is a chance to rethink its structure, cut inefficiencies and empower local work that delivers more impact.

15 Feb 2026 - 5:30AM

Internally displaced Palestinians walk among the ruins of the Al Tuffah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City on February 11. The UN human rights office has maintained a presence in Gaza despite the challenges. Photo: EPA

Israel-Gaza war

World artists back Palestine rapporteur Francesca Albanese despite criticism

Albanese faces calls from France and Germany to step down over remarks in which she criticised ‘most of the world’ for enabling Israel’s ‘genocide’ in Gaza.

14 Feb 2026 - 11:17PM

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories attends a demonstration during a nationwide strike in Italy, called by the USB union in solidarity with Gaza and against the government and its plan to increase military spending, in Rome, Italy, on November 29 last year. Photo: Reuters

The Philippines

Philippine senators Go, Dela Rosa helped Duterte wage drug war: ICC prosecutors

The two sitting senators are among eight officials linked to the ex-president’s crimes against humanity charges, an ICC document says.

14 Feb 2026 - 3:05PM

Libya

Son of Libya’s late ruler Gaddafi killed by gunmen who stormed home

Four masked men ‘executed’ Saif al-Islam Gaddafi at his residence in the western Libyan city of Zitan.

4 Feb 2026 - 1:53PM

The Philippines

Duterte vs ICC: judges reject ‘unfit’ plea, set date for drug war case

The 80-year-old faces a February hearing on crimes against humanity after the court rejected defence arguments that he was unfit to take part.

26 Jan 2026 - 6:54PMvideocam

Rodrigo Duterte addresses troops during the Armed Forces’ 82nd anniversary in Quezon City in December 2017. Photo: AP

Ukraine war

Almost half of Kyiv without heat, power after massive Russian strike

Over 5,600 buildings lose heat in sub-zero temperatures as Russia targets energy grids amid ongoing US-led peace negotiations.

20 Jan 2026 - 8:16PM

Israel

UN accuses Israel of subjecting Palestinians in West Bank to ‘apartheid’

For first time, UN rights chief labels situation in occupied Palestinian territories ‘apartheid’, a term previously used only by UN experts.

7 Jan 2026 - 7:06PM

Russia

Putin signs law allowing Russia to ignore foreign court rulings on Ukraine

Under the changes, Moscow can ignore international judgments on Ukraine, shielding officials from ICC warrants and war crime tribunals.

29 Dec 2025 - 9:44PM

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via videolink in Moscow on December 26. Photo: Sputnik/AFP

The Philippines

Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025

Deepening political feuds, ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest and the South China Sea dispute have reshaped the Philippine landscape.

28 Dec 2025 - 4:00PMvideocam

Protesters wearing masks depicting the faces of Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr march during a rally to mark the International Human Rights Day in Manila on December 10. Photo: AFP

The Philippines

Philippine court upholds murder verdict in Duterte’s drug war case

While the ruling has been hailed as a win for human rights, it may not have much impact on Duterte’s ICC case, legal analysts say.

25 Dec 2025 - 2:53PMvideocam

SCMP Highlights

Malaysia’s dress code row, South Korea falls out with K-pop: 7 Asia highlights

From ex-NBA player’s cancer treatment to backlash against Malaysia’s ‘moral police’, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

16 Dec 2025 - 2:01PM

My Take

My Take | The emerging axis of lawlessness – the European Union, United States and Israel

From Ukraine to the Caribbean and Middle East, we are witnessing the application of the law of the jungle by the West and its ally.

14 Dec 2025 - 10:15PM

Ukrainians hold placards during a protest demanding the use of frozen Russian assets, on the sidelines of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meeting in Brussels, Belgium, December 12, 2025. Photo: EPA

SCMP Highlights

China’s ‘most beautiful’ bodyguard, Asia’s fastest man retires: 7 highlights

From a revolutionary facility in Shandong province to Hongkongers casting their ballots, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

12 Dec 2025 - 12:55PM

During a recent visit to China, the French president and his wife drew attention to a female bodyguard assigned by the Chinese government, who has been dubbed the country’s “most beautiful bodyguard”. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/Reuters

The Philippines

Could ICC warrants against Duterte allies alter Philippines’ balance of power?

A former Duterte spokesman claims more of the ex-president’s allies will soon be arrested as part of a plot to ‘destroy the opposition’.

9 Dec 2025 - 8:04AMvideocam

Asean

Thailand, Cambodia clash at UN mine ban talks as ‘fragile’ border truce teeters

Analysts warn relations are in a ‘fragile place’ as the neighbours trade barbs and leverage international law at a UN meeting in Geneva.

3 Dec 2025 - 5:07PMvideocam

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International Court of Justice

Sudan enters 4th year of war as ‘abandoned crisis’ grows

The war has pushed parts of Sudan into famine and the UN says about 34 million people, or almost two of every three Sudanese, need help.

Indonesian activists target Myanmar’s president in genocide case against him

Will Philippine ex-president Duterte stand trial at the ICC, and for how long?

Trump’s ‘Stone Age’ threats against Iran spark war crimes alarm

Over 100 US experts warn that strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran may violate international law.

Support for Duterte’s ICC trial has halved in a year. Here’s why

Only 30 per cent of Gen Z Filipinos now back the ICC drugs war case, as AI-generated disinformation floods TikTok.

Allies of Philippines’ Duterte step up online attacks as drug war trial looms

The efforts have focused on undermining the ICC itself, targeting victims and witnesses and normalising mockery of the dead.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | From drug tsar to ICC detainee: the rise and fall of Rodrigo Duterte

The former Philippine leader has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and has always defended the drug crackdown.

Duterte was ‘pivotal’ in murder of thousands, ICC prosecutors say

He has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and has always defended the drug crackdown.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

France to summon US ambassador over comments on activist killing

France’s foreign minister reacts to a US statement about the death of Quentin Deranque, rejecting ‘instrumentalisation of this tragedy’.

Families of Philippine drug war victims seek ICC justice as Duterte trial looms

A hearing that begins in The Hague on Monday will determine whether the ex-president will stand trial over at least 76 of those deaths.

Trump’s new ambassador to South Africa arrives in country amid strained ties

The US president has accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority, criticised its ties with China and imposed tariffs on exports.

ICC naming of Duterte’s allies sharpens Philippines’ political fault lines

Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Christopher Go named as alleged ‘co-perpetrators’ in the former president’s crimes against humanity case.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | More than funding, the UN needs restructuring

The UN’s financial strain is a chance to rethink its structure, cut inefficiencies and empower local work that delivers more impact.

World artists back Palestine rapporteur Francesca Albanese despite criticism

Albanese faces calls from France and Germany to step down over remarks in which she criticised ‘most of the world’ for enabling Israel’s ‘genocide’ in Gaza.

Philippine senators Go, Dela Rosa helped Duterte wage drug war: ICC prosecutors

The two sitting senators are among eight officials linked to the ex-president’s crimes against humanity charges, an ICC document says.

Son of Libya’s late ruler Gaddafi killed by gunmen who stormed home

Four masked men ‘executed’ Saif al-Islam Gaddafi at his residence in the western Libyan city of Zitan.

Duterte vs ICC: judges reject ‘unfit’ plea, set date for drug war case

The 80-year-old faces a February hearing on crimes against humanity after the court rejected defence arguments that he was unfit to take part.

Almost half of Kyiv without heat, power after massive Russian strike

Over 5,600 buildings lose heat in sub-zero temperatures as Russia targets energy grids amid ongoing US-led peace negotiations.

UN accuses Israel of subjecting Palestinians in West Bank to ‘apartheid’

For first time, UN rights chief labels situation in occupied Palestinian territories ‘apartheid’, a term previously used only by UN experts.

Putin signs law allowing Russia to ignore foreign court rulings on Ukraine

Under the changes, Moscow can ignore international judgments on Ukraine, shielding officials from ICC warrants and war crime tribunals.

Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025

Deepening political feuds, ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest and the South China Sea dispute have reshaped the Philippine landscape.

Philippine court upholds murder verdict in Duterte’s drug war case

While the ruling has been hailed as a win for human rights, it may not have much impact on Duterte’s ICC case, legal analysts say.

Malaysia’s dress code row, South Korea falls out with K-pop: 7 Asia highlights

From ex-NBA player’s cancer treatment to backlash against Malaysia’s ‘moral police’, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

My Take | The emerging axis of lawlessness – the European Union, United States and Israel

From Ukraine to the Caribbean and Middle East, we are witnessing the application of the law of the jungle by the West and its ally.

China’s ‘most beautiful’ bodyguard, Asia’s fastest man retires: 7 highlights

From a revolutionary facility in Shandong province to Hongkongers casting their ballots, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Could ICC warrants against Duterte allies alter Philippines’ balance of power?

A former Duterte spokesman claims more of the ex-president’s allies will soon be arrested as part of a plot to ‘destroy the opposition’.

Thailand, Cambodia clash at UN mine ban talks as ‘fragile’ border truce teeters

Analysts warn relations are in a ‘fragile place’ as the neighbours trade barbs and leverage international law at a UN meeting in Geneva.

Video | From drug tsar to ICC detainee: the rise and fall of Rodrigo Duterte

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

Opinion | More than funding, the UN needs restructuring