Year in Review 2018

Abstract

Throughout 2018 a number of noteworthy events with particular relevance to international humanitarian law (IHL) took place. The continuation of the conflict between governmental forces and non-state armed groups in Syria, including sieges, indiscriminate attacks and the use of prohibited, in particular chemical, weapons caused grave concerns. Also the war in Yemen did not come to an end and indiscriminate attacks by both sides of the conflict were witnessed throughout the year. In Israel and Palestine the security situations intensified again and led to clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians. Also terrorist activities remained a major concern in 2018, in particular in Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia and Syria. A number of decisions were rendered by international, hybrid, and national courts relating to the investigation and prosecution of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. This includes an acquittal of Jean-Pierre Bemba at the International Criminal Court, as well as the conviction of Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia. The year was also marked by several events as well as expert and governmental meetings regarding arms control and disarmament. This chapter addresses a number of issues noteworthy to IHL. The Year in Review is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of all events that occurred in 2018, but rather a sampling of events with particular relevance to IHL.