The International Law and Human Rights Program prepares this update on International Justice for informational purposes only. Any opinions expressed in articles contained in this update are not necessarily endorsed by PGA or any individual/s associated with PGA; nor does PGA or any individual/s associated with PGA vouch for the accuracy of the contents of these articles.
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Philippines
On 27 February 2026, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court concluded the confirmation of charges hearing in The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The hearing assessed whether sufficient evidence exists to confirm crimes against humanity charges related to Duterte's "war on drugs" in the Philippines from 2011 to 2019. Duterte waived his right to attend, and following oral submissions, judges are now deliberating. They must deliver a written decision within 60 days.
On 18 February 2026, Euronews reported that US sanctions imposed on ICC judges, including French judge Nicolas Guillou, have severely restricted access to financial and digital services, highlighting Europe's dependence on US-based platforms and prompting calls for EU sovereign tools.
On 16 February 2026, UN human rights experts warned that the recently released "Epstein Files" contain evidence of large-scale sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation of women and girls that may amount to crimes against humanity. They urged US authorities to provide full remedy and reparation to victims and end impunity for perpetrators.
On 18 February 2026, Human Rights Watch reported that Myanmar’s military junta had expelled Timor-Leste’s senior diplomat after Timorese authorities opened a universal jurisdiction case accusing senior junta officials, including Min Aung Hlaing, of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed since the 2021 coup.
On 19 February 2026, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan reported that atrocities committed by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces during their late‑October 2025 takeover of El Fasher, North Darfur, bear the “hallmarks of genocide” against the Zaghawa and Fur communities.
On 24 February 2026, the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy pledged to secure “peace and justice” for Ukraine, highlighting the resilience and sacrifice of Ukrainians in defending their independence and statehood.
On 25 February 2026, five Lebanese and international human rights organizations urged Lebanon to take concrete steps to secure justice, truth, and reparations for victims of the ongoing conflict with Israel, including by conducting independent domestic investigations, accepting the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over crimes committed in Lebanon, and considering ratifying the Rome Statute.
On 26 February 2026, Amnesty International warned that an acceleration in Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank is making annexation an irreversible reality, arguing that global failure to hold Israel accountable has fueled this escalation.
On 24 February 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on “four years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and European contributions to a just peace and sustained security for Ukraine," condemning Russia’s aggression and war crimes, reiterating support for the establishment of a special tribunal on the crime of aggression, and urging the European Commission to support international justice mechanisms.
On 17 February 2026, the 18th anniversary of Kosovo's independence, thousands of people gathered in Pristina to protest the war crimes trial in The Hague of former Kosovo Liberation Army commanders, who are charged with persecution, murder, torture, and forced disappearances during the 1998-99 war. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers is hearing closing arguments and is expected to deliver a verdict within three months.
On 5 February 2026, the Scottish Parliament voted to advance the Ecocide (Scotland) bill, which would criminalize severe environmental destruction by individuals and organizations.
On 2 February 2026, the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights published a study finding that over 100,000 civilians were killed in armed conflicts in the past 18 months, warning that international humanitarian law is nearing a breaking point.
On 2 February 2026, Le Monde reported that French judges issued arrest warrants for two French-Israeli nationals accused of complicity in genocide for blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.
On 7 February 2026, political leaders at the 17th Al Jazeera Forum in Doha warned that Israel’s war on Palestinians in Gaza and actions beyond are eroding international norms and reshaping regional power balances.
On 13 February 2026, a UN report concluded that at least 6,000 civilians were killed over three days during the seizure of el-Fasher by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces last year. The report cited evidence of mass killings, torture, and sexual violence, which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
On 12 February 2026, Members of the European Parliament adopted a resolution strongly condemning violence against civilians in north-east Syria, which may amount to war crimes.
On 4 February 2026, UN human rights experts condemned the Moscow City Court’s conviction of the International Criminal Court Prosecutor and eight judges as a violation of international law, urging the Russian Government to end reprisals and intimidation.
On 11 February 2026, Amnesty International warned that the Special Criminal Court of the Central African Republic is at imminent risk of closure in 2026 due to severe funding shortages, threatening the delivery of justice and reparations for thousands of victims and survivors of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
On 14 February 2026, Al Jazeera reported that ICC prosecutors named two Philippine senators as alleged co-perpetrators in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity trial at the International Criminal Court.
