Russia Appeals to ICJ Over MH17 Ruling
Russia filed an appeal at the International Court of Justice against Australia and the Netherlands, challenging a UN aviation agency (ICAO) ruling that held Moscow responsible for the 2014 downing of Flight MH17. Russia's legal argument centers on the claim that the 1944 Chicago Convention on international aviation does not apply during armed conflict. Moscow also alleges the ICAO investigation was biased and disregarded Russian evidence, seeking to overturn the finding that it supplied the missile system used in the attack.
Source: The Moscow Times
Historic High Seas Treaty to Enter into Force
The UN High Seas Treaty reached its required 60 ratifications, triggering its entry into force as international law in January 2026. The landmark agreement, the first of its kind, provides a legal framework for protecting marine biodiversity in the two-thirds of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction. Key provisions enable the creation of Marine Protected Areas, mandate environmental impact assessments for high seas activities, and establish a system for equitably sharing benefits from marine genetic resources, marking a major step toward achieving global ocean conservation goals.
Source: UN News
US Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to President's Emergency Tariff Powers
The U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear an expedited case on November 5 to rule on the legality of President Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping global tariffs. A federal appeals court previously found the president exceeded his authority because the 1977 law does not explicitly grant the power to impose tariffs. The case, brought by small businesses, will have major implications for executive power, trade policy, and could result in billions of dollars in tariff refunds.
Source: The Guardian
Amended International Health Regulations Enter into Force
Amended International Health Regulations (IHR) came into force for 185 countries, introducing new tools to combat global health threats. Key changes, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, include the creation of a "pandemic emergency" alert to trigger stronger international cooperation, provisions to ensure more equitable access to medical products, and a requirement for nations to establish a National IHR Authority to improve domestic coordination. The United States is among 11 countries that have rejected the legally binding amendments.
Source: WHO
Italy Becomes First EU Nation to Pass Comprehensive AI Law
Italy's parliament approved a comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence, making it the first EU country to do so. The legislation establishes a "human-centric" framework, imposing prison sentences of up to five years for the harmful use of AI, such as creating damaging deepfakes. The law also sets rules for AI-assisted copyright, requires parental consent for users under 14, mandates human oversight in sectors like healthcare, and establishes a €1 billion fund to support AI innovation.
Source: The Guardian
ICC Concludes Historic Confirmation of Charges Hearing Against Joseph Kony
The International Criminal Court completed its first-ever confirmation of charges hearing in the absence of the suspect, in the case against fugitive LRA leader Joseph Kony. Kony faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The hearing allows the court to review and preserve evidence for a potential future trial. Judges will now deliberate for 60 days to decide if there is sufficient evidence to commit the case to a Trial Chamber, though a full trial cannot proceed until Kony is arrested.
Source: CPI-ICC
Brazil Intervenes in ICJ Genocide Case Against Israel
Brazil filed a declaration of intervention at the International Court of Justice in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel. Invoking Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, Brazil, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, exercised its right to present its legal interpretation of the treaty's obligations. The move, which makes Brazil the latest of several nations to join the proceedings, legally binds it to the court's eventual judgment on the convention's interpretation and adds significant political weight to the case.
Source: AA
US Court Rules Secretive "Climate Working Group" Violated Federal Law
A U.S. federal court ruled that the Trump administration's secretly convened "Climate Working Group" violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), a transparency law. The court rejected the government's claim that the group, which produced a report to undermine the scientific basis for climate regulations, was merely exchanging facts. The judge found the group provided policy advice and was therefore subject to FACA's requirements for public participation and balanced perspectives.
Source: Environmental Defense Fund
World Leaders Issue Joint Call to Defend International Humanitarian Law
Leaders from six nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross issued a joint statement urging all countries to recommit to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) amid widespread violations in global conflicts. The Global IHL Initiative, which now includes 89 states, announced a high-level meeting for 2026 to strengthen compliance with the Geneva Conventions. The call comes as a separate UN declaration to protect aid workers is also being advanced, addressing a year on track to be the deadliest on record for humanitarian personnel.
Source: France Diplomacy