Navigating the Legal Landscape: Key Industry Updates (March 2025)

Rwanda-DRC Conflict

The UN Security Council has called upon Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Council demanded that M23 immediately stop all hostilities, withdraw from the areas it currently controls, and reverse the establishment of illegitimate parallel administrations.

Source: UN News

Return of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

The Netherlands will return 113 Benin Bronzes from the Dutch State Collection to Nigeria. These artifacts were looted by British soldiers in 1897 from the Kingdom of Benin, sold, and eventually ended up in the Dutch collection. This repatriation is considered the single largest return of Benin antiquities directly linked to the 1897 British expedition.  

Source: ArtNews

Sanctions on Syria

According to the UN Special Envoy to Syria, creating an inclusive government in Syria could help determine whether Western sanctions are lifted as the country rebuilds after the ouster of former President Bashar Assad.  

Source: AP News

Extradition of Libyan General

The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that Italy had until 17 March 2025 to respond to its request for an explanation regarding its failure to extradite Libyan general Osama Najim al-Masri. Al-Masri is accused by the ICC of crimes against humanity, and implicated in the mistreatment of migrants during his time in Libya.  

Source: G37 Chambers

UK May Disengage from International Courts

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the opposition in the UK, suggested that the UK might disengage from international courts and institutions if membership doesn't serve British interests. This raises concerns about the potential erosion of human rights protections in the UK and could signal a shift away from international cooperation on legal matters.  

Source: Medium

Treasury Suspends Corporate Transparency Act Filing for U.S. Companies

The U.S. Treasury has suspended the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) filing deadline for domestic companies and U.S. citizens. This significant change comes as the Treasury prepares to narrow the CTA's scope through proposed rulemaking, focusing reporting requirements primarily on foreign reporting companies.

This decision follows recent court rulings that lifted previous injunctions on the Act's enforcement. While potential legal challenges remain, the focus of the CTA now shifts to foreign entities operating in the United States. Consequently, domestic companies are no longer obligated to maintain the accuracy of previously submitted CTA information.

Source: National Law Review

Judicial Attitudes Survey 2024 Reveals Concerns

The Judicial Attitudes Survey 2024 revealed concerns about judicial pay, pensions, and safety. Most judges feel undervalued and respected by society less than before, with an increasing number of salaried judges intending to leave the judiciary in the next 5 years .  

Source: Medium

Axel Rudakubana Case Raises Sentencing Questions

The case of Axel Rudakubana, who committed murders at age 17, raised questions about sentencing for young offenders. As he was under 18, he could not be sentenced to life imprisonment or given a whole life order, leading to discussions about appropriate punishment for serious crimes committed by minors.  

Source: ICLR

Overview of the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act

This article provides an overview of the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, published in July 2024. This groundbreaking legislation represents the first comprehensive legal framework on AI, applicable to companies in the EU and those providing AI systems and services within the EU. The Act aims to ensure the ethical and responsible development and use of AI, addressing potential risks while fostering innovation.  

Source: PWC