Two Weeks in Review, 12 – 25 April 2021

Guy Goodwin-Gill explores the multi-dimensional responsibility that arises when the EU and states exercise the right to manage the movement of people across the Mediterranean. Goodwin-Gill argues that the present collective system is ‘full of holes’ and a new model is needed which recognizes that there is a common, collective interest, takes account of the principle of non-refoulement, and ensures better management of the situation.

Niamh Keady-Tabbal and Itamar Mann critique the term ‘pushback’, and its appropriateness, as it has emerged in discourse about refugees. They explore the term’s purpose as a euphemism for untold violence and argue that it is a ‘non-technical term to refer to a violation of the basic prohibition of refugee law – that of non-refoulement’ and a means of denying migrants the procedural right of applying for asylum. 

Shehzad Charania interviewed the former President of the ICC, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, in the final weeks of his three-year term. They discuss many issues including the perception in the early years of his term of the ICC having an ‘Africa problem’, judicial independence, and the Independent Expert Review, especially the findings of bullying and sexual harassment.

Xiaoou Zheng addresses the recent decision by Japan to release more than one million tons of treated Fukushima nuclear powerplant wastewater and argues this is a global concern because it impacts shared oceans and seas and risks fundamental human rights around the world, including the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Finally, you can read all the recent Announcements and Events here.