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Prof Melanie O'Brien

@drmelob.bsky.social
3.4K followers 926 following 21K posts

Prof Int Law & AssocDean (Research) UWA. Visiting Scholar @umnlawschool.bsky.social. Aust Red Cross volunteer. Int crim law; genocide studies; IHL; human rights. All posts my opinion. ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3571

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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 10h
'15,095 Palestinian-owned structures have been demolished on the #WestBank since 2009, resulting in 23,683 displaced people'. #Israel #Palestine #IHRL #IHL www.jurist.org/news/2026/10...
jurist.org
Israel’s demolition of residential buildings in East Jerusalem leaves 69 Palestinians displaced, OCHA says
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday condemned new building demolitions in the West Bank that have displaced 69 Palestinians, calling it the largest single-demo...
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 11h
There are so many interesting chapters in the book & it really brings home the fact that the Holocaust is not just something that had impact in Europe, but also on the other side of the world. Also NB: my chapter was last updated in early 2023, which positions the included & absent case studies.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 11h
I am excited to announce publication of the Palgrave Handbook of Australia and the Holocaust. A lengthy publication process, helmed by Avril Alba & Jan Lanicek, w/mammoth effort to edit 33 chapters. My chapter is on Australia's Response to Contemporary Genocides. link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
link.springer.com
The Palgrave Handbook of Australia and the Holocaust
This Palgrave Handbook offers the first comprehensive survey of the history and memory of the Holocaust in Australia.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 11h
I don't know when I will have access to see NAZA, but I very much want to watch it. Such an important collection of perpetrator testimonies. #Israel #Gaza #genocide #warCrimes #IHL #intLaw www.vulture.com/article/naza...
vulture.com
NAZA Is Selling Out Theaters. Can It Influence The Hague?
Whether the film can advance the case for genocide may be more complicated than convincing viewers.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 12h
POWDERFINGER POWDERFINGER POWDERFINGER 😀😀😀😀 #ausMusic www.instagram.com/reel/DeQEa1B...
static.klipy.com
Stewie Griffin Excited in Family Guy
ALT: Stewie Griffin Excited in Family Guy
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
This is an extremely useful resource on the gender harms of #AI. Another resource to add to my list of why I am anti-AI!
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
My latest publication is a #book review of Philippe Sands' excellent book, 38 Londres St. A highly recommended, thrilling read weaving together the stories of the fight for accountability of #Pinochet w/the story of Nazi Walter Rauff who fled to #Chile. #intLaw #ICL rdcu.be/SJvRcQXd9nEa
rdcu.be
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Greed & corruption are destroying this planet and our society.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
My neighbour brutally beat & strangled his partner in front of witnesses (until my husband intervened), & got a slap-on-the-wrist fine. The disproportionate sentences meted out for white collar crimes vs DV crimes is absurd & appalling. #crimLaw #AusLaw
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
OMG a sports story in ABC that isn't about AFL. It's a fucking miracle.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
NB: As part of #AcademicsAgainstFreeLabour, organiser is only holding events w/appropriate remuneration & a diverse representation of speakers. The AI debate is dominated by men - organisers are keen to amplify the voices of those with real expertise, who are also most vulnerable to its impact
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Interesting upcoming webinar on what #AI means for #women and underrepresented professionals in the #workplace. #gender #tech #hiring www.minerva-recruitment.com/webinars/bia...
minerva-recruitment.com
Bias, AI & the Future of Work - Minerva Recruitment
First in the Bias, AI & the Future of Work series A live virtual event with Amy Diehl, PhD Hosted by Minerva Recruitment Ltd AI is reshaping hiring, career development, and workplace culture at extrao...
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
My colleague Eyal Mayroz on where things are at 3yrs after 7Oct, incl the thousands dead, the relatively unfunctional peace plan, the increased West Bank violence, the upcoming #Israel elections…
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
'15,280 civilians killed and injured in #Ukraine during the first eight months of 2026...marking a 55 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025', + widespread SGBV by #Russia, & targeting of critical infrastructure. #warCrimes #intLaw www.jurist.org/news/2026/10...
jurist.org
UN Human Rights Chief warns Ukraine crisis is escalating, urges global action for peace
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated Friday before the UN Human Rights Council that the ongoing war in Ukraine has become an escalating 'human rights catastrophe' amid a sharp surg...
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
It seems it’s the time for Serbian war criminals to die: Biljana Plavsic has died. Lived to a ripe old age of 96 after a cushy prison sentence, reduced after she pled guilty to admittedly get a reduced sentence even though she never had remorse for her actions. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/04/w...
nytimes.com
Biljana Plavsic, a Former Bosnian Serb Political Leader, Has Died
Biljana Plavsic, a Bosnian Serb, pleaded guilty to one count of crimes against humanity. She later recanted and said she “would do the same again.”
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Dexter’s back this month! Great cast for the new season of resurrection☺️ www.imdb.com/video/imdb/v...
imdb.com
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Can definitely believe Kushner & Witkoff would do this. Deeply corrupt regime.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
More allegations of crimes by M23, these in relation to mining, incl extrajudicial executions, torture, beatings. M23 also engages in extensive kidnappings of children to use as child soldiers. #intLaw #IHL #warCrimes #humanRights www.jurist.org/news/2026/09...
jurist.org
Treatment of miners in the DRC by M23 rebels violates international humanitarian law, Amnesty International says
Amnesty International on Monday condemned the March 23 Movement (M23) over human rights abuses committed in the mines they control in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Commenting on the dire dom...
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Some more UJ in action: the UK has arrested a man on #genocide charges from the #Rwanda Genocide, and have stated they are actively investigating other individual in the UK for crimes committed in the Rwanda Genocide. #intLaw www.jurist.org/news/2026/09...
jurist.org
UK court charges doctor for offenses linked to 1994 genocide in Rwanda
The UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) brought charges against a Rwandan official on Tuesday in relation to crimes committed against the Tutsi during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Dr. Vincent Brown, form...
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
'the financial benefits of journalism were being diverted to AI companies that did not pay for the “highly labour-intensive journalism’’.' Oh but sure, let's allow GenAI companies to do whatever they want 🤨 #tech www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/artif...
theaustralian.com.au
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Fascinating article on civilNet study of fake propaganda output from LLMs, across Armenian, English & Russian prompts. A strong case for not using LLMs (confirming that they just reproduce words with no critical context). #GenAI #tech civilnet.am/en/news/1014...
civilnet.am
How AI models have become a new tool for disinformation in Armenia
In March 2026, social media was flooded with unusual videos: world-famous rock stars Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) and Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth) suddenly appeared on screen...
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Yeah, just to let you know, cops, that you're arresting the wrong people. The war criminal/genocidaire was inside the building. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder arrested at anti-Netanyahu protest in New York
Actors detained at Jewish Voice for Peace demonstration against Israeli prime minister’s address to the UN general assembly
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Ohhh I did not know that was a thing!! Ouch!! 😫
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
$85 in royalties in the past year, y'all.
static.klipy.com
Man Jumps into a Pool Full of Money
ALT: Man Jumps into a Pool Full of Money
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Full trial judgment, demonstrating the long-term physical & mental suffering of the victims of detention & torture. #ICC #intLaw www.icc-cpi.int/court-record...
icc-cpi.int
Public Redacted Version of the Trial Judgment
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Another CAR conviction at the #ICC. Mahamat said Abdel Kani convicted of the crimes against humanity of imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty, #torture, persecution and other inhumane acts. Found not guilty of #WarCrimes. #IntLaw apnews.com/article/neth...
apnews.com
ICC convicts former Central African Republic militia commander of torture
Judges at the International Criminal Court have convicted former Seleka rebel commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani of persecution and torture as crimes against humanity committed while he ran a prison in...
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Reposted by Prof Melanie O'Brien
Jacob Öberg @profjacob.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🚨🚨 #MAGA is making the world safe for #corruption. Strong piece by @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu on how far-right ideologies have transformed #American #foreignpolicy into a tool of private gain and anti-democratic reaction. www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
theatlantic.com
MAGA Is Making the World Safe for Corruption
Far-right ideologues have transformed American foreign policy into a tool of private gain and antidemocratic reaction.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Someone clearly made this just for #academics. #theEndIsInSight
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Also, the hypocrisy of DT in claiming #AUS is censoring when he is openly actually censoring the press!!
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Albo’s grinning selfie with Trump is disgraceful. I would never expect our PM to do this with a dictator, & I’m sure he wouldn’t do this with Putin or Kim Jong Un. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...
abc.net.au
Prime minister defends social media reforms amid US backlash
Anthony Albanese has pushed back against the Trump administration's "censorship" criticism of Australia's draft digital duty of care laws, as the US president rejects a push from Australia and others ...
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Beautifully (& depressingly) framed by Michael de Adder in the Globe and Mail
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Well, this comes as a suprise to absolutely noone. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/22/u...
nytimes.com
Clavicular, ‘Looksmaxxing’ Influencer, Charged With Raping a 17-Year-Old (Gift Article)
The influencer, whose real name is Braden Peters, is accused of giving the girl alcohol and having sex with her when she was unable to give consent. One of his lawyers said he was innocent.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
DT regime apparently set to ramp up #ICC targeted sanctions in attempt to cripple the Court’s functionality. The kowtowing to a genocidal regime is shameful . www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/...
aljazeera.com
Trump administration readies sweeping sanctions against ICC, reports say
Measures targeting the court itself could disrupt payments, IT services and investigations.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
3 women murdered this weekend in NSW. 2 definitely DV. #endVAW www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...
abc.net.au
Three women killed in DV-related incidents in NSW in 24 hours
Three women have died in separate domestic violence-related incidents across New South Wales within 24 hours.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Looking fwd to this Ben Harper, Jack Johnson & John Butler line-up at Kings Park in Nov! Feels like the perfect trio of artists. I’ve seen Harper or Johnson live, so will be a nice first. #music www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...
abc.net.au
The reason Jack Johnson always feels at home in Australia
In 2001, Ben Harper did Jack Johnson a big favour in Australia. Twenty-five years later, the two singers retain a special connection.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Netanyahu is now saying they will ‘revoke citizenship from anyone who defames IDF soldiers’ & protestors in #Israel are accusing the filmmakers of ‘treason’. Not sure how it’s ‘defamation’ when it’s the soldiers’ own words about what they actually did... www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...
abc.net.au
Gaza documentary sparks 'treason' uproar in Israel
NAZA, by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, accuses the Israeli army of systematic mass civilian killings in Gaza.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Whoever made this 👏👏
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Highest ranking #Syrian official to be tried to date convicted of #torture & sentenced to 60yrs in prison by a US court. Satisfying #justice for the victims. #intLaw #humanRights
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
All the 'forever chemicals' in our water. Yippee. #humanRights #environment www.jurist.org/news/2026/09...
jurist.org
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The occupation creates 'serious barriers to justice: legal fragmentation, failures to investigate crimes against Palestinians, & the pervasive threat of sexual violence all contribute to render prevention and accountability unrealistic while the occupation continues.' www.jurist.org/commentary/2...
jurist.org
Why Sexual Violence Against Palestinians So Rarely Leads to Justice
Allegations of sexual violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) keep making international headlines: a UN mission’s finding of reasonable grounds to believe rape occurred during....
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Julie Norman on why the #UK needs to ban trade from illegal Israeli settlements. #intLaw www.chathamhouse.org/2026/09/bann...
chathamhouse.org
Banning UK trade with illegal Israeli settlements is long overdue
It would be a natural extension of current UK positions, and parliament’s cross-party Foreign Affairs Committee has recommended a formal ban for over a year.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Khatchig's excellent book from 2021 is on the resistance network in Ottoman Syria, but it has so much content about the camps. A go-to resource for anyone researching the #Armenian #Genocide. khatchigmouradian.com/books/
khatchigmouradian.com
Books
The Resistance Network is the history of an underground network of humanitarians, missionaries, and diplomats in Ottoman Syria who helped save the lives of thousands during the Armenian Genoci…
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
New #book 🚨: edited collection of pieces focused on the concentration camps of the #Armenian #Genocide. This is a massive contribution to a significant hole in literature on the AG (Khatchig Mouradian's book an exception). This will become an essential resource. www.bloomsbury.com/us/concentra...
bloomsbury.com
The Concentration Camps of the Armenian Genocide
While scholarship on the Armenian Genocide has expanded significantly in recent years, the history of the concentration camps in present-day Syria, where Ottoma…
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Here is the full journal article of these research findings, titled 'Large estimated size of the Australian Indigenous population before its extensive decline following colonial invasion' #AUS #genocide #colonialism rdcu.be/TQos8KyTruDa
rdcu.be
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This article looks at how these Aboriginals were recruited into these police divisions, through 'coercion, intimidation, kidnapping and inducement, as well as “voluntary” enlistment,' finding agency to be a complex issue. #AUS #genocide #colonialism archaeologyonthefrontier.com/wp-content/u...
archaeologyonthefrontier.com
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Here is the database of resources on the QLD Native Mounted Police, categorised across events, camps, people & archaeology. These police were Aboriginal toopers led by white officers, who carried out violence against other Aboriginal peoples, incl removal of children. frontierconflict.org
frontierconflict.org
Queensland Native Mounted Police
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This project looks at colonial violence in QLD, incl Native Police violence (which has parallels w/the Kapos in #Holocaust camps). They found violence all over QLD mapping >2,500 of these conflict events across colonial QLD from 1623 until 1911. #genocide #AUS theconversation.com/our-mapping-...
theconversation.com
Our mapping project shows how extensive frontier violence was in Queensland. This is why truth-telling matters
Frontier violence was widespread across colonial Queensland and has real life implications for contemporary Australia.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
If you are not familiar with it, the Colonial Massacres mapping project has been extraordinary for revealing the extent of colonial massacres across #AUS. #colonialism #genocide c21ch.newcastle.edu.au/colonialmass...
c21ch.newcastle.edu.au
Colonial Frontier Massacres, Australia, 1780 to 1930
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
New research has determined that the pre-colonial Indigenous pop'n in #AUS was far more than previously thought. 2.22M. Over 90% of whom died (by disease & violence) in the 70 years after the invasion (1788). Cannot be denied that this was a genocidal process. theconversation.com/more-than-2-...
theconversation.com
More than 2 million Indigenous people lived in Australia in 1788: new research
Genetic, archaeological and environmental evidence suggest the Indigenous population fell by more than 90% in the 70 years after the British invaded.
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Prof Melanie O'Brien @drmelob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Don't let the govt or the tech bros fool you into thinking #data centres will put money into the #AUS economy. There'll be a 'sugar hit' during construction, after which the profits will go overseas. Not a long-term investment putting $ into Australian pockets. www.uwa.edu.au/news/article...
uwa.edu.au
Data centres in Australia your questions answered
Community opposition to large-scale data centres is growing. Critics are calling for a pause on data centre development, in line with other jurisdictions such as New York, but Prime Minister Anthony A...
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