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Völkerrechtsblog

@voelkerrechtsblog.org

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Academic Blog on International Law & International Legal Thought. Posts on new blog articles, events and our Völkerrechtspodcast. 🌐: voelkerrechtsblog.org

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 01/10/2026

On 2 July 2026, the ECtHR decided two near-identical cases on Poland’s refusal to transcribe birth certificates naming two mothers with two different outcomes. Read more about it in a blog post written by @isilkurnaz.bsky.social. voelkerrechtsblog.org/legal-vacuum...

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Legal Vacuum or Legal Uncertainty in Strasbourg

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 01/10/2026

Italy’s proposed hunting law raises questions under EU and international law. Shalom Caruso explores potential breaches of Italy’s legal obligations and the challenges of international responsibility under mixed EU–Member State agreements. voelkerrechtsblog.org/shoot-em-all...

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“Shoot-‘Em-All” Must Respect the Law

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 30/09/2026

Read Andrea Farrés Jiménez's post on how new technologies are reshaping warfare, while also raising difficult questions about human dignity. She examines the legality of posting drone footage showing soldiers being killed. voelkerrechtsblog.org/when-death-b...

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When Death Becomes a Spectacle

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 29/09/2026

PACE rejected the draft Additional Protocol to the Oviedo Convention. Read Julia Heuwing's post on why the vote does not resolve the clash between the CRPD's abolitionist and the ECHR's regulatory approach to coercive psychiatric measures. voelkerrechtsblog.org/a-vote-again...

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A Vote Against Making Things Worse

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 28/09/2026

The ICJ recognised a right to strike under ILO Convention No. 87. Sumedha Pradhan and Sourabh Bohraargues argue the Court’s reasoning raises important questions about treaty interpretation, state consent, and the limits of evolutive interpretation. voelkerrechtsblog.org/the-right-re...

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The Right Result, the Wrong Reasoning?

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 25/09/2026

🎙️ Our new podcast episode is up! Völkerrechtspodcast has partnered with the Mal nach den Rechten schauen podcast to examine the continuities of National Socialism in public international law.

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#59 Hans Kelsen and Carl Schmitt: Friend and Enemy

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 25/09/2026

In the last post of the symposium "The Rooms We Wanted", Matilde Masetti-Placci, Bhavinee Singh and Siddharth de Souza express their concluding reflections on the decolonisation seminar series held at the University of Edinburgh.

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An Elective, or a Foundation?

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 24/09/2026

On today's post in the framework of the symposium "The Rooms We Wanted", Matilde Masetti-Placci, Bhavinee Singh, Hilda Tizeba and Kağan Sürücü discuss decoloniality and the digital era, and writing as a form of decolonial praxis.

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Decolonial “And”

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 23/09/2026

In another post of "The Rooms We Wanted" Symposium, Matilde Masetti-Placci and Bhavinee Singh are in conversation this time with Dr. Morshed Manan and Dr. Rebecca Tapscott about the requirement of the signed consent form in empirical research.

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From Inside Ethics Review Boards

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 23/09/2026

On our latest post in the framework of the symposium "The Rooms We Wanted", Matilde Masetti-Placci, Bhavinee Singh and Chloe Young reflect on decolonising ethics and the coloniality of ethics review.

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A Form to Be Signed

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 22/09/2026

On this post under the “The Rooms We Wanted” symposium, Matilde Masetti-Placci and Bhavinee Singh speak with Dr Rohini Sen about finding a scholarly voice within the dominant frameworks of international law and working across disciplines.

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Beyond the Traditional Framework

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 22/09/2026

Continuing with our symposium "The Rooms We Wanted: What a Year of Decolonisation Seminars Revealed about a Law School", Matilde Masetti-Placci and Bhavinee Singh conversate with Ahmed Raza Memon and explore different questions relating to Decolonial Method in International Law.

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Writing from the Margins

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 21/09/2026

In the framework of out symposium "The Rooms We Wanted: What a Year of Decolonisation Seminars Revealed about a Law School" Matilde Masseti Placi, Bhavinee Singh and Alexandrine Lamarre reflect on neutrality in legal academia.

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Unravelling the Neutral Scholar

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 21/09/2026

‼️ We are happy to introduce our new symposium “The Rooms We Wanted: What a Year of Decolonisation Seminars Revealed about a Law School.” This symposium reflects on the Decolonisation Seminar Series held at the University of Edinburgh through the 2025-2026 academic year.

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The Rooms We Wanted

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 20/09/2026

Ananya Kumar discusses China’s Medog Hydropower Project, which raises important questions under customary international watercourse law, particularly regarding China’s duty to notify and cooperate with India and Bangladesh. voelkerrechtsblog.org/water-under-...

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Water Under the Bridge

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 19/09/2026

Read glexareen.bsky.social post on judicial caution, statehood, and sea-level rise following United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/80/L.65. voelkerrechtsblog.org/the-power-of...

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The Power of ‘Constructive Misreading’

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 19/09/2026

Radhika Gupta argues that ILO practice gives preparatory work a co-primary role under Articles 5 and 31 VCLT, challenging the ICJ’s approach in its Right to Strike Advisory Opinion. voelkerrechtsblog.org/can-the-ilo-...

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Can the ILO Interpret Differently?

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 18/09/2026

Read Swarna Latha R's post about the CRPD strengthening participation and representation of persons with disabilities, which doesn't necessarily translate into decision-making power. voelkerrechtsblog.org/participatio...

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Participation Without Authority?

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 18/09/2026

Is Polyphemus the Villain? Franco Di Pede analyses certain concerns relating to Christopher Nolan's latest movie, The Odyssey. In particular, the article examines the international law implications of filming a movie in Western Sahara. voelkerrechtsblog.org/western-saha...

voelkerrechtsblog.org

Western Sahara, a Never-Ending Odyssey…

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 18/09/2026

Sweden’s youth wings in adult prisons raise important questions under Article 37(c) CRC. Physical separation may not be enough if children remain exposed to the risks and stigma of adult detention. Read more about it in a blog post by Cem Zor. voelkerrechtsblog.org/walled-in-no...

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Walled in Not Walled Off?

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 17/09/2026

What does international law tell us about self-determination and what might it leave unsaid? Himani Jha reflects on Tom Sparks' important contribution while exploring how questions of power, decolonisation, and political struggle remain central to the doctrine. voelkerrechtsblog.org/clarifying-t...

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Clarifying the Norm, Questioning the Structure: A Review Of Tom Spark’s Self-Determination in the International Legal System

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 14/09/2026

📣 Introducing the First Annual "Teaching International Law” Symposium 📣 The #Symposium, organised by Sissy Katsoni and Btissam Boulakhrif, will host a series of posts on the engagement with decolonial feminist approaches while teaching international law. voelkerrechtsblog.org/introducing-...

voelkerrechtsblog.org

Introducing the First Annual “Teaching International Law” Symposium

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 31/07/2026

Following our series of interviews, Antonio Guzman Mutis has talked with @iftachco.bsky.social , co-founder and co-director of @front-lex.bsky.social , a legal hub challenging EU migration policies through strategic litigation at the ECHR, CJEU and ICC.

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In conversation with Iftach Cohen, Co-founder and Co-director of Front-LEX

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 31/07/2026

On our latest edition of “the Person behind the Academic” Sissy Katsoni interviews Ioannis Ktistakis, judge at the European Court of Human Rights.

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Chatting with Ioannis Ktistakis

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 30/07/2026

The ICJ found a right to strike in a Treaty that never mentions one by relying on other treaties via Art. 31 VCLT. S. Geiersbach & @juliusnpprt.bsky.social ask if the Court's "common understanding" test is common enough and show where its reasoning on State silence and the "relevant rule" runs thin.

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(Un)Common Understandings

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 29/07/2026

Veronika Fikfak shares her experience on how to write a successful funding application for an ERC grant. This is the first post of our newest service: the resources section, a repository for different useful materials. 🛠️ Resources page: voelkerrechtsblog.org/services/res... 📝 Read the post:

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How to Think Your Way to an ERC Project

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 28/07/2026

Today's post by Valerio Sinaj revolves around adaptation and victim status in ECtHR climate litigation, focusing on the role of adaptation and adaptability in determining victimhood, with a specific focus on the application challenging the UK's insufficient adaptation programme before the ECtHR.

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Adaptation and Victim Status in ECtHR Climate Litigation

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 27/07/2026

📣 Call for Papers 📣 Una vez más, América Latina y el Caribe están en el punto de mira de los últimos debates. Völkerrechtsblog invita a académicos y profesionales a reflexionar sobre temas relativos a intervención e influencia,

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 27/07/2026

📣 Call for Papers 📣 Latin America and the Caribbean are once again at the center of recent debates. Völkerrechtsblog invites scholars and practitioners to reflect on the themes of intervention and influence,

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 24/07/2026

Read 黄健昀's post "Should AI Be Organized? The Case for a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization" discussing why a dedicated international body, modeled on the IAEA, is needed to govern AI. voelkerrechtsblog.org/authors/jian...

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Should AI Be Organized?

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 23/07/2026

Germany may have more legal latitude to acquire nuclear weapons than commonly assumed. Gabriel H. Heyl examines Article 3 of the Two Plus Four Agreement, the NPT, and the VCLT after the failed NPT Review Conference. voelkerrechtsblog.org/wind-of-nucl...

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Wind of (Nuclear) Change

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 22/07/2026

Drawing on Macbeth, Gustavo Leite Neves da Luz argues that international law cannot let future demand justify present exploitation. Critical minerals are not a licence to bypass precaution, due diligence, and environmental protection. voelkerrechtsblog.org/macbeth-at-t...

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Macbeth at the International Seabed Authority

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 21/07/2026

On 15 May 2026, the International Law Commission adopted the draft articles on Immunity of State Officials from Foreign Criminal Jurisdiction on second reading. Hua Deng examines how this swift agreement contrasts with nearly two decades of contentious debate. voelkerrechtsblog.org/of-continuou...

voelkerrechtsblog.org

Of Continuous Controversies and Unfinished Tasks

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 20/07/2026

Michal Saliternik and Sivan Shlomo Agon discuss the potential implications of the SpaceX IPO on implementation and future evolution of international space law and its definition of outer space as "the province of all mankind". voelkerrechtsblog.org/the-trillion...

voelkerrechtsblog.org

The Trillion-Dollar Frontier

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 16/07/2026

Paridhi Jhain writes on how IMF loan conditionality impacted Ecuador's 2026 mining framework, and quietly dismantled rights of Indigenous People. She calls for screening IMF benchmarks against human rights obligations. voelkerrechtsblog.org/mined-out-of...

voelkerrechtsblog.org

Mined out of Rights

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 15/07/2026

More than 40 years after Brazil’s military dictatorship, can the country’s 1979 Amnesty Law still shield perpetrators of torture and enforced disappearance? This article by Marina Fonsêca and Thiago Moreira explores this question and its implications for international human rights law.

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Amnesty or Accountability?

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 14/07/2026

@annymatamorosp.bsky.social argues that the "crisis" of international law reflects its enduring ties to imperialism and colonialism, examining U.S. strategy and the shift to hard power in Latin America. voelkerrechtsblog.org/when-power-a...

voelkerrechtsblog.org

When Power Asymmetries Become Evident

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 13/07/2026

Trump intensified the Cuban blockade with two Executive Orders issued in 2026. Aytekin Kaan Kurtul argues they deepen a longstanding policy of deprivation that amounts to crimes against humanity. voelkerrechtsblog.org/trumps-sanct...

voelkerrechtsblog.org

Trump’s Sanctions on Cuba Are a Crime Against Humanity

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 13/07/2026

When Iran designated 18 US tech companies as “legitimate targets,” it raised a question whether the employees are protected civilians or lawful targets. Feyza Gül K. analyses the limits of DPH for the tech company employees, using Palantir as a case study. voelkerrechtsblog.org/who-are-legi...

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Who Are Legitimate Targets in Modern Armed Conflicts?

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 11/07/2026

Lea Kayali speaks with Mais Abdallah of Völkerrechtsblog on the grassroots movement to enact an Arms Embargo, and the connection with legal advocates for Palestine.

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“The Law Can Open Doors, but Movements Force Them Open”

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 10/07/2026

Weapons from Europe. Civilians killed. No accountability. Not because the law is silent — but because it's designed that way. New piece by Armaghan Naghipour on how procedural law excludes those most affected by arms exports from judicial protection.

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War De Lege Artis

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 10/07/2026

Why do binding rules on arms transfers so often fail to become enforceable constraints in domestic courts? Miriam Heipertz shows how judicial gatekeeping insulates European decisions on arms exports to Israel—and how law narrows the space for movements contesting them.

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Courts as Gatekeepers

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 10/07/2026

How does technofeudalism challenge the Right to Development? Dila Küçükali argues AI-driven data extractivism and corporate capture leave the digitally stateless and gig workers unprotected, exposing the structural limits of the UNGPs and Draft Convention on the RTD.

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Digital Fiefdoms and Human Rights

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 10/07/2026

Shun OSHITA argues that widespread government victories in domestic courts do not affirm the legality of arms exports under the Genocide Convention. Understanding this structure of procedural dismissals reveals how this convention operationalizes judicial deterrence against illegal arms exports.

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After Victory in Domestic Litigations

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 09/07/2026

Madalena Simões critically examines the GCFC's Gaza Case through the lens of international law’s emancipatory promise, reflecting on how the Court has dealt with Palestinian plaintiffs and German and Palestinian human rights organizations’ attempts to halt the arms trade.

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Arms Trade Litigation before the German Federal Constitutional Court

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 08/07/2026

Aklavya Anand writes about the proposed Crimes Against Humanity Convention arguing that its promise will remain incomplete unless the Global North–Global South divides are meaningfully addressed.

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From Spectators to Stakeholders

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 08/07/2026

Sué Gonzalez Hauck and Jens Theilen examine the GFCC’s decision to look away from the facts, law and substance of the complaint concerning the arms exports to Israel.

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Nothing to See Here

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 08/07/2026

Mayar Darawasha addresses the GFCC’s decision in light of the ICJ’s advisory opinion on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (2024), and its decision in South Africa v. Israel, focusing on the jus ad bellum and its relevance to the legality of Germany's arms exports to Israel.

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Doors Wide Shut

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Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 08/07/2026

Leonardo Shahin criticizes the German Federal Court's refusal to review arms exports to Israel. By hiding behind "judicial self-restraint" and complex loopholes, German courts defer entirely to executive discretion, undermining international law and enabling foreign policy double standards.

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Höchstrichterlich besiegelte Doppelstandards

Völkerrechtsblog @voelkerrechtsblog.org · 08/07/2026

For our Arms Export Symposium Vincent Holzhauer examines the high threshold for substantiating a complaint against arms exports and highlights the one-sideness of Völkerrechtsffreundlichkeit in the decision. Available in German: voelkerrechtsblog.org/judikative-s...

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Judikative Selbstbeschränkung bei Schutzpflichten