FATF and INTERPOL intensify global asset recovery
Interpol, 13 Sep 2022
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and INTERPOL have launched a joint initiative to deprive criminals of their dirty money, marking a turning point in global efforts to recover illicit assets. While asset recovery should be a key pillar of a country’s approach to combating money laundering and terrorist financing, countries intercept and recover less than one per cent of global illicit financial flows, according to estimates by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Myanmar: Increasing evidence of crimes against humanity since coup
UN News, 12 Sep 2022
Crimes against humanity and war crimes have intensified in the wake of the February 2021 military coup in Myanmar, the UN Human Rights Council heard on Monday. The Geneva-based body was briefed by Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), who presented its latest report. The Mechanism was established by the Council to collect and preserve evidence of the most serious international crimes in the country.
International Criminal Court Should Reach Decision on Afghanistan
Human Rights Watch, 12 Sep 2022
Delay in a critical International Criminal Court (ICC) ruling has protracted the wait of Afghans seeking some measure of justice for grave international crimes. In the 16 years since the court’s prosecutor first began considering potential cases in Afghanistan, the conflict in Afghanistan has been marked by a laundry list of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity. On August 26, the current prosecutor, Karim Khan, filed his office’s latest submission in favor of launching an investigation, arguing that the Taliban, who now control the country, “are not continuing, cannot continue and will not continue” relevant national justice efforts.
Preventing Violent Extremism in Africa: The Overlooked Role of Mayors and the Governments They Lead
Just Security, 09 Sep 2022
The anniversary of the September 11th al-Qaeda attacks on the United States is bound to include renewed reflection on the successes and limitations of more than two decades of international counterterrorism practice. Such a reflection is long overdue on Africa, in particular.