Harvard International Law Journal

The oldest and most-cited student-edited journal of international law, the Harvard International Law Journal covers a wide variety of topics in public and private international law.

Middle East

Security Council Calls for Additional Measures to Enforce Israeli/Hezbollah Cease-Fire Resolution

Filed Under: Digest

The UN Security Council, in raising concerns about the possible trade in illegal arms across the Syrian/Lebanese border, invited UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to send an independent mission to evaluate the supervision of the border. The alleged illegal arms movements would violate Resolution 1701, which ended last year’s 34-day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. To ensure compliance with the resolution, the independent mission would work closely with the Lebanese Government, which the Council has recognized and encouraged in their stated determination to prevent any illegal arms trade in the region.

For more information, see here.

Major NATO Operation Launched In Afghanistan

Filed Under: Digest

At the request of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force and Afghan National Security Forces launched a major operation on March 6th. The operation will focus on assisting the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in improving its ability to begin reconstruction and economic development in the area, as well as improving security conditions.

For more information, see here.

UNHCR to Convene Conference on Iraqi Refugees

Filed Under: Digest

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, praised Arab states this week for welcoming Iraqi refugees. He also expressed his concern over rising intolerance, racism, and xenophobia and the effect this could have on Muslim refugees. Guterres announced that UNHCR will hold an international conference on the humanitarian needs of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons from April 17-18 in Geneva.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=21753&Cr=iraq&Cr1=

UN Refugee Agency Expresses Concern for Palestinians in Iraq

Filed Under: Digest

The UNHCR reports that Palestinians in Iraq have been the targets of increasing violence since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003. There have been reports of threats, kidnappings, torture, and murder. Hundreds of Palestinians have fled to the Syrian border, but Syria has refused to accept them, leaving them stranded. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees is urging neighboring countries and the international community to help the refugees.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=21348&Cr=palestin&Cr1=