Human Rights 

Expulsions of Haitian migrants by the United States condemned by UN experts

Human rights experts from the United Nations have criticised the US’ recent and ongoing systematic mass deportation of Haitian refugees and migrants, warning that such mass expulsions are illegal under international law. US policies also have discouraged Haitians from seeking protection, even asylum, and have pushed them to transfer to nations where they experience racial discrimination, gender-based violence, and xenophobia. This approach has been explained and justified by the Biden administration as vital to controlling the spread of the coronavirus. To read more click here and here.

Egypt ends state of emergency

Egypt is no longer in a state of emergency for the first time in four years. Following years of protest from human rights activists and international criticism, President Abdul Fattah al-government Sisi’s made the decision. To read more click here and here.

The EU courts fine Poland daily penalty payment

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ordered Poland to pay 1,000,000 euros each day until it complied with the requirements from the ruling that stated that Poland’s disciplinary procedure for judges was incompatible with EU legislation. The court had also requested that Poland remove the disciplinary chambers, claiming that they were not autonomous nor fair. Poland has stated that the chamber will be abolished as part of its broader reforms but has not yet offered any official proposals. To read more click here and here.

The Situation in Sudan

Sudan’s democratic transition was halted by the hostile military takeover, which occurred two years after a popular uprising overthrew long-time leader Omar al-Bashir. Sudanese security officers detained Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and many other civilian leaders as a military officer, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, dissolved the transitional government. The UN Security Council and the African Union issued statements criticising the Sudanese military’s seizure and rejecting the illegitimate change of leadership. The AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting Sudan’s Transitional Democratic Government. To read more click here, here, and here. 

Trade Law

Panel formed on anti-dumping duty allegation against China 

The World Trade Organization’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) created a panel to investigate China’s imposition of anti-dumping and competitive duties on imported Australian wine. The panel was formed in response to Australia’s second petition to the DSB for an investigation into the situation. China has declared that the sanctions are in accordance with WTO standards and that it will defend its legitimate measures. To read more click here and here.

EU and US End Clash Over Steel and Aluminium

The United States and the European Union concluded a tariff dispute over steel and aluminium, declaring they will work on a worldwide agreement to tackle excessive production and overcapacity in the industry while keeping climate change in account. The potential EU-US agreement will be a challenging issue for China, which generates more than 50 percent of the world’s steel and is accused by the west of creating overcapacity that threatens the viability of their own steel sectors. To read more click here and here.

Edited by Akshara Ravindran