Patrick Butchard
@patrickbutchard.bsky.social
International Law, House of Commons Library
Director, International Justice & Human Rights Centre, Edge Hill University
https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/en/persons/patrick-butchard
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/authors/patrick-butchard
Director, International Justice & Human Rights Centre, Edge Hill University
https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/en/persons/patrick-butchard
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/authors/patrick-butchard
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
Reports suggest the UN will be rivalled by a "Board of Peace". But it's important to consider what this all means.
The UN, and the UN Charter, are referenced and reinforced by thousands, if not tens of thousands, of multilateral and bilateral treaties between states.
So...
The UN, and the UN Charter, are referenced and reinforced by thousands, if not tens of thousands, of multilateral and bilateral treaties between states.
So...
January 20, 2026 at 12:21 AM
Reports suggest the UN will be rivalled by a "Board of Peace". But it's important to consider what this all means.
The UN, and the UN Charter, are referenced and reinforced by thousands, if not tens of thousands, of multilateral and bilateral treaties between states.
So...
The UN, and the UN Charter, are referenced and reinforced by thousands, if not tens of thousands, of multilateral and bilateral treaties between states.
So...
Reports suggest the UN will be rivalled by a "Board of Peace". But it's important to consider what this all means.
The UN, and the UN Charter, are referenced and reinforced by thousands, if not tens of thousands, of multilateral and bilateral treaties between states.
So...
The UN, and the UN Charter, are referenced and reinforced by thousands, if not tens of thousands, of multilateral and bilateral treaties between states.
So...
January 20, 2026 at 12:21 AM
Reports suggest the UN will be rivalled by a "Board of Peace". But it's important to consider what this all means.
The UN, and the UN Charter, are referenced and reinforced by thousands, if not tens of thousands, of multilateral and bilateral treaties between states.
So...
The UN, and the UN Charter, are referenced and reinforced by thousands, if not tens of thousands, of multilateral and bilateral treaties between states.
So...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
New Commons Library Research Briefing:
Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law
Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the law behind this.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law
Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the law behind this.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law
Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the rules that might apply to territorial issues after a conflict.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
December 5, 2025 at 10:04 AM
New Commons Library Research Briefing:
Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law
Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the law behind this.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law
Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the law behind this.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
New Commons Library Research Briefing:
Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law
Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the law behind this.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law
Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the law behind this.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law
Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the rules that might apply to territorial issues after a conflict.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
December 5, 2025 at 10:04 AM
New Commons Library Research Briefing:
Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law
Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the law behind this.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law
Negotiations over the war in Ukraine are facing challenges over the fate of Ukraine's territory. This briefing explains the law behind this.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
The the duty of non-recognition is to prevent states being coerced to transfer territory. Some arguments say that this even applies to "peace deals" in the context of force or occupation that is still ongoing - i.e Any peaceful transfers of territory must be separated from force.
March 23, 2025 at 11:32 AM
The the duty of non-recognition is to prevent states being coerced to transfer territory. Some arguments say that this even applies to "peace deals" in the context of force or occupation that is still ongoing - i.e Any peaceful transfers of territory must be separated from force.
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
Whatever Russia wants in a peace deal with Ukraine, a sticking point likely will be over trying to transfer Ukraine's territory. It's not just about whether Ukraine agrees, but what that means for the law and for states who don't want any state's territory to be taken by force 👇🏻
One key issue that's not being discussed, and is maybe a bigger "elephant in the room" for Ukraine peace talks, is the international legal duty not to recognise the capture of territory by force. This is key for many reasons...🧵
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
August 16, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Whatever Russia wants in a peace deal with Ukraine, a sticking point likely will be over trying to transfer Ukraine's territory. It's not just about whether Ukraine agrees, but what that means for the law and for states who don't want any state's territory to be taken by force 👇🏻
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
Book launch: International Law after the Ukraine War.
Open Access collection from Edge Hill University & Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.
📅 Tues 4 Nov 2025 🕚 11am - 12:30pm 📍 Free Event (Online & In-person)
Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bafd12...
Open Access collection from Edge Hill University & Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.
📅 Tues 4 Nov 2025 🕚 11am - 12:30pm 📍 Free Event (Online & In-person)
Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bafd12...
October 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Book launch: International Law after the Ukraine War.
Open Access collection from Edge Hill University & Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.
📅 Tues 4 Nov 2025 🕚 11am - 12:30pm 📍 Free Event (Online & In-person)
Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bafd12...
Open Access collection from Edge Hill University & Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.
📅 Tues 4 Nov 2025 🕚 11am - 12:30pm 📍 Free Event (Online & In-person)
Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bafd12...
Book launch: International Law after the Ukraine War.
Open Access collection from Edge Hill University & Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.
📅 Tues 4 Nov 2025 🕚 11am - 12:30pm 📍 Free Event (Online & In-person)
Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bafd12...
Open Access collection from Edge Hill University & Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.
📅 Tues 4 Nov 2025 🕚 11am - 12:30pm 📍 Free Event (Online & In-person)
Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bafd12...
October 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Book launch: International Law after the Ukraine War.
Open Access collection from Edge Hill University & Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.
📅 Tues 4 Nov 2025 🕚 11am - 12:30pm 📍 Free Event (Online & In-person)
Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bafd12...
Open Access collection from Edge Hill University & Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.
📅 Tues 4 Nov 2025 🕚 11am - 12:30pm 📍 Free Event (Online & In-person)
Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bafd12...
Save the date: Book Launch for "International Law after the Ukraine War", 4th November 2025, Edge Hill University (UK) / Online. A new open-access resource, including key Ukrainian voices. Details to follow.
doi.org/10.4324/9781...
doi.org/10.4324/9781...
International Law After the Ukraine War | Jennifer Giblin, Olena Chub,
Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine was a defining moment for international law and its ability to maintain international peace and security. This book highlights
doi.org
October 15, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Save the date: Book Launch for "International Law after the Ukraine War", 4th November 2025, Edge Hill University (UK) / Online. A new open-access resource, including key Ukrainian voices. Details to follow.
doi.org/10.4324/9781...
doi.org/10.4324/9781...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
🚨New Research Project: The Law and Reality of the Responsibility to Maintain International Peace and Security at the United Nations
We are inviting interested colleagues to an initial scoping workshop at Edge Hill University on November 12, 2025.
Details: sites.edgehill.ac.uk/ijhr/project...
We are inviting interested colleagues to an initial scoping workshop at Edge Hill University on November 12, 2025.
Details: sites.edgehill.ac.uk/ijhr/project...
The Law and Reality Project - International Justice and Human Rights Centre
The law and reality of the responsibility to maintain international peace and security This research project seeks to establish a network of experts, practitioners, policy stakeholders, and UN colleag...
sites.edgehill.ac.uk
September 29, 2025 at 12:23 PM
🚨New Research Project: The Law and Reality of the Responsibility to Maintain International Peace and Security at the United Nations
We are inviting interested colleagues to an initial scoping workshop at Edge Hill University on November 12, 2025.
Details: sites.edgehill.ac.uk/ijhr/project...
We are inviting interested colleagues to an initial scoping workshop at Edge Hill University on November 12, 2025.
Details: sites.edgehill.ac.uk/ijhr/project...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
Just published: my latest House of Commons Library Briefing Paper on the UK Sanctions Framework.
This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK, and is meant as a resource for navigating a complicated framework of legislation.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK, and is meant as a resource for navigating a complicated framework of legislation.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
The UK Sanctions Framework
The UK sanctions framework is a significant set of powers to sanction individuals, businesses, and states. This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
October 2, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Just published: my latest House of Commons Library Briefing Paper on the UK Sanctions Framework.
This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK, and is meant as a resource for navigating a complicated framework of legislation.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK, and is meant as a resource for navigating a complicated framework of legislation.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
Feedback and comments are always welcome. Please do share with colleagues who may find this useful too.
October 2, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Feedback and comments are always welcome. Please do share with colleagues who may find this useful too.
Just published: my latest House of Commons Library Briefing Paper on the UK Sanctions Framework.
This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK, and is meant as a resource for navigating a complicated framework of legislation.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK, and is meant as a resource for navigating a complicated framework of legislation.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
The UK Sanctions Framework
The UK sanctions framework is a significant set of powers to sanction individuals, businesses, and states. This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
October 2, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Just published: my latest House of Commons Library Briefing Paper on the UK Sanctions Framework.
This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK, and is meant as a resource for navigating a complicated framework of legislation.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
This paper explains the current operation of sanctions in the UK, and is meant as a resource for navigating a complicated framework of legislation.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
🚨New Research Project: The Law and Reality of the Responsibility to Maintain International Peace and Security at the United Nations
We are inviting interested colleagues to an initial scoping workshop at Edge Hill University on November 12, 2025.
Details: sites.edgehill.ac.uk/ijhr/project...
We are inviting interested colleagues to an initial scoping workshop at Edge Hill University on November 12, 2025.
Details: sites.edgehill.ac.uk/ijhr/project...
The Law and Reality Project - International Justice and Human Rights Centre
The law and reality of the responsibility to maintain international peace and security This research project seeks to establish a network of experts, practitioners, policy stakeholders, and UN colleag...
sites.edgehill.ac.uk
September 29, 2025 at 12:23 PM
🚨New Research Project: The Law and Reality of the Responsibility to Maintain International Peace and Security at the United Nations
We are inviting interested colleagues to an initial scoping workshop at Edge Hill University on November 12, 2025.
Details: sites.edgehill.ac.uk/ijhr/project...
We are inviting interested colleagues to an initial scoping workshop at Edge Hill University on November 12, 2025.
Details: sites.edgehill.ac.uk/ijhr/project...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
So, there is an argument that any transfer of territory can only be done when there is no illegal use of force. Where the line is between the end of an occupation and a valid peace deal is not yet clear. But the duty of non-recognition is certainly an elephant in the room.
March 23, 2025 at 11:32 AM
So, there is an argument that any transfer of territory can only be done when there is no illegal use of force. Where the line is between the end of an occupation and a valid peace deal is not yet clear. But the duty of non-recognition is certainly an elephant in the room.
Whatever Russia wants in a peace deal with Ukraine, a sticking point likely will be over trying to transfer Ukraine's territory. It's not just about whether Ukraine agrees, but what that means for the law and for states who don't want any state's territory to be taken by force 👇🏻
One key issue that's not being discussed, and is maybe a bigger "elephant in the room" for Ukraine peace talks, is the international legal duty not to recognise the capture of territory by force. This is key for many reasons...🧵
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
August 16, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Whatever Russia wants in a peace deal with Ukraine, a sticking point likely will be over trying to transfer Ukraine's territory. It's not just about whether Ukraine agrees, but what that means for the law and for states who don't want any state's territory to be taken by force 👇🏻
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
I published a briefing on Friday on the latest military confrontation between India & Pakistan over Kashmir.
It also looks at the origins of the Kashmir dispute, international reaction to the current crisis, and analysis of how it escalated
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
It also looks at the origins of the Kashmir dispute, international reaction to the current crisis, and analysis of how it escalated
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Kashmir: Renewed India-Pakistan tensions
This briefing looks at the May 2025 military confrontation between India and Pakistan, sparked by the Pahalgam attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir in April 2025. It explores the historical basis fo...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
May 18, 2025 at 4:21 PM
I published a briefing on Friday on the latest military confrontation between India & Pakistan over Kashmir.
It also looks at the origins of the Kashmir dispute, international reaction to the current crisis, and analysis of how it escalated
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
It also looks at the origins of the Kashmir dispute, international reaction to the current crisis, and analysis of how it escalated
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
Looking forward to the Responsibility to Protect Conference in Ljubljana next week, 6-7 May. 20 years since the World Summit Outcome acknowledged states' responsibilities to protect, it does seem like a significant moment for R2P and its future. #R2P20
www.r2pconference.com/program3.html
www.r2pconference.com/program3.html
R2P Registration
Responsibility to Protect in Theory and Practice Conference
www.r2pconference.com
May 1, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Looking forward to the Responsibility to Protect Conference in Ljubljana next week, 6-7 May. 20 years since the World Summit Outcome acknowledged states' responsibilities to protect, it does seem like a significant moment for R2P and its future. #R2P20
www.r2pconference.com/program3.html
www.r2pconference.com/program3.html
Looking forward to the Responsibility to Protect Conference in Ljubljana next week, 6-7 May. 20 years since the World Summit Outcome acknowledged states' responsibilities to protect, it does seem like a significant moment for R2P and its future. #R2P20
www.r2pconference.com/program3.html
www.r2pconference.com/program3.html
R2P Registration
Responsibility to Protect in Theory and Practice Conference
www.r2pconference.com
May 1, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Looking forward to the Responsibility to Protect Conference in Ljubljana next week, 6-7 May. 20 years since the World Summit Outcome acknowledged states' responsibilities to protect, it does seem like a significant moment for R2P and its future. #R2P20
www.r2pconference.com/program3.html
www.r2pconference.com/program3.html
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
Ahead of the recall of parliament my colleague Ilze has published a briefing on the UK steel industry.
Impressive work
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Impressive work
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
UK steel industry: statistics and policy
The UK steel industry: a statistical summary of the UK and international industry; analysis of current prospects and challenges; summary of government policy.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
April 11, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Ahead of the recall of parliament my colleague Ilze has published a briefing on the UK steel industry.
Impressive work
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Impressive work
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
In the context of the strategic defence review which we expect to be published soon, I've published a new briefing on the UK's tilt to the Indo-Pacific, its original ambitions & developments since including under the new Labour government
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
The UK's tilt to the Indo-Pacific and what's next for its policy to the region?
This briefing looks at UK's 'tilt to the Indo-Pacific', as first set out in the 2021 Integrated Review under the Conservative government. The goals the tilt achieved in deepening the UK's defence, for...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
March 28, 2025 at 5:20 PM
In the context of the strategic defence review which we expect to be published soon, I've published a new briefing on the UK's tilt to the Indo-Pacific, its original ambitions & developments since including under the new Labour government
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
One key issue that's not being discussed, and is maybe a bigger "elephant in the room" for Ukraine peace talks, is the international legal duty not to recognise the capture of territory by force. This is key for many reasons...🧵
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
March 23, 2025 at 11:32 AM
One key issue that's not being discussed, and is maybe a bigger "elephant in the room" for Ukraine peace talks, is the international legal duty not to recognise the capture of territory by force. This is key for many reasons...🧵
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
One key issue that's not being discussed, and is maybe a bigger "elephant in the room" for Ukraine peace talks, is the international legal duty not to recognise the capture of territory by force. This is key for many reasons...🧵
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
March 23, 2025 at 11:32 AM
One key issue that's not being discussed, and is maybe a bigger "elephant in the room" for Ukraine peace talks, is the international legal duty not to recognise the capture of territory by force. This is key for many reasons...🧵
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
edition.cnn.com/2025/03/22/e...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
In light of recent developments, I recently updated my Commons Library paper on Sanctions, International Law, and Seizing Russian assets. Intended to be a thorough overview of the legal issues and a resource for research, plus the latest developments.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Sanctions, International Law, and Seizing Russian Assets
As states sanction Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, this briefing sets out the arguments around seizing another state's assets, and explains the intensifying debate on how international law affec...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk
November 14, 2024 at 4:03 PM
In light of recent developments, I recently updated my Commons Library paper on Sanctions, International Law, and Seizing Russian assets. Intended to be a thorough overview of the legal issues and a resource for research, plus the latest developments.
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
Reposted by Patrick Butchard
To kick off #R2P20 last week, on 26 February the Group of Friends of #R2P convened an Ambassador-level meeting to discuss the interlinkages between #R2P, atrocity prevention and peacebuilding with ASG for @unpeacebuilding.bsky.social Elizabeth Spehar.
March 3, 2025 at 8:11 PM
To kick off #R2P20 last week, on 26 February the Group of Friends of #R2P convened an Ambassador-level meeting to discuss the interlinkages between #R2P, atrocity prevention and peacebuilding with ASG for @unpeacebuilding.bsky.social Elizabeth Spehar.