Mark Kersten
@markkersten.bsky.social
Work in human rights, international criminal law, and accountability for mass atrocities - in Canada and around the world.
Professor and advocate.
www.markkersten.com
Professor and advocate.
www.markkersten.com
Pinned
Mark Kersten
@markkersten.bsky.social
· Aug 2
Now available for all to read, open access and free, at JiC.
To understand Genocide in Gaza and elsewhere, we need to talk about it as a process not an event: justiceinconflict.org/2025/08/02/t...
To understand Genocide in Gaza and elsewhere, we need to talk about it as a process not an event: justiceinconflict.org/2025/08/02/t...
"We see massive violations of international human rights law, direct attacks on civilians, noncompliance with international humanitarian law, which regulates conduct in relation to hostilities, & that the attacks are largely on civilians." news.un.org/en/story/202... #KeepEyesOnSudan
Genocide prevention expert raises alarm over alleged Sudan atrocity crimes
The UN Special Adviser on genocide prevention has raised concerns over widespread allegations of war crimes committed in Sudan’s El Fasher last month, and plans to meet his African Union counterpart o...
news.un.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:15 PM
"We see massive violations of international human rights law, direct attacks on civilians, noncompliance with international humanitarian law, which regulates conduct in relation to hostilities, & that the attacks are largely on civilians." news.un.org/en/story/202... #KeepEyesOnSudan
Judges at the International Criminal Court have confirmed war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony, nearly two decades after the court first issued a warrant for his arrest and without him present at the #ICC: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11...
ICC confirms war crimes charges against Uganda’s rebel leader Joseph Kony
The International Criminal Court confirmed 39 charges against Kony, paving the way for a trial if he is ever captured.
www.aljazeera.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Judges at the International Criminal Court have confirmed war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony, nearly two decades after the court first issued a warrant for his arrest and without him present at the #ICC: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11...
“Canada needs to do better.”
Weapons bearing the logo of Canadian arms manufacturer Sterling Cross Defense Systems have been identified in the hands of the RSF, responsible for massacres of civilians in Sudan: www.cbc.ca/news/world/s... #KeepEyesonSudan #cdnpoli
Weapons bearing the logo of Canadian arms manufacturer Sterling Cross Defense Systems have been identified in the hands of the RSF, responsible for massacres of civilians in Sudan: www.cbc.ca/news/world/s... #KeepEyesonSudan #cdnpoli
Sudanese fighters accused of massacres use Canadian-made rifles | CBC News
The Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, accused of civilian massacres, have posted numerous images posing with rifles bearing the logo of a small B.C. manufacturer called Sterling Cross Defense Systems. Ex...
www.cbc.ca
November 10, 2025 at 6:03 AM
“Canada needs to do better.”
Weapons bearing the logo of Canadian arms manufacturer Sterling Cross Defense Systems have been identified in the hands of the RSF, responsible for massacres of civilians in Sudan: www.cbc.ca/news/world/s... #KeepEyesonSudan #cdnpoli
Weapons bearing the logo of Canadian arms manufacturer Sterling Cross Defense Systems have been identified in the hands of the RSF, responsible for massacres of civilians in Sudan: www.cbc.ca/news/world/s... #KeepEyesonSudan #cdnpoli
This is baffling & disturbing.
A private intelligence operation targeted the woman at the centre sexual harassment allegations against #ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, was commissioned by Qataris, & sought information the woman, her child, her husband and his parents. www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
A private intelligence operation targeted the woman at the centre sexual harassment allegations against #ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, was commissioned by Qataris, & sought information the woman, her child, her husband and his parents. www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
Revealed: Qatar-linked intelligence operation targeted ICC prosecutor’s alleged victim
Exclusive: Woman who accused Karim Khan of misconduct was subject of covert operation involving two British private intelligence firms
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:37 AM
This is baffling & disturbing.
A private intelligence operation targeted the woman at the centre sexual harassment allegations against #ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, was commissioned by Qataris, & sought information the woman, her child, her husband and his parents. www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
A private intelligence operation targeted the woman at the centre sexual harassment allegations against #ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, was commissioned by Qataris, & sought information the woman, her child, her husband and his parents. www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
“Every single person who arrives in Tawila has one or multiple members of their family that they cannot account for."
“Starvation is being used as a weapon of war. Some who arrive in Tawila are so dehydrated that they can’t even talk.” www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl... #KeepEyesonSudan
“Starvation is being used as a weapon of war. Some who arrive in Tawila are so dehydrated that they can’t even talk.” www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl... #KeepEyesonSudan
Tens of thousands trapped in Sudan’s Darfur city with no safe escape after militia victory
Fate of about 180,000 people still unknown, city cut off from all communications and fully controlled by paramilitary fighters
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:30 AM
“Every single person who arrives in Tawila has one or multiple members of their family that they cannot account for."
“Starvation is being used as a weapon of war. Some who arrive in Tawila are so dehydrated that they can’t even talk.” www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl... #KeepEyesonSudan
“Starvation is being used as a weapon of war. Some who arrive in Tawila are so dehydrated that they can’t even talk.” www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl... #KeepEyesonSudan
“The Libyan authorities ordered Almasri’s arrest on charges of torture and murder… the same criminal that [the Italian government] freed and escorted home on a government flight."
Libyan general accused of crimes against humanity arrested in Tripoli: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n... #Libya #ICC
Libyan general accused of crimes against humanity arrested in Tripoli: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n... #Libya #ICC
Libyan general accused of crimes against humanity arrested in Tripoli
Osama Almasri Najim was arrested in Italy in January on an ICC warrant, only to be released and flown back to Libya
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:58 AM
“The Libyan authorities ordered Almasri’s arrest on charges of torture and murder… the same criminal that [the Italian government] freed and escorted home on a government flight."
Libyan general accused of crimes against humanity arrested in Tripoli: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n... #Libya #ICC
Libyan general accused of crimes against humanity arrested in Tripoli: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n... #Libya #ICC
"Since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, Israeli authorities have rejected 23 requests from nine aid agencies to bring in urgently needed shelter supplies, such as tents, sealing and framing kits, bedding, kitchen sets and blankets."
A violation of international law. www.cbc.ca/news/world/g...
A violation of international law. www.cbc.ca/news/world/g...
Aid groups call for urgent access of shelter, food items into Gaza as winter nears | CBC News
Thousands of boxes filled with shelter items and food are sitting idle in Jordan, Egypt and Israel, humanitarian agencies say, warning that very little aid is making its way into Gaza nearly four week...
www.cbc.ca
November 7, 2025 at 3:54 AM
"Since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, Israeli authorities have rejected 23 requests from nine aid agencies to bring in urgently needed shelter supplies, such as tents, sealing and framing kits, bedding, kitchen sets and blankets."
A violation of international law. www.cbc.ca/news/world/g...
A violation of international law. www.cbc.ca/news/world/g...
“All states fuelling the Sudan conflict must immediately put a stop to this. The United Arab Emirates in particular must end its military assistance, including the supply of weapons, to the RSF." - @amnesty.org amnesty.ca/human-rights... #KeepEyesonSudan
Sudan: Civilians must be protected amid escalating RSF attacks in Kordofan region
Civilians in Sudan’s Kordofan region must be protected amid reports of escalating Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacks in the area, Amnesty International
amnesty.ca
November 6, 2025 at 8:54 PM
“All states fuelling the Sudan conflict must immediately put a stop to this. The United Arab Emirates in particular must end its military assistance, including the supply of weapons, to the RSF." - @amnesty.org amnesty.ca/human-rights... #KeepEyesonSudan
Woah: Libya detains senior police officer repatriated by Italy despite ICC war crimes charges: www.reuters.com/world/africa...
For more on how Italy arrested Njeem on an #ICC warrant and then sent him back to Libya, see here: justiceinconflict.org/2025/01/23/i...
For more on how Italy arrested Njeem on an #ICC warrant and then sent him back to Libya, see here: justiceinconflict.org/2025/01/23/i...
www.reuters.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Woah: Libya detains senior police officer repatriated by Italy despite ICC war crimes charges: www.reuters.com/world/africa...
For more on how Italy arrested Njeem on an #ICC warrant and then sent him back to Libya, see here: justiceinconflict.org/2025/01/23/i...
For more on how Italy arrested Njeem on an #ICC warrant and then sent him back to Libya, see here: justiceinconflict.org/2025/01/23/i...
The shopkeeper & nurse.
The steward & teacher.
The artist & community organizer.
The factory worker & bus driver.
The student & activist.
The ones just getting by & those who need a chance to.
Tonight they win. Common decency wins. The chance for a better tmrw in America wins.
The steward & teacher.
The artist & community organizer.
The factory worker & bus driver.
The student & activist.
The ones just getting by & those who need a chance to.
Tonight they win. Common decency wins. The chance for a better tmrw in America wins.
November 5, 2025 at 2:57 AM
The shopkeeper & nurse.
The steward & teacher.
The artist & community organizer.
The factory worker & bus driver.
The student & activist.
The ones just getting by & those who need a chance to.
Tonight they win. Common decency wins. The chance for a better tmrw in America wins.
The steward & teacher.
The artist & community organizer.
The factory worker & bus driver.
The student & activist.
The ones just getting by & those who need a chance to.
Tonight they win. Common decency wins. The chance for a better tmrw in America wins.
Following multiple credible reports that Canadian arms are reaching the RSF via the UAE, FM Anita Anand would not say whether she had raised concerns about Sudan with her UAE counterparts, instead touting the strength of Canada’s arms export controls. globalnews.ca/news/1150932... #KeepEyesOnSudan
Ottawa urged to stop weapons flow to Sudan as Carney prepares UAE visit - National | Globalnews.ca
Human rights groups say they believe planes meant to carry humanitarian aid from the UAE to Sudan are regularly delivering weapons instead, including possibly Canadian-made arms.
globalnews.ca
November 4, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Following multiple credible reports that Canadian arms are reaching the RSF via the UAE, FM Anita Anand would not say whether she had raised concerns about Sudan with her UAE counterparts, instead touting the strength of Canada’s arms export controls. globalnews.ca/news/1150932... #KeepEyesOnSudan
"Only half the needed amount of food is coming in, according to the WFP, while an umbrella group of Palestinian agencies said overall aid volumes were btwn a quarter & a third of the expected amount."
A month after ceasefire, far too little aid reaching Gaza: www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
A month after ceasefire, far too little aid reaching Gaza: www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
Nearly a month after ceasefire, far too little aid reaching Gaza
Only half the needed amount of food is coming in and overall aid volumes were between a quarter and a third of the expected amount, aid agencies say
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:28 PM
"Only half the needed amount of food is coming in, according to the WFP, while an umbrella group of Palestinian agencies said overall aid volumes were btwn a quarter & a third of the expected amount."
A month after ceasefire, far too little aid reaching Gaza: www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
A month after ceasefire, far too little aid reaching Gaza: www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
In withdrawing from the UN’s human rights monitoring process, the UPR, the United States "undermines this foundational universality and stymies both domestic and international accountability efforts and risks contributing to further regression in global human rights" www.ejiltalk.org/opting-out-o...
Opting Out of Accountability: The United States and the Implications of Withdrawal from the Universal Periodic Review
On 28th August 2025, the United States of America (USA) took the step of withdrawing from the UN’s human rights monitoring process, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The peer review process, throug...
www.ejiltalk.org
November 4, 2025 at 6:22 PM
In withdrawing from the UN’s human rights monitoring process, the UPR, the United States "undermines this foundational universality and stymies both domestic and international accountability efforts and risks contributing to further regression in global human rights" www.ejiltalk.org/opting-out-o...
"Within the ongoing investigation, the Office is taking immediate steps regarding the alleged crimes in El-Fasher to preserve and collect relevant evidence for its use in future prosecutions." - #ICC Office of the Prosecutor www.icc-cpi.int/news/stateme...
Statement of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on the situation in El-Fasher, North Darfur
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court expresses its profound alarm and deepest concern over recent reports emerging from El-Fasher about mass killings, rapes, and other crim...
www.icc-cpi.int
November 4, 2025 at 5:39 PM
"Within the ongoing investigation, the Office is taking immediate steps regarding the alleged crimes in El-Fasher to preserve and collect relevant evidence for its use in future prosecutions." - #ICC Office of the Prosecutor www.icc-cpi.int/news/stateme...
As the #ICC warns of war crimes committed by RSF, at least 40 people in Sudan have been killed in a drone strike that targeted a funeral that was taking place outside the army-held city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan state. #KeepEyesonSudan www.bbc.com/news/article...
Sudan war: RSF blamed for drone strike that hits funeral near el-Obeid killing many mourners
The paramilitary RSF has been blamed for the attack as fighting in the oil-rich Kordofan area intensifies.
www.bbc.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:05 PM
As the #ICC warns of war crimes committed by RSF, at least 40 people in Sudan have been killed in a drone strike that targeted a funeral that was taking place outside the army-held city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan state. #KeepEyesonSudan www.bbc.com/news/article...
"Continuing attacks on hospitals, with virtually no response from actors enforcing the laws of war, will all but ensure that health care systems will be obliterated in future conflicts. Accountability can help change the course."
Targeting a Hospital is a War Crime" opiniojuris.org/2025/11/04/a...
Targeting a Hospital is a War Crime" opiniojuris.org/2025/11/04/a...
A Reminder that Targeting a Hospital is a War Crime
[Elise Baker is a senior staff lawyer at the Atlantic Council Strategic Litigation Project, where she leads work on accountability and support for victims and survivors of human rights violations i…
opiniojuris.org
November 4, 2025 at 3:59 PM
"Continuing attacks on hospitals, with virtually no response from actors enforcing the laws of war, will all but ensure that health care systems will be obliterated in future conflicts. Accountability can help change the course."
Targeting a Hospital is a War Crime" opiniojuris.org/2025/11/04/a...
Targeting a Hospital is a War Crime" opiniojuris.org/2025/11/04/a...
AGJA & Wayamo "encourage the collection, verification, & preservation of open-source evidence so that it can be used in future investigations & prosecutions, at the ICC, national & regional mechanisms or elsewhere. All eyes must remain on Sudan." www.wayamo.com/archives/agj... #KeepEyesonSudan
AGJA and Wayamo urge global action to halt atrocities in El Fasher, Sudan - Wayamo Foundation
Africa Group for Justice and Accountability and Wayamo condemn horrendous violence being perpetrated in El Fasher, Darfur.
www.wayamo.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:57 PM
AGJA & Wayamo "encourage the collection, verification, & preservation of open-source evidence so that it can be used in future investigations & prosecutions, at the ICC, national & regional mechanisms or elsewhere. All eyes must remain on Sudan." www.wayamo.com/archives/agj... #KeepEyesonSudan
“Canadian-made weapons and components are fuelling conflict in Sudan. And it really isn’t sufficient for the government to say that the existing arms-export regime is world-class, when reality shows that it’s very different.” vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/11/03/o... #cdnpoli #KeepEyesonSudan
Ottawa urged to keep Canadian weapons out of Sudan's civil war
As Prime Minister Carney visits the United Arab Emirates, human rights advocates are calling on his government to stop the flow of weapons.
vancouver.citynews.ca
November 4, 2025 at 2:46 AM
“Canadian-made weapons and components are fuelling conflict in Sudan. And it really isn’t sufficient for the government to say that the existing arms-export regime is world-class, when reality shows that it’s very different.” vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/11/03/o... #cdnpoli #KeepEyesonSudan
If the Netanyahu government has its way, the alleged rapists of Palestinian detainees in Sde Teiman will go free, while those who blew the whistle & pushed for a tiny modicum of accountability over detainee abuses & torture will be jailed.
This is also exactly why ICC prosecutions are needed.
This is also exactly why ICC prosecutions are needed.
Israeli's chief military prosecutor has been arrested and will likely face trial for "perverting the course of justice".
Over the past two years, she provided legal cover for numerous crimes against humanity in Gaza. All this didn't protect her when she pursued a single torture case.
Over the past two years, she provided legal cover for numerous crimes against humanity in Gaza. All this didn't protect her when she pursued a single torture case.
Following the documented rape of a Palestinian prisoner in Sde Teyman, the military prosecutor ordered the arrest of the soldiers involved.
There was govt-supported riots trying to prevent their arrest. In response, she leaked the video evidence.
Now she has been removed by the Israeli govt.
1/
There was govt-supported riots trying to prevent their arrest. In response, she leaked the video evidence.
Now she has been removed by the Israeli govt.
1/
November 3, 2025 at 6:31 PM
If the Netanyahu government has its way, the alleged rapists of Palestinian detainees in Sde Teiman will go free, while those who blew the whistle & pushed for a tiny modicum of accountability over detainee abuses & torture will be jailed.
This is also exactly why ICC prosecutions are needed.
This is also exactly why ICC prosecutions are needed.
An institutional & un-Canadian shame:
Immigration (@CitImmCanada) officials advised ending a humanitarian program designed to help Sudanese Canadians bring family members to escape war, over concerns that “plans to reduce immigration could be undermined”: www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Immigration (@CitImmCanada) officials advised ending a humanitarian program designed to help Sudanese Canadians bring family members to escape war, over concerns that “plans to reduce immigration could be undermined”: www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Former immigration minister rejected officials’ advice to shelve Sudan humanitarian program
Officials argued that bringing Sudanese out of civil war and into Canada could affect government’s immigration levels plan
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:18 PM
An institutional & un-Canadian shame:
Immigration (@CitImmCanada) officials advised ending a humanitarian program designed to help Sudanese Canadians bring family members to escape war, over concerns that “plans to reduce immigration could be undermined”: www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Immigration (@CitImmCanada) officials advised ending a humanitarian program designed to help Sudanese Canadians bring family members to escape war, over concerns that “plans to reduce immigration could be undermined”: www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
The IDF legal chief used various pretexts to avoid opening or advancing investigations into numerous IDF abuses in Gaza, including the army's March 2025 killing of 15 medical personnel and a 2024 airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen volunteers 👇
This is how it's going with domestic investigations. It's not. It's exactly what "unwilling or unable" is made for. #WarCrimes #Gaza #IHL #Israel
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
IDF legal chief avoided Gaza war crimes probes, citing right-wing backlash, sources say
After Resigning Last Week Over the Sde Teiman Affair Leak, the IDF Legal Chief, Senior Sources Told Haaretz, Used 'Various Pretexts to Avoid Opening or Advancing Investigations 'Into Numerous IDF Abus...
www.haaretz.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:51 PM
The IDF legal chief used various pretexts to avoid opening or advancing investigations into numerous IDF abuses in Gaza, including the army's March 2025 killing of 15 medical personnel and a 2024 airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen volunteers 👇
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has found that famine has been detected in the Darfur city of el-Fasher and the city of Kadugli in South Kordofan province. abcnews.go.com/amp/Internat... #KeepEyesonSudan
Famine spreads to two more areas in Sudan, the top global hunger authority says
A global hunger monitoring group reports that famine has spread to two regions in war-torn Sudan
abcnews.go.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has found that famine has been detected in the Darfur city of el-Fasher and the city of Kadugli in South Kordofan province. abcnews.go.com/amp/Internat... #KeepEyesonSudan
Reposted by Mark Kersten
“The discovery of Canadian armoured vehicles in the hands of the RSF in El Fasher, only months before the latest massacre, should raise alarm bells for this government and prompt immediate action.”
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-…#KeepEyesonSudana#cdnpolili
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-…#KeepEyesonSudana#cdnpolili
Pressure mounts on UAE to halt arms sales to Sudanese militia
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have reportedly killed thousands of civilians in the Darfur city of El Fasher
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 1, 2025 at 11:14 PM
“The discovery of Canadian armoured vehicles in the hands of the RSF in El Fasher, only months before the latest massacre, should raise alarm bells for this government and prompt immediate action.”
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-…#KeepEyesonSudana#cdnpolili
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-…#KeepEyesonSudana#cdnpolili
“The discovery of Canadian armoured vehicles in the hands of the RSF in El Fasher, only months before the latest massacre, should raise alarm bells for this government and prompt immediate action.”
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-…#KeepEyesonSudana#cdnpolili
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-…#KeepEyesonSudana#cdnpolili
Pressure mounts on UAE to halt arms sales to Sudanese militia
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have reportedly killed thousands of civilians in the Darfur city of El Fasher
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 1, 2025 at 11:14 PM
“The discovery of Canadian armoured vehicles in the hands of the RSF in El Fasher, only months before the latest massacre, should raise alarm bells for this government and prompt immediate action.”
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-…#KeepEyesonSudana#cdnpolili
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-…#KeepEyesonSudana#cdnpolili