Mike Becker
@mikebecker.bsky.social
Assistant Professor (Trinity College Dublin, School of Law). Public International Law, International Courts and Tribunals, ICJ, ITLOS, International Human Rights Law, Fact-Finding and Inquiry, Law of the Sea
Reposted by Mike Becker
A few comments on the current situation regarding SA’s case against Israel, with colleagues @mikebecker.bsky.social & Juliette McIntyre.
#GazaGenocide
www.middleeasteye.net/explainers/i...
#GazaGenocide
www.middleeasteye.net/explainers/i...
Israel’s genocide in Gaza: What happened to South Africa’s case at the ICJ?
A verdict may not come for at least another two years - why the delay?
www.middleeasteye.net
September 23, 2025 at 7:45 PM
A few comments on the current situation regarding SA’s case against Israel, with colleagues @mikebecker.bsky.social & Juliette McIntyre.
#GazaGenocide
www.middleeasteye.net/explainers/i...
#GazaGenocide
www.middleeasteye.net/explainers/i...
Reposted by Mike Becker
Spoke with @washingtonpost.com about the absence of legal justification for the U.S. government’s premeditated killing of people aboard boats in the Caribbean.
“In essence, the President is asserting a license to kill outside the law.”
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
“In essence, the President is asserting a license to kill outside the law.”
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. kills 3 in another strike on ‘narcoterrorists’ vessel, Trump says
The strike marks the third such attack on boats alleged to be carrying illicit drugs this month. Experts have questioned the legality of the strikes.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 20, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Spoke with @washingtonpost.com about the absence of legal justification for the U.S. government’s premeditated killing of people aboard boats in the Caribbean.
“In essence, the President is asserting a license to kill outside the law.”
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
“In essence, the President is asserting a license to kill outside the law.”
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Some initial observations on yesterday’s report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Palestine and Israel, led by former UN High Commission for Human Rights Navi Pillay. #Gaza
September 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Some initial observations on yesterday’s report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Palestine and Israel, led by former UN High Commission for Human Rights Navi Pillay. #Gaza
It was great to present (w/Cecily Rose) on dialogue between ICJ judges & counsel at the Sixth Scottish Conference on International Law at the University of Glasgow this week. Many thanks to @jamesgdevaney.bsky.social, @cjtams.bsky.social, @matinapapadaki.bsky.social for hosting a marvelous event.
September 10, 2025 at 7:13 AM
It was great to present (w/Cecily Rose) on dialogue between ICJ judges & counsel at the Sixth Scottish Conference on International Law at the University of Glasgow this week. Many thanks to @jamesgdevaney.bsky.social, @cjtams.bsky.social, @matinapapadaki.bsky.social for hosting a marvelous event.
Reposted by Mike Becker
1/ I worked at DoD. I literally cannot imagine lawyers coming up with a legal basis for lethal strike of suspected Venezuelan drug boat.
Hard to see how this would not be "murder" or war crime under international law that DoD considers applicable.
Read expert analysis by @bcfinucane.bsky.social⤵️
Hard to see how this would not be "murder" or war crime under international law that DoD considers applicable.
Read expert analysis by @bcfinucane.bsky.social⤵️
Legal Issues Raised by a Lethal U.S. Military Attack in the Caribbean
The Trump administration’s extraordinary lethal attack on this purported smuggling vessel raises significant potential legal issues.
www.justsecurity.org
September 3, 2025 at 9:41 PM
1/ I worked at DoD. I literally cannot imagine lawyers coming up with a legal basis for lethal strike of suspected Venezuelan drug boat.
Hard to see how this would not be "murder" or war crime under international law that DoD considers applicable.
Read expert analysis by @bcfinucane.bsky.social⤵️
Hard to see how this would not be "murder" or war crime under international law that DoD considers applicable.
Read expert analysis by @bcfinucane.bsky.social⤵️
Some more reporting from on ICJ Judge Sebutinde's controversial remarks about 'standing on the side of Israel', with comments from me, @drnajimagi.bsky.social, and @sevslv.bsky.social. www.middleeasteye.net/news/after-r....
After recent comments, should Julia Sebutinde still serve on Israel cases at the ICJ?
Legal experts say that impartiality of world court's vice president may come under question after she said God was 'counting on' her to stand with Israel
www.middleeasteye.net
August 25, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Some more reporting from on ICJ Judge Sebutinde's controversial remarks about 'standing on the side of Israel', with comments from me, @drnajimagi.bsky.social, and @sevslv.bsky.social. www.middleeasteye.net/news/after-r....
Reposted by Mike Becker
Legal Tribune Online (@lto-de.bsky.social) hat 11 Völkerrechtsexperten gefragt, ob Israel in #Gaza einen Völkermord begeht.
Eindeutig bzgl 🇩🇪's Präventionspflicht.
Mit Analysen u.a. von @adhaque.bsky.social, @tomdannenbaum.bsky.social, @mikebecker.bsky.social and @itamann.bsky.social
Eindeutig bzgl 🇩🇪's Präventionspflicht.
Mit Analysen u.a. von @adhaque.bsky.social, @tomdannenbaum.bsky.social, @mikebecker.bsky.social and @itamann.bsky.social
August 16, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Legal Tribune Online (@lto-de.bsky.social) hat 11 Völkerrechtsexperten gefragt, ob Israel in #Gaza einen Völkermord begeht.
Eindeutig bzgl 🇩🇪's Präventionspflicht.
Mit Analysen u.a. von @adhaque.bsky.social, @tomdannenbaum.bsky.social, @mikebecker.bsky.social and @itamann.bsky.social
Eindeutig bzgl 🇩🇪's Präventionspflicht.
Mit Analysen u.a. von @adhaque.bsky.social, @tomdannenbaum.bsky.social, @mikebecker.bsky.social and @itamann.bsky.social
Happy to share my new publication in the Leiden Journal of International Law: "Recent developments in reliance upon third-party fact-finding at the International Court of Justice". Available here: www.cambridge.org/core/journal....
Recent developments in reliance upon third-party fact-finding at the International Court of Justice | Leiden Journal of International Law | Cambridge Core
Recent developments in reliance upon third-party fact-finding at the International Court of Justice
www.cambridge.org
August 15, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Happy to share my new publication in the Leiden Journal of International Law: "Recent developments in reliance upon third-party fact-finding at the International Court of Justice". Available here: www.cambridge.org/core/journal....
Legal Tribune Online (@lto-de.bsky.social) asked eleven scholars whether Israel's actions in #Gaza now meet the legal definition of genocide. I am quoted alongside @adhaque.bsky.social, @janinadill.bsky.social, @tomdannenbaum.bsky.social, @itamann.bsky.social and others. www.lto.de/recht/hinter...
International Law Experts: Genocide in Gaza?
Does Israel’s conduct in Gaza constitute genocide? LTO asked eleven international law experts. After 22 months of war, a clear tendency is emerging.
www.lto.de
August 15, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Legal Tribune Online (@lto-de.bsky.social) asked eleven scholars whether Israel's actions in #Gaza now meet the legal definition of genocide. I am quoted alongside @adhaque.bsky.social, @janinadill.bsky.social, @tomdannenbaum.bsky.social, @itamann.bsky.social and others. www.lto.de/recht/hinter...
Amidst the unending horrors of #Gaza, I spoke to
@davidmacredmond.bsky.social at @thejournal.ie about complicity in genocide & the distinct obligation of states to prevent genocide. There is no question that the 'serious risk' threshold (which triggers that duty) was met in Gaza a long time ago.
@davidmacredmond.bsky.social at @thejournal.ie about complicity in genocide & the distinct obligation of states to prevent genocide. There is no question that the 'serious risk' threshold (which triggers that duty) was met in Gaza a long time ago.
The conclusion that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza has been reached by some of the world’s most eminent scholars who study the crime of crimes.
http://jrnl.ie/6779851
http://jrnl.ie/6779851
Legality vs Reality: Could Western leaders face consequences for complicity in genocide?
A growing number of genocide scholars have accused Israel of committing the crime of crimes in Gaza.
jrnl.ie
August 9, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Amidst the unending horrors of #Gaza, I spoke to
@davidmacredmond.bsky.social at @thejournal.ie about complicity in genocide & the distinct obligation of states to prevent genocide. There is no question that the 'serious risk' threshold (which triggers that duty) was met in Gaza a long time ago.
@davidmacredmond.bsky.social at @thejournal.ie about complicity in genocide & the distinct obligation of states to prevent genocide. There is no question that the 'serious risk' threshold (which triggers that duty) was met in Gaza a long time ago.
One point to clarify about #SouthAfrica v #Israel at the #ICJ. The case is not really moving at a slower pace than other ICJ cases. It’s typical for ICJ cases to last 4-5 years & I don’t see any particular effort on the ICJ’s part to slow things down further due to nature of this case.
This is a good piece, featuring @mikebecker.bsky.social and @vukusiciva.bsky.social alongside yours truly www.theguardian.com/law/2025/jul...
‘Really cautious’: why the ICJ is delaying a Gaza genocide verdict
While civilians starve and global opinion hardens, judgment from international court may not come until 2027 – or later
www.theguardian.com
July 27, 2025 at 11:56 AM
One point to clarify about #SouthAfrica v #Israel at the #ICJ. The case is not really moving at a slower pace than other ICJ cases. It’s typical for ICJ cases to last 4-5 years & I don’t see any particular effort on the ICJ’s part to slow things down further due to nature of this case.
Reposted by Mike Becker
but don't forget: While the International Court of Justice answered legal questions, climate change and its consequences are everything but legal. International (environmental) law is a tool, not the answer. The most important passage of the advisory opinion are these non-legal statements below 👇
July 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
but don't forget: While the International Court of Justice answered legal questions, climate change and its consequences are everything but legal. International (environmental) law is a tool, not the answer. The most important passage of the advisory opinion are these non-legal statements below 👇
Reposted by Mike Becker
Such helpful clarification by Judge Cleveland: [T]he interpretation of investment instruments must be informed by States’ obligations in respect of climate change under international law, incl the stringent due diligence standard... www.icj-cij.org/sites/defaul...
www.icj-cij.org
July 23, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Such helpful clarification by Judge Cleveland: [T]he interpretation of investment instruments must be informed by States’ obligations in respect of climate change under international law, incl the stringent due diligence standard... www.icj-cij.org/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Mike Becker
1/ Some quick takes on the #ICJ #AdvisoryOpinion on #ClimateChange from a #futuregenerations and #intergenerationalequity perspective...
July 23, 2025 at 4:18 PM
1/ Some quick takes on the #ICJ #AdvisoryOpinion on #ClimateChange from a #futuregenerations and #intergenerationalequity perspective...
The #ICJ advisory opinion covers a lot: customary status of climate change-related obligations, what due diligence means for adaptation/mitigation measures, the impact of sea-level rise on statehood, what types of fossil fuel-related activities might constitute an internationally wrongful act. 1/6
July 23, 2025 at 3:39 PM
The #ICJ advisory opinion covers a lot: customary status of climate change-related obligations, what due diligence means for adaptation/mitigation measures, the impact of sea-level rise on statehood, what types of fossil fuel-related activities might constitute an internationally wrongful act. 1/6
#ICJ says fossil fuel production and consumption, granting of fossil fuel exploration licenses, or provision of fossil fuel subsidies may constitute an internationally wrongful act. This is getting into the zone of the ICJ going beyond what states will find credible or politically acceptable. Risky.
July 23, 2025 at 2:49 PM
#ICJ says fossil fuel production and consumption, granting of fossil fuel exploration licenses, or provision of fossil fuel subsidies may constitute an internationally wrongful act. This is getting into the zone of the ICJ going beyond what states will find credible or politically acceptable. Risky.
#ICJ weighing in on a very popular question of research among students and scholars (the 'deterritorialized state'). Let 1000 PhD theses bloom.
Once a State is established the disappearance of one of its constituent elements does not necessarily entail the loss of its Statehood - you can be a State without a territory!!!
July 23, 2025 at 2:28 PM
#ICJ weighing in on a very popular question of research among students and scholars (the 'deterritorialized state'). Let 1000 PhD theses bloom.
This is important guidance from the #ICJ about what due diligence requires in the context of the duty to cooperate on climate change adaptation/mitigation. Why is this important? Because it provides a potential blueprint for climate litigation in domestic courts (see Juliette's next few posts, too).
Due diligence requires: 1. appropriate rules and measures including legislative to reduce ghg emissions, 2. availability of scientific info 3. current standards from binding and non-binding norms eg from COP 4. capabilities of a State per common but diff responsibilities
July 23, 2025 at 2:16 PM
This is important guidance from the #ICJ about what due diligence requires in the context of the duty to cooperate on climate change adaptation/mitigation. Why is this important? Because it provides a potential blueprint for climate litigation in domestic courts (see Juliette's next few posts, too).
I'm a bit late to this today, follow Juliette for the details. ⬇️ My two big questions coming in: Will the #ICJ say anything useful, especially in terms of climate litigation in domestic courts? Will the #ICJ say anything that undermines or undercuts the goals of climate activists? #ClimateChange
Okay my little #ProcedureGoblin babes let's get on it, ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of Climate Change thread starts here! 🧵
a woman covering her mouth with her hand in a dark room with green lights behind her
ALT: a woman covering her mouth with her hand in a dark room with green lights behind her
media.tenor.com
July 23, 2025 at 1:42 PM
I'm a bit late to this today, follow Juliette for the details. ⬇️ My two big questions coming in: Will the #ICJ say anything useful, especially in terms of climate litigation in domestic courts? Will the #ICJ say anything that undermines or undercuts the goals of climate activists? #ClimateChange
All the more reason for the #ICJ to have taken a different approach to the IPCC reports last year. verfassungsblog.de/the-icj-meet...
July 23, 2025 at 1:39 PM
All the more reason for the #ICJ to have taken a different approach to the IPCC reports last year. verfassungsblog.de/the-icj-meet...
Trump's terrible decision to abandon #JCPOA in 2018 was and remains indefensible. A foreign policy blunder of epic proportions. Excellent piece by Gregory Craig that lays out Trump's continuing strategic idiocy re #Iran. www.justsecurity.org/115325/trump...
President Trump’s Decision to Bomb Iran: From Bad to Worse
"Whether the newly announced cease fire actually leads to an end to hostilities will not change the new reality: a comprehensive agreement is less likely now than it was before the bombing"
www.justsecurity.org
June 26, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Trump's terrible decision to abandon #JCPOA in 2018 was and remains indefensible. A foreign policy blunder of epic proportions. Excellent piece by Gregory Craig that lays out Trump's continuing strategic idiocy re #Iran. www.justsecurity.org/115325/trump...
I missed the news in March that #Armenia and #Azerbaijan peace negotiations may be heading towards the withdrawal of all pending cases between the two states at the #ICJ and #ECtHR. Some interesting reflections on the potential dilemma for the ECtHR here: strasbourgobservers.com/2025/06/06/a...
A Defining Test for Strasbourg. Legal and Procedural Dilemmas of Interstate Withdrawal Before the European Court of Human Rights - Strasbourg Observers
by Igor Mirzakhanyan In an unprecedented development before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), both Armenia and Azerbaijan have expressed their intention to withdraw all pending interstate ap...
strasbourgobservers.com
June 12, 2025 at 6:57 PM
I missed the news in March that #Armenia and #Azerbaijan peace negotiations may be heading towards the withdrawal of all pending cases between the two states at the #ICJ and #ECtHR. Some interesting reflections on the potential dilemma for the ECtHR here: strasbourgobservers.com/2025/06/06/a...
Here's a highly topical contribution at @opiniojuris.bsky.social on the relevant standard at the #ICJ when it comes to inferring genocidal intent from indirect evidence and the contested meaning of the 'only reasonable inference test'. opiniojuris.org/2025/05/26/g...
Genocidal Intent in Armed Conflict: Unpacking the ICJ’s “Only Reasonable Inference” Standard
[Natasha Yvonne Barigye is an International Justice Fellow at Amnesty International and a lawyer specialising in international criminal law. Melissa Hendrickse is a Legal Advisor at Amnesty Interna…
opiniojuris.org
May 28, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Here's a highly topical contribution at @opiniojuris.bsky.social on the relevant standard at the #ICJ when it comes to inferring genocidal intent from indirect evidence and the contested meaning of the 'only reasonable inference test'. opiniojuris.org/2025/05/26/g...
The General Assembly and Security Council have elected Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud (Jordan) to fill the #ICJ seat vacated by Nawaf Salam (Lebanon) in January. Hmoud will serve only until February 2027 (when Salam's term would have ended) unless reelected at the next triennial elections in November 2026.
May 27, 2025 at 4:10 PM
The General Assembly and Security Council have elected Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud (Jordan) to fill the #ICJ seat vacated by Nawaf Salam (Lebanon) in January. Hmoud will serve only until February 2027 (when Salam's term would have ended) unless reelected at the next triennial elections in November 2026.
Hey, check out the #NYU University Student Conduct Policy: "The University is a community where the means of seeking to establish truth are open discussion and free discourse. It thrives on debate and dissent, which must be protected as a matter of academic freedom . . ." 1/3
May 17, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Hey, check out the #NYU University Student Conduct Policy: "The University is a community where the means of seeking to establish truth are open discussion and free discourse. It thrives on debate and dissent, which must be protected as a matter of academic freedom . . ." 1/3