UN establishes investigation into Islamic State crimes in Iraq News
UN establishes investigation into Islamic State crimes in Iraq

[JURIST] The UN Security Council [official website] voted Thursday to establish an investigation [UN press release] into the Islamic State over possible war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Iraq.

IS has previously been accused by the UN of targeting civilians [UN press release] and having an “absolute disregard for human life.”

The UN Security Council has expressed concern [UN press release] over the effect a planned independence referendum by the Kurdistan region. The member states have released a statement [UN Security Council press release] saying this would negatively impact the investigation into IS crimes as Kurdish forces “played a critical role” in the operations.

Britain has committed [Reuters report] around $1.3 million to establish a team to help Iraq hold IS accountable for their actions and alleged violations of human rights. Britain has also stated they would not support the investigation until Iraq agreed and consented to the investigation.

THIS DAY @ LAW

South Africa becomes first country on continent to legalize same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriages became legal in South Africa on November 30, 2006 as the country's Civil Union Act, 2006 went into effect, making South Africa the only country on the African continent to legalize same-sex marriage. Read the Civil Union Act, 2006.