UN probe into possible Darfur genocide begins News
UN probe into possible Darfur genocide begins

[JURIST] A UN-appointed commission of inquiry has begun its work to determine whether acts of genocide have occurred in Sudan's Darfur region. The five-member commission was established by Secretary-General Kofi Annan under Security Council Resolution 1564 to "investigate reports of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in Darfur by all parties, to determine also whether or not acts of genocide have occurred and to identify the perpetrators of such violations with a view to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable." The commission members will be in Sudan until November 21 and will have three months to report back to Annan on the situation in Sudan. The UN News Service has more. JURIST's Paper Chase has ongoing coverage on Sudan.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Montgomery started racially-integrated bus service after boycott

On December 21, 1956, buses in Montgomery, Alabama, started racially integrated service following federal court rulings ending on-board segregation. Bus boycott leaders Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy were among the first riders under the new scheme. Learn about the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Stalin born

On December 21, 1879, Joseph Stalin was born in Gori, Georgia. In 1922, he became leader of the USSR until his death in 1953. During his time as Soviet dictator, Stalin industrialized his country, which he then led to become one of the world's two superpowers after WWII. Through his infamous purges, show trials and nationwide famines, Stalin also became responsible for millions of deaths.