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...
Still digesting Carney’s speech, but 3 points to stress:
1️⃣ Canada was an architect & beneficiary, not victim, of an unjust & unfair int’al system. Let’s be honest abt that.
2️⃣ we need new allies who aren’t also looking to annex land (eg China)
3️⃣ As always, let’s judge Ottawa by its actions not words
1️⃣ Canada was an architect & beneficiary, not victim, of an unjust & unfair int’al system. Let’s be honest abt that.
2️⃣ we need new allies who aren’t also looking to annex land (eg China)
3️⃣ As always, let’s judge Ottawa by its actions not words
This is an excellent speech from PM Mark Carney. There's no doubt about it.
The proof, as always, will be in how we deliver on it.
Enough words without deeds. That has defined Canada for too long. Let us defend rights, international law, decency & dignity. www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/spee...
The proof, as always, will be in how we deliver on it.
Enough words without deeds. That has defined Canada for too long. Let us defend rights, international law, decency & dignity. www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/spee...
“Principled and pragmatic: Canada’s path” Prime Minister Carney addresses the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
Thank you, Larry.It’s a pleasure – and a duty – to be with you at this turning point for Canada and for the world.Today, I’ll talk about the rupture in the world order, the end of a nice story, and th...
www.pm.gc.ca
January 21, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Still digesting Carney’s speech, but 3 points to stress:
1️⃣ Canada was an architect & beneficiary, not victim, of an unjust & unfair int’al system. Let’s be honest abt that.
2️⃣ we need new allies who aren’t also looking to annex land (eg China)
3️⃣ As always, let’s judge Ottawa by its actions not words
1️⃣ Canada was an architect & beneficiary, not victim, of an unjust & unfair int’al system. Let’s be honest abt that.
2️⃣ we need new allies who aren’t also looking to annex land (eg China)
3️⃣ As always, let’s judge Ottawa by its actions not words
Dreaming of Justice Part 4: Double Standards in Global Support for Ukraine and Myanmar
The following is the fourth instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first, second, and third parts of…
The following is the fourth instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first, second, and third parts of…
Dreaming of Justice Part 4: Double Standards in Global Support for Ukraine and Myanmar
The following is the fourth instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first, second, and third parts of the series, please see here and here. Refugees and humanitarians in the Kutupalong refugee camp, Bangladesh (Photo: HI) The world’s rapid mobilization to support Ukraine’s pursuit of justice stands in stark contrast to its inconsistent response to Myanmar.
justiceinconflict.org
January 21, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Dreaming of Justice Part 4: Double Standards in Global Support for Ukraine and Myanmar
The following is the fourth instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first, second, and third parts of…
The following is the fourth instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first, second, and third parts of…
This is an excellent speech from PM Mark Carney. There's no doubt about it.
The proof, as always, will be in how we deliver on it.
Enough words without deeds. That has defined Canada for too long. Let us defend rights, international law, decency & dignity. www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/spee...
The proof, as always, will be in how we deliver on it.
Enough words without deeds. That has defined Canada for too long. Let us defend rights, international law, decency & dignity. www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/spee...
“Principled and pragmatic: Canada’s path” Prime Minister Carney addresses the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
Thank you, Larry.It’s a pleasure – and a duty – to be with you at this turning point for Canada and for the world.Today, I’ll talk about the rupture in the world order, the end of a nice story, and th...
www.pm.gc.ca
January 20, 2026 at 11:30 PM
This is an excellent speech from PM Mark Carney. There's no doubt about it.
The proof, as always, will be in how we deliver on it.
Enough words without deeds. That has defined Canada for too long. Let us defend rights, international law, decency & dignity. www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/spee...
The proof, as always, will be in how we deliver on it.
Enough words without deeds. That has defined Canada for too long. Let us defend rights, international law, decency & dignity. www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/spee...
Good news: Greek Court Acquits Rescue Workers Accused of Smuggling Migrants www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/w... #RefugeesWelcome
Greek Court Acquits Rescue Workers Accused of Smuggling Migrants
www.nytimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:08 AM
Good news: Greek Court Acquits Rescue Workers Accused of Smuggling Migrants www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/w... #RefugeesWelcome
"The slowness of such accountability is an argument in favor of a local, community-based system as more judicial bodies can try more suspects, especially those at lower levels."
Dreaming of Justice Part 3: Alternative Approaches to Accountability in Myanmar justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/19/d...
Dreaming of Justice Part 3: Alternative Approaches to Accountability in Myanmar justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/19/d...
Dreaming of Justice Part 3: Alternative Approaches to Accountability in Myanmar
The following is the third instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first and second par…
justiceinconflict.org
January 19, 2026 at 5:08 PM
"The slowness of such accountability is an argument in favor of a local, community-based system as more judicial bodies can try more suspects, especially those at lower levels."
Dreaming of Justice Part 3: Alternative Approaches to Accountability in Myanmar justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/19/d...
Dreaming of Justice Part 3: Alternative Approaches to Accountability in Myanmar justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/19/d...
Dreaming of Justice Part 3: Alternative Approaches to Accountability in Myanmar
The following is the third instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first and second parts of the series,…
The following is the third instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first and second parts of the series,…
Dreaming of Justice Part 3: Alternative Approaches to Accountability in Myanmar
The following is the third instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first and second parts of the series, please see here and here. Demonstrators during protests against the coup in Yangon, Myanmar, March 28, 2021 (Photo: Stringer / Getty Images) International legal processes are only one path that can be taken in the quest for justice.
justiceinconflict.org
January 19, 2026 at 7:50 AM
Dreaming of Justice Part 3: Alternative Approaches to Accountability in Myanmar
The following is the third instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first and second parts of the series,…
The following is the third instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first and second parts of the series,…
Reposted by Mark Kersten
"To forsake the Nuremberg principles means to return to the world of yesterday, where power forgave brutality and perpetrators never worried about the prospect of punishment."
"States complicit in attacks against the foundations of the world order must be called out for it. And this applies to the US, which now stands in opposition to the Nuremberg principles."
80 Years After Nuremberg, Envisioning the Future of International Law www.justsecurity.org/128387/nurem...
80 Years After Nuremberg, Envisioning the Future of International Law www.justsecurity.org/128387/nurem...
80 Years After Nuremberg, the Future of International Law
For international criminal law to remain a compelling set of norms, the central principles that formed Nuremberg must be vigorously defended.
www.justsecurity.org
January 18, 2026 at 6:23 PM
"To forsake the Nuremberg principles means to return to the world of yesterday, where power forgave brutality and perpetrators never worried about the prospect of punishment."
"States complicit in attacks against the foundations of the world order must be called out for it. And this applies to the US, which now stands in opposition to the Nuremberg principles."
80 Years After Nuremberg, Envisioning the Future of International Law www.justsecurity.org/128387/nurem...
80 Years After Nuremberg, Envisioning the Future of International Law www.justsecurity.org/128387/nurem...
80 Years After Nuremberg, the Future of International Law
For international criminal law to remain a compelling set of norms, the central principles that formed Nuremberg must be vigorously defended.
www.justsecurity.org
January 18, 2026 at 6:18 PM
"States complicit in attacks against the foundations of the world order must be called out for it. And this applies to the US, which now stands in opposition to the Nuremberg principles."
80 Years After Nuremberg, Envisioning the Future of International Law www.justsecurity.org/128387/nurem...
80 Years After Nuremberg, Envisioning the Future of International Law www.justsecurity.org/128387/nurem...
Reposted by Mark Kersten
A decade after Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on governments to end the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in custody, that commitment remains unmet. Statistics Canada’s latest report underscores the urgent need to grapple with the consequences of mass incarceration. 1/4
January 17, 2026 at 11:41 PM
A decade after Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on governments to end the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in custody, that commitment remains unmet. Statistics Canada’s latest report underscores the urgent need to grapple with the consequences of mass incarceration. 1/4
Reposted by Mark Kersten
We don't have to be that bad at this. www.reuters.com/world/americ...
January 18, 2026 at 12:50 AM
We don't have to be that bad at this. www.reuters.com/world/americ...
"The day is arriving when those responsible for these crimes against humanity will be held to account. Iran, too, will have its Nuremberg moment: a reckoning in the name of justice." www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti... #IranMassacare
Opinion: As Iran cracks down on protesters again, the world cannot be silent
The international community must stand with the courageous people of Iran in their heroic struggle for liberation and a better future
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 18, 2026 at 12:52 AM
"The day is arriving when those responsible for these crimes against humanity will be held to account. Iran, too, will have its Nuremberg moment: a reckoning in the name of justice." www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti... #IranMassacare
“Trump is a bully and a megalomaniac. If we let him take Greenland, he will only want more.”
Greenland may be our first, best, and last chance to stand up to Donald Trump: www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Greenland may be our first, best, and last chance to stand up to Donald Trump: www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: Greenland may be our first, best, and last chance to stand up to Donald Trump
The U.S. President is using Greenland to test how far he can impose his will. If NATO countries acquiesce on this, he will own all of us
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:59 AM
“Trump is a bully and a megalomaniac. If we let him take Greenland, he will only want more.”
Greenland may be our first, best, and last chance to stand up to Donald Trump: www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Greenland may be our first, best, and last chance to stand up to Donald Trump: www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Mark Kersten
Aliya Rahman, an American citizen, says she was on her way to a medical appointment when she was detained by immigration officers in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security called her an agitator.
Federal immigration agents filmed dragging a woman from her car in Minneapolis
Aliya Rahman, an American citizen, says she was on her way to a medical appointment when she was detained by immigration officers. The Department of Homeland Security called her an
www.thestar.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:11 AM
Aliya Rahman, an American citizen, says she was on her way to a medical appointment when she was detained by immigration officers in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security called her an agitator.
Reposted by Mark Kersten
You might but the people in US concentration camps and those shipped abroad don't have rights
If we were living under fascism right now, the words I’m writing would be a death sentence.
Hell no, it's not over
We still have rights. Time to use them.
www.motherjones.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:38 AM
You might but the people in US concentration camps and those shipped abroad don't have rights
"Gambia is doing really accurate comparisons to past genocides” to show 'patterns' and 'similarities' with genocides like Srebrenica, the Holocaust or Rwanda"
Genocide in Myanmar: the ICJ faces the evidence
www.justiceinfo.net/en/154334-ge... @janethanderson.bsky.social @drmelob.bsky.social
Genocide in Myanmar: the ICJ faces the evidence
www.justiceinfo.net/en/154334-ge... @janethanderson.bsky.social @drmelob.bsky.social
Genocide in Myanmar: the ICJ faces the evidence
What evidence does the small west African state provide to prove genocidal intent? Seven years ago, Gambia has brought Myanmar to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over genocide against the Roh...
www.justiceinfo.net
January 15, 2026 at 8:37 PM
"Gambia is doing really accurate comparisons to past genocides” to show 'patterns' and 'similarities' with genocides like Srebrenica, the Holocaust or Rwanda"
Genocide in Myanmar: the ICJ faces the evidence
www.justiceinfo.net/en/154334-ge... @janethanderson.bsky.social @drmelob.bsky.social
Genocide in Myanmar: the ICJ faces the evidence
www.justiceinfo.net/en/154334-ge... @janethanderson.bsky.social @drmelob.bsky.social
Reposted by Mark Kersten
No one expected decriminalization to solve BC's toxic drug crisis. Some hoped it would bring users out of the shadows (and make them less likely to die). To the degree that it did, that was seen as a bad thing. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
B.C. ending its drug decriminalization pilot program
Province won’t apply to extend its exemption from federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Health Minister says
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:53 PM
No one expected decriminalization to solve BC's toxic drug crisis. Some hoped it would bring users out of the shadows (and make them less likely to die). To the degree that it did, that was seen as a bad thing. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
If Canada really wanted to do something in support of the people of Iran, it would open an investigation into Iranian officials who come to Canada and who are implicated in human rights abuses and atrocities.
It was estimated in 2024 that 700 IRGC members are in Canada.
It was estimated in 2024 that 700 IRGC members are in Canada.
January 15, 2026 at 6:44 PM
If Canada really wanted to do something in support of the people of Iran, it would open an investigation into Iranian officials who come to Canada and who are implicated in human rights abuses and atrocities.
It was estimated in 2024 that 700 IRGC members are in Canada.
It was estimated in 2024 that 700 IRGC members are in Canada.
Some good news.
The Gambia’s Reparations Commission has begun paying reparations to victims of human rights abuses perpetrated under the regime of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh: www.africanews.com/amp/2026/01/...
The Gambia’s Reparations Commission has begun paying reparations to victims of human rights abuses perpetrated under the regime of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh: www.africanews.com/amp/2026/01/...
Africanews | The Gambia Reparations Commission begins payments to victims of Jammeh-era abuses
www.africanews.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Some good news.
The Gambia’s Reparations Commission has begun paying reparations to victims of human rights abuses perpetrated under the regime of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh: www.africanews.com/amp/2026/01/...
The Gambia’s Reparations Commission has begun paying reparations to victims of human rights abuses perpetrated under the regime of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh: www.africanews.com/amp/2026/01/...
“Lawyers and activists are using universal jurisdiction cases in Argentina, Germany, Turkiye, the Philippines, & Indonesia, to seek justice for Myanmar’s victims.”
Dreaming of Justice Part 2: Leveraging Universal Jurisdiction for Accountability in Myanmar justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/15/d...
Dreaming of Justice Part 2: Leveraging Universal Jurisdiction for Accountability in Myanmar justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/15/d...
Dreaming of Justice Part 2: Leveraging Universal Jurisdiction for Accountability in Myanmar
The following is the second instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first part of the s…
justiceinconflict.org
January 15, 2026 at 11:03 AM
“Lawyers and activists are using universal jurisdiction cases in Argentina, Germany, Turkiye, the Philippines, & Indonesia, to seek justice for Myanmar’s victims.”
Dreaming of Justice Part 2: Leveraging Universal Jurisdiction for Accountability in Myanmar justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/15/d...
Dreaming of Justice Part 2: Leveraging Universal Jurisdiction for Accountability in Myanmar justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/15/d...
Dreaming of Justice Part 2: Leveraging Universal Jurisdiction for Accountability in Myanmar
The following is the second instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first part of the series,…
The following is the second instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first part of the series,…
Dreaming of Justice Part 2: Leveraging Universal Jurisdiction for Accountability in Myanmar
The following is the second instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first part of the series, please see here. (Photo: Getty Images) When it comes to accountability for atrocities committed in Myanmar, international courts and United Nations (UN) mechanisms are severely limited by political gridlock.
justiceinconflict.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Dreaming of Justice Part 2: Leveraging Universal Jurisdiction for Accountability in Myanmar
The following is the second instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first part of the series,…
The following is the second instalment in a four-part series by Jenna Dolecek on justice and accountability for victims and survivors of atrocities committed in Myanmar. For the first part of the series,…
When I hear of Legault, Raphaël André always comes to mind.
He died in a portable toilet after Legault applied curfews to everyone, including the unhoused, during the pandemic.
When asked why he did so, Legault said bc ppl would otherwise pretend to be homeless.
Good riddance.
He died in a portable toilet after Legault applied curfews to everyone, including the unhoused, during the pandemic.
When asked why he did so, Legault said bc ppl would otherwise pretend to be homeless.
Good riddance.
January 14, 2026 at 8:31 PM
When I hear of Legault, Raphaël André always comes to mind.
He died in a portable toilet after Legault applied curfews to everyone, including the unhoused, during the pandemic.
When asked why he did so, Legault said bc ppl would otherwise pretend to be homeless.
Good riddance.
He died in a portable toilet after Legault applied curfews to everyone, including the unhoused, during the pandemic.
When asked why he did so, Legault said bc ppl would otherwise pretend to be homeless.
Good riddance.
It's simply wrong that Canada's CRA - with government approval - writes off $5 billion dollars a year while also consistently giving wrong advice to people.
Who is getting off scot-free? There should be a bi-partisan effort for transparency.
theglobeandmail.com/politics/art... #cdnpoli #CRA
Who is getting off scot-free? There should be a bi-partisan effort for transparency.
theglobeandmail.com/politics/art... #cdnpoli #CRA
Ottawa’s debt writeoffs climb above $5-billion mark
Bill C-230 would require the government to publicly disclose all corporate writeoffs worth $1-million or more
theglobeandmail.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:11 PM
It's simply wrong that Canada's CRA - with government approval - writes off $5 billion dollars a year while also consistently giving wrong advice to people.
Who is getting off scot-free? There should be a bi-partisan effort for transparency.
theglobeandmail.com/politics/art... #cdnpoli #CRA
Who is getting off scot-free? There should be a bi-partisan effort for transparency.
theglobeandmail.com/politics/art... #cdnpoli #CRA
Canada has remained silent as Trump attacks international law & seeks to normalize illegal annexation - of Ukraine, the West Bank, Greenland, etc.
If that silence continues, who will stand up for us if Washington puts our own country in its crosshairs? justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/12/f...
If that silence continues, who will stand up for us if Washington puts our own country in its crosshairs? justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/12/f...
Forget elbows; we need a spine: If Ottawa won’t condemn Trump’s violations of international law, who will speak out when he comes for Canada?
(Photo: PA Media / BBC) It is not just the attack on Venezuela, breaches of the United Nations’ Charter, or the use of illegal force that still somehow left a dictatorship in place. It is not just …
justiceinconflict.org
January 14, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Canada has remained silent as Trump attacks international law & seeks to normalize illegal annexation - of Ukraine, the West Bank, Greenland, etc.
If that silence continues, who will stand up for us if Washington puts our own country in its crosshairs? justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/12/f...
If that silence continues, who will stand up for us if Washington puts our own country in its crosshairs? justiceinconflict.org/2026/01/12/f...
The UN cannot remain indifferent to “actions taken by Israel, which are in direct contravention of the obligations of Israel under int'al law. They must be reversed without delay.”
UN Sec Gen warns he could refer Israel to ICJ over laws targeting #UNRWA www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
UN Sec Gen warns he could refer Israel to ICJ over laws targeting #UNRWA www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
UN chief warns he could refer Israel to ICJ over laws targeting UNRWA
In October 2024, Israel passed a law banning the agency for Palestinian refugees in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem.
www.aljazeera.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:46 PM
The UN cannot remain indifferent to “actions taken by Israel, which are in direct contravention of the obligations of Israel under int'al law. They must be reversed without delay.”
UN Sec Gen warns he could refer Israel to ICJ over laws targeting #UNRWA www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
UN Sec Gen warns he could refer Israel to ICJ over laws targeting #UNRWA www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
Reposted by Mark Kersten
We have reached the “not being liked by Trump is a criminal offence” stage in the United States.
NYT - Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) says she has learned that federal prosecutors are investigating her after she took part in a video urging military service members to resist illegal orders. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/us...
Senator Says Prosecutors Are Investigating Her After Video About Illegal Orders
It is unclear what possible crime might involve Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, who has warned in dire terms about the dissolution of American democracy.
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:43 AM
We have reached the “not being liked by Trump is a criminal offence” stage in the United States.