Publications
Reports and analyses published by GAN's accountability projects.
Russian Mass Destruction of the Natural Environment in Ukraine. Volume II: State Responsibility
May 2025
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By: David M. Crane
Russia’s military actions in Ukraine have led to multiple instances of environmental devastation, raising critical questions about accountability under international law. From the destruction of vital ecosystems to the contamination of air, water, and soil, the Russian military has engaged in activities that constitute violations of these established legal norms. This paper discusses instances of environmental harm within the context of the conflict, emphasizing that such actions not only threaten the immediate natural landscape but also have far-reaching implications for future generations.
Holding Heads of State Accountable: The Case of President Lukashenko's Aiding and Abetting President Putin's Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine
July 2024
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By: Sara J. Godfrey with David M. Crane
In recent years, heads of state have increasingly aided and abetted international crimes, posing severe threats to global peace and security. President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus exemplifies this by supporting President Vladimir Putin's aggression against Ukraine, resulting in immense suffering and regional destabilization. Holding heads of state accountable is essential, as no one is above the law. The international community must consider sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and prosecution to ensure justice and deter future atrocities. The precedent set by prosecuting President Charles Taylor demonstrates that heads of state cannot hide behind immunity. As the world watches, our response to these crimes will be crucial in upholding the rule of law. For a comprehensive analysis and actionable steps, read the full white paper.
Reviewing the Prosecution of the Forced Marriage of Women and Girls in International Courts: Inhumane Act or Form of Sexual Slavery?
January 2024
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By: Sara J. Godfrey with David M. Crane
Using case studies from the Special Court for Sierra Leone and International Criminal Court, this white paper discusses the key distinctions between the crimes of forced marriage and sexual slavery. By focusing on the gendered dimensions of forced marriage, this paper contextualizes forced marriage as a distinct gender-based crime, arguing for the prosecution of forced marriage as an inhumane act as a crime against humanity.
Russian War Crimes Against Ukraine:
The Breach of International Humanitarian Law by the Russian Federation, Third Edition
August 2023
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Ukraine Accountability Project: The 3rd edition primarily covers the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity by the Russian Federation from 24 February 2022 to 14 June 2023. It includes extensive updates to the Most Egregious Crimes Index, Russian Command and Control Diagram, and the Most Responsible Parties Dossier.
Russian Mass Destruction of the Natural Environment in Ukraine. Volume I: Individual Responsibility
August 2023
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Ukraine Accountability Project: This Volume delves into the applicable international and domestic legal frameworks governing crimes against the natural environment in Ukraine and presents an analysis of specific incidents illustrating these offenses.
Yemen's Youngest Victims: The Yemen Civil War's Toll on Children
June 2023
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Yemen Accountability Project: This report examines the impact of the conflict in Yemen on children and potential routes to accountability through the lenses of physical health, mental health, education, child marriage, and child recruitment into armed groups.
Building the Case for Prosecuting the Destruction of Cultural Property in Yemen
January 2023
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Yemen Accountability Project: This report examines the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage as a method of warfare by both the Saudi-led Coalition and Houthi rebels in Yemen, as well as avenues for accountability.
ICC Jurisdiction Over Extraordinary Renditions from the Territory of States Parties
January 2023
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Ukraine Task Force: This report argues that China's extraordinary rendition of Uyghurs and Russia's extraordinary rendition of Ukrainians may amount to the crime of deportation under Rome Statute Article 7(1)(d).
Feeding the Russian Crocodile: A Historical Analysis of Appeasement as a Modern Threat to International Peace and Security
January 2023
Ukraine Task Force: This report discusses the historical inadequacy of appeasement to counter expansionist tyrant leaders and avoid conflict, calling on the international community to stand firm against Russia's aggression.
Russian War Crimes Against Ukraine: The Breach of International Law by the Russian Federation
January 2023
Ukraine Task Force: The 2nd edition of this report covers probable war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russia from 24 February to 28 July 2022. It includes extensive updates to the Ukraine Crime Matrix, Russian Command and Control Diagram, and the Most Responsible Parties Dossier.
Proposal to Create a Special Tribunal for Ukraine on the Crime of Aggression
September 2022
Ukraine Task Force: This draft UN General Assembly resolution recommends that the UN Secretary General enters into a bilateral agreement with Ukraine to create a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. It includes a draft of a creative statute.
Considerations for Setting Up the Special Tribunal for Ukraine on the Crime of Aggression
July 2022
Ukraine Task Force: This report provides a detailed path to prosecute Russians, including President Vladimir Putin, for the international crime of aggression.
A Multi-Generational Effort to Eliminate the Uyghurs: An Ongoing Genocide
September 2022
Pacific Rim Accountability Project: This report is the result of an intensive open-source investigation and analysis of the ongoing genocide against the Uyghurs by the Chinese government.
On the Brink of Famine:
The Ukraine Conflict and Food Crisis in Syria
April 2022
Syrian Accountability Project: This report explores the history of wheat and food production in Syria, factors contributing to the current bread crisis, and how the war in Ukraine exacerbates this problem.
The 2022 Winter Olympics and Genocide: A History of Enabling Atrocities and the Path Forward
January 2022
Syrian Accountability Project: This report discusses the historical and legal context of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, where an active and ongoing genocide is taking place against Uyghurs in Western China.
The Yazidi Supreme Spiritual Council: Failure to Protect Yazidi Women's and Children's Rights
November 2021
Syrian Accountability Project: This report discusses the consequences of the Yazidi Supreme Spiritual Council’s decision not to recognize certain children born from wartime rape and its human rights implications.
Starvation: Building the Case for Prosecuting Starvation Crimes in Yemen
April 2021
Yemen Accountability Project: This paper aims to assist prosecutors in bringing accountability to the perpetrators that have used starvation as a method of warfare in Yemen's ongoing civil war.
Aiding and Abetting: Holding States, Corporations & Individuals Accountable for War Crimes in Yemen
Yemen Accountability Project: This report explores different avenues of accountability that victims of Yemen's civil war might pursue against various actors that have aided and abetted international crimes related to the conflict.
An Endless Tragedy: A Report on the Incidents Regarding Demonstrations in Gaza (Mar - Dec 2018)
Syrian Accountability Project: This report explores the violence that occurred along the border of the Gaza Strip from March to December 2018 and recommends prosecution for crimes committed in that context.