The ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan advocates for a special tribunal to address decades of violence in the DRC, emphasizing that the existing international justice system has failed. He supports a DRC-led initiative to establish this tribunal to effectively confront the complexities of ongoing atrocities, amid concerns regarding the credibility of international institutions.
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has stated that a special tribunal is essential to address the ongoing atrocities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that have persisted for three decades. Recent escalations in violence, particularly from the M23 group, have exacerbated the already dire situation, prompting Khan to highlight the need for effective international justice mechanisms.
During an interview in Kinshasa, Khan expressed deep concern over the ICC’s inadequate impact in preventing severe human rights violations and suggested a more comprehensive approach is necessary. He acknowledged the ICC’s past efforts, including convictions related to the DRC, but emphasized that an entirely new structure with greater resources is needed to genuinely tackle the cycle of violence.
Khan supported the creation of a DRC-led special tribunal, which is slated for discussion at an international conference in April. He noted that this tribunal must be built with a local focus and possibly include both international and domestic judges, drawing inspiration from the hybrid models utilized in Colombia and the Central African Republic.
Amidst challenges facing international institutions, including recent sanctions on the ICC by the United States, Khan underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence in justice systems worldwide. He acknowledged that proving the relevance of international justice to the people of the DRC is vital in counteracting the ongoing attacks on the rules-based order.
Khan articulated, “What we’re trying to do is to show that the flag of justice is not going to fall lightly.” This sentiment reflects the commitment to uphold justice and restore faith in the international legal framework, especially for the beleaguered populations in conflict-affected regions.
In conclusion, the ICC prosecutor’s calls for a special tribunal in the DRC highlight the urgent need for a more robust approach to addressing decades of violence and atrocities. The proposed tribunal aims to enhance accountability and transparency, involving local stakeholders in a more effective justice system. Khan’s assertions about the importance of maintaining international justice reflect both the challenges faced by the ICC and the commitment to fundamental human rights in conflict regions.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
