The ICC chief prosecutor supports the creation of a special tribunal for the DRC to address decades of atrocities and escalated violence from armed groups. He acknowledges the failure of existing international justice mechanisms and advocates for a comprehensive approach to tackling complex conflicts in the region, emphasizing the need for tangible justice.
International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan has acknowledged the failure of international courts to prevent atrocities occurring over three decades in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Amidst escalated violence from the M23 group, which is reportedly backed by Rwanda, Khan expressed deep concern during his visit to Kinshasa.
Khan supported a proposal from the DRC government to establish a special tribunal aimed at addressing the ongoing violence. This initiative will be presented at an international conference in April, as current ICC actions, including three convictions, have not sufficiently curtailed the cycles of conflict in the region.
He emphasized the necessity for a more comprehensive approach to justice, focused on genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, rather than isolated accountability. Khan noted the intricate realities in DRC, with numerous armed groups and conflicts contributing to persistent violence, calling for consistent justice throughout the country.
Regarding the special tribunal’s format, Khan indicated it would be based locally in DRC, possibly as a hybrid court comprising both international and local judges, similar to models implemented in Colombia and the Central African Republic. He stressed the importance of justice being tangible for those suffering from violence, rather than merely a public relations effort.
Khan’s remarks reflect the ICC’s struggle for legitimacy amid pressures from various international entities, notably the recent sanctions from the U.S. over investigations into its personnel. He expressed the urgency of restoring confidence in international institutions amid an ongoing crisis, highlighting the long-standing commitment to justice since Nuremberg and the need for heightened accountability in the DRC.
In summary, ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan highlights the urgent need for a special tribunal to address ongoing atrocities in the DRC, acknowledging the failures of past international judicial efforts. He calls for a holistic approach to justice that confronts the intricate realities of conflict in the region. The establishment of the tribunal aims to ensure that justice is not only a theoretical concept but a lived reality for those affected by violence.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
