Karim Khan, the ICC chief prosecutor, calls for a special tribunal in the DRC to address decades of violence and atrocities amid ongoing conflict. He criticizes the ineffectiveness of international courts and advocates for a holistic approach that tackles multiple conflicts. The proposed tribunal aims to reflect local ownership and bolster justice efforts in the region.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has asserted that a special tribunal is essential for addressing decades of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly the eastern regions suffering from ongoing conflicts. He highlighted the lack of effectiveness of international courts over the last thirty years in curbing atrocities and expressed deep concern over the recent surge in violence perpetrated by the M23 armed group.
During an interview in Kinshasa, Khan acknowledged the ICC’s limitations in managing the escalating brutality in the DRC, where they have secured three convictions for war crimes but face ongoing challenges. He supports the DRC government’s proposal for a dedicated tribunal, emphasizing its importance in confronting complex and persistent violence.
Khan emphasized the need for a comprehensive system to combat various intertwined conflicts rather than addressing just isolated incidents. He argued for a robust framework that tackles genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity holistically across different regions of the DRC, which has suffered from multiple armed groups and conflicts.
The format of the proposed tribunal will be finalized in April, intending for it to be locally owned and potentially hybrid in nature, similar to frameworks used in Colombia and the Central African Republic. Khan aims to ensure that justice becomes a tangible reality for those affected by violence rather than merely rhetoric.
Khan’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of the ICC and other international bodies, facing criticism and scrutiny, particularly from the U.S. He stressed the importance of demonstrating the relevance and effectiveness of international justice systems to the people of the DRC in order to maintain their credibility and prevent further erosion of trust in these institutions.
In summary, the ICC chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, advocates for a special tribunal in the DRC to effectively address the ongoing violence and past atrocities in the region. He stresses the need for a holistic approach to tackle interrelated conflicts, supports the DRC government’s proposal, and highlights the importance of restoring faith in international justice systems amid existing challenges.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
