ICC Prosecutor Calls for Special Tribunal Amid Ongoing Violence in DRC
The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has urged for the establishment of a special tribunal to address three decades of atrocities in the eastern DRC. He emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and locally owned approach to justice, acknowledging the limitations of current international mechanisms. A proposal from the Congolese government for such a tribunal is expected to be discussed in April, aiming to combat the escalating violence perpetrated by various armed groups.
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has declared that international courts have not been able to prevent three decades of ongoing atrocities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He emphasized the urgent need for a special tribunal to address the significant violence escalating in the region, particularly involving the M23 armed group, which has reportedly gained territory in North and South Kivu.
During an interview in Kinshasa, Khan expressed serious concern regarding the escalating violence and the failure of the international justice system to adequately address the situation over the years. The ICC has secured convictions in a few cases, but the persistent cycles of violence necessitate a more comprehensive approach, he stated.
Khan backed a proposal from the DRC government to establish a special tribunal, which would be owned by the DRC and defined during an upcoming international conference. He highlighted that such a tribunal is essential for addressing the complex dynamics of multiple conflicts within the country and for delivering a more effective justice system.
The ICC prosecutor recognized the need for a holistic strategy to combat the myriad of armed groups and conflicts present in the region. He suggested that the tribunal could be a hybrid court comprising both international and local judges, similar to successful models implemented in other countries. This initiative aims to restore faith in international institutions at a time when they face considerable criticism.
Khan remarked on the importance of demonstrating that justice must translate into tangible experiences for individuals living in fear amid these ongoing conflicts. He stated, “We are in the middle of a storm in which different international institutions are under siege,” referencing broader challenges that international justice systems face today.
His comments underline a commitment to ensuring that justice remains a priority despite the challenges, reinforcing the necessity to protect the integrity of the international rules-based system that has been defended since the post-World War II era. There is a clear recognition of the urgency to effectively address the long-standing issues within the DRC through more robust and resourceful measures.
In conclusion, the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, has called for the establishment of a special tribunal to tackle the unresolved atrocities in the eastern DRC. He emphasized the failure of current international justice mechanisms to stop ongoing violence, advocating for a more comprehensive and locally-driven approach to justice. Khan’s remarks highlight the need for collective action to restore confidence in international institutions and effectively address the complex challenges facing the region.
Original Source: jordantimes.com