When peace talks undermine justice

Diplomats, judges, lawyers, human rights activists and members of nongovernmental organizations are currently marking the 10th anniversary of the completion of the treaty that established the International Criminal Court. The court's creation was an extraordinary step in extending the reach of law to those responsible for the mass slaughter of civilians and the use of rape as a weapon of war. But what may not get much mention during the celebrations are the difficulties the court has encountered in making arrests. The ICC has no police unit to execute its warrants. It is totally dependent on the assistance of governments - sometimes the very governments that are linked to the crimes charged. And unlike other tribunals, the ICC is mandated to investigate crimes that are committed during ongoing conflicts. This is a distinction... [read full story]