ICC Prosecutor Calls for Special Tribunal to Address DR Congo Atrocities

Karim Khan, the ICC chief prosecutor, asserts that decades of atrocities in the Democratic Republic of Congo necessitate a special tribunal, as international courts have failed to effectively intervene. He emphasizes the complexity of the region’s conflicts and the importance of a comprehensive judicial approach that resonates with the affected populace, all while acknowledging the current crisis facing international institutions.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, stated that international courts have been ineffective in halting three decades of atrocities occurring in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He emphasized the necessity for a special tribunal to address this ongoing conflict, especially as M23 fighters, allegedly backed by Rwanda, continue to advance in North and South Kivu provinces. Despite the ICC’s efforts to investigate these crimes, much remains unresolved.

During an interview in Kinshasa, Mr. Khan expressed serious concern regarding the rising violence in the region. He highlighted the ICC’s history of limited success, having convicted only three individuals for their involvement in the atrocities of eastern DRC. Mr. Khan indicated that the depth of the violence requires an extensive and comprehensive approach to effectively resolve the issues at hand.

Mr. Khan endorsed the Kinshasa government’s proposal to create a special tribunal for the DRC, which will be discussed at an upcoming international conference. He underscored the need for a distinctly DRC-owned court, potentially incorporating hybrid judicial practices seen in other nations, such as Colombia and the Central African Republic. This specialized tribunal aims to deliver more consistent justice across the region, thus addressing the multitude of conflicts inherent in the DRC.

He highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting the presence of numerous armed groups and conflicts across different regions of the country. According to Mr. Khan, the tribunal must seek to comprehensively tackle the varying dynamics of violence, rather than addressing them in isolation. He stressed that justice must have a tangible impact on the lives of those suffering in the DRC.

Furthermore, Mr. Khan acknowledged the current crisis faced by international institutions, including the ICC, amid growing skepticism and criticisms. He emphasized the urgency to demonstrate the relevance of international justice in the DRC and the need to counteract the pressures currently challenging the rules-based international system. He stated, “We are going to do our best to make sure that justice… is something that is felt by the people.”

In summary, the ICC chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, advocates for a special tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo to address decades of violence and atrocities. He stresses the necessity for a more comprehensive approach to justice, acknowledging the complexity of the situation caused by multiple armed groups. As international institutions face growing scrutiny, Mr. Khan’s commitment to establishing effective, localized justice remains paramount for restoring faith in the rule of law.

Original Source: jordantimes.com