April 11, 2023
People have been witnessing horrible atrocities in Ukraine for over a year, but will we be able to bring everyone who has committed crimes to justice? In the U.S., over ninety-nine thousand crimes have been noted during the invasion and over six hundred possible suspects have been documented, so by scale alone, it’s impossible to ensure complete justice. But the U.S. along with its allies are training Ukranian prosecutors on international criminal law to better their chances in court. Moving around, the International Criminal Court and the U.S. have what Dermot Groome calls a “like-hate” relationship, but recently Biden heavily supports the ICC’s work. Because of these bettering relationships, all U.S. investigation services can cooperate with international courts. Groome explains four fundamental changes because of that outcome, there is no prohibition in assisting the ICC or funding prohibitions, the ICC investigators can come to the U.S., and war criminals found in the U.S. can be prosecuted in American courts. To close, Groome notes that a voice for the victims of war crimes must be ensured in the international community. In the later Q. & A. portion, he answers to matters including criticism of the ICC, risking the U.S. in the pursuit of international justice, and Russian Orthodox churches blessing war crimes.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
