Administration of International Criminal Justice in the 21st Century: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

In war or armed conflict, human beings exhibit their worst form of behaviour and become so reduced to the level of animals in their thinking when dealing with the enemy, either as combatants or even citizens of the enemy state.  In prosecuting such wars, no consideration was given to those who were not involved in war like women, children, prisoners of war, civilians and hors de combat.  War was prosecuted with impunity and warlords and persons involved in such dastardly acts often went unpunished.However, in Rome on July 17, 1998, 120 nations voted to create a permanent International Criminal Court (ICC) to try war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.  Only seven nations opposed the measure, including Iraq, China, Israel and the United States.  With this arrangement, there is the prospect of putting an end to impunity in war.

This article examines the history, prospects and challenges of the ICC and proffers suggestion on how the ICC might be more visible in State activities.

Keywords: Armed conflicts, war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, impunity, hor de combat, impunity