enforcement mechanism the ICC uses in dispensing justice internationally as well as bringing about cooperation between discordant countries

enforcement mechanism the ICC uses in dispensing justice internationally as well as bringing about cooperation between discordant countries

Introduction

The International Criminal Court (ICC) formed in 2002 after several countries became signatories of the Rome Statute. Part of the court’s mandate includes identifying, investigating, and indicting criminals involved in international crimes that have a geopolitical, legal, and financial implication internationally. In order to achieve this objective, the international body of law uses various enforcement mechanisms to ensure member countries observe treaties, maintain cooperation, and solve conflicts amicably. This essay investigates which enforcement mechanism the ICC uses in dispensing justice internationally as well as bringing about cooperation between discordant countries. It will also exemplify cooperation, the lack thereof, and analyze its existence between the countries involved.

Question One

The International Criminal Court recently set its sights on Burundi as the current president makes illegal moves to seek a third term. Part of the citizenry’s reactions to this illegal and unconstitutional action by the president has been demonstrations and rebel activity. These activities precipitated breech of human rights and many deaths in what the international community hopes will not be a civil war. However, Burundi’s government has in place treaties with her neighbor countries and the rebel movement to prevent militant activity and genocide. The ICC uses indictments at the international level as its main enforcement mechanism in this part of the world.

Indictments seem to work in Africa due to corrupt presidents and weak legal frameworks. The ICC’s use of this enforcement mechanism deters presidents, military leaders, and technocrats from engaging in major crimes against humanity because of the huge implications ICC indictments have on individuals (Dutton, 2011). Sudan’s current president is a good example of this scenario.

Question Two

Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Russia have always been problematic since the Soviet Union collapsed. Ukraine has an independence and development agenda while Russia still wishes to annex this lucrative region into its territory. Among the various treaties signed to keep peace, the 1997 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Partnership between the 2 countries bore the greatest significance (Mearsheimer, 2014). However, Russia still has a huge military presence on the Ukrainian border which causes constant lack of cooperation between the two countries.

The lack of cooperation between Ukraine and Russia occurs due to differences in the respective countries’ agenda. Ukraine wants to move on as an independent country focused on socioeconomic and political development while Russia wants it back. International pressure on Russia from NATO and the UN Security Council could reduce the lack of cooperation. Arbitration and peace talks overseen by powerful Presidents from countries such as the US, Germany, and China could also help the situation. International military support for Ukraine could apply as a last resort.

Question Three

Recently, the Democratic Republic of North Korea and South Korea signed an agreement to establish friendship, trade relations, and peace between the two countries after decades of animosity, enmity, and socioeconomic silence (Kim & Cha, 2016). The UN and the international community who remained hopeful that the union would cultivate financial, trade, diplomatic, military, and technological partnerships, witnessed this agreement.

Currently, the bilateral agreement is working because of the determination invested by both countries into ending the decades-long stalemate that caused death, financial ruin, social discordance, and military anxiety.  The intervention of well-wisher countries such as Japan, Israel, and the UK also precipitated this new agreement. Such input continues to offer technical and financial support where necessary.

Conclusion

International law bodies such as the ICC are tasked with dispensing justice among member countries internationally. The ICC uses different enforcement mechanisms when countries fail to adhere to treaties. It uses indictment as demonstrated by Burundi, which remains adherent thus avoiding the repercussions. Both Ukraine and Russia have strained relationships but the international community is keen to intervene positively as was done between North and South Korea recently.