Law Not War: World Peace And The International Criminal Court.

On By Jerry AlataloIn Commentary, Earth Matters, History, International Criminal Court, Solutions, Videos, War and Peace, War Crimes

By Jerry Alatalo

United Nations Charter (1945)

    We the people of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and

    to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small,

    to establish conditions under which justice and respect of the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and

    to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

    and for these ends

    to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and

    to unite our strength to maintain international security, and to insure by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed forces shall not be used, save in the common interest, and

    to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples,

    have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these ends.  Preamble

Earth Flag 11Alphabet Benjamin Ferencz is the 96-year old sole surviving prosecutor of Nazi war crimes during the Nuremburg Trials, and a leading advocate for global jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He and many others have long called for every nation on Earth to join the ICC and end, finally, the potential for any human being regardless of power, wealth, prestige or nation to commit war crimes with impunity.

A United Nations (UN) reform initiative calling for mandatory signing and ratification of the Rome Statute by United Nations member states – joining the ICC and agreeing to its global jurisdiction – holds the promise of “embarrassing” those nations outside the ICC to join or lose respect around the world. Included in such a United Nations reform is expulsion from the UN of those states refusing to join the court, an action which would surely harm more than enhance opposing nations’ international reputation in the eyes of the world’s people.

The time has come for the international community to act powerfully for the realizable goal of ending the carrying out of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide with impunity by those outside the enforcement reach of the ICC. Universal ICC membership once UN reform becomes part of the charter promises an end to wars of aggression, throughout history until now the producer of humanity’s most severe violent disasters and accompanying high levels of death, injury and destruction.

Mr. Benjamin Ferencz has worked for decades to convince people of the urgent need for a worldwide institution of law and order to deter criminals intending to carry out the most heinous actions imaginable. His reasoning is simple to comprehend for any man or woman who possesses plain common sense. With his high level of knowledge, commitment and life experience over 96 years, Mr. Ferencz has gained the admiration and respect deserving of a wise elder speaking out for peace on Earth.

Mr. Benjamin Ferencz urgent, timely and wise message provides the best solution to humanity’s problem of war. Acting on his ideas will absolutely change the world for the better while improving the human condition – now, and for those born in future generations.

It’s time the world listened to him.

(Thank you to Humanity In War at YouTube)

34 thoughts on “Law Not War: World Peace And The International Criminal Court.”

    1. JoAnn,
      Ben Ferencz is amazingly sharp for a man of 96. Imagine a small town of 400 people where only 300 abide by the law… This is the current international law system regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. It’s very telling that the USA hasn’t ratified the Rome Statute and agreed to join the ICC. This rhymes with Obama’s threat to veto legislation allowing 9/11 surviving family to sue Saudi Arabia, because “it would open up the USA to similar lawsuits”. Powerful war criminals would rather carry out their crimes with impunity, and shows why universal ICC membership is so important. There is no effective deterrent to war crimes as it stands, unfortunately.

          Liked by 1 person

                1. It’s both understandable and disappointing this issue hasn’t been raised in the 2016 election. The legacy of JFK, MLK and RFK unfortunately still creates the fear for one’s life which prevents presidential candidates from disclosing all they know. Some matters, though potentially dangerous to the health of those who speak on them, are of such transcendent importance the risk must be taken. War is such a matter.

                  Liked by 1 person

                  2. Let’s add another initials to that list: AL (Abraham Lincoln). In spite of what is believed, in spite of what is taught, in spite of what is propagandized, Mr. Lincoln was not shot because of the Emancipation Proclamation or the freeing of slaves. Hell, these people, as well as ourselves, are STILL SLAVES!!

                    Mr. Lincoln was shot because of his attempts to keep the printing of currency out of the hands of big banksters (gangster bankers). He had succeeded, though short lived, in the distribution of Fed currency, backed by gold. There’s a sick irony in this: a small piece of nearly worthless lead ended not only Mr. Lincoln’s life, but as well ended any hopes of a very valuable mineral, gold, taking its rightful place as a medium of exchange. Makes me suspect that barter is our only recourse but, then I’m sure some devious and evil minds would come up with a way to muck up that as well. I really see no hope for mankind…

                    Bill Ernstberger

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            2. If you recognize that the “most powerful are above the law,” then why would you advocate a world court, the “United” Nations or any other platform that enables a very small and select group of men and women to become even more powerful?

              Too, how is it that street-crimes, larceny, arson, murder, rape, assault, robberies, etc., concerns you so much that you advocate a world court, but yet seem less concerned with the “legalized” grand theft of three and a quarter TRILLION dollars stolen from the people of this land through “income” tax in the last year, 2016?

              When left to their own devices and initiative, no single person could ever dream of achieving the kind of power now presently in the hands of, say, the Rothschild’s or the Rockefeller’s. If this were not so, then how do we explain just thirteen families possessing well over half the monies of the world? Cursory examinations of these families reveal their intimately close ties to bureaucrats, politicians and governments…

              Why would the Rothschild’s invest so heavily in not only funding wars, but the ruthless instigations of all wars? They not only funded the American Revolution, but they funded the English side of that very same war as well!!! It is my understanding that they’ve had their grubby hands in the funding of, and promoting of, every war in which the USA has participated since the American Revolution. How would any of this be possible were it not for the collusion of government and billion dollar corporations and banksters?

              Without the collusion of government and people such as the Rothschild’s and the Rockefeller’s, how would they own the very system that enables them to not only print our currency, but profit from the sales of this green toilet paper to the government (the tax payers) at six percent interest?!!!

              Since September 11, 2001 and the “Patriot Act,” so-called “peace officers,” cops, have killed some 6,000 people. That’s approximately 400 people a year. If the mantra, “To Serve and Protect” means what it says, then how is the killing of so many accepted as a norm?

              One more question? How is it possible for a nation of people to believe they are truly free and yet governed? Freedom and government are an oxymoron. How can one be free, in the truest sense of the word, and yet have people making decisions for them in every segment of their lives?

              Bill Ernstberger

              Liked by 1 person

              1. Hello Bill,
                Thank you for contributing your relevant insights. In response to the assertion that there’s more or less concern over crimes committed in the world depending on their severity (whether the crimes harm one person, few, or many in wars), the issue of war crimes prosecution as presented by Benjamin Ferencz has as its focus criminal actions for which there is at present no true deterrent; that the rich and powerful (indeed, the Rothschild/Rockefeller/13 families etc. you mentioned) have the ability to commit war crimes with impunity. I’m in 100% agreement with you on the obscene wealth inequality on this Earth where some 60-70 individuals possess as much wealth as 3.5 billion, and that humanity must take steps to effectively bring about drastic reductions in that inequality. Step #1 is ending private-controlled central banking around the world – to block in totality any chance for individuals to amass and further concentrate great wealth through control of money creation. Thank you very much for adding to the discussion. Jerry

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                1. Jerry, I only see one recourse for this nation. It’s called the Second Revolution. I’m 76 years of age and I know I wouldn’t last but a minute or two in a fight, but I can still squeeze a trigger. I’ll go, but I’ll take one or two with me. I see absolutely no point to life when all we have are a slim few scum tossing privileges about as “favors.”

                  NO ONE IS MY BOSS!! NO ONE IS MY RULER SAVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF!! NO ONE HAS A RIGHT TO ANY PART OF ME, OTHER THAN WHAT I CHOOSE TO GIVE!! NO ONE CAN POSSIBLY BE FREE AND YET BE GOVERNED!!

                  Bill Ernstberger

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                  1. Bill,
                    Now we can understand what Christ felt when he overturned the tables of the money changers. One senses if he were alive today global monetary reform and true international law would be his top priorities. Such reforms can occur in a non-violent manner, when the people become informed and understand there is a better way. Thanks, again. Jerry

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                    1. Jerry, it’s not that simple. The thirteen families who possess well over half the world’s wealth will not be content until they have achieved a one world government, one world money, and a one world religion. I suspect they would not even be content after they achieve that. They certainly are not going to quietly and politely turn their backs and walk away.

                      Bill Ernstberger

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                    2. Bill,
                      Agreed, transforming the world for the better isn’t simple, but through history change is, somewhat ironically, the only thing for certain. It’s understandable for people who’ve come to a level of awareness to become frustrated, pessimistic, cynical, jaded and so on, because it seems like madness prevails despite all the rational efforts from growing numbers of people who’ve “woken up” to Earthly reality. Taking into consideration every human being is not a human with a soul but a soul with a body, and that the soul is eternal, puts things in true perspective, although admittedly I forget that fact of life too often. We could go on for millions of words on these largest of matters, but from this viewpoint the essential basis of thoughts, deeds, actions for positive results is spirituality, in whatever form one most aligns with at any particular point in time. One’s spiritual life evolves in ways similar to collective, worldwide spiritual evolution, but I’m starting off on a tangent… 🙂 We as humans can only do the best we can, so that seems the way to proceed while holding on to or strengthening whatever faith we’ve come to possess. Nobody said ending wars and creating peace “on Earth as it is in heaven” would be easy, but there are many who believe it’s possible. Keep the faith.

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  3. “It’s time the world listened to him.”

    Simple fact: the US quibbles over an “acceptable” definition of aggression, because the post-WW2 military-industrial (corporate media) complex has done nothing but practice it.

    We know this as the record is incontrovertible and unambiguous.

    Great post Jerry. I’d never heard of this extraordinary man, thank you for this enlightening interview.

    For more on international law, I highly recommend the ongoing human rights contributions of Philippe Sands; and also, for a cogent summary of the background to issues and history related to genocide, war crimes and international jurisdiction see the extant work of Hans Köchler…two examples

    http://i-p-o.org/IPO-Koechler-ICC-politicization-2009.htm

    Click to access koechler-universal_jurisdiction-2006.pdf

    I reckon Country Joe best summed up elitist US criminal cynicism in his memorable “I Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die Rag…” the ‘sixties was about far more than blissed-out hedonism….

    Yessir ~ Law not “war.”

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    1. David,
      At the very least, Benjamin Ferencz should be ten times more well-known than Kim Kardashian. It’s amazing to think about – a man trying to bring world peace using legitimate tools is unknown to virtually the entire human race. Mr. Ferencz should be on the cover of Time magazine, and winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Thank you.

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  4. Http://www.armchairactivist.us

    Thanks for this well-written post. In a similar vein, the court needs only a large number of members capable of supporting international detention facilities for, say, the surrender of terrorists like ISIS. These groups where there is technically no ability to ‘quit’ (and where victim’s voices would otherwise be unheard), need a destination where normal legal assessment can be implemented without torture. The stories of radicalization can finally have a better ending with alternative facilities also then imaginable where male refugees from war torn areas might be vetted for immigration and reunification with evacuated wives and children.

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    1. While in agreement on detention facilities to separate terrorists and refugees, it’s possible the people financing and facilitating those terrorists are equally, or more, dangerous, and a higher priority. UN reform creates the greatest incentive for participation, offering humanity’s best chance for full-force elimination of impunity. Thank you for the insightful comment. Whatever works is better than what exists…

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  5. This is a valuable post, and although there are already 25 comments here, I wish to add a couple of relevant observations to draw further attention to some key principles.

    For any global court, or regional tribunals soever to function effectively, they have to be independent. This is the heart of the issue. Every and any institution has to be funded; but ‘legitimate’ (ie authentic) courts must be designed and convened to operate outside of specific political jurisdictions; absolutely free from “patronage.”

    So how could this be possible? The formal mechanism that is invoked by those who specialize in international law, is called the ‘separation of powers.’

    So we have to devise a means by which such judicial entities are designed and constituted as wholly unbiased; neither coerced or corruptible by “private” money nor state influence. That is the challenge.

    We might also add, they must be exempt from religious dogmatism or cultural prejudice and therefore accountable strictly under the principle of Law alone. This adds another tier of complexity, for most would argue that Law is either universal or moral, or both; and therefore also subject to interpretation and expression through religious “moral theology” and/or philosophically sound ethical

    In order to establish a Rule of Law that is global and international on all levels, we shall have to generate a meta-discourse therefore, that accommodates the full (potential) spectrum of ontological hypotheses, traditions and systems of thought. A tall order to say the least.

    So this would be both a pragmatic and imaginal exercise of duty of care, that requires not only a higher synthesis of intellectual conceptual logic, but an instrumental process through which it could be exercised responsibly, critically, ‘justly’ (ie “ecologically”) and by means of checks and balances that will ensure full accountability.

    The danger for such a system, is that it could become a finite, closed loop of perpetual referrals, never capable of securing a consensual result, thus achieving nothing. The colloquial ‘buck’ has to stop someplace. The question is, whether we reflect upon and heed the eponymous ‘wisdom of Solomon’ or devise a satisfactory practicable method of exercising ‘democratic justice’ ~ that is not only gender neutral, but inclusively religiously skeptical & ‘species friendly.’

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    2. Hello David,
      In all probability Benjamin Ferencz, who’s been trying to establish effective international law for decades, would fully agree with your descriptive terms “That is the challenge” and “A tall order to say the least”. You and I differ in the area of intellectual rigor, as you are willing to exert energy and explore more fully the complexities of issues while mine tends to drift toward simplification. Unanimous global membership in the International Criminal Court seems like an improvement over the current situation where ultra-wealthy/powerful people and/or groups can commit the worst crimes imaginable with impunity, without fear of prosecution. To use a lame analogy, it’s as if the world’s nations belong to an athletic league where some of the teams (nations) have signed on (ICC membership) and agreed to “play by the rules” while others have not (non-membership in the ICC). When certain “teams” compete on the field (Earth) in the economic/business arena, the nation which isn’t constrained by the rules is more likely to “play dirty” (wars of aggression).

      The legal framework has been established with the creation of the ICC. What remains for effective war crimes deterrence and elimination of impunity, for bringing about the best possible system of international law and decreasing war with all its horrors, is for every nation on Earth to join the ICC. If that were to come about it would result in what many now perceive as impossible: peace on Earth. Benjamin Ferencz is absolutely advocating the right moral, truly positive, paradigm-shifting actions for benefiting humanity. What Mr. Ferencz has identified and is now offering humanity is the true opportunity for creating peace on Earth. Thank you for illuminating the relevant aspects of this most significant of issues for those who shall pass this way.

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      1. Thanks Jerry, I’m ‘out the loop’ for a while fully occupied, but offline….I wholeheartedly agree with what you say, it would be helpful if the ICC had formal US support ~ of course, the ‘good and the great’ greatly fear prosecution….; so that pesky devil remains in the detail, but Polly Higgins for one, is working hard to get the Rome Statute amended to adopt her Ecocide initiative.

        As is often quoted, supposedly attributed to one Sextus Empiricus ~ the mills of the gods grind slowly….

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        1. David / Bill,
          Clearly there are some tough problems to confront for those interested in building a better world. Then there’s the paradox of seeing people with profound and good solutions like Benjamin Ferencz on war and peace, Polly Higgins on environment destruction, Joe Bongiovanni on monetary reform and many others on different important issues virtually ignored and invisible, their solutions censored thus unknown to the world. On the other more optimistic hand, as the mills of the gods grind people are better able to communicate on this internet and make the best of opportunities for bringing forward good solutions. It seems explanations of certain problems experienced by humanity have reached the limit, and it’s time to move on to the solving part… There must come about a much greater, higher-level, worldwide focus on potential and existing solutions. Thanks.

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    3. Simply more fanciful embellishments to conceal the enslavement of any who have the wisdom and insight to disagree. I have no sympathy for you. It’s the kids, the younger generations for whom I empathize. They won’t even know what hit them, so entrenched in this mindless diatribe that surrounds them.

      This is another reason why I find no hope for this nation, or any other. I pray God will bless us all.

      Bill Ernstberger

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