A Better World? Part 2: In Pursuit of Global Jusitice
2017 CBC Massey Lectures – Payam Akhavan’s “In Search of a Better World: A Human Rights Odyssey”
Payam Akhavan notes that, “the transformation of ritual barbarity into an international crime cannot be taken for granted.” The Yugoslav Tribunal served as an introduction to real criminal justice and humanity, on an international level. Bosnia had come to a place where it had become conducive to praise war criminals and horrific individuals, out of a misguided respect for high status.
As a humanitarian, and young lawyer hoping to “save the world” from injustices, Akhavan’s role ensured that war criminals were actually held accountable for their heinous crimes. Working to build the strong foundation responsible for prosecuting those who have been accused, while truly punishing those convicted. It was important to have someone who had not only experienced injustices firsthand but also had an active inkling as to what could be done to fix it.
Thanks to the work done by the Yugoslav Tribunal, war criminals were actually being convicted, no longer placing recognition to them as dignitaries. A potential means of enforcement had begun to take rise, evident in the support of NATO peacekeepers.
Akhavan also made two statements near the end of this lecture that, although to me conflict and compliment each other simultaneously, summarize his belief in the success of the Yugoslav Tribunal, and I must agree:
“Justice delayed is better than justice denied.”
“Justice is important but cannot bring back the dead once they are gone.”
No matter what one does, there is always the possibility of casualties, things may not go as initially planned, ie. Operation Tango, however, it does not negate the fact that justice has importance.
We can’t lethargically dwell on those who have passed and gone; evil triumphs only because good people stand back and do nothing. Actively raising awareness and holding individuals accountable, these are powerful examples of the “teeth” that the Tribunal attempted to provided to global law; thus, making the movement (as a whole), successful.
"Instead of friendly chatter I heard the echo of sniper fire and the sound of screams."
In searching for the right punishment for “monstrous individuals”, how much consideration does one really give to their human rights? As Akhavan recalled the aforementioned screams, he remembers thinking, “how many other people had been killed?” Do you think he also considered the families of those causing affliction?
I don’t wish to diminish the lives of all the innocent, and I certainly have no intentions of glorifying war criminals, however, I couldn’t help but think about what type of things draw an individual to murder or heinous acts; about what type of things could stop an individual from caring about another the same way you are I would.
Is it strange to wonder whether or not Ratko Mladic or any of the other war criminals ever had thoughts like Akhavan, relating to the pain of their victims?
After the death of Anne Mladic, Akhavan describes Ratko Mladic as being grief stricken, as if to be a different man, now filled with anguish and shame.
Where was this compassion and emotion during the genocide of thousands? I can’t imagine Ratko Mladic had foreshadowed his daughter’s eventual suicide; in the portrayal of his character it would seem as though he wouldn’t even have a family, let alone a 24-year-old daughter.
Forgive me for my scattered thoughts, but how would one keep that from your child or loved ones? And how did Anne live 24 years of her life not having the slightest clue of who her father really was?
