• Law -> Criminal Law and Justice

• 0 Comment

What role do non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play in advancing international criminal law, and how effective have their efforts been?

Mat Scheu

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played a crucial role in advancing international criminal law. They are often at the forefront of efforts to promote human rights and hold individuals and governmental entities accountable for acts of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

NGOs work to raise awareness of these crimes and help to collect the evidence needed to bring perpetrators to justice. They may also work to support victims of these crimes, providing legal assistance, healthcare, and other forms of support.

One of the primary ways that NGOs have been effective in advancing international criminal law is through their engagement with the International Criminal Court (ICC). NGOs often act as intermediaries between the ICC and the communities affected by these crimes, providing valuable input and information to the court.

NGOs have also been successful in advocating for the creation of international legal mechanisms to address these crimes. For example, NGOs were instrumental in the creation of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which has been responsible for prosecuting individuals responsible for atrocities committed during the Balkan Wars.

However, NGOs face many challenges in their efforts to advance international criminal law. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of political will. Many states are reluctant to bring their own citizens to justice for crimes committed abroad, and some actively work to undermine the ICC's authority.

Another challenge is the lack of resources. NGOs often rely on funding from governments and private donors, many of whom are reluctant to support advocacy efforts around international criminal law. This can make it difficult for NGOs to conduct their work effectively and sustainably.

Despite these challenges, NGOs continue to play a vital role in advancing international criminal law. By raising awareness, collecting evidence, and advocating for accountability, NGOs help to ensure that perpetrators of these crimes are held accountable, and that victims are provided with the support they need to recover and move forward.