In a recent interview, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, issued a grave warning: ongoing attempts to undermine international law could trigger another global conflict.
Khan reflected on the somber history of human rights violations, recalling the horrific images from the Nuremberg Trials. “When we remember those past atrocities, we must ask ourselves if we will keep living with these broken promises until it’s too late,” he remarked.
Pointing to the solemn commitments made in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he emphasized, “We have a duty to protect future generations from war.” Yet, he expressed concern about a growing “crisis of confidence” in international institutions, particularly as the ICC navigates complex issues like the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Khan posed a provocative question: “Do we want a peaceful future for our children, or are we okay with escalating conflicts?” He echoed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s sentiment that current global tensions feel reminiscent of a prewar era.
His comments come amid pressure on the ICC from U.S. lawmakers regarding investigations into potential war crimes by Israeli leaders during the Gaza conflict. The Biden administration has criticized the ICC’s jurisdiction in this matter, given Israel and the U.S. are not parties to the court’s founding treaty.
Despite the external pressures, Khan acknowledged the U.S. has historically supported international justice efforts, from the Nuremberg Trials to current ICC initiatives. “I hope the U.S. will uphold its values and lead with integrity on international law,” he stated.
The ICC is also investigating Hamas leaders involved in recent attacks on Israel. If warrants are issued, obligations would fall on the current 124 state parties to apprehend those individuals, though political considerations could complicate actions against high-profile figures like Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Khan noted that the global landscape is fraught with challenges, highlighted by the arrest warrant issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes. Putin continues to navigate international relations carefully, attending events in non-ICC member states.
Ultimately, Khan warned against a deteriorating global order without adherence to the law. “If we abandon legal frameworks, we risk a chaotic world where individuals and nations act with impunity,” he cautioned. He stressed the need to hold on to legal principles as a safeguard against greater disasters, saying, “We must cling to the law; otherwise, we risk drowning in conflict.”