"What is the difference between international prosecutor and normal prosecutor? I have to build a state around me!"
- Luis Moreno-Ocampo, ICC Prosecutor
This is a gripping documentary that delves into the world of international justice, specifically the International Criminal Court (ICC). The film follows the first case brought before the ICC, which involves allegations of child soldiers and war crimes committed by Thomas Lubanga, a Congolese warlord.
As the documentary unfolds, we witness the tireless efforts of the ICC's Chief Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo and his team as they gather evidence, interview witnesses and build their case against Lubanga. One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is the testimony of the child soldiers themselves, who recount the horrors they endured at the hands of Lubanga's militia.
The stories are heart-wrenching and serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. For instance, in Uganda, Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has committed atrocities that defy comprehension. A 6-7 year old boy was forced to kill his own brother by biting him with his mouth. Similarly, in Sudan, a baby was thrown to the top of a tree to serve as a flag for Bashir's forces, resulting in the child's death.
Despite these challenges, the ICC ultimately found Lubanga guilty of war crimes related to the conscription, enlistment, and use of child soldiers. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The Lubanga trial set an important precedent for international justice, highlighting the need to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes committed against children in conflict zones.
However, the ICC has faced criticism for its perceived bias against African regimes. All the cases currently before the ICC involve African countries, raising questions about the court's selectivity. Moreover, the ICC's failure to investigate alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza conflict has sparked controversy. In 2009, Luis Moreno-Ocampo announced that the ICC would not investigate the Gaza attack, citing a lack of jurisdiction.
This raises important questions about the ICC's commitment to justice and accountability. Why have African regimes been the primary focus of the ICC's investigations? Why has the ICC failed to hold other perpetrators accountable, including those responsible for the Gaza conflict?
A thought-provoking and emotionally charged documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the ICC. While the documentary highlights the importance of international justice, it also raises important questions about the ICC's selectivity and commitment to accountability. Engaging and informative, this is a great watch if you are interested in international justice.
