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2021 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

The Law’s Response to the Plight of Victims of Trauma in the Context of International Criminal Justice

Author : Daniel D. Ntanda Nsereko

Published in: Nigerian Yearbook of International Law 2018/2019

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

History is replete with trauma-causing events, and the realities of our times are that such events are on the increase. The effects of those events are inimical to the well-being of the human person and of the international community as a whole. The article discusses the legal framework and protections existing at the international level for preventing or minimizing the incidence of trauma-causing events, and for ameliorating or curing their effects on their victims. It analyses the rules under international conventions, general international law, humanitarian law, human rights and international criminal law and international criminal procedure that benefit the victims of trauma. With respect to participation in international criminal proceedings, the article discusses the legal concept of “victim” and endorses a broad approach to the issue. Concerning reparations, the article calls upon the international community to be ready and willing to assist states do justice to the victims on their territory. It bases the appeal on the theory, among others, that the occurrence of cataclysmic trauma-causing events betokens its failure to discharge its obligation to prevent those events. Unfortunately, beneficial legal responses to traumatic events do not erase the scars, visible and invisible, on the survivors or on the affected states. Certain factors beyond the law continue to impede actions on behalf of victims. Political will and its manifestations as notion of national interest remains a deciding factor. Amidst this, the writer emphasizes that we are all involved in the human race, with responsibilities to each other. The sooner we acknowledge this, the sooner we can avert future suffering and pain.

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See in particular, STL, Prosecutor v. Ayyash et al., Case No. STL-11-01/PT/PTJ, Decision on Victims’ Participation in the Proceedings, 8 May 2012 (STL, Ayyash, 8 May 2012).

See ECCC, Internal Rules as revised on 16 January 2015, available at <https://www.eccc.gov.kh/en/document/legal/internal-rules-rev9>, Rule 23bis. See also ECCC, Prosecutor v. Kaing Guek Eav (alias Duch) Case No. 001/18-07-2007-ECCC/SC, Appeals Judgement, 3 February 2012, paras. 416–417.

STL Rules (n 30) Rule 2(A) (emphasis added). In contrast, Rule 85(a) of the ICC Rules (n 29) defines ‘victims’ as ‘natural persons who have suffered harm as a result of the commission of any crime within the jurisdiction of the Court.’

ibid. See also STL, Ayyash, 8 May 2012 (n 39) paras. 38–46.

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STL Statute (n 30) Art. 17. See also ICC Statute (n 15) Art. 68(3).

See STL Rules (n 30) Rule 87. See also ICC Rules (n 29) Rules 89–93.

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ICC Statute (n 15) Art. 75; STL Statute (n 30) Art. 25.

ibid.

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Title: The Law’s Response to the Plight of Victims of Trauma in the Context of International Criminal Justice
Author: Daniel D. Ntanda Nsereko
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Book: Nigerian Yearbook of International Law 2018/2019
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-69593-4

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-69594-1

Copyright Year: 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-69594-1_11

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