Jun 2, 2008
A case for crimes against humanity - Mad Than Shwe the Criminal?
Under international law, a “crime against humanity” is an act of persecution or any large scale atrocities against a body of people, and is the highest level of criminal offense. The term was first used in relation to the post-World War II Nuremburg Trials when Nazi leaders were tried for war crimes.
In 1996, the UN General Assembly recognized the racial persecutions of the former South African government’s Apartheid system as crimes against humanity. The terminology was broadened in 1998 when the International Criminal Court (ICC) was set up in The Hague and a treaty known as the Rome Statute was introduced.
Under the Rome Statute, “Crimes against Humanity” was described as acts “committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population.” Those acts include systematic murder, rape, enslavement and imprisonment. According to US-based rights group Human Rights First, the case against the Burmese junta would also incorporate crimes against humanity in terms of: forced displacement of ethnic minorities; forced labor; recruitment of child soldiers; extrajudicial killings; and torture.
As of June 2008, 106 member nations had ratified the Rome Statute; however, most notably, the US, China and Burma have refused to ratify the treaty. Thein Nyunt, a member of the legal panel on Burma’s opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), told The Irrawaddy on Monday that the Burmese authorities had committed a crime against humanity by ignoring the crisis caused by Cyclone Nargis.Comments
|
Joined: Apr 14, 2008
Comments: 4678
|
Yes but a "systematic attack", as described under the Roman Statute, can be seen as an act of 'acquiesence' as well. Although, not offensive in Nature, is is Offensive in outcome. Much like a child crying for food, and the food denied until the child starves to death. Acquiesence on this scale in allowing Humanitarian relief to those in emergency need of relief is genocidal.
A systematic , well orchestrated disregard for the safety and plight of a nations people, while the world most earnest humanitarian gestures of aid go virtually ignored, is both in deed and outcome Crimes Against Humanity. |
Please note by clicking on "Post Comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator. Send us your feedback.
| Topic | Updated | Last By | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| I want free call to Myanmar | Tue | Khine | 28 |
| UN Chief May Not Visit Burma in December | Oct 10 | Double Stand... | 2 |
| Soldier commits suicide after allegedly killing... | Oct 9 | kyaw zayyar win | 1 |
| Xinhua: Bangladesh to procure 100,000 tons of r... | Oct 8 | peacful boy | 1 |
| China's Grip on Burma 'Cause for Concern' | Oct 5 | Hla Maung | 1 |
| What is this song about? | Oct 2 | Ted | 1 |
| want to make a free call | Oct 2 | catman84 | 4 |
