John Baird: Canada's freedom agenda - Diplomat Magazine

DIPLOMATICA|QUESTIONS Askedpicked up again now. It’s making a dentin Asia. The Philippines ratified recently;Malaysia and Indonesia made publicstatements that they would. Those thingsare important.Tunisia has now ratified, also. Thatis an important indication in the ArabWorld, which is still badly lacking in termsof participation. It is gradually improvingbut it will take a long time to reach itsdestination. Yet, universality remains themost important thing for different reasons.One is functional. The court cannot functionproperly or take certain situations ifits jurisdiction is not accepted. Anotheris a matter of principle. Its mission is, bydefinition, universal. If a large part of theworld is seen to escape its jurisdiction, itis not good for the institution. It will continueto be perceived, I wouldn’t say as aEuropean court anymore, but at least asa court which is unable to deal with situationswhere obvious crimes have beencommitted.DM: So that’s the first step.PK: The situation is improving: 119 countriesis not bad when you compare, forexample, with the International Court ofJustice, where about 60 countries haveaccepted its compulsory jurisdiction after60 or more years of existence.DM: What do you see as the timeline forthis? Is 60 years a realistic goal?PK: I hope it will be before that. This issomething that’s not been understood —how much it has been accepted in verylittle time. People focus on the fact thatyou don’t have major states — the U.S.,China, India, Russia — but they don’tcompare. The International Court of Justicehas none of those, either.DM: You’re now living in the South ofFrance. Have you lived in Canada sinceyou left for Sweden in 2003?PK: No, because I went straight [fromSweden] to the Netherlands. [The ICCoperates from The Hague]. Now I’vemoved to the South of France, not necessarilypermanently but to discover a bitof sun in my life. My wife is here but mydaughters are in Montreal, and my sister,also. So I do go back to Canada and theycome [to the South of France] too.The docket ofthe ICCCongoThomas Lubanga Dyilo: Alleged founder ofthe Union des Patriotes Congolais (UPC) andthe Forces patriotiques pour la liberation duCongo (FPLC), alleged commander-in-chiefof the FPLC and alleged president of theof the UPC. He is charged with war crimesincluding enlisting and conscripting childrenunder the age of 15 into the FPLC and usingthem to participate actively in hostilitiesand armed conflict, both international andinternal. His trial began January 2009.Germain Katanga, aka “Simba“ andMathieu Ngudjolo Chui: Katanga is allegedcommander of the Force de resistance patriotiqueen Ituri (FRPI) and Chui is the allegedformer leader of the Front des nationalistset intégrationnistes. They are charged withwar crimes including using children underthe age of 15 to take part in hostilities,directing an attack against a civilian population,willful killings, destruction of property,pillaging; sexual slavery and rape. They arealso charged with crimes against humanity,including murder, rape and sexual slavery.Their trial began November 2009.Bosco Ntaganda: Former alleged deputychief of the Forces patriotiques pour laliberation du Congo (FPLC) and allegedchief of staff of the Congrès national pourla defense du people (CNDP) armed group.He’s allegedly criminally responsible forthree counts of war crimes including enlistmentand conscription of children under theage of 15 and using children under the ageof 15 to participate actively in hostilities. Mr.Ntaganda is at large.Callixte Mbarushimana: Alleged executivesecretary of the Forces Democratiquespour la Liberation du Rwanda-ForcesCombattantes Abacunguzi (FDLR-FCA).He’s charged with five counts of crimesagainst humanity including murder, torture,rape, inhumane acts and persecution andsix counts of war crimes including attacksagainst civilian population, destructionof property, murder, torture, rape andinhuman treatment. His trial began inSeptember 2011.Central African RepublicJean-Pierre Bemba Gombo: Allegedpresident and commander-in-chief of theMovement for the Liberation of Congo(MLC). He’s charged with two counts ofcrimes against humanity, including murderJulianaTheDowntown Ottawa100 Bronson Ave - An Address of Distinction613-688-2222∙ Walking distance toshops/dining/arts∙ Minutes to Parliament Hill∙ Near Embassies∙ Spacious, luxurious suites∙ Stunning river and city views∙Residents lounge∙Rooftop terrace∙ A/C, heat & water included∙Appliances included∙ 1 Bedroom Suites (900 sq. ft)∙ 2 Bedroom Suites (1500 sq. ft)20WINTER 2012 | JAN-FEB-MAR