2006 marks the 60th anniversary of what, in its time, was declared 'the biggest trial in recorded history'. The International Military Tribunal for the Far East - which tried Japanese military and... Show more2006 marks the 60th anniversary of what, in its time, was declared 'the biggest trial in recorded history'. The International Military Tribunal for the Far East - which tried Japanese military and civilian leaders for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and 'crimes against peace' - surpassed the Nuremberg trial in duration (two and a half years), in the number of accused (28), in the number of presiding judges (11), and in the length of its judgment (over 1,200 pages). But compared to Nuremberg, which is widely seen as a watershed moment in international law, Tokyo remains obscure. Show less
Human rights are a source of friction between Southeast Asian and European governments. Southeast Asian politicians generally emphasise principles of sovereignty and non-interference in internal... Show moreHuman rights are a source of friction between Southeast Asian and European governments. Southeast Asian politicians generally emphasise principles of sovereignty and non-interference in internal matters, while their European counterparts tend to champion democracy, human rights and good governance beyond their borders. The differences in approach, however, do not seem as daunting today as they once did. Show less
What can international civil society do to further justice for victims and survivors of war crimes and crimes against humanity in cases where perpetrators will never be brought to trial? Is it time... Show moreWhat can international civil society do to further justice for victims and survivors of war crimes and crimes against humanity in cases where perpetrators will never be brought to trial? Is it time to look beyond official state and international organs? Initiatives from civil society can return dignity to survivors, empower ordinary people, educate the public and create lasting records where official justice has been denied. Show less
Justice and not retribution marked the end of the second world war. With four former prime ministers on trial, the judgement at Tokyo was unequivocal: impunity had no place in the modern world.
Yes, according to two landmark decisions of 2006. In January, the High Court of South Korea ordered Dow Chemical and Monsanto, US producers of Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War, to... Show moreYes, according to two landmark decisions of 2006. In January, the High Court of South Korea ordered Dow Chemical and Monsanto, US producers of Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War, to compensate South Korean troops affected by the agents. In June, a French court ordered both the French government and the state railway company SNCF to compensate two families of Jews deported during the Nazi occupation. Will these rulings have any effect on similar cases pending elsewhere? How might they affect law governing the responsibility of non-state actors for crimes under international law? Show less
Beginning in October 2005 a new campaign against Cambodia was launched in the international press. It alleged, as does much news from that country, heavy-handed repression and human rights... Show moreBeginning in October 2005 a new campaign against Cambodia was launched in the international press. It alleged, as does much news from that country, heavy-handed repression and human rights violations by Prime Minister Hun Sen, citing, among other sources, Brad Adams - a prominent figure in the international NGO Human Rights Watch, which like all such self-defined organisations is assumed by the public to be defending the true and the good. Show less
