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PRESS STATEMENT - July 10, 2002
India Shamefully Joins the United
States
in the Sidelines of International Justice
While an overwhelming number of countries are joining as
states parties to the historic International Criminal Court (ICC) treaty,
India chooses to remain in the sidelines and closely align with the United
States in its attempts to hold peace-keeping operations hostage in exchange
for immunities from the ICC's jurisdiction. Supporting the United States's
resolution today in an open debate at the Security Council, India echoed
sentiments that threaten the continuation of United Nations' peace-keeping
operations or undermine the integrity and independence of the ICC.
It is unclear why India degenerates to the position of
the United States on the matter. On its own admission, 'there has never been
an instance of a peacekeeper committing a grievous or heinous crime.' If this
dubious claim is true, India has no reason to worry about them coming under
the ICC's jurisdiction. The reason then is presumably, protection from
'exposing troops contributors to harassment' and difficulty in accepting an
'outside authority sitting in judgment of one's country's troops.' There was
no explanation of why they consider the complimentary principle of the ICC
statute, which respects a country's primary authority to judge its citizens,
inadequate. Nor did they show much faith in the ability of their 'independent
judiciary' to try or thwart the possible politically motivated charges against
its peace-keepers.
"It is shameful how, in an era where the rest of
the world is celebrating the coming into existence of an International
Criminal Court heralding rule of law and ending impunity to heinous crimes,
India, known formerly for its policies of non-alignment, is the only country
supporting and assisting the United States to pursue its national interests
thereby undermining the interests of humanity as a whole," said Vahida
Nainar of the Women's Caucus for Gender Justice. "India is making a grave
mistake if she considers her national interests matches those of the United
States."
Nainar wondered if India's ambition to be admitted as
permanent member of the Security Council has anything to do with this newfound
compatibility with the United States. In its earlier
statements at the United Nations, India had expressed doubts on the
acceptability of the ICC statute to most countries. It is unfortunate that
even 139 countries signing, 76 ratifications and the coming into force of the
ICC treaty in a matter of four years does not convince India of the widespread
acceptability of the treaty and its urgent need today. India has much to offer
to the development of international law, promotion of human rights and end
impunity. It is never too late to come on board and participate in a process
that could potentially be an alternative mechanism to deal with conflict
issues. It is deplorable to watch India stand with the United States against a
matter that has tremendous support of the international community.
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For more information, contact the Women's Caucus
for Gender Justice, (718) 626-2681.
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