Book

South-East Asia and international criminal law

by Richard J. Goldstone

Oslo : Torkel Opsahl Academic EPublisher, 2011

23 p. ; 30 cm

978-82-93081-38-8

English

Edited version of a lecture presented in Bangkok on 13 June 2011 as "The 5th Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Lecture on International Humanitarian Law". - Photocopies

Addressing the topic of South East Asia and International Criminal Law, Professor Goldstone first provides a brief overview of the historical development of the main principles underpinning the laws of armed conflict. He notes that the basic rule of reciprocity as a legal restraint in warfare has an ancient – and in no way a purely Western – heritage. He further reflects on the role of Nuremberg, the international ad hoc tribunals and the International Criminal Court in establishing individual criminal responsibility for atrocities, and the ongoing effort to strengthen accountability for such crimes. He argues that alongside Asia’s economic rise comes the opportunity to be a force for good as well as for prosperity. The Asian countries can – and should, suggests Professor Goldstone – play a significant role in the strengthening of the respect for and implementation of international criminal law.

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