Assisting International Justice: Cooperation Between UN Peace Operations and the International Criminal Court in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The International Criminal Court (ICC) relies on UN peacekeeping operations for logistical assistance and security, but their track record has been inconsistent. Buitelaar's book "Assisting International Justice" explores how the UN navigates conflict mediation and punitive accountability and demonstrates the collaborative but contingent relationship between the UN and the ICC.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The International Criminal Court (ICC), as the sole permanent international court dedicated to addressing crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes, holds immense potential to bring about impunity and seek justice for the victims of such atrocities. However, its functioning is heavily reliant on external support and cooperation. The Court has frequently relied on the peacekeeping operations deployed by the United Nations (UN) in the field, and UN peacekeepers have played a crucial role in assisting Court investigators. Over the past two decades, they have provided logistical assistance, security, and substantial information to the Court, even participating in the arrest of Court suspects. Nevertheless, their track record has been inconsistent, with instances of refusing to take action against individuals accused of war crimes and struggling to balance their impartiality with court prosecutions. Despite the empirical significance of this phenomenon, our understanding remains limited, with precious little knowledge about the circumstances under which UN peacekeepers address impunity in their mission areas.

In his book titled "Assisting International Justice," Buitelaar delves into the conditions under which UN peacekeepers address impunity in their mission areas. Through an original single-country case study of assistance provided by the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he conducts a plausibility probe of other peace operations in ICC situation countries. Drawing upon new empirical material, including over 130 interviews of key decision-makers, and comprehensive archival research, this scholarly volume explores the intricate dynamics of conflict mediation and punitive accountability within the UN framework. It sheds light on how the UN navigates the complex terrain of conflict resolution and demonstrates the collaborative yet contingent relationship between the UN and the ICC.

The book highlights the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing global crimes. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that combines peacekeeping operations, judicial processes, and social and economic development efforts. Buitelaar's study provides valuable insights into the challenges and complexities faced by UN peacekeepers in their mission to promote justice and accountability. It sheds light on the strategies and tactics employed by the UN to support the ICC and highlights the importance of international legal frameworks and mechanisms in ensuring the protection of human rights and the prosecution of those responsible for atrocities.

In conclusion, "Assisting International Justice" is a groundbreaking work that contributes significantly to our understanding of the role of UN peacekeepers in addressing impunity and promoting international justice. By examining the conditions under which UN peacekeepers address impunity in their mission areas, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of conflict mediation and punitive accountability. It underscores the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing global crimes and highlights the critical role played by the UN and the ICC in ensuring the protection of human rights and the pursuit of justice. This book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between international law, peacekeeping, and the fight against impunity.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192872227