Military Intervention, Humanitarian Aid, ICC Essay

Hard evidence was hard to find, but in cases where corruption was proven, people were punished, often through loss of job or leadership position (Bailey 15-16). Both Harvey and Bailey recommend more transparency in the processes of registration for and distribution of aid and responsive mechanisms to receive, investigate, and address recipient complaints.

The International Criminal Court seems to be able to hold itself above the corrupting influences that can affect on-the-ground operations like peacekeeping and aid distribution. In the case of Uganda, in March 2005, a delegation of leaders from the north of the country visited the ICC headquarters to stop the court from issuing arrest warrants of top LRA leaders, including Joseph Kony (Rubongoya 220). They were worried that such action would threaten the peace process. Nonetheless, in October of that year, the court issued the warrants (Rubongoya 224). This example illustrates a strong commitment to the mission and principles of the court.

However, some people feel the ICC does not take into account the mechanisms operating in the affected communities and the different cultural and philosophical viewpoints these practices reflect. Allen quoted an example that shows the ICC judicial process in conflict with local reconciliation process in Uganda (130-131).In light of these types difference in outlook between local authorities and the international court, perhaps the ICC should be used, like the U.S. Supreme Court, as a court of last resort. Plaintiffs could bring their cases to the ICC only after local/state institutions of justice have been exhausted or found unresponsive.

Protecting the vulnerable from victimization and redressing offends committed against victims are essential characteristics of civilization. Military intervention, humanitarian aid, and the ICC exist to embody these characteristics in action. These embodiments are not perfect, but through committed study, creative experimentation, and open-minded thinking, they can be improved.

Works Cited

Allen, Tim. Trail Justice: The International Criminal Court and the Lord's Resistance Army.

New York: Zed Books, 2006. Print.

Aoi, Chiyuki, Cedric de Coning, and Ramesh Thakur. "Unintended Consequences of Peacekeeping." Centre for International Politics. University of Pretoria. 2007. Web. 14

Dec. 2010.

Bailey. Sarah. Perceptions of Corruption in Humanitarian Assistance Among Internally

Displaced Persons in Northern Uganda. Humanitarian Policy Group. Aug. 2008. Web.

14 Dec. 2010.

Betts, Richard K. "The Delusion of Impartial Intervention." Foreign Affairs 73.6 (1994): 20-33.

Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Dec. 2010.

Harvey, Paul. "Tackling Corruption in Humanitarian Aid." Anti-Corruption.....