Introducing TRIAL

History is unfortunately replete with stories of atrocities perpetrated by man against his fellow man. In particular the last century, submerged in horror by military dictators or totalitarianisms, witnessed several cases of genocide.

Such barbarous acts are legally defined: acts of torture, war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide.

Indeed, in a few cases, these acts of infamy have already been brought to judgment: at Nuremberg or Tokyo for Nazi and Japanese war crimes; at the International Criminal Tribunal at The Hague in the case of ex-Yugoslavia and at Arusha in the case of Rwanda; and on occasion, before certain national jurisdictions which have thereby courageously contributed to the fight against impunity.

Alas, the majority of cases go unpunished. From Chile to Chechnya, not to mention Algeria, Indonesia, Guatemala, and elsewhere, far too often those responsible for such violations manage to avoid being brought to justice. Dictators assign themselves lifetime impunity. Amnesty laws are voted in. Those responsible for atrocities are awarded high level positions or happily live out their lives in gilded exile.

Such impunity is an insult to the dignity of the victims. It is repugnant to universal norms of conscience and represents a substantial obstacle to the construction of lasting peace based on truth and justice.

Even today, massive violations of human rights continue to be committed in too many countries. This situation will persist so long as those responsible feel free from prosecution. It therefore becomes imperative, that the fight against impunity be embodied in judicial procedures which are not only aimed at dissuading tyrants but also at giving recognition to the victims and their sufferance.

It is a fact, that the majority of these victims do not seek vengeance. They ask only for justice through a public examination and condemnation of what they have suffered. This, in order to be able, finally, to relearn how to live in a honourable fashion.

Nevertheless, many problems remain. The law is an imperfect instrument and can be an obstacle to this desire for justice. Political will too often is lacking. Oblivion can also set in.

At this point civil society needs to take up the action. There are an increasing number of men and women who are conscious of the need to do so. Movements are awakening throughout the world, clamouring for international restraints against the most serious of these crimes. TRIAL lends its name clearly to this impetus.

The process of reflection is at its beginnings. And so it is with action. But, as of now; dictators and tyrants everywhere must be made aware that, sooner or later, justice will catch up with them.