Why international bodies hesitate to investigate state-sponsored atrocities
In short: Establishing an official UN Commission of Inquiry into human rights abuses is often met with political resistance. Because these investigations create a permanent, undeniable record of crimes that cannot be ignored, global leaders are frequently reluctant to authorize them, even when the evidence of inhumanity is overwhelming.
The investigation into North Korea's human rights abuses was made possible by years of advocacy from diverse actors. This included South Koreans traveling to international hubs like Geneva and The Hague, as well as organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Christian Solidarity Worldwide. These advocates worked with the understanding that a formal Commission of Inquiry might never actually be established, highlighting the significant hurdles involved in moving from grassroots reporting to official international action.
The mechanism of a UN Commission of Inquiry is designed to produce a definitive report on 'the very worst of man's inhumanity.' However, these reports are often viewed with suspicion by international politicians. Because they provide a documented basis for legal and political consequences, they can be difficult to initiate. There is a recurring risk that such findings may end up 'dusty and on a shelf,' yet their existence ensures that the atrocities—including horrific tortures detailed in survivor testimonies—cannot be overlooked by the global community.
The presentation of these findings at Gresham College underscores the importance of independent reporting. By hosting the report outside of direct political influence, the venue emphasizes that the evidence is intended to stand on its own merit. The commission included figures such as Justice Michael Kirby and Sonja Biserko, who worked to ensure the findings remained independent of 'political masters,' aiming for a lasting impact rather than immediate, fleeting political gain.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: North Korea's Unspeakable Crimes Against Humanity: Revealed - Professor Sir Geoffrey Nice QC
- Also: North Korea's Unspeakable Crimes Against Humanity: Revealed
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