In an increasingly interconnected world, the promotion of a just just peace has become a major factor in guaranteeing international stability. A peace that is limited to the absence of armed conflict, without addressing the underlying injustices, remains fragile. It is therefore essential to understand why justice must be at the heart of any peace process, and what role does the International Court in establishing this fairness.
Just peace: a moral and political imperative
The notion of just peace is based on the idea that lasting reconciliation between peoples cannot be achieved without the recognition and redress of past injustices. Solutions imposed without justice, far from calming tensions, can fuel deep-seated resentment, leading to future conflict.
Promoting a just peace means ensuring that victims’ rights are respected, that criminals are judged fairly, and that societies can build a future based on truth, reparation and the non-repetition of abuses.
The central role of the International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) play a key role in the implementation of a just peace. They impose legal consequences for violations of international law, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Their intervention makes it possible to :
- Make accountable for serious violations.
- Offering reparation to victims.
- Preventing impunitya factor of future instability.
Thus, international justice is not an obstacle to peace; on the contrary, it is a guarantee that peace will be equitable, legitimate and lasting.
The consequences of neglecting justice
History is full of examples where botched peace agreements, ignoring the need for justice, have failed to prevent new cycles of violence. Ignoring the decisions of the International Court, or minimizing their importance, can :
- Undermine the credibility of international institutions.
- Extend internal divisions within affected companies.
- Making genuine reconciliation impossible.
Conclusion: building lasting peace through justice
Promoting just just peace is not a moral luxury, but a strategic necessity for a safer, more humane world order. Respecting the decisions of the International Court, promoting justice and listening to the voices of victims are essential steps in building resilient societies capable of overcoming the traumas of the past.
For a truly peaceful future, justice justice must be the foundation of peace.
