An examination of the role of international law in the promotion of peace and justice in Africa a case study of D.R. Congo

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2014-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala international University, School of Law
Abstract
The principle focus of this research was concerned with the role of international law and maintenance of international peace and security for instance, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of genocide and crimes of aggression, are some of the atrocities international crimes that need the world’s attention. The study assesses how international law has contributed to the maintenance of international peace and security in DRC given the fact that Nations look to International law to achieve outcomes that serve both national and global interests. The Charter of the United Nations charges the Security Council with the task of determining the existence of any threat to the peace and deciding what measures shall be taken. The study found out that, there is ongoing development of processes and programs of conflict prevention and peacekeeping. Preventive diplomacy has expanded to include preventive deployment, preventive disarmament, humanitarian action, and peace-building. The Government's approach to international law mirrors a pragmatic approach to foreign and trade policy implying that International law is a means to an end; not an end in itself. The international legal system is only as strong as the will of states to uphold and enforce it Understandings of justice differ in every culture, as cultures are usually dependent upon a shared history, mythology and/or religion. Each culture's ethics create values which influence the notion of justice. Although there can be found some justice principles that are one and the same in all or most of the cultures, these are insufficient to create a unitary justice apprehension. The study concludes that, the prestige and effectiveness of international law depends in large part on its ability to resolve international problems and address international concerns. International law should be there to serve the interests of humanity. Responsible states cannot and should not shy away from today's challenges -to do so leaves far too much at risk in the current international security environment
Description
A Thesis Presented to the College of Higher Degrees and Research, Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Laws-General
Keywords
International law, Peace and justice, Africa, D.R. Congo
Citation