Luis Moreno-Ocampo: The Global Lawman

How well are you able to function without the active participation of the strongest country in the world?
We've proved we can do it. It is important to have universality. It is important that the biggest states are inside. But in the meantime the court is up and running. We are starting the first trial in a few months [of Congo militia leader Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, accused of forcing children under 15 to fight in the conflict]. This for me is the beginning of a new era in international relations, in which legitimacy and respect for the law are key.

Are you hoping that a new administration in Washington could change its mind about joining the court?
I can't say. But what I can say is that I work with Egypt, with Qatar; I brief China, Russia. You don't need to join the court to work with the court … If we fulfill our mandate, who could be against the investigation of genocide or crimes against humanity?

You've been willing to adopt a high-profile personal role, especially by agreeing to be featured as one of the main characters in the behind-the-scenes "Darfur Now" documentary. Has the publicity helped your work?
The most important part of the court is that people understand the rules. Publicity will support that, but it has to be used judiciously.

Where does the court go from here?
The ICC is not just a court; it's an institution. The law has a lot of consensus—even more than the court. It's difficult to establish a global system when there is no global government, so it's an agreement on the rules. It's a new design, it's a revolutionary design, it's a model to build a global community.

© 2007