Target: Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
Goal: Support international laws that help maintain human rights and global peace.
Two indicted war criminals with arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) have recently been hosted by the United States. One of them literally had the red carpet rolled out for him, while another has just been accused of genocide by the United Nations (UN). And United States leadership itself has come under scrutiny for reportedly violating international law by conducting three deadly strikes on Venezuelan boats the administration alleges – without providing any clear evidence and without notifying Congress of its actions – were carrying drugs. The president has bragged about “knocking off” the boats and killing people onboard, even posting images of the attacks. Meanwhile, outraged Venezuelans have threatened military action in response.
Why is the flouting of lawful global agreements being tolerated and even celebrated in the United States? The nation has consistently refused to sign onto these codes and partnerships between countries around the world – partnerships meant to hold the most powerful to account and to prevent the heinous abuses of power that started two world wars. The U.S. does not recognize the authority of the ICC and its efforts to punish war crimes, which is why accused war criminals can travel to this country without fear of arrest. As for the boat strikes, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea expressly prohibits military attacks against sea vessels unless it can be demonstrated those vessels were in the process of attacking or were planning to attack in kind. The administration has offered no proof that the people aboard the boat were engaged in drug trafficking. Even if they were, drug trafficking is not an offense with the penalty of death attached in the United States. Once again, U.S. leaders have refused to sign onto the Law of the Sea and have therefore shielded themselves from any responsibility through inaction.
Sign the petition below to demand U.S. leaders start acting in accordance with international laws designed to protect the rights and welfare of all human beings.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Rubio,
When did the United States become a nation that turns a blind eye to war crimes while conducting suspect military operations of its own that flirt with this designation? In just a few months’ time, the U.S. has hosted two ICC-indicted war criminals. America’s refusal to recognize a legal body that was designed to punish the kind of atrocities that occurred during World War II is a shameful slap in the face to international codes of conduct, as is the similar refusal to acknowledge the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
This latter refutation has resulted in targeted lethal attacks against civilian boats – attacks that could have killed innocents. Non-lethal interventions are sought for a reason. They prevent deadly mistakes, and they deescalate situations that could quickly evolve into a larger-scale military conflict. The lack of consultation with Congress – as is required by American law – calls into serious question any claims that the nation was under direct and imminent threat.
The administration’s seeming desire to play fantasy war games out on a real-world stage is equal parts dangerous and unconscionable. Please lend your support and backing to the international laws and agreements that have helped sustain some measure of stability for decades. If not, the next “game” could very well be the last.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Benjamin D. Applebaum
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