Challenges in Investigating and Prosecuting Genocide Cases
1. International Criminal Court (ICC): Only crimes committed in ICC member states or those referred by the UN Security Council may be prosecuted by the ICC. Political vetoes in the Security Council may restrict this.
2. Political Oppression: When strong nations are engaged, political interests may take precedence over the pursuit of justice.
3. Resource Restrictions: Prosecutions and investigations can be costly and time-consuming, requiring substantial resources that might not always be accessible.
4. Determining Intent: It might be difficult to demonstrate a particular intention to completely or partially destroy a group.
5. Chain of Command: It can be challenging to set up the chain of command and hold senior people responsible.
6. Time: Genocide frequently takes place in violent, chaotic settings that result in mass displacement. It can be very challenging to get evidence after the event, particularly when offenders deliberately attempt to hide their traces.
7. Security: Entering combat zones or regions under the authority of individuals suspected of genocide may present hazards to investigators.
8. Witness Protection: It might be challenging to get witnesses to testify because they may be afraid of reprisals.
9. Document Destruction: In order to cover up their misdeeds, criminals frequently destroy records and papers.
10. Sovereignty: Nations are frequently hesitant to let foreign inquiries into their territory, particularly if they are implicated.
11. Universal Jurisdiction: Although some nations claim to have universal jurisdiction, which allows them to pursue genocide cases wherever they occur, political factors may make enforcement difficult.