Mladic’s funeral: Were no lessons learned?

Decades of global efforts to establish accountability for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity have failed to deter repeated atrocities, according to a new assessment. Despite the creation of international courts and tribunals, political leaders continue to act with impunity, suggesting that legal frameworks alone have not shifted power dynamics or prevented large-scale violations. The analysis highlights persistent gaps between justice on paper and justice in practice, raising questions about whether diplomatic and structural reforms are needed to make such systems effective. Critics argue that without stronger enforcement mechanisms, the cycle of violence and disregard for human rights may endure.

Thirty years of international justice has taught political leaders little.