Atrocities Quote by Ramsey Clark
“It has never happened in history that a nation that has won a war has been held accountable for atrocities committed in preparing for and waging that war. We intend to make this one different. What took place was the use of technological material to destroy a defenseless country. From 125,000 to 300,000 people were killed... We recognize our role in history is to bring the transgressors to justice.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: UN Human Rights Council, 2005
War victors often escape accountability for wartime atrocities, perpetuating injustice and impunity.
In simple terms: Winners of war avoid punishment for crimes.
Key Takeaway
Demand accountability for war crimes.
Themes
justice
war
accountability
human rights
impunity
Mood
serious
determined
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- Policy advocacy
- legal tribunals
- historical education
- civil society campaigns
Key Concepts
International law
war crimes
transitional justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can international mechanisms enforce war crime accountability?
- What role should civil society play?
A Different Perspective
Legal and political obstacles can hinder prosecutions.
![“The idea of accountability in Vietnam, Nicaragua and now Iraq - the media never has that in its quiver. When you see time after time there is no possibility of Nuremberg [war crime trials], we're doomed to have it repeated.” quote by Haskell Wexler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/641/haskell-wexler-18987_accountability_the-idea-of-accountability-in-vietnam-ni_1992896.jpg)
![“How dare Americans allow their government to cause such misery [in the world].” quote by Ramsey Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/ramsey-clark-20396_causes_how-dare-americans-allow-their-governmen_67200.jpg)
