War crimes are some of the most serious crimes in international law. They include violations of the laws and customs of war, crimes against humanity, and genocide. They are so serious that there is no statute of limitation on prosecuting them, meaning that perpetrators can be brought to justice at any time – even decades after they committed the crime.
The trials of Nazi leader Hermann Göring at Nuremberg and Japanese Prime Ministers Karl Donitz, Hideki Tojo and Kuniaki Koiso following World War II are often cited as examples of successful tribunals that allowed societies to move forward from the horrors of past wars. But Mark Amstutz, a professor at Wheaton College, says that the effectiveness of war crimes tribunals depends on how they balance retribution with rehabilitation.
Investigating war crimes requires sifting through gruesome images online and in print. This can be a stressful and dangerous undertaking, especially for journalists who face potential trauma in the form of graphic images and audio. In order to help minimize this risk, GIJN recommends reporters follow best practices for addressing trauma and stress while researching these stories. This includes taking regular breaks and time off, openly discussing the impact of the work with colleagues, and turning off audio when investigating video footage that contains grotesque violence or murders.
Using tools like geolocation and military tracking to track movements of units and personnel can also be helpful for establishing patterns that may indicate a chain of command, allowing reporters to establish culpability up the ranks. Additionally, identifying patches and other uniform insignia can be useful for tracing individuals.