To the editor:

I am deeply saddened by the Bush Administration’s unsigning of the treaty which establishes the International Criminal Court. In doing so, the United States is turning its back on millions of victims of genocide, torture, terrorism and other crimes against humanity.

The ICC will begin to prosecute humanity’s worst criminals in July with or without the United States. But the unsigning signals a basic disregard for the principles of international justice that could undermine both the current war on terrorism and future international frameworks.

In the wake of September’s terrorist attacks, the United States can best demonstrate its commitment to fighting such atrocities by supporting the international structures of justice. I hope the Bush Administration would be persuaded to change its policy on this matter.

Bunker Clark,
Lawrence