UN General Assembly
2008

duty-bound to guarantee to them is the right to justice. That means neither more nor less than putting an end to impunity. How can we prevent recidivism and copycat offences if, thanks to political horse-trading, criminals are not prosecuted? How can we put an end to the rape of women and girls and other massive violations of human rights if the warlords are exempt from legal prosecution because of their military strength or capacity for doing great harm? The logic of civilized society is specifically intended to counter the law of force with the force of the law. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we have experienced the unique role that justice plays as a factor for national harmony and reconciliation, peace, security and stability. It is thanks to justice that we have been able to bring lasting peace to Ituri and North Katanga. It is with the support of justice that we intend to restore peace throughout our country. It will be national justice preferably, international justice if necessary, but justice in any case is a fundamental