There is thus no sign of any provision for imposing sanctions for crimes committed, not by the authorities of a particular state, but as a result of decisions by a group of states, namely the members of the Security Council. Yet the acts of that body do sometimes deserve to be condemned for their damaging effects on the health and life of individuals, as in the case of the embargo imposed on the people of Iraq under the pretext of punishing acts committed by their leader. And last, it should be noted that, despite all these limitations, states such as the United States, China, India and Israel have refused to support the project. The discussions on the subject brought into the open the somewhat suspect ulterior motives harboured by the United States and to some extent also by France. Certainly, because once the institution is established, its limitations will become clear and it is reasonable to suppose that steps will be taken to remedy them, especially as nothing can stop the onward march of public opinion on the subject.
Time is the greatest enemy.
Meanwhile, the course of international events is constantly throwing up problems that need to be settled fast. The Pinochet affair is a case in point, and one that reveals the inadequacy of the judicial structures. General Augusto Pinochet was the highest authority in Chile but the repercussions of his criminal acts are not confined to that country. The methods by which he maintained his power were used against foreign nationals and he acted in collusion with neighbouring regimes. And barbarity is of concern to all mankind.