When Mr Richard Ryan, Ireland's ambassador to the United Nations, delivered the ratification of the proposed International Criminal Court in New York on Thursday, the sound effect might have been no more than a shuffle of paper.
But mixed with those of the nine other states which ratified at the same time, the effect could be of a shot going around the world. It is a warning shot to tyrants, to psychopaths, to those who hate other people simply because of their colour or surname.
The International Criminal Court was hammered out at a difficult conference in Rome nearly four years ago. But in concept it is truly a child of the 20th century. The hideous bloodshed saw over 100 million people killed in 100 years, punctuated by appalling conflicts, and the burden of suffering returning to the Dark Ages with its impact on non-combatants, many women and children who had no hand or part in any war. Now that 60 countries have fully signed up it can start its investigations and ultimately trials of enemies of humanity.
The ICC can deal with outrages against humanity which take place from July 1st next. There are those who say it will never work, and that failed and rogue states will be beyond its reach. This overlooksthe fact that the Holocaust was initiated by the leader of a modern, civilised European state who was received with enthusiasm by princes and prime ministers even while his murder machine was gearing up.
One of the court's first challenges will not be a Hitler or Milosevic, but the deep hostility towards it from the United States. Under President Clinton the US signed the treaty in Rome which proposed the ICC, but will not ratify (and so be bound by it) and is now actually suggesting removing its signature from the Rome treaty. The stated reason is that frivolous or politicised claims could be made against its citizens.
One can imagine another Lieutenant Calley of My Lai infamy being a proper subject, but Washington says there are many innocent foot soldiers who could be unfairly targeted. The United States has been a good friend to Ireland. But constructive criticism is a mark of good friendship.