International Armed Conflict example essay topic

International law seeks to govern the interactions between nations or states, as they are known in the international sphere. International armed conflict exists when there are official military or paramilitary forces performing acts of war in apparent furtherance of their government's policy. The government or the government of any country against which the acts are being perpetrated must also acknowledge that armed conflict is taking place. The complexity of conflicts either helps or hinders the UN's efforts to employ their laws with treaties. Therefore, depending on the circumstances the effectiveness of international law can be jeopardise d. For international law to be successful, the UN must evaluate a country's situation before deciding the best action to take in helping to restore peace.

On April 6, 1994, civil war broke out in Rwanda. The UN decided against entering the country to try and restore peace, instead, as the killing intensified, the international community deserted Rwanda. Western nations landed troops in Rwanda in the first week to evacuate their citizens, did so, and left. A UN mission was then created to keep the peace and assist the governmental transition in Rwanda, to intervene between the killers and civilians.

It also tried to mediate between the RPF and the Rwandan army after the RPF struck from Rwanda to protect Tutsi and rescue their battalion encamped in Kigali as part of the Accord. On April 21, 1994, the United Nations Security Council, at the behest of the United States-which had no troops in Rwanda-Belgium, and others, voted to withdraw all but a remnant of UNAMIR. The Security Council took this vote and others concerning Rwanda even as the representative of the genocidal regime sat amongst them as a non-permanent member. After human rights, media, and diplomatic reports of the carnage mounted, the UN met and debated and finally arrived at a compromise response on May 16. UNAMIR II, as it was to be known, would be a more robust force of 5,500 troops. Again, however, the world failed to deliver, as the full complement of troops and materiel would not arrive in Rwanda until months after the genocide ended.

Faced with the UN's delay, but also concerned about its image as a former patron and arms supplier of the Habyarimana regime, France announced on June 15 that it would intervene to stop the killing. In a June 22 vote, the UN Security Council gave it's blessing to this intervention; that same day, French troops entered Rwanda from Zaire. Despite overwhelming evidence of genocide and knowledge as to its perpetrators, United States officials decided against taking a leading role in confronting the slaughter in Rwanda. The US did use its influence, however, at the United Nations, but did so to discourage a robust UN response, In late July, however, with the evidence of genocide littering the ground in Rwanda, the US did launch substantial operations-again, in a supporting role-to assist humanitarian relief efforts for those displaced by the genocide. International law was not successful in this instance as it failed to return peace to a war torn country. Nevertheless, the UN does attempt to stop wars and limit it's effects.

The organization continues to use its limited peacekeeping means, the passing of resolutions, sanctions, observer missions and peacekeeping forces. International law is very limited in it's power to achieve peace. A country can sign treaties agreeing to work with the UN, but can totally dismiss them during times of conflict. The UN has had some success in places such as East Timor and Mozambique yet its efforts have been limited in many other circumstances, due to the fact that the UN is not a permanent fixture in a conflicting country, their success is sometimes limited to the time its forces are in the country. Recognizing that serious violations of humanitarian law were committed in Rwanda, and acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Security Council created the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) by resolution 955 of 8 November 1994. The purpose of this measure is to contribute to the process of national reconciliation in Rwanda and to the maintenance of peace in the region.

International law therefore only has limited effectiveness, as its enforcement is extremely difficult and sometimes unreasonable for countries to abide by in times of conflict. 2. How effective has Australia been in responding to issues related to international military conflict? Australia is well known for its willingness to enter into situations at the international level to seek an end to circumstances of military conflict. It has a strong track record of responding to conflict with humanitarian and other assistance.

Under Article 51, the right of self-defence ceases once the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. In a key role, Australia has always been quick to respond to the needs of other countries in crisis, whether it is channelled through a supporting role, an aid role, peace keeping or through representation in the UN. For example Australia was a representative in peace talks over the best way to bring balance back into Mogadishu and Bosnia. In many international alliances and treaties, Australia has always attempted to fulfil its international responsibilities and be an active voice on the international circuit.

For example, Australia sent a peacekeeping force to Timor to assist in the wake of post-democracy conflict. In accordance with its obligations to the UN, Australia has taken the view of the UN charter, which declares that international disputes must not be settled by force, international borders must be respected; and aggressors must not be members of the UN peacekeeping force. Australian troops are known for their service in conflicts in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific region. Australia has participated in over twenty peacekeeping operations since the 1950's. Since the 1990's Australian troops have served in Somalia, Cambodia, the Middle East, Mozambique, Rwanda, Namibia, Western Sahara, South Africa and East Timor. East Timor is a particularly good example of an instance in which Australia entered to restore peace under the UN banner.

Australia's mission, was to reaffirm the inalienable right of the people of East Timor, to the right of Self-determination and independence, in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV). Australia's peacekeeping efforts, helped engage those rights for the people. Australia's willingness to help other countries has enabled it to earn a reputation of great respect in the universal sphere as a country always willing to help those in less fortunate circumstances.