“How well-equipped we are to tackle our lives and tasks depends on our predisposition, character and the environment we grew up in,” says Carla Del Ponte, former UN chief prosecutor. “I grew up with three brothers,” continues the 74-year-old Swiss citizen. “So I naturally had to learn to defend myself and fight for my rights [laughs]. That probably continued to play a role later on and toughened me up.” Having overseen the UN’s tribunals for war crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, it’s impossible to put into words how vital Del Ponte has been in bringing justice to these regions. What becomes clear during our conversation, however, is that all this boils down to some very simple things: her dedication to human rights and international law, and her fundamental belief in human dignity – values we should all uphold, no heroics required. Following the publication of her latest book in German, Ich bin keine Heldin: Mein langer Kampf für Gerechtigkeit (‘I Am Not A Heroine: My Long Fight For Justice’), she spoke to SLEEK about her career, her values and how the world can change for the better.
Photography by Afshin Ismaeli
SLEEK: You’re of the opinion that the world is no better or safer today than it was a few decades ago.
Carla Del Ponte: No, when it comes to international politics and human rights, the world is no better or safer than it used to be, unfortunately. Whether in the UN Security Council or in different states or governments, the entire vocabulary around peaceful co-existence is not a high priority at the moment. In fact, human rights and international justice don’t even feature in the discussion any more, sadly. And that’s bad. Bad for the people and bad for peace. The situation around international justice and respect for human rights is simply dire. Politics has different priorities. That’s the stark reality of it all.
Photography by Afshin Ismaeli
Looking at your career, it seems you’ve always tried to stress the importance of international law and human rights in achieving peace.
If we really want to make the world a better place, we have to wake up the global community and give the protection of the inalienable rights that should be enjoyed by every human on the planet the prominence it deserves. An international tribunal provides a safe place for bringing the truth to light. And it’s the only place to do that. You know, I’ve spoken to so many victims, and for many of them, ‘human rights’ is not a term they use much, but they do have a clear sense of what it’s all about. It’s important for all victims to see that justice is done – because justice is what they demand, and rightly so.
Full interview available via SLEEK #70 – Truth.
CREDITS:
PHOTOGRAPHY: Afshin Ismaeli