An Introduction to the Nations International Criminal Tribunal: The Case of the Yezidi People
Samuel Stoker
Fourth World Journal (2025) 25 (1): 29-44
Keywords International Criminal Tribunal, Indigenous justice, Genocide, International law, Justice mechanisms, Global governance, Indigenous sovereignty, Human rights, Yezidi nation, Nations International Criminal Tribunal (NICT)
Abstract
This article outlines the mechanisms of the Nations International Criminal Tribunal and the Yezidi nations’ case from which it emerged as a legal framework. It underlines the channels created by the NICT and their potential to alter global approaches to justice by providing
localized and culturally appropriate legal processes. Beginning with a critique of current international governance systems, the article uses the ISIS genocide of the Yezidi peoples to articulate the necessity of a system that foregrounds Indigenous sovereignty in achieving justice. Incorporating legal evidence and highlights from his personal interviews and correspondence with Dr. Rÿser, the author explores the NICT’s charter and the intentions behind its design. Ultimately, the NICT is a comprehensive organizational model for promoting Indigenous rights locally and globally.
Samuel Stoker
Published June 23, 2025
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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