Ambassador Clint Williamson. Ambassador Williamson is the Senior Director of the International Rule of Law and Security Program at the McCain Institute, and a Distinguished Professor of Practice at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, where he teaches International Criminal Justice. Amb. Williamson is a former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues.
Last night, 60 Minutes aired an incredibly powerful segment reminding its viewers of the ongoing atrocities in Syria and highlighting the fact that these horrendous crimes have transpired continuously for ten long years. My friend and successor as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, Stephen Rapp, featured prominently in the story and was interviewed about his work documenting these crimes and his efforts to ensure accountability for the perpetrators — undertakings that he has pursued doggedly for years. As Ambassador Rapp stated, there can be no doubt that these crimes have occurred; the evidence against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and others in his regime is overwhelming. And although justice for al-Assad is not in the offing in the near-term, it is critical that the United States, our European allies and all who care about human rights and rule of law continue to press for an end to these crimes and accountability for those responsible for their commission. As we mark the tenth anniversary of the start of Syria’s civil war, it is also appropriate that we remember all of those who have suffered and continue to suffer from this horrific conflict.