Okarir'Akaln: WARCRIMES

[Ewdrawings 455]

Okarir'akaln Proposal for Wartime Laws

(This proposal is released to establish a legal framework that clearly defines war crimes. This definition should include acts such as the deliberate targeting of civilians, torture, pillaging, destruction of cultural heritage, and the use of prohibited weapons.)

 

In order to maintain a just and civilised society, it is imperative for a nation to enact policies and laws specifically addressing and prohibiting war crimes. These policies and laws will serve to protect the rights and dignity of individuals during times of armed conflicts. 

Adopting comprehensive policies and laws against war crimes is crucial for a nation to uphold justice, protect descendant rights, and maintain order during armed conflicts. By establishing clear guidelines, ensuring accountability, and actively prosecuting the perpetrators, such a nation can contribute to a safer and more compassionate world.

 

As Mali'thill, it is up to us to set an example for all other beings, and thus it is even more imperative that we remain measured in how we treat enemy combatants and people even in war. This proposal is thus an attempt at spurring a collective effort at new laws and policies for protecting the weak and vulnerable.

 

Here is a basic framework for policies and laws against war crimes for Haelun'or and its armed forces; written in consultation of the Okarir'Sil;

1. Accountability and Jurisdiction:

• Establish a dedicated court or tribunal responsible for prosecuting war crimes. Ensure that this court has the necessary authority, resources, and independence to carry out fair and impartial trials. Clearly define jurisdictional boundaries to ensure that all perpetrators, regardless of their status or affiliation, can be held accountable for their actions.
• The Tribunal must consist of the Okarir'sil and either a second Okarir or a Tilruir. Without either of these a Tribunal is not official in its completion.
• The accused individuals are brought before the tribunal for trial. They are provided with legal representation (or can represent themselves), and the proceedings adhere to fair trial standards; including the right to a defense, presentation of evidence, cross-examination of witnesses, and the right to appeal judgments (at the cost of appeal fees [100 Minas]).
• In the case that the Okarir'sil is to be held accountable via tribunal, the entire Silver Council must be present.

2. Prohibition of Targeting Civilians:

• The intentional targeting of civilians is a grave crime. This includes acts such as indiscriminate attacks, alchemical bombings or magical destruction of populated areas, and deliberate attacks on apothecaries, academies, and religious sites. Civilian lives must be protected at all costs. 
• If granted asylum, Civilians are to be afforded Third Class Citizen rights under Article 33 of the Silver Constitution.

3. Protection of Prisoners of War:

• Prisoners should be treated with basic dignity and protected from harm until judgement. This includes provisions ensuring their physical integrity, fair treatment and access to medical assistance. Prohibit acts of torture, inhumane treatment, or any form of forced labor until either trial or an official ruling has taken place via the Okarir'sil.

4. Protection of Cultural Heritage:

• Safeguard cultural and historical sites, monuments, and artifacts during armed conflicts. Strictly prohibited is the intentional destruction, looting, or appropriation of cultural heritage. Measures to ensure the preservation and restoration of damaged or destroyed cultural property should be made where possible.

5. Prohibition of Prohibited Weapons:

• Identify and prohibit the use of weapons that cause unnecessary suffering or superfluous injury. Magic or alchemical attacks that create uncontrollable or widespread damage to the environment and indiscriminately target civilians are entirely prohibited; including but not limited to necromantic weapons, plagues and void tears.

6. Protection of Healers:

• Healers and care givers are to be provided with the necessary resources, safeguards, and legal immunity to carry out their duties without fear of persecution or harm. Healers and care givers lose their status if they actively fight, provide weapons or reasources to fight or actively contribute to the war effort on either side.

7. Protection against unjust raids:

• The seizure of supplies used for funding and supporting a war effort is expected; however the seizure of basic resources required to survive and the pillaging of personal property should be guarded against. Searching individuals on the roads for weaponry beyond that which is expected for personal protection, contraband such as Daemonsteel or ferrum is permitted and seizure is to be expected. Seizing minas/personal effects/tools, however, is prohibited unless the individual is proven to be an enemy combatant, not just an enemy civilian.

 

Thank you for reading, I hope that this proposal leads to alterations and additions to our great Silver Constitution, for the betterment of our Kin across the continent,

Signed Yera Silveira

Okarir'Akaln of Haelun'or

Founder of the Silver Merchant Sovereignty

 

Consulted by Alexander Nightingale

Okarir'Sil of Haelun'or

 

[Pancho 2527]

A foundation of war criminals within Haelun’or shake in their boots!

[NotEvilAtAll 9943]

“WWAAAAAGH iZ CRYME!?!? Nuuub!!!”  Grohnst the Olog hollers and wails with rage upon someone more literate than him describing this to him.

[Borin 5259]

[Racist] Bishop Odo squints "Elves have no rights!!"

[MisterBlitzkrieg 1357]

"My whole family are war criminals!" exclaimed Hannes Steelguard before he and his comrades began playing their ancestral song

 

[Gemini 1639]

"Wars remain unregulated due to their inherently catastrophic nature," Usamea remarked "Nothing is prohibited in war, and our aim should be to avoid such brutal violence at all cost.

 

However, there are instances when a swift strike can bring an end to further bloodshed.

 

In war, innocence and guilt blur; it's a battle to the death until one side is vanquished or a diplomatic resolution is reached.

Confining ourselves to strict regulations can weaken us when we face a party that may not adhere to the same principles—a strategic disadvantage that can alter the course of the war, even to our detriment." she concluded.

[Markisstreaming 521]

"Healers shouldn't be harmed unless I don't like them. That goes for everyone, to be honest- am I a war criminal?" The sailor laughed "Who even cares..."