U.S. Complicity in War Crimes

For too long, the United States has refused to hold itself accountable for its role in war crimes and human rights violations. The same country that claims to champion democracy and human rights actively shields itself from international accountability. This must end.

Why the U.S. Refused to Join the ICC

The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established in 2002 to prosecute individuals responsible for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. While over 120 nations are signatories to the Rome Statute, the United States is not. Why?

The U.S. government feared that American military personnel, intelligence officers, and politicians could be prosecuted for war crimes.
Past administrations engaged in torture programs, including waterboarding and indefinite detention at Guantanamo Bay.
Concerns that U.S. drone warfare policies, which have killed thousands of civilians in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, would come under ICC scrutiny.
Fear of exposing illegal military interventions and regime-change wars that violated international law.

Examples of U.S. War Crimes

The refusal to join the ICC is not about protecting American troops—it is about shielding American leadership from accountability. Here are some of the most egregious violations:

Guantanamo Bay & Torture Programs – The U.S. operated "black sites" where detainees were subjected to torture, indefinite detention, and human rights abuses; all while not being provided due process.
Drone Warfare & Civilian Deaths – U.S. drone strikes in Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Somalia have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, including children.
The Iraq War & Use of Chemical Weapons – The U.S. military used white phosphorus in Fallujah, a violation of international law.
Support for War Crimes Committed by Allies – The U.S. provides military funding and weapons to nations like Israel, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, even when they commit genocide, ethnic cleansing, and human rights abuses themselves or through Proxies.

My Plan for Accountability & Reform

The United States cannot claim to be a leader in human rights while ignoring its own violations. Here’s what I will fight for:

Joining the ICC & Accepting Accountability

Push for the U.S. to ratify the Rome Statute and become a full member of the ICC.
Ensure American war criminals are held accountable, just like leaders from other nations.
End special exemptions for U.S. leaders; no one is above the law.

Ending Military Aid to War Criminals

Immediately suspend all military assistance to Israel until it complies with international law and ceases its genocide against Palestinians.
Cut off weapons sales and funding to countries that commit war crimes, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Ban the transfer of U.S. weapons and military equipment to any nation engaged in ethnic cleansing or illegal warfare.

Holding the U.S. Military & Intelligence Agencies Accountable

End drone warfare policies that allow for civilian deaths without consequence.
Shut down all remaining black sites and torture programs within U.S. intelligence agencies.
Create an independent oversight body to investigate U.S. war crimes and prosecute those responsible.

America Must Lead by Example

The U.S. has long demanded accountability from other nations, yet refuses to hold itself to the same standard. If we want to be a force for good in the world, we must start by cleaning up our own house first.

There is no justice without accountability. If America is to be a leader in democracy and human rights, it must begin by confronting its own war crimes.