Charge Remarks at Opening of the RNA's Operational Law for Internal Conflicts Seminar

June 8, 2005

I’m grateful to the Royal Nepalese Army and my American team for making it possible for our countries to work together on military operational law as it applies to internal conflicts.  This topic is very timely for Nepal.

A nation’s military is the protector of its people.  That role is the source of the military’s credibility and its place in society.  A military that loses the confidence of the people – though it may win battles – ultimately loses everything.  Therefore, a nation’s military must respect its obligations under international law and honor in its actions the dignity and rights of all human beings – even when it is fighting an enemy that does not show the same respect.

War brings unspeakable horrors and no nation is immune from this, including the United States.  We have all seen what happened at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.  Such abuses by a few U.S. military personnel were a stain on my country’s honor and reputation.  But shortly after reports of abuse became known, an investigation was launched.  Those involved will answer for their actions.

Because it is what a nation – and a military – then does about these horrors that tells you what kind of nation, and what kind of military, they are.

First, there must be a thorough, honest and transparent investigation, and this is the focus of training on conducting investigations of alleged abuses.  Justice must be done while those accused enjoy full due process of law; those found guilty must be held accountable via appropriate punishment.

Second, the source of the problem must be fixed.  Training is often the solution as willful, criminal action is rarely to blame.  But, if officers and soldiers do not know the law, if they do not understand the rules of engagement, and if inadequate discipline in the field exists, confusion, mistakes, and abuses will likewise exist.  Commanders must carefully and frequently communicate rules to their subordinates through strong command guidance.  Commanders also have the responsibility to ensure troops are adequately trained.  This seminar addresses all these topics.

Building a constructive legacy of human rights protects the nation – protects its people, its system of law, its values and its honor.  We all have to build this legacy, and that means holding ourselves to the highest standards of conduct.  It means working together with respected international organizations as well as welcoming the scrutiny of the media and human rights organizations.  I’m glad to share with all the United States’ commitment to ensuring human rights are protected in Nepal

Best wishes for a successful conference.  Thank you for inviting me here today.