According to a recent study by the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA), “a very strong majority [of Americans] supports increased international cooperation and stronger international institutions that may even intervene in the internal affairs of countries.” International treaties and the United Nations are two of the best tools we have for fostering effective international cooperation. However, our political leaders are not using these tools effectively.

The president has said that he is committed to making sure that the U.S. debt to the United Nations is paid. Paying our U.N. dues is a legal obligation for all U.N. member states. As the United Nations’ largest debtor, we have been causing this critical institution dire financial problems. As a world leader and the country most responsible for the creation of the United Nations, we also have a moral responsibility to pay our dues. Most importantly, the polls show time and time again that the majority of Americans support the U.N. and its work. If you give the United States credit for money that’s been released by Congress, but not paid, $1.5 billion is a good estimate of what the United States currently owes the United Nations.

Even more appalling is the action of a few unilateral politicians who have linked the payment of our U.N. dues to legislation that would limit U.S. cooperation with the International Criminal Court. Recently, Rep. Tom Delay introduced an amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2001 which would prevent the United States from cooperating with the court, even if it has evidence that would secure the conviction of criminals who have committed genocide. The fact that the Delay Amendment passed the House by a large margin indicates many elected representatives misunderstand the workings of the International Criminal Court.

The International Criminal Court treaty was written because the world saw the need to create a permanent international tribunal to prosecute individuals who commit genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. If we restrict our cooperation with the court, the United States will not be living up to the American value of defending human rights. Indeed, according to the PIPA study, 66 percent of the public supports the International Criminal Court.

Thankfully, Sen. Chris Dodd, and Rep. William Delahunt are championing the desires of the public with an alternative bill that they have introduced. The American Citizen’s Protection and War Criminals Prosecution Act of 2001 encourages continued positive engagement with the International Criminal Court. This bill should have the support of every senator and representative.

In addition to rejecting the International Criminal Court there are a number of other treaties that the Bush administration has rejected. Our refusal to abide by the Kyoto Protocol and the fact that the president has threatened a unilateral pull out from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty are damaging our relationships with the international community. Other U.N. treaties like the Convention of the Rights of the Child and The Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women exemplify the American tradition of liberty and justice for all. Both have been signed by past presidents, but have languished for years in the Senate.

A peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future requires international cooperation governed by justice and the force of law. Even though international treaties are difficult to enforce and the United Nations may have its flaws, these are the best mechanisms we have to promote peace. When are we going to realize that we can no longer go it alone?

This commentary was submitted by the Orono Peace Group and the Education Committee of the Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine.