The other day, I heard Ian Bassin saying in an interview that the “lack of accountability by the powerful has been a galvanising political force over the last 15-25 years”. The complaint that “the powerful seem to be able to get away with anything but those who play by the rule and work hard are the ones who pay the consequences when things don’t work well” certainly seems to be justified.
However – has this really only happened in the last 15-25 years?
I don’t think that it is anything new.

After World War II, there were so many people with good will who wanted to create a better world: a world where solidarity, unity, fairness and equal human rights for everyone would prevail. Noone should be above the law. Critics should be heard rather than silenced.

These are ideals and good goals – like New Year’s Resolutions. Sometimes we manage to live up to our resolutions and sometimes we don’t, but as long as we do our best to live up to them, it is worthwhile.

So, while we are aware that the world is not perfect, that accountability for perpetrators and felons, and fair treatment of the vulnerable and marginalised may take time, it is only when we give up hope that we won’t achieve a more just and fairer world. It is the silence that makes us complicit and might prevent justice for all.

Without accountability, there is not much incentive to change. Without the chance to be heard, there is not much incentive to speak up.
Without trust, the foundation of a good relationship is missing.

“Trust, honesty, humility, transparency and accountability are the building blocks of a positive reputation. Trust is the foundation of any relationship.” (Mike Paul)

BM