A new analysis by sociologist Fatiha Charrat examines the historical contradiction of Western powers simultaneously championing human rights and perpetrating large-scale crimes throughout modern history. The work encompasses a broad range of offenses, including the transatlantic slave trade, colonial genocides, and engineered famines, alongside contemporary conflicts. Charrat’s research highlights a pattern of impunity surrounding these actions, questioning the universality of current international law. The analysis points to a selective approach to historical memory, where certain crimes are emphasized while others are overlooked or minimized. It raises concerns about the possibility of achieving truly universal justice for these past transgressions. The piece, published by Médias24, calls for a critical reassessment of Western responsibility and a more comprehensive reckoning with its historical legacy.