a portal on Southern civil societies HOME ABOUT CONTACT ESPAÑOL Directory NGO sites This site Directory In-depth Reports Campaigns News Books Tools & Services Advanced search Wsis IFIs

In depth I  International Criminal Court Justice for Darfur Campaign On April 27, 2007, the ICC issued its first arrest warrants for Darfur against former state Minister of the Interior Ahmad Harun and Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb for 51 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. April 2008.[see more]   print    send   Correct  ADD YOUR COMMENT >> After 50 years of expectations and discussions, in 1998 the United Nations approved the Rome Statute, establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an independent and permanent body committed to judge crimes against humanity. The Statute, besides creating the ICC, classifies the most serious crimes against human rights and establishes procedures for penal prosecution in such cases. As a consequence, the signatory States are committed to amending internally their penal laws and procedures, in order to fulfil this new obligation, and to developing measures to control, prevent and combat any criminal attacks on fundamental rights. The ICC entered into force on 1 July 2002. The ratification was made possible in April that year, after a group of 10 countries -including Bosnia, Cambodia, Ireland, Mongolia and Romania- signed the treaty during a ceremony at the UN headquarters, in New York, taking the total number of ratifications to 66 at that time. The signature of at least 60 countries was required in order to approve the treaty. However, many important states have failed to sign or ratify the agreement, including the United States, China and Russia. Shortly before the entry into force of the Rome Statute, the US launched a full-scale multi-pronged campaign against the International Criminal Court, claiming that the ICC may initiate politically-motivated prosecutions against its nationals. The ICC is a complementary organism to national justice systems, and only has authority in cases where a State cannot or does not want to judge people charged with the crimes. The Rome Statute establishes the penal responsibility of troop commanders or heads of State who commit crimes against humanity, including military or political leaders of guerrilla or informal groups that attack civil populations in non-international conflicts. In 2004, ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo formally announced the beginning of investigations on the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. As of 17 July 2007, there are 139 signatories and 105 States Parties (ratifications). Versión en español share:   print    send   correct  ADD YOUR COMMENT >>  Official information  International law  Civil society: key organizations and documents  Civil society: campaigns and resources  US interference  Gender and the ICC  First cases  Ending impunity  Intergovernmental organizations  Other international tribunals  Books   News Up-to-date current affairs information. Wed Apr 16 2008 Open letter to the members of the UN Security Council Fuente: International Federation on Human Rights In-depth reports Detailed reports on key issues The war on terror: a war on human rights Under the excuse of fighting international terrorism, the US and its allies are systematically violating international law and human rights. The war on Lebanon The 34 days of war –from 12 July to 14 August 2006- killed over 1,500 people, mostly Lebanese civilians and severely damaged Lebanese infrastructure. Israeli-Palestinian conflict More than fifty years on, a problem still awaiting a solution. Civil and political rights Now more than ever are strong actions needed to defend the rights of all human beings, as proclaimed in a long list of international treaties. Iraq: the war and occupation An in-depth report with special emphasis on information from alternative media and civil society opinion and analysis. Child soldiers Over 300,000 children under 18 are fighting in armed conflicts in more than thirty countries worldwide. The landmine problem Mines recognize no cease-fire and, after the fight, they continue to maim or kill innocent people.      Official information Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Source: United Nations Documents and information on the Rome Statute. Complete text available in english, french, spanish, russian, chinese and arabic. It can also be downloaded as pdf file. ICC official website Official information on the organization of the Court, the Prosecutor, cases, victims issues, etc. It includes a news point with latest statements. Agreement on Privileges and Immunities Like the United Nations and other independent international institutions, the ICC relies on a separate agreement to regulate the privileges and immunities of the Court and the persons involved with the work of the Court (pdf format).    International law Justice for a lawless world?: Rights and reconciliation in a new era of international law Source: Irin News The age of impunity may be giving way to a new kind of global justice. Thanks to television and radio, millions of people worldwide have learned of the atrocities suffered by other human beings, and have become outraged at what they have seen and heard. People no longer accept that perpetrators profit from impunity for their crimes. So, could this be the beginning of a new era of human rights and international justice? August 2006.    Civil society: key organizations and documents Declaration of The Hague Source: CICC The civil society of the global south supports the establishment of an International Criminal Court. Declaration available in english, french and spanish. (pdf format) Coalition for the International Criminal Court The Coalition brings together a broad-based network of over 1,000 NGOs, international law experts and other civil society groups. Human Rights Watch on the ICC Source: HRW Q&A about the ICC, constitutional compatibility, ratification and implementation, US and the ICC, HRW documents, and ICC links. Amnesty International on the ICC Source: AI Amnesty International is campaigning for prompt ratification of the Statute so that the ICC can start delivering justice. This page offers a comprehensive resource guide on the issue. Implementing the Assembly's Plan of Action for achieving universality and full implementation of the Rome Statute Source: Amnesty International The paper makes recommendations to the Assembly of States Parties, the Bureau's Working Group on Ratification and Implementation, the Secretariat of the Assembly and states parties to ensure effective progress in 2007 towards the implementation of the Assembly's Plan of Action for achieving universality and full implementation of the Rome Statute, which was adopted at its fifth session in 2006. June 2007. Accountability and justice for international crimes in Sudan - a guide on the role of the International Criminal Court Source: REDRESS It is of critical importance that the work of the ICC in Darfur is successful, for the victims in Darfur and the future in Sudan. But there are a series of challenges which will impact upon the success of the ICC, acording to this report prepared by REDRESS, an international NGO working –based in UK- to obtain justice and reparation for torture survivors. May 2007 (pdf version). International Criminal Court: Concerns at the sixth session of the Assembly of States Parties Source: Amnesty International The sixth session of the Assembly of States Parties will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 30 November to 14 December 2007. Nine years after the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, over half of all states have ratified it and the sixth session of the Assembly takes place in the context of a functioning International Criminal Court, which is about to start its first trial. At this stage in the Court’s history, the support of the Assembly is vital. October 2007. Background paper in preparation for the Sixth Session of the ICC Assembly of States Parties Source: Coalition for the International Criminal Court The Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) has prepared a Background Paper in preparation for the sixth session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ASP). The Assembly will meet in New York, the United States, from 30 November – 14 December 2007. The Coalition expects around 200 NGO representatives to attend the sixth session of the ASP. November 2007 (pdf version).    Civil society: campaigns and resources International Criminal Court: documents, sources, articles Source: Equipo Nizkor The site has a collection of links, including UN documents, preparatory works, NGO documents and declarations, articles and other links. International Justice Programme Source: Human Rights First A campaign with an American perspective, urging the United States government to support the ICC treaty. Asian Forum for Human Rights and Developmen on the ICC Source: Forum-Asia Forum Asia's project to Promote the ICC aims to create public awareness and seek support for the ratification of the Rome Statute for the ICC, through seminars, training and workshops. Global Policy Forum on international justice Source: Global Policy Forum A collection of press links, with analysis and articles following the ICC processo since 1999. The site includes an access to archived articles, and related links. Journalists' Guide to the ICC Source: IMPACS This Journalists' Guide, from the canadian Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society (IMPACS), has been produced as part of the International Criminal Court Technical Assistance Program. It provides information on the ICC as well as links to other information resources, including NGOs and UN. (pdf format) REDRESS International Criminal Court Project Source: REDRESS REDRESS is a human rights organisation that helps torture survivors obtain justice and reparation. It works to establish and facilitate the NGO Victims Working Group within the NGO Coalition for an International Criminal Court. No Peace Without Justice Committee for the International Criminal Court No Peace Without Justice is an international committee of parliamentarians, mayors and citizens, among whose objectives is campaigning for the establishment and effectiveness of an International Criminal Court. Interview with William Pace Source: Judicial Diplomacy For several years, William R.Pace, a member of the World Federalist Movement, has organised the efforts of the Coalition of NGOs for an International Criminal Court (CICC). International Criminal Court: globalizing justice Source: Choike A panel of activists and international lawyers described at the III World Social Forum the process that led to the creation of this permanent, international and independent institution, which came into force on 1 July 2002. The role of civil society in the implementation of ICC As this report states, local civil society groups play a vital role in the implementation of the International Criminal Court. In order to fulfill the aims of ICC countries must produce effective legislation in the implementation stage. Groups launch war crimes probe Source: IPS News A multinational coalition of jurists and civil society groups says it is launching an initiative to investigate alleged war crimes in Iraq for potential prosecution by the young International Criminal Court (ICC) or other legal bodies. Victims' Rights Working Group The Victims' Rights Working Group (VRWG) is a network of over 300 national and international civil society groups and experts created in 1997 under the auspices of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. The VRWG works to ensure that victims’ rights are effectively protected and respected, and that their needs and concerns are met throughout the judicial process of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Questions & answers about the ICC and the war in Iraq After the international controversy that the issue has aroused, this article analyses how would the ICC jurisdiction functions over crimes ´potentially´ committed in Iraq. The ICC begins Source: Move On A comprehensive resource of links that includes background information, terrorism and the ICC, the role of the US and the first cases. ICCLR's International Criminal Court Programme Since 1992, the International Centre for Criminal and Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy (ICCLR) has been and continues to be actively committed to supporting global efforts in combating international crimes and assisting with the creation of a permanent, effective and just International Criminal Court (ICC). The Centre is a Canadian non-profit institute. The role of Human Rights NGOs in relation to ICC investigations Source: Human Rights First Human rights non-governmental organizations are often among the first to reach the scene of massive violations of human rights and humanitarian law. Traditionally, human rights NGOs documented violations, drew attention to them, and by doing so, helped to bring a halt to ongoing violations. But human rights NGOs are having to rethink their practices in light of the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the prospect that the violations they are documenting could become the subject of a criminal prosecution before an international tribunal. October 2004 (pdf version). Message from the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) on the occasion of the CICC’s 10th anniversary Source: Coalition for the International Criminal Court William Pace Exactly ten years ago, on 10 February 1995, a small group of non-governmental organizations met across from the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and launched an idealistic campaign dedicated to a single cause; to support the establishment of a fair, effective and independent International Criminal Court. No one predicted then how extraordinarily successful this global campaign would become. The support of NGOs, governments, international organizations, journalists, and individuals alike have turned a distant dream into a vital reality. February 2005 (pdf version). Justice for Darfur Campaign "Justice for Darfur" is a campaign supported by human rights organisations worldwide, calling on the international community to ensure the prompt arrest and surrender to the International Criminal Court of the persons charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur, Sudan. The campaign is launched on the first anniversary of the issuance of the arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC). April 2008.    US interference Court Jesters Source: AlterNet Mark Goldberg As America's reputation in the world dwindles to pathetic new lows, and with the United States seeking international support in Iraq and in the fight against terrorism, one might think this an inopportune moment to bait some of US's closest foreign allies into unnecessary diplomatic rows. And yet, undeterred, Republican Representatives Tom DeLay and George Nethercutt teamed up on the House floor, and on July 15 they successfully pushed an amendment to the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill that would accomplish just that. September 2004. Bush administration suspends aid to nations that refuse to shield Americans from war-crimes court Source: Global Policy Forum Letta Tayler A Bush administration policy of suspending military aid to nations that won't promise to shield Americans from the war-crimes tribunal, called the International Criminal Court, is reducing or canceling dozens of programs that further U.S. interests abroad. October 2004. United States defends position on International Criminal Court Source: US Department of State Ambassador Larry Napper, head of the U.S. delegation to the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw, Poland, responded October 8 to comments by others at the conference on the U.S. drive to enter into bilateral Article 98 agreements that prohibit the surrender of U.S. persons to the International Criminal Court (ICC) without U.S. consent. October 2004. U.S. Congress tries to undermine war crimes court Source: Human Rights Watch The United States intensified its assault on international justice with Congress’ approval of the “Nethercutt Amendment”. This provision, part of an overall spending bill, mandates withholding antiterrorism funds and other aid from countries that refuse to grant immunity for U.S. citizens before the International Criminal Court. December 2004. Ocampo turns down Iraq case: implications for the US Source: Global Policy Forum Golzar Kheiltash International Criminal Court Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo announced that his office will not investigate war crimes committed in Iraq by coalition forces. The Bush administration has staunchly opposed the ICC claiming it will "unfairly target" US military personnel. Ocampo's decision gives evidence of the court's impartiality. (Citizens for Global Solutions) February 2006. US and the ICC Source: Coalition for the International Criminal Court Shortly before the entry into force of the Rome Statute in July 2002, the United States launched a full-scale multi-pronged campaign against the International Criminal Court, claiming that the ICC may initiate politically-motivated prosecutions against US nationals. This section provides information, analysis and documents on these US efforts to undermine the Court, including: • Bilateral Immunity Agreements (BIAs) • the American Servicemembers’ Protection Act (ASPA); and • ICC immunity resolutions in the Security Council US Threats to the International Criminal Court Source: Amnesty International This page provides information on two parts of the current US campaign against the ICC: impunity agreements and Security Council Resolution 1422. The United States and the International Criminal Court Source: HRW Myths and facts about the ICC, questions and answers about the court and the US and related documents, by Human Rights Watch. US and the ICC: rejecting international justice The current US administration has a near-religious aversion to the new, permanent International Criminal Court (ICC). It claims that the court will become a forum for politicized prosecutions. However, the ICC's highly qualified judges, prosecutor, and administrator are concerned with issues such as the use of child soldiers in the Congo and systematic rape in Burma, not with political cases against US citizens. The International Criminal Court: the US fear factor and challenges for Africa Source: Pambazuka This editorial of the Pambazuka newsletter is dedicated to the US reaction towards the ICC. US punishes 35 countries for signing on to ICC Source: IPS News Raising its war against the International Criminal Court to a new level, the administration of President George W. Bush Tuesday cut off military aid to 35 friendly countries in retaliation for their support of the International Criminal Court and refusal to exempt US soldiers from the ICC's jurisdiction. Washington rejects the ICC Source: Third World Network The current actions of the Bush administration make a mockery of the Nuremberg principles, by arrogantly dismissing the International Criminal Court and the jurisdiction of international human rights law over US citizens. US could join ICC in 'as soon as 20 years' Source: IPS Sanjay Suri The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, talked about the US, the difficult task that governments face in accepting the ICC, the first cases that he will follow and other issues related to the court. International justice or free trade Source: IPS The United States is using the carrot of free trade agreements to pressure countries in Latin America not to ratify the statute for the International Criminal Court (ICC), complained human rights activists and an indigenous legislator at the first Social Forum of the Americas.    Gender and the ICC Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice A global women’s initiative working to ensure justice for women and an independent and effective International Criminal Court (formerly Women's Caucus for Gender Justice). Site under construction, archives can be accessed. The International Criminal Court: An Opportunity for Women Source: WHR Net Ana Elena Obando The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently began its first formal investigation to judge crimes committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is urgent that the women's movement monitor whether the ICC effectively investigates and sanctions the perpetrators of sexual and gender crimes committed against women. This special issue by WHR Net addresses key aspects of the ICC, such as gender crimes and related case law, gender-sensitive proceedings and the possible implications of implementing international standards nationally to advance women's human rights. The International Criminal Court: a ray of hope for the women of Darfur? Source: Pambazuka Christine Butegwa If you’re a woman in Darfur and you want to lay a charge of rape, the chances are that the charge will be changed to one of assault. Even if you want to persist in your charge of rape, you’ll need four male witnesses to support your charge. As a result, sexual and gender based violence is one of the biggest violations of women’s rights in Darfur, writes Christine Butegwa from Femnet. Hopes are high that the International Criminal Court will be able to change the situation. February 2006.    First cases ICC: Prosecutor follows NGO communications regarding DRC Source: Choike The International Criminal Court has received nearly 500 communications since the Rome Statute of the ICC entered into force on July 1, 2002. The Prosecutor, Luis Moreno Campo, specifically rejected investigating situations outside the temporal, thematic or territorial limits of the Court's jurisdiction. He has selected the situation in Ituri, Democratic Republic of Congo, as the most urgent situation to be followed. The communications regarding this issue included two detailed reports from NGOs. Statement by the Prosecutor related to crimes committed in Barlonya Camp in Uganda The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno Ocampo, has said he will investigate the crimes committed on 21 February 2004 in Barlonya camp, North Eastern Uganda. The latest reports estimate the number of deaths at over 200. “The Office of the Prosecutor will take steps to ensure that the crimes committed in Barlonya camp will be investigated and that those bearing the greatest responsibility will be prosecuted,” he stated. (pdf format) Prosecutor receives referral of the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo Source: Official website The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has received a letter signed by the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo referring to him the situation of crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court committed in the DRC. April 2004. In uncharted waters: seeking justice before the atrocities have stopped Source: Citizens for Global Solutions In uncharted waters: seeking justice before the atrocities have stopped Uganda and the DRC, both full members of the ICC, have recently requested that the ICC investigate atrocities being committed on their territory. These referrals have raised hopes as well as concerns among civil society observers. A comprehensive report by Citizens for Global Solutions, written before the Prosecutor announced that he will officially investigate the crimes in the ICC, analizes the situation of both countries. ICC's first official investigation: Democratic Republic of Congo The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court will officially investigate grave crimes allegedly committed on the territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 1 July 2002. ICC: official investigation in Uganda The International Criminal Court announced the opening of an investigation on the “situation” in Northern Uganda. According to the International Federation for Human Rights, “security and protection of victims must guide the Prosecutor’s intervention”. July 2004. Darfur and the International Criminal Court Source: Middle East Report Eric Reeves On March 31, 2005, the United Nations issued another response to the vast crisis in the Darfur region of far western Sudan, referring various conspicuous violations of international law to the International Criminal Court. Though there have been five previous UN Security Council resolutions bearing on Darfur, the response contained within Resolution 1593 has gained far and away the most public notice because it seemed, at first glance, to have teeth. April 2005. The International Criminal Court and Sudan: access to justice and victims' rights Source: International Federation for Human Rights One year after the referral by the UN Security Council to the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the situation in Darfur, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), its partner organisation SOAT (Sudan Organisation Against Torture) and the Khartoum Center for Human Rights and Environmental Development (KCHRED) are publishing their report "The International Criminal Court and Sudan: access to justice and victims’ rights". April 2006. Africa and the International Criminal Court Source: Council on Foreign Relations Stephanie Hanson The four-year-old International Criminal Court (ICC) recently began its first case, a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to bring to trial a Congolese citizen accused of conscripting child soldiers to fight in the country’s civil war. The world’s first permanent court dealing with grave crimes has focused its initial efforts on Africa and already is creating a stir related to two of Africa’s most serious problems—the crisis in Darfur and the conflict in northern Uganda. But some in Africa are questioning the court’s ability to provide justice. Meanwhile, the United States, the ICC’s most fervent opponent, appears to be softening its position on the court. November 2006. When will the insults to the victims of crimes committed in Darfur end? Source: International Federation for Human Rights The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its member organisation the Sudan Organisation Against Torture (SOAT) strongly denounce the recent release from detention by Sudanese authorities of Ali Muhammad Al Abd-Al-Rahan (alias Ali Kushayb), due to "lack of evidence against him", according to Sudan’s foreign minister Lam Akol. October 2007. Northern Uganda peace process: the need to maintain momentum Source: International Crisis Group Peace talks between the Ugandan government and the insurgent Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) are moving in the right direction, but the core issues – justice, security and livelihoods – are still to be resolved and require difficult decisions, including on the fate of LRA leaders whom the International Criminal Court (ICC) has indicted. October 2007. ICC struggles to reach out to Darfuris Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting As conflict rages in Darfur, few local people are aware of the work being done by the International Criminal Court, ICC, to prosecute those responsible for atrocities committed there, a wide-ranging investigation by IWPR can reveal. November 2007. Courting conflict? Peace, justice and the ICC in Africa Source: Royal African Society Nicholas Waddell and Phil Clark There is nothing continentally-specific about crimes committed during conflict. Yet the first investigations of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are concentrated in Africa. The absence of direct Great Power involvement in these conflicts might make Africa more susceptible than other parts of the world to such investigations. However, this is not a reason for seeking impunity for the continent, but rather a call to ensure that the work of the ICC extends wherever it is needed throughout the world. March 2008 (pdf). International Criminal Court accepts Ugandan referral Source: CICC Following the referral by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni of the situation concerning the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo announced that there is sufficient basis to "start planning for the first investigation" (pdf format).    Ending impunity ICC inquiries jeopardised Source: Global Policy Forum Katy Glassborow The International Criminal Court, ICC, faces a big challenge protecting individual victims and witnesses of war crimes who are working with the court. Issues surrounding the security of victims and witnesses recently dealt a serious blow to investigations into two of the three situations being dealt with by the court - Darfur and the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC. On June 14, 2006 the ICC chief prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, told the United Nations Security Council that the absence of a “functioning and sustainable system” for victim and witness protection prohibits an “effective investigation inside Darfur”. He added that the lack of protection is a “strong disincentive” to those who would otherwise come forward to participate in investigations for the ICC, and that “in addition to a moral duty, my office is under a legal obligation to protect victims and witnesses”. July 2006. A global web of justice is up and running Source: International Herald Tribune Luis Moreno-Ocampo The article -by ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo- provides historical background to the ICC, an overview of where the Court is today, commentary about the impact that the Court's first three cases have already had, and comments about the need for complementarity. June 2006. Africa ending impunity for rights abuses Source: Africa Renewal Michael Fleshman The world took a giant step towards eliminating impunity for human rights abuses on 9 November when the International Criminal Court opened its first official hearing, in a case against a Congolese militia leader. Now former presidents of Liberia and Chad face trial in African courts. These moves have been hailed as the beginning of a new era of accountability for abusive political leaders in Africa and an important blow against impunity for official misconduct around the world. January 2007. Making justice matter Source: Institute for War & Peace Reporting Katy Glassborow International war crimes courts are first and foremost judicial institutions tasked with trying suspects from some of the most brutal conflicts worldwide, but there is also an expectation that the justice they deliver will play a part in eventual reconciliation. Some human rights organisations feel that the only way that justice inside the courtrooms can make a difference outside is by educating the communities in the countries affected by the crimes. February 2007. Paramilitary demobilization in Colombia: on the road to the International Criminal Court Source: International Federation for Human Rights The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) published its report on the application of the Justice and Peace Act in Colombia. The report is the result of more than two years of work in conjunction with FIDH leagues in Colombia: the “José Alvear Restrepo” lawyers’ collective, ILSA, and the Permanent Committee for the Defense of Human Rights. It is also based on observation of the Justice and Peace hearings held from May to July 2007 at the Justice and Peace Tribunals in Bogotá, Medellín, and Barranquilla. October 2007.    Intergovernmental organizations Statements and documents by official regional and international bodies. Council of Europe Source: CoE Council of Europe page on the International Criminal Court. Venice Commission on the ICC European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) Report on Constitutional Issues Raised by the Ratification of the Rome Statute.    Other international tribunals International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia Source: United Nations The site includes information about the trial of Slobodan Milosevic. International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda Source: United Nations Why the International Criminal Court is different Source: UPeace This paper discusses how the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court differs from the jurisdictions of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and concludes that power matters. UN Special Court for Sierra Leone Source: Official web site The Special Court was established by an Agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone under Security Council resolution 1315 (2000). Uncertain future for war crimes tribunals Source: Institute for War & Peace Reporting Katherine Boyle Having consumed roughly two billion US dollars in funding from the international community since the mid Nineties, the UN’s ad-hoc tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda are supposed to finish their work within three years. But top prosecutors from the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, ICTY, and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, ICTR, have recently expressed concerns about completing cases on time. Bringing Justice: the Special Court for Sierra Leone Source: Human Rights Watch Following the end of the civil war, which lasted from 1991 until 2002, the Sierra Leone justice system lacked the capacity to hold perpetrators of the crimes accountable. Corruption and political manipulation plagued the judiciary. Hundreds of criminal suspects suffered from extended and unlawful detention, many without the due process guarantees stipulated in the constitution. The numbers of judges, magistrates, and prosecutors were inadequate and numerous courtrooms and police stations were destroyed during the war. Prompted by a request from Sierra Leone President Tejan Kabbah to the United Nations, a national-international court, the Special Court for Sierra Leone (Special Court or SCSL), was established in 2002 by agreement between the Sierra Leone government and the United Nations to prosecute serious crimes committed during the war. 2004.    Books The Witnesses: War Crimes and the Promise of Justice in The Hague Source: University of Pennsylvania Eric Stover Eric Stover’s study constitutes an important contribution to the growing literature on international justice and accountability. Written by a scholar with considerable field experience, The Witnesses examines a relatively neglected area of the international judicial process: the role of victims and witnesses who have testified before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Drawing vividly on their testimony, Stover adeptly reveals a hidden side of international tribunals. Best Book in Human Rights Award 2005 from the American Political Science Association. August 2006. Genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity Source: Human Rights Watch This unique 861-page book organizes the decisions of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia by topic, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, individual criminal responsibility, command responsibility, affirmative defenses, jurisdiction, sentencing, fair trial rights, guilty pleas and appellate review. In selected cases, the book also applies key aspects of the law to the facts of the case. The volume is oriented to practitioners and staff at institutions established to try such crimes -such as the International Criminal Court and the Sierra Leone Special Court. The book will also serve as a tool for academics, nongovernmental organizations working in the field, and students interested in international criminal justice. July 2006. Victims' rights before the ICC: a guide for victims, their legal representatives and NGOs Source: International Federation for Human Rights On the occasion of its 36th Congress, taking place in Lisbon from 19 to 25 April 2007, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is launching its "Guide for Victims, their Legal Representatives and NGOs on Victims' Rights before the International Criminal Court". This guide will help victims, their legal representatives and NGOs to use the International Criminal Court and to support victims, at last, to obtain truth, justice and reparations. May 2007. Accountability and Peace Agreements - Mapping trends from 1980 to 2006 Source: Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue Leslie Vinjamuri and Aaron Boesenecker A study on the inclusion of justice issues in peace agreements concluded between 1980 and August 2006. The report analyses peace processes since 1980 and maps the way in which peace agreements have incorporated mechanisms for dealing with justice issues such as institutional reform, human rights frameworks, trials and amnesties. October 2007 (pdf version).

Choike is a project of the Third World Institute supported by Hivos www.choike.org | Contact | Phone / Fax: +598 (2) 412-4224 | Dr. Juan Paullier 977, Montevideo URUGUAY