Does the public know what the ICC is about?
Dec 08, 2009
EDITOR—Early next year, Uganda will host the Review Conference of the Rome Statute. Prior to the conference, the German Federal Foreign Office has been playing a crucial role of informing people in the region about the International Criminal Court (ICC
EDITOR—Early next year, Uganda will host the Review Conference of the Rome Statute. Prior to the conference, the German Federal Foreign Office has been playing a crucial role of informing people in the region about the International Criminal Court (ICC) so as to enhance understanding of the institution and also training some 14 journalists.
In this conference, the statute may be amended to also include the crime of aggression which is facing stiff debate from some states.
America, which puts substantial resources into this court does not favour the amendment. Anyway, over 80 heads of states will be in Kampala but the media should improve the relaying of information to the public concerning the ICC and what it means to host it.
Firstly, Uganda is a member state and a signatory to the Rome Statute. Moreso African states played a crucial role in initially setting up the court and the majority of the cases now before the court were brought at the specific request of these states.
In fact, Uganda was the first to refer its situation of the LRA and Kony to the court. Besides, the Amnesty Commission still offers a blanket amnesty for all those who abandon rebellion.
Gordon Muhuruzi
Kampala
In this conference, the statute may be amended to also include the crime of aggression which is facing stiff debate from some states.
America, which puts substantial resources into this court does not favour the amendment. Anyway, over 80 heads of states will be in Kampala but the media should improve the relaying of information to the public concerning the ICC and what it means to host it.
Firstly, Uganda is a member state and a signatory to the Rome Statute. Moreso African states played a crucial role in initially setting up the court and the majority of the cases now before the court were brought at the specific request of these states.
In fact, Uganda was the first to refer its situation of the LRA and Kony to the court. Besides, the Amnesty Commission still offers a blanket amnesty for all those who abandon rebellion.
Gordon Muhuruzi
Kampala