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International Justice Day: ICC and CICC members’ media releases; Events reports and declarations; Related news coverage
23 July 2010
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<div>Dear all,</div> <div> </div> <div>Please find below additional information related to International Justice Day, celebrated on 17 July 2010, in honor of the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, ICC’s founding treaty. </div> <div> </div> <div>This message includes ICC press releases, declarations and videos (I), CICC’s IJD press release (II), CICC Members' Media Statements (III), reports on various events organized by CICC members worldwide (IV), as well as related news coverage (V).</div> <div> </div> <div>To view the full-text of media releases, speeches and declarations, see: <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;?;mod=;rome">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/?mod=rome</a></div> <div> </div> <div>Due to the high volume of news articles on this topic, please note that this message is not exhaustive and does not represent views from all parties concerned. We will continue to provide the most inclusive information as it becomes available. Note that all translations have been informally provided by the CICC Secretariat.</div> <div> </div> <div>Also please take note of the Coalition's policy on situations before the ICC (below), which explicitly states that the CICC will not take a position on potential and current situations before the Court or situations under analysis. The Coalition, however, will continue to provide the most up-to-date information about the ICC.</div> <div> </div> <div>Best regards,</div> <div> </div> <div>CICC Secretariat</div> <div><a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org</a></div> <div> </div> <div>********************************************</div> <div>I. ICC PRESS RELEASES, DECLARATIONS AND VIDEOS</div> <div> </div> <div>[These documents have been produced by the ICC. The CICC Secretariat distributes them as part of its mandate to keep member organizations and individuals informed about developments related to the ICC. The documents do not reflect the views of the CICC as a whole or its individual members.]</div> <div> </div> <div>i. "ICC celebrates the Day of International Criminal Justice 17 July", ICC press release, 16 July 2010,</div> <div><a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.icc-cpi.int/;NR/;exeres/;7FB38F45-288A-46C5-A406-BA23B186FD4A.htm">http://www.icc-cpi.int/NR/exeres/7FB38F45-288A-46C5-A406-BA23B186FD4A.htm</a>,</div> <div> </div> <div>"Tomorrow 17 July, the International Criminal Court (ICC) commemorates</div> <div>officially for the first time the Day of International Justice. The date of 17 July was adopted by the Assembly of the States Parties during the Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala (Uganda) last June. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the founder treaty of the ICC.</div> <div> </div> <div>'Indeed we have good reason to celebrate 17 July as a day which signifies tremendous achievements in the field of international criminal justice. However, we should not be too satisfied, because countless innocent civilians still continue to be the victims of terrible atrocities in different parts of the world', states ICC President, Judge Sang-Hyun Song.</div> <div> </div> <div>By adopting this date, the States Parties to that Statute reaffirm their engagement, previously expressed in the Preamble of the Rome Statute, to put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of unimaginable atrocities, for the sake of present and future generations.</div> <div> </div> <div>President Song, underlines that 'the States Parties have entrusted the Court with a tremendously important mission of turning into practice the noble principles embodied in the Rome Statute'. He calls all the States Parties 'to implement the provisions of the Rome Statute in their national legislation, enabling effective cooperation with the Court'. The ICC President closes his statement by encouraging all States that have not yet done so to ratify the Rome Statute.</div> <div> </div> <div>Various activities such as round tables, seminars and town hall meetings are organised in cooperation with local NGOs in countries where the ICC has opened investigations. In addition, the Municipality of The Hague, the seat of the ICC, has raised 50 flags honouring the day."</div> <div> </div> <div>ii. "Statement of Judge Sang-Hyun Song, President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), on the Occasion of the Day of International Criminal Justice", 17 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.icc-cpi.int/;NR/;rdonlyres/;A1B03BA2-BBAE-4A3D-87C47FBD40320654/;282363/;177newspaperEng.pdf">http://www.icc-cpi.int/NR/rdonlyres/A1B03BA2-BBAE-4A3D-87C47FBD40320654/282363/177newspaperEng.pdf</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.youtube.com/;watch?;v=;-14q9m844y4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-14q9m844y4</a> </div> <div> </div> <div>iii. “The ICC marks the Day of International Criminal Justice with affected communities in northern Uganda,” ICC Press Release, 22 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.icc-cpi.int/;NR/;exeres/;E4EBB26F-029B-4108-9C6F-00F188AC2864.htm">http://www.icc-cpi.int/NR/exeres/E4EBB26F-029B-4108-9C6F-00F188AC2864.htm</a> </div> <div> </div> <div>iv. “La Cour pénale internationale célèbre la journée de la justice pénale internationale à Bunia (en République démocratique du Congo)”, ICC Press Release,22 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.icc-cpi.int/;Menus/;Go?;id=;1999774b-e1ec-44d4-9c65-613cf9adf5a7&;lan=;en-GB">http://www.icc-cpi.int/Menus/Go?id=1999774b-e1ec-44d4-9c65-613cf9adf5a7&lan=en-GB</a> (in French)</div> <div> </div> <div>v. “Outreach Central African Republic: The CCCPI and ICC celebrate the Day of International Criminal Justice on 17 July 2010,” ICC Press Release, 21 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.icc-cpi.int/;Menus/;Go?;id=;31d4e041-e24e-4620-af39-b738d2b67759&;lan=;en-GB">http://www.icc-cpi.int/Menus/Go?id=31d4e041-e24e-4620-af39-b738d2b67759&lan=en-GB</a> </div> <div> </div> <div>vi. Video commemorating the Day of International Justice, ICC, 17 July 2010 <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.youtube.com/;watch?;v=;VL3krTeQDFk">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL3krTeQDFk</a> </div> <div> </div> <div>II. CICC PRESS RELEASE</div> <div> </div> <div>i. "International Justice Day - 17 July 2010: World Celebrates 12th Anniversary of New Global System to End Impunity," CICC, 16 July 2010,</div> <div>English: <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;CICC_PR_17July2010_IJD_final.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/CICC_PR_17July2010_IJD_final.pdf</a></div> <div>French:</div> <div><a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;CICC_PR_17July2010_IJD_final_FR.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/CICC_PR_17July2010_IJD_final_FR.pdf</a></div> <div>Spanish:</div> <div><a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;CICC_PR_IJD_SPANISH.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/CICC_PR_IJD_SPANISH.pdf</a></div> <div> </div> <div>"Tomorrow 17 July the world will celebrate International Justice Day, in honor of the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). International Justice Day is a reminder of the urgency for all States committed to justice to ensure continued support for the Rome Statute's international justice system, the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) said today.</div> <div> </div> <div>Twelve years ago on this date, the Rome Statute was adopted by an overwhelming vote of 120 nations. Today, 111 nations have joined the Court and the number keeps growing. Coalition members will celebrate this day in solidarity with victims of crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes through a number of worldwide events.</div> <div> </div> <div>"International Justice Day is a time to affirm that victims of crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes deserve redress and that the ICC treaty is a great victory for the protection of universal human rights and the advancement of human security" said CICC Convenor William R Pace. "Most of the ad hoc and special tribunals have begun the process of winding down. So today, we urge all States, international organizations, civil society and the world's media to reaffirm their commitment to justice, and to the goal that all nations should ratify the Rome Statute of the ICC, the world's only permanent system for international criminal justice," he added.</div> <div> </div> <div>International Justice Day is an opportunity for the world community to celebrate the historic advances in ending impunity for the worst crimes in international law. Since 1993, 181 trials, dealing with terrible crimes committed in 12 countries have been held by six international and special tribunals. Similar trials for the gravest crimes are ongoing at national level. 2 trials are being conducted at the ICC so far, investigations in 5 countries were opened, and twelve arrest warrants and three summonses to appear were issued. Allegations of crimes committed in many other countries are being considered by the ICC Prosecutor.</div> <div> </div> <div>This year, International Justice Day takes place only a few weeks after the conclusion of the first Review Conference of the ICC Rome Statute, which was held in Kampala, Uganda from 31 May to 11 June. At the Conference, ICC Member States agreed upon amendments to the Rome Statute. In particular, the Review Conference adopted a definition for the Crime of Aggression as well as provisions governing the terms of the Court's ability to investigate and prosecute individuals for the crime of aggression. In Kampala, States also made important commitments on the issues of cooperation, complementarity, victims and affected communities and peace and justice. The Coalition for the ICC now calls on States to turn words into concrete actions.</div> <div> </div> <div>These actions may take the form of encouraging states that have not done so to join the Rome Statute; ratifying the Agreement on privileges and immunities (APIC); implementing the Rome Statute into national law; showing consistent public support for international justice and the work of the Court; responding positively to the Court's cooperation requests; signing enforcement of sentences or victims and witnesses and victims relocation agreements with the ICC; and providing funds to the Trust Fund for Victims as well as to the Court so that it can improve its outreach and related field work. Civil society, cultural, and educational initiatives for international justice should also be supported. ..."</div> <div> </div> <div>SEE ALSO:</div> <div> </div> <div>ii. Transcript of CICC Live Blogging Session on International Justice Day with CICC Convenor William R. Pace: <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;blog">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/blog</a> </div> <div> </div> <div>III. CICC MEMBERS' MEDIA STATEMENTS</div> <div> </div> <div>i. "International Justice Day 2010 - FOHRID urges Government of Nepal to ratify the Rome Statute of ICC", FOHRID, 17 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;FOHRID_IJD.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/FOHRID_IJD.pdf</a></div> <div> </div> <div>ii. "International Justice Day - 17 July 2010: World Celebrates 12th Anniversary of New Global System to End Impunity", UCICC and HURINET-U, 16 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;INTERNATIONAL_JUSTICE_DAY.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/INTERNATIONAL_JUSTICE_DAY.pdf</a></div> <div> </div> <div>iii. "A proposito de la celebracion del Dia de la Justicia Internacional", Coalicion Dominicana de Apoyo a la Corte Penal Internacional, 14 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;Nota_CPI_2010.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Nota_CPI_2010.pdf</a></div> <div> </div> <div>iv. "Commemorating World Day of International Criminal Justice ACIJLP Calls upon Arab Governments to Ratify and Join the International Criminal Court", ACIJLP, July 2010</div> <div>English: <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;Commemorating_World_Day_of_International_Criminal_Justice.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Commemorating_World_Day_of_International_Criminal_Justice.pdf</a></div> <div>Arabic: <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;Commemorating_World_Day_of_International_Criminal_Justice_ar.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Commemorating_World_Day_of_International_Criminal_Justice_ar.pdf</a></div> <div> </div> <div>v. "ICC: NPWJ celebrates the twelfth anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute", NPWJ, 17 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;NPWJ_InternationalJusticeDay2010.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/NPWJ_InternationalJusticeDay2010.pdf</a></div> <div> </div> <div>vi. "Communiqué de Presse." Coalition Centrafricaine pour la Cour Pénale Internationale (CCCPI), <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;CARCoalition_fr.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/CARCoalition_fr.pdf</a> (In French)</div> <div> </div> <div>IV. INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE DAY CELEBRATION REPORTS</div> <div> </div> <div>A. Africa</div> <div> </div> <div>i. The Central African Republic national Coalition for the ICC (CCCPI) organized a successful discussion with civil society organizations, the information section of the OTP in Bangui, the representative from the High Commissioner for Human Rights, youth organizations and journalists. The topics related to:</div> <div>-Presentation on behalf of the CAR Coalition with regard to the activities it has conducted since 2004.</div> <div>-Presentation on behalf of the information section of the CICC at Bangui</div> <div>-The case The Prosecutor v. Jean Pierre Bemba, presented by the information section of the ICC at Bangui.</div> <div> </div> <div>For further information on CCCPI's activities, please read the ICC Press Release available at: <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.icc-cpi.int/;menus/;icc/;press%;20and%;20media/;press%;20releases/;central%;20african%;20republic_%;20the%;20cccpi%;20and%;20icc%;20celebrate%;20the%;20day%;20of%;20international%;20criminal%;20justice%;20on%;201?;lan=;en-GB">http://www.icc-cpi.int/menus/icc/press and media/press releases/central african republic_ the cccpi and icc celebrate the day of international criminal justice on 1?lan=en-GB</a></div> <div> </div> <div>ii. Pax Christi summarizes its International Justice Day celebrations in the Democratic Republic of Congo: </div> <div> </div> <div>After an awareness session, we went down to the middle of the prison settings in Goma. We did this in order for the target populations to truly realize the internal matter of domestic law in order to understand what international law advocates for and what it means. We were able to liberate a mother and her baby. As well, we interviewed detainees and collected other information that will help us throughout our activities and during presentations to distinguish materials and facts, and to better understand the concept of jurisdiction and how international justice intervenes in relation to domestic justice, and hence its merits. From this activity, let us remember that internal justice is not going well. Thus, international justice, which is practically neutral, must help with regard to crimes, especially with regard to crimes against humanity, in order to pronounce judgments and bring justice.</div> <div> </div> <div>iii. Akwa Zombo, an Angolan NGO, sent the following letter to the CICC: </div> <div> </div> <div>"We wish to celebrate the July 17 Day by joining the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. In this connection, please find enclosed the Membership Form, the Certificate of Registration of Akwa Zombo according to Angolan Law, and the Statutes of our Association. We should be grateful to receive your guidance to set up the National Coalition for ICC in Angola. Thank you for your kind attention. With best regards. Prof. Dr. Oec. Ngingilu J. Daves, CEO & Chairman, Akwa Zombo."</div> <div> </div> <div>B. Americas</div> <div> </div> <div>i. AMICC sent the following to members, alliance members, and friends: </div> <div> </div> <div>"As International Justice Day approaches on Saturday July 17 and many of you prepare for celebrations, we would like to share one way that you and other ICC supporters can take action: Ask President Obama to complete the US policy toward the ICC. Please share the below action alert with your constituents or, if you prefer, distribute paper copies of the letter to President Obama at forthcoming International Justice Day events.</div> <div> </div> <div>... Resources are available on our International Justice Day 2010 blog, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;internationaljusticeday2010.wordpress.com/;">http://internationaljusticeday2010.wordpress.com/</a>. We look forward to hearing soon about your events and activities."</div> <div> </div> <div>ii. WFM Canada issued a press release, which contained words from President of WFM - Canada, Warren Allmand: </div> <div> </div> <div>"Up to now, the International Criminal Court has focused on the most egregious crimes of international concern, prosecuting individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. But now the spotlight is shifting," says Warren Allmand, former President of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, and current President of the World Federalist Movement - Canada. "The capacity to prosecute aggression strengthens the ICC as an important instrument for international peace and security."</div> <div> </div> <div>The full text is available at, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.iccnow.org/;documents/;ICC_BreathroughCrimeAggression16Jul2010_en.pdf">http://www.iccnow.org/documents/ICC_BreathroughCrimeAggression16Jul2010_en.pdf</a></div> <div> </div> <div>iii. “Remarks at the NYC Bar Association International Justice Day Celebration,” Patricia O’Brien, UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, 13 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;untreaty.un.org/;ola/;media/;info_from_lc/;68.%;20International%;20Justice%;20Day,;%;20NYC%;20Bar,;%;20NY,;%;2013%;20July%;202010.pdf">http://untreaty.un.org/ola/media/info_from_lc/68. International Justice Day, NYC Bar, NY, 13 July 2010.pdf</a> </div> <div> </div> <div>D. Europe</div> <div> </div> <div>Conference on behalf of Turkish Coalition for the ICC on the ICC in general including universal justice concept and comparison of universality principle in Turkish Penal Code and Rome Statute on 17th July. During the conference, Mr Öztürk Türkdoğan from HRA has spoken about the significance of the International Justice Day and the coincidence of 12th Anniversary of Rome Statute and 24th Anniversary of HRA.</div> <div> </div> <div>E. Middle East/North Africa.</div> <div> </div> <div>i. "The Statement of Iranian Islamic Human Rights Commission On the Occasion of</div> <div>International Criminal Justice Day", 17 July 2010</div> <div><a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.coalitionfortheicc.org/;documents/;IHRC.pdf">http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/IHRC.pdf</a></div> <div> </div> <div>"Iranian Islamic Human Rights Commission issued a statement on the occasion of the Day of International Criminal Justice which is celebrated on July 17, the day on which the Rome Statute was adopted in 1998.</div> <div> </div> <div>According to ISNA (News Agency), the Statement is as follows:</div> <div> </div> <div>'Since the adoption of the Rome Statute (the Statute of International Criminal Court) in 1998, Human Rights activists around the world each year celebrate the anniversary of this adoption as the 'Day of International Criminal Justice' and as a special occasion. Once again, the celebration of this day emphasizes on the importance of instrument and establishment of the Court; an instrument and a court that are rightly a turning point in the international evolutions in the domain of international criminal justice and individual criminal responsibility.</div> <div> </div> <div>With the establishment of International Criminal Court and beginning of its activities, criminal justice in the universal spectrum gained a new meaning and the victims of serious international crimes who are disappointed from the remedy and justice of their national judicial systems, trusted on the International Criminal Court and looked forward to beginning of its activities. It is interesting that during years of waiting and passing of time, the victims do not forget the committed crimes and their rights to remedy while the responsible people for these crimes during years of escaping from their responsibility think about the dream of time lapse and consolidating peace talks without justice.</div> <div> </div> <div>.... This year, the importance of the Day of International Justice is reduplicated. The Kampala Declaration which was issued during the Review Conference in Uganda's capital about a month ago clearly stated that the high-level representatives of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court are decided to henceforth celebrate 17 July, the day of the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998, as the Day of International Criminal Justice. It should be said that for the victims of crimes affected communities, there is no celebration better and sweeter than the real commitment of the governments to the aims and purposes mentioned in the preamble of the Rome Statute and ethical principles.</div> <div> </div> <div>The first Review Conference was held in Africa. Africa, the only continent which has been hitherto the target of the Court and all the cases of the Court which are under investigation relate to this continent...."</div> <div> </div> <div>ii. The Jordanian Coalition for the International Criminal Court has organized a celebration on the occasion of the international justice day and Nelson Mandela day. This day was to celebrate the international criminal court as a milestone for achieving international justice. The celebration was attended by lawyers, judges, NGOs, and members of the Jordanian Coalition for the ICC.</div> <div> </div> <div>Speeches were given by Asma Khader (Coordinator of SIGI/Jordan) about Nelson Mandela and his fight to achieve justice, judge Mohamed Al-Tarawneh (Jordanian CICC representative) who briefed the audience about re-launching the Jordanian CICC and highlighted Jordan's positive role toward the ICC, Abeer Al-Khreisha (CICC coordinator in the MENA region) who gave a brief about the work and the role of the CICC and summarized the outcomes of the review conference, and Taher Hikmat (Head of the legal Affairs Committee at the Jordanian Senate) who expressed the need to disseminate information about the ICC and its work.</div> <div> </div> <div>The celebration was concluded by honoring a number of activists in the field of justice, protection and promotion of human rights.</div> <div> </div> <div>The Celebration was covered by national Newspapers such as Al-Arab Al Yawm:</div> <div><a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.alarabalyawm.net/;pages.php?;news_id=;241741">http://www.alarabalyawm.net/pages.php?news_id=241741</a> and Al- Ghad Newspaper <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.alghad.com/;?;news=;519509">http://www.alghad.com/?news=519509</a></div> <div> </div> <div>V. NEWS COVERAGE</div> <div> </div> <div>A. Asia</div> <div> </div> <div>1. Malaysia:</div> <div> </div> <div>i. "Malaysia must join the international criminal justice system", The Malaysian Bar and The Sun Daily, 18 July 2010,</div> <div><a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.malaysianbar.org.my/;press_statements/;press_release_malaysia_must_join_the_international_criminal_justice_system_.html">http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/press_statements/press_release_malaysia_must_join_the_international_criminal_justice_system_.html</a>. (Also available at: <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.thesundaily.com/;article.cfm?;id=;49522">http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=49522</a> )</div> <div> </div> <div>"International Justice Day is commemorated on 17 July each year to mark the anniversary of the adoption, in 1998, of the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court (ICC)...</div> <div> </div> <div>...The Malaysian Bar urges the Malaysian Government to immediately sign the Rome Statute, and to thereby affirm our confidence in the Rome Statute through our very own membership of the ICC. One of the ways to combat war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and crimes of aggression and to seek justice for their victims is to make it difficult for the perpetrators to hide from justice. Signing the Rome Statute is vital, in order to send a clear signal that Malaysia shares the international community's commitment to end the culture of impunity adopted by countries that sponsor or support such activities, and their leaders." (...)</div> <div> </div> <div>ii. "Join the ICC, Bar Council urges govt", Free Malaysia, 17 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.freemalaysiatoday.com/;fmt-english/;news/;general/;8069-join-the-icc-bar-council-urges-govt">http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/news/general/8069-join-the-icc-bar-council-urges-govt</a></div> <div> </div> <div>"The Bar Council today urged the government to join the international criminal justice system by immediately signing the Rome Statute following the nation's call to bring Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its Gaza flotilla raid early this month. Council president Ragunath Kesavan said the Bar supports the government's motion containing a 15-point resolution which included a demand for strong United Nations Security Council censure on Israel...</div> <div> </div> <div>...'Such a measure (signing the Rome Statute) is appropriate as the drive to end impunity for crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes and crimes of aggression can only be comprehensively addressed if the international community pursues collective action,' he said in a statement to commemorate International Justice Day today.</div> <div> </div> <div>The event also marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute that established the ICC in 1998...</div> <div> </div> <div>...Ragunath reminded that Malaysia, in seeking to become a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2010 to 2013, had stated that 'it has also contributed actively to the realisation of human rights in all its manifestations worldwide'.</div> <div> </div> <div>'There is no better way to further actively contribute to the ongoing realisation of human rights than becoming a member of the ICC,' said Ragunath." (...)</div> <div> </div> <div>See also: "Rome Statute: Time to sign up and be counted", Andrew Khoo, Malaysiakini, 17 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.malaysiakini.com/;news/;137600">http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/137600</a></div> <div> </div> <div>2. Nepal</div> <div> </div> <div>iii. "NCICC Urges Govt to Accede to the Rome Statute", InSecOnline and News Blaze, 16 July 2010, InSecOnline: <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.inseconline.org/;index.php?;type=;news&;id=;6999&;lang=;en">http://www.inseconline.org/index.php?type=news&id=6999&lang=en</a></div> <div> </div> <div>News Blaze: <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;newsblaze.com/;story/;20100717075548zzzz.nb/;topstory.html">http://newsblaze.com/story/20100717075548zzzz.nb/topstory.html</a></div> <div> </div> <div>"National Coalition for the International Criminal Court (NCICC) has urged Government of Nepal to join the International Criminal Court by acceding to the Rome Statute. NCICC issued a press release on International Justice Day calling on the government to immediately accede to the statute." </div> <div> </div> <div>B. Americas</div> <div> </div> <div>1. Canada</div> <div> </div> <div>i. "International Justice Day", The Duck of Minerva, 17 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;duckofminerva.blogspot.com/;2010/;07/;international-justice-day.html">http://duckofminerva.blogspot.com/2010/07/international-justice-day.html</a></div> <div> </div> <div>ii. "Aggressors put on notice", The Star (Toronto), 17 July 2010,</div> <div><a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.thestar.com/;article/;836893--aggressors-put-on-notice">http://www.thestar.com/article/836893--aggressors-put-on-notice</a></div> <div> </div> <div>"With so many 'days' to mark during the year, it's easy to lose track. But today is World Day for International Justice, marking the 12th anniversary of the Rome Statute that created the International Criminal Court, and there is a new reason to celebrate it." </div> <div> </div> <div>C. Europe</div> <div> </div> <div>i. "International justice: first steps on a long road", Michael Blass, RNW, 17 July 2010,</div> <div><a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.rnw.nl/;english/;article/;international-justice-first-steps-a-long-road">http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/international-justice-first-steps-a-long-road</a></div> <div> </div> <div>"It's International Justice Day - twelve years to this date since the Rome Statute established the International Criminal Court in The Hague.</div> <div> </div> <div>So far progress in the war crimes trials and special tribunals has been painfully slow. And the big names like the United States, Russia and China are still missing off the list of countries that have ratified the statute. Nevertheless, William Pace, convenor of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, still thinks there's plenty of reason to celebrate the founding of the first permanent court in history that can bring individuals to justice for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.</div> <div> </div> <div>'The very first cases are excruciatingly slow because all of the procedures are being established, every single issue is appealed by the prosecutor or by the defence.' William Pace says the slow progress of the first ICC justice is disappointing, but it was always to be expected. And governments and judges are committed to picking up the pace. After all on a historical scale, the ICC has only just opened for business.</div> <div> </div> <div>The first person to be arrested under an ICC warrant was Congolese militia leader Thomas Lubanga Dyilo. It's more than four years since he was flown to The Hague to be put on trial for war crimes. And only on Thursday the court ordered his unconditional release. The judges say Lubanga can no longer be given a fair hearing, following a row with the prosecutors over the way they have obtained evidence.</div> <div> </div> <div>At the moment, the release appears to be no more than a threat, to try to push prosecutors into following the court's instructions. But even if Lubanga does end up walking free, Mr Pace isn't entirely disheartened. 'It will be a terrible development,' he says, 'but it will demonstrate the independence of the court and the commitment of the Rome Statute to fair trials.'</div> <div> </div> <div>'[The ICC] is already functioning effectively,' says Mr Pace, 'and it functioned effectively in spite of a major, multi-pronged war by the United States government - the Bush administration - to kill the treaty and the organisation in its cradle.' Anyway, he says, those days are over...</div> <div> </div> <div>...Cooperation is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing international justice, says Mr Pace. It will be a long time before the various missing superpowers and dictatorships agree to take the risk and knuckle under. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic. Twelve years on, he says, the Rome Statute represents 'tremendous and historic progress in the international legal order relative to international justice, to the goal of ending impunity for the worst crimes.'"</div> <div> </div> <div>D. UN News</div> <div> </div> <div>v. "La CPI célèbre la Journée de la justice pénale international", UN News, 16 July 2010,</div> <div><a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;www.un.org/;apps/;newsFr/;storyF.asp?;NewsID=;22450&;Cr=;CPI&;Cr1=;">http://www.un.org/apps/newsFr/storyF.asp?NewsID=22450&Cr=CPI&Cr1=</a></div> <div> </div> <div>SEE ALSO:</div> <div> </div> <div>vi."17 juillet - Jour de la justice pénale international", Law Blog, Video, 15 July 2010, <a target="_blank" href="https://exchange.wfm-igp.net/owa/redir.aspx?C=70ce8b56f0fd4d0d911a0d235df5b4c1&URL=http:;/;/;lawyers-law.com/;17-juillet-jour-de-la-justice-penale-internationale/;">http://lawyers-law.com/17-juillet-jour-de-la-justice-penale-internationale/</a></div> <div> </div> <div>*************************</div> <div> </div> <div>CICC's policy on the referral and prosecution of situations before the ICC:</div> <div>The Coalition for the ICC is not an organ of the court. The CICC is an independent NGO movement dedicated to the establishment of the International Criminal Court as a fair, effective, and independent international organization. The Coalition will continue to provide the most up-to-date information about the ICC and to help coordinate global action to effectively implement the Rome Statute of the ICC. The Coalition will also endeavor to respond to basic queries and to raise awareness about the ICC's trigger mechanisms and procedures, as they develop. The Coalition as a whole, and its secretariat, do not endorse or promote specific investigations or prosecutions or take a position on situations before the ICC. However, individual CICC members may endorse referrals, provide legal and other support on investigations, or develop partnerships with local and other organizations in the course of their efforts.</div> <div>Communications to the ICC can be sent to:</div> <div>ICC</div> <div>P.O. box 19519</div> <div>2500 CM the Hague</div> <div>The Netherlands</div> </font> |
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