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Situations under Preliminary Examination: Recent News and Statements

13 July 2011

Dear All,

Please find below information regarding developments in some of the situations currently under preliminary examination by the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

To date, the ICC has opened investigations in six situations: the Central African Republic; Darfur, Sudan; Uganda; Democratic Republic of Congo; Kenya; and Libya. In addition, the ICC Office of the Prosecutor has made public that it is examining information about a number of situations around the world in order to determine whether an investigation should be opened. According to public and official statements by the ICC, the OTP is looking into alleged crimes committed in Afghanistan, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Georgia, Guinea, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Nigeria, Honduras and Korea. To date the OTP has published the conclusions of its preliminary examination into alleged crimes committed in Iraq and Venezuela.

This message includes a Human Rights Watch report on ICC preliminary examinations as well as news articles, media statements and documents covering the period June - July 2011 related to Côte d'Ivoire (II), Colombia and Honduras (III), as well as Coalition members' statements relating to Syria, a situation currently not before the ICC (IV).

Please take note of the Coalition's policy on situations before the ICC (below), which explicitly states that the Coalition 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.

For additional information you may refer to the Coalition's website at www.coalitionfortheicc.org

Best regards,

CICC Secretariat
www.coalitionfortheicc.org

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I. HRW REPORT ON ICC PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS

A. REPORT

1. "ICC: Prosecutor Can Spur National Trials, Deter Crimes," HRW, 15 June 2011, http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/06/15/icc-prosecutor-can-spur-national-trials-deter-crimes

"The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) could better encourage national trials for international crimes and deter international crimes in 'situations under analysis,' Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Situations under analysis - such as Afghanistan, Colombia, Georgia, and Guinea - are those countries where the ICC prosecutor is considering whether to open formal investigations.

'The ICC prosecutor's ambitious commitment to use his decision whether to investigate as a spur to national trials is a potential boost for justice,' said Elizabeth Evenson, senior international justice counsel at Human Rights Watch. 'He should focus now on putting in place more effective strategies for achieving this.'

The 29-page report, 'Course Correction: Recommendations to the ICC Prosecutor for a More Effective Approach to 'Situations Under Analysis',' examines the Office of the Prosecutor's commitment to using the time it takes to decide whether to open an investigation - known as a preliminary examination - to engage with national authorities. The prospect of ICC action can provide an incentive to national authorities to step up efforts to pursue their own investigations, while signaling to would-be violators that the international community is watching.

While the prosecutor's office has in recent years increased the public profile of its 'situations under analysis' and its engagement at the national level, this engagement has not always been consistent. It has also not provided sufficient public reporting regarding the status of its examinations. Increased publicity with limited follow-up can undermine the ICC's credibility among affected communities and the prosecutor's efforts to encourage national proceedings.

At the same time, maintaining the credibility of ICC action with national authorities while not inflating expectations among affected communities requires a careful balancing act, Human Rights Watch said. For instance, the prosecutor's office could better keep this balance during 'situations under analysis' by publicly issuing interim reports...."

READ FULL REPORT:

2. "ICC: Course Correction: Recommendations to the Prosecutor for a More Effective Approach to 'Situations under Analysis'," HRW, 8 June 2011, http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/06/08/icc-course-correction

B. RELATED MEDIA COVERAGE

1. "CPI/ONG - Pour HRW, Ocampo Manque de Coherence dans ses Examens Preliminaires (ICC / NGOs - To HRW, Ocampo Lacks Consistency in his Preliminary Examinations)," Hirondelle News Agency, 23 June 2011, http://fr.hirondellenews.com/content/view/16385/571/
2. "Map ICC: Prosecutor Can Spur National Trials, Deter Crimes," Surgar Daily, 18 June 2011, http://surgar.net/english/-news-pg-Sports-1125.html
3. "ICC: Prosecutor Can Spur National Trials, Deter Crimes," International Justice Desk, RNW, 17 June 2011, http://www.rnw.nl/international-justice/article/icc-prosecutor-can-spur-national-trials-deter-crimes
4. "HRW encourages more pressure from ICC," UPI, 16 June 2011, http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/06/16/HRW-encourages-more-pressure-from-ICC/UPI-45711308247600/

II. CÔTE D'IVOIRE

On 23 June 2011, the ICC prosecutor requested authorization from PTC II to open an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Côte d'Ivoire following the disputed presidential election of 28 November 2010. Judges of PTC II will now consider whether there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation and whether the matter falls within the Court's jurisdiction. Victims, or their legal representatives, were also invited to make representations to PTC II on whether an investigation should be opened.

A. COALITION MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

1. "Declaration of Ivorian civil society on the opening of an investigation by the ICC Office of the Prosecutor in Côte d'Ivoire," (Déclaration de la société civile ivoirienne sur l'ouverture d'enquête du bureau du Procureur de la CPI en Côte d'Ivoire), Public declaration signed by 40 Civil Society Organisations in Côte d'Ivoire, July 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/declaration_de_la_societe_civile_ivoirienne_au_procureur_de_la_CPI.pdf (In French)

[Informal Translation provided by the CICC Secretariat]

"The Rome Statute establishing the ICC, adopted on 17 July 1998, was signed by the state of Côte d'Ivoire on 30 November 1998. The incompatibility of this treaty with the Ivorian constitution of 1 August 2000, highlighted by the Constitutional Council in its Notice 002/CC/SG dated 17 December 2003, was frequently mentioned to justify the impossibility of Côte d'Ivoire's ratification of the Statute.

Human rights organizations in Côte d'Ivoire - concerned with the protection and defense of human rights and aware that the ICC may end impunity, punish the perpetrators of serious crimes and especially bring a lasting peace through an independent and impartial justice - have been working since the 2002 military and political crisis towards rendering justice to the thousands of victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

This is why civil society organizations welcomed the recognition of the ICC's jurisdiction by Côte d'Ivoire in 2003. They have always encouraged the government to facilitate the opening of an investigation into those events. Consequently, the reaffirmation of the jurisdiction of the ICC to try international crimes committed in Côte d'Ivoire followed by President Ouattara's call for the opening of an ICC investigation was also welcomed by the people and civil society as a whole.

We appreciate the importance of the positive response of the Office of the Prosecutor to these calls and we welcome the assessment mission that the OTP is currently conducting on the field.

However, we regret that the request to open an investigation does not go back to the year 2002 to cover all crimes falling within the jurisdiction of the Court committed in Côte d'Ivoire to date.

The Prosecutor's investigation and prosecution strategy shall remain as objective and impartial as possible so as to ensure that the Ivorian people do not feel there is a two-tier justice, a victor's justice. In the eyes of many victims of 2002, of the people as a whole, and of NGOs, not taking into account the events that have occurred since 2002 would undermine the credibility of the Court and damage national reconciliation. That is what it costs to maintain a lasting peace. We must avoid repeating the violations of human rights.

Armed with these observations, the Ivorian civil society organizations are calling on the Office of the Prosecutor to open the investigation of crimes committed in Ivory Coast, starting with the 2002 war. ..."

SEE FULL LIST OF SIGNATORIES: http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/declaration_de_la_societe_civile_ivoirienne_au_procureur_de_la_CPI.pdf

2. "Côte d'Ivoire: Gbagbo Supporters Tortured, Killed in Abidjan," HRW, 2 June 2011, http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/06/02/c-te-d-ivoire-gbagbo-supporters-tortured-killed-abidjan (excerpts)

"Armed forces loyal to President Alassane Ouattara have killed at least 149 real or perceived supporters of the former President Laurent Gbagbo since taking control of the commercial capital in mid-April, 2011, Human Rights Watch said today.

... 'The hope of a new era following President Ouattara's inauguration will fade fast unless these horrible abuses against pro-Gbagbo groups stop immediately,' said Corinne Dufka, senior West Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. 'The president has repeatedly promised credible, impartial investigations and prosecutions; now is the time to keep those promises.'....

On May 19, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) declared his intention to open an investigation into crimes committed in Côte d'Ivoire. An ICC investigation could make an important contribution to ensuring accountability, but Human Rights Watch also urged Ouattara's administration to hold fair domestic trials to ensure justice for victims and promote respect for the rule of law in the conflict-ravaged country....

Recommendations ... To President Alassane Ouattara:

- Demonstrate that promises of impartial and credible prosecutions of grave crimes are meaningful by ensuring immediate investigations into killings, extrajudicial executions, and torture committed by the Republican Forces in Abidjan. Hold those responsible accountable, including commanders who oversaw the crimes, regardless of their military rank.

- Put commanders implicated in serious abuse on administrative leave, pending investigation....

- Cooperate fully with the ICC, including arresting suspects, if the court prosecutor opens an investigation of crimes committed in Côte d'Ivoire...."

SEE ALSO:

3. "Côte d'Ivoire: Act Swiftly on UN Inquiry: Security Council Should Release 2004 Report on Grave Crimes," HRW, 15 June 2011, http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/06/15/c-te-d-ivoire-act-swiftly-un-inquiry
4. "Prosecutor Requests Opening of ICC Investigation in Cote d'Ivoire: Prosecutor Seeks Judges' Authorization to Investigate 2010 Post-Election Violence," Coalition for the ICC, 23 June 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/CotedIvoire_OTPRinvestigationRequest_CICCMA_230611.pdf
5. "Côte d'Ivoire: ICC Prosecutor Seeks Investigation - Justice for Crimes Prior to Recent Violence and by Both Sides Vital," Press Release, Human Rights Watch,
23 June 2011, http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/06/23/c-te-d-ivoire-icc-prosecutor-seeks-investigation
6. "ICC finally in Cote d'Ivoire: NPWJ welcomes ICC Prosecutor's request to open an investigation; concerned request only covers crimes committed after 28 November 2010," Media statement, No Peace Without Justice, 23 June 2011 http://www.npwj.org/ICC/ICC-finally-Cote-d’Ivoire-NPWJ-welcomes-ICC-Pros
ecutor’s-request-open-investigation-concerned-re

B. ICC STATEMENTS

1. "ICC Prosecutor requests judges for authorization to open an investigation in
Côte d'Ivoire," ICC-OTP Press release, 23 June 2011,
http://www.icc-cpi.int/NR/exeres/F9AF01D6-28E5-4533-9398-3F4B616BB7DB.htm
2. "Cote D'Ivoire: ICC Prosecutor ready to request judges for authorization to open an investigation," Statement, ICC-OTP Press release, 22 June 2011, http://www.icc-cpi.int/NR/exeres/B6557377-6201-40F4-9C01-EFA00173969A.htm
3. "OTP Public Notice: Victims of violence committed since the 2010 presidential election in Côte d'Ivoire have 30 days to make representations to ICC in The Hague on the opening of an investigation by the prosecutor," ICC-OTP Press release, 17 June 2011, http://www.icc-cpi.int/menus/icc/press and media/press releases/news and highlights/otp170611

C. RELATED NEWS AND OPINIONS

1. "Gbagbo, Ouattara forces engaged in war crimes -ICC," Aaron Gray-Block, Reuters, 24 June 2011, http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/06/24/idINIndia-57876420110624
2. "Look deeper at Ivory Coast, HRW tells ICC," UPI, 24 June 2011, http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/06/24/Look-deeper-at-Ivory-Coast-HRW-tells-ICC/UPI-35771308929314/
3. "ICC prosecutor asks to open Ivory Coast probe," Mike Corder, AP, 23 June 2011, http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/7623500.html
4. "Toward A New Côte d'Ivoire -- or the Selective Justice of the Past?", Matt Wells (HRW), The Huffington Post, 22 June 2011, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-wells/toward-a-new-cote-divorie_b_882116.html
5. "Côte d'Ivoire: Il faut une 'justice transitionnelle', Raddho (Côte d'Ivoire: There must be 'transitional justice', Raddho)," WADR, 20 June 2011, http://www.wadr.org/fr/site/news_fr/1117/Côte-d'Ivoire-Il-faut-une-'justice-transitionnelle'-Raddho.htm (In French)
6. "FIDH et Amnesty International - Ouattara refuse la visite des Organisations de droits de l'homme à Gbagbo (FIDH and Amnesty International - Ouattara denies the organizations visiting rights to Gbagbo)," La Voie, 8 June 2011, http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/201106081104.html (In French)
7. "Exécutions sauvages en Côte d'Ivoire (Savage executions in Côte d'Ivoire)," René Dassié, Afrik.com, 7 June 2011, http://www.afrik.com/article23014.html (In French)
8. "Human Rights Watch dénonce les meurtres de partisans pro-Gbagbo à Abidjan (Human Rights Watch denounces the murders of pro-Gbagbo partisans in Abidjan)," RFI, 3 June 2011, http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20110603-human-right-watch-denonce-meurtres-partisans-pro-gbagbo-abidjan (In French)
9. "149 présumés pro-Gbagbo tués par les forces pro-Ouattara (149 suspected pro-Gbagbo forces killed by pro-Ouattara forces), Rédaction Afrique, 3 June 2011, http://www.rnw.nl/afrique/article/149-présumés-pro-gbagbo-tués-par-les-forces-pro-ouattara (In French)
10. "Des pro-Ouattara accusés d'assassinats après la chute de Gbagbo (Pro-Ouattara forces accused of murder after the fall of Gbagbo)," ATS, 2 June 2011, http://www.tdg.ch/pro-ouattara-accuses-assassinats-chute-gbagbo-2011-06-02 (In French)
11. "Both sides blamed for Ivorian massacres," Marco Chown Oved, Business Day, 26 May 2011, http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=143889
12. "UN says 1,000 died in western I. Coast during feud," RNW, 26 May 2011, http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/un-says-1000-died-western-i-coast-during-feud
13. Interview with Ali Ouattara, Ivorian Coalition for the ICC; Traoré Drissa, MIDH and Mata Coulibaly, CIDDH, Radio Côte d'Ivoire, 10 July 2011, www.radioci.com (in French)
14. "Fatou Bensouda, à sa descente d'avion : 'Il faut en finir avec l'impunité en Côte d'Ivoire' (Fatou Bensouda, off the plane: 'We must end impunity in Côte d'Ivoire')," Le Patriote, 28 June 2011, http://lepatriote.net/lire/a9d03afd-2eb9-4acd-861f-517ca1bf3b00.aspx
15. "Ivory Coast signs ICC accord, pledges no impunity," Tim Cocks, Reuters, 28 June 2011, http://af.reuters.com/article/ivoryCoastNews/idAFLDE75R10320110628
16. "Crimes contre l'humanité : Fatou Bensouda (CPI) à Abidjan aujourd'hui (Crimes against humanity: Fatou Bensouda (ICC) to Abidjan today)," Le Patriote, 27 June 2011, http://news.abidjan.net/h/402720.html
17. "Une mission d'évaluation de la Cour pénale internationale en Côte d'Ivoire (An evaluation mission from the International Criminal Court in Côte d'Ivoire)," RFI, 27 June 2011, http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20110627-une-mission-evaluation-cour-penale-internationale-cote-ivoire
18. "ICC prosecutor asks to open Ivory Coast probe," AP, 23 June 2011, http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/06/23/general-eu-international-court-ivory-coast_8530797.html
19. "Ivory Coast: in denial," International Justice Tribune, RNW, 22 June 2011, http://www.rnw.nl/international-justice/article/ivory-coast-denial
20. "Warcrimes prosecutor seeks to open I. Coast probe," AFP, 22 June 2011, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jpujZJuG6qgceKqFSXiEIc8g5YPQ?docId=CNG.b7112f145bbe0bf272c165231e8d14d5.831
21. "ICC asks I. Coast poll violence victims to come forward," AFP, 17 June 2011, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hFfOhefpgSsWCY2yq75RP-J7D_wA?docId=CNG.2ffd7d1270ae6cbe6fc6e14abb3d8682.b71
22. "Mise en place en Côte d'Ivoire d'une commission d'enquête nationale sur les exactions (Establishment in Côte d'Ivoire of a national commission of inquiry into abuses)," Ursula Soares, RFI, 16 June 2011, http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20110616-mise-place-cote-ivoire-une-commission-enquete-nationale-exactions-commises-pendant- (In French)
23. "Côte d'Ivoire: création d'une commission d'enquête sur les exactions (Côte d'Ivoire: creation of a commission of inquiry into abuses)," AFP, 16 June 2011, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gAEpK0uJgm8mWNLsyssuEGh6f7DA?docId=CNG.ac9de6de0b48830921882148d461212d.441
24. "Comment réparer les exactions en Côte d'Ivoire ? (How to fix the atrocities in Côte d'Ivoire?)," Deutsche Welle, 6 June 2011, http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6542495,00.html

III. COLOMBIA AND HONDURAS

1. "Preliminary examinations in Colombia and Honduras: the importance of opening investigations and conducting in situ visits," Open letter to ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, signed by 19 human rights organisations 15 June 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/cartaLuisMorenoOcampoHondurasColombia.pdf (Spanish) and http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Letter_to_the_Prosecutor-_Honduras_and_Colombia-_English_version.pdf (English)

"In the context of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court's Regional Strategy Meeting for the Americas, the undersigned civil society organizations participating in this meeting are writing to urge you to open investigations in Honduras and Colombia as well as to request that during your last months in office as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), you visit these two countries that are currently under preliminary examination.

To this end, Mr. Prosecutor, we support the calls made by organizations in both Colombia and Honduras who have requested that you open investigations and visit the countries before the end of 2011, as well as present the assessments carried out by your office regarding preliminary examinations in these two cases. We hope that through these actions you will be able to further continue to discuss the OTP's conclusions and recommendations on these situations under analysis with different government entities, civil society organizations and victims.

We are convinced, Mr. Prosecutor, that the opening of these investigations and your presence in these two countries will enhance the political will to investigate and prosecute those responsible for crimes which would fall under the jurisdiction of the ICC, in particular for those bearing the greatest responsibility. These actions will also send a clear message that the Office of the Prosecutor will take a strong stand against impunity and will actively foster the role of national judiciaries in these countries, thus contributing in deterring the perpetration of future crimes...."

SEE FULL LIST OF SIGNATORIES: http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/cartaLuisMorenoOcampoHondurasColombia.pdf

2. "Final Recommendations from CICC Latin American Members," CICC Regional Strategy Meeting for the Americas, San Salvador, June 13-14, 2011, http://www.iccnow.org/documents/CICC_Recommendations-_RSM_Americas-_English_version.pdf

"... To the International Criminal Court
* Implement training and dissemination programs regarding the work of the Court in Colombia and Honduras, in order to ensure that societies in both countries can maximize the potential offered by the preliminary examinations to strengthen the national processes of investigation and prosecution of international crimes.
* Urge the Office of the Prosecutor to provide more transparent information regarding its work on situations under preliminary examination by issuing reports that reveal some of the specific advances, which, in its view, states under preliminary examination have been implementing.
* Ensure regular visits by ICC officials to countries in the region with the goal of strengthening ties with civil society, inviting, in particular, civil society organizations of countries under preliminary examination to participate in meetings organized by the Court. ..."

B. RELATED NEWS AND OPINIONS

1. "Piden a Corte Penal Internacional investigar la crisis del 28 de junio (ICC asked to investigate the crisis of June 28)," Tempo, 20 June 2011, http://www.tiempo.hn/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2:piden-a-corte-penal-internacional-investigar-la-crisis-del-28-de-junio&Itemid=66 (In Spanish)
2. "Congressman asks ICC to monitor investigation against Uribe," Adriaan Alsema, Colombia Reports, 5 June 2011, http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/16753-congressman-asks-icc-to-monitor-investigation-against-uribe.html

IV. SYRIA

1. "Report reveals crimes against humanity in Syrian town," Press release, Amnesty International, 6 July 2011, http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/report/report-reveals-crimes-against-humanity-syrian-town-2011-07-06
"The brutal methods used in a devastating Syrian security operation in the western town of Tell Kalakh may constitute crimes against humanity, Amnesty International said today in a new report.

"... Amnesty International considers that crimes committed in Tell Kalakh amount to crimes against humanity as they appear to be part of a widespread, as well as systematic, attack against the civilian population.

Amnesty International reiterated its call on the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. It also urged the Syrian authorities to provide unimpeded access to UN investigators currently looking into the human rights situation in Syria.

"The willingness of the international community to take action on Libya in the name of human rights has highlighted its double standards on Syria," said Philip Luther [Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director].

"Despite President Bashar al-Assad's talk of reform, there is little evidence so far that the Syrian authorities will respond to anything but concrete international measures." ..."

2. "Killing of civilians and humanitarian crisis on Syrian Turkish border," FIDH, 17 June 2011, http://www.fidh.org/Killing-of-civilians-and-humanitarian-crisis-on

"The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies (DCHRS) are deeply concerned about the violent crackdown on inhabitants around Syrian Turkish border. According to local sources, in the last few days, more than 130 persons died, 100 were wounded and over 2000 were arbitrarily arrested in the village of Jisr al-Shoghour and around the city of Idleb....

In light of the abusive use of force and of the intensified crackdown by the Syrian authorities since March 15, FIDH and DCHRS consider that international crimes are being perpetrated by the Syrian authorities. These crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

FIDH and DCHRS reiterate their call to the international community, in particular to the UN Security Council and the Arab League, to take immediate action to urge the Syrian authorities to put an end to the crimes committed against civilians and to undertake all efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these crimes."

3. "Syria: Crimes Against Humanity in Daraa," HRW, 1 June 2011, http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/06/01/syria-crimes-against-humanity-daraa

"Systematic killings and torture by Syrian security forces in the city of Daraa since protests began there on March 18, 2011, strongly suggest that these qualify as crimes against humanity, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.

The 54-page report, ''We've Never Seen Such Horror': Crimes against Humanity in Daraa,' is based on more than 50 interviews with victims and witnesses to abuses. The report focuses on violations in Daraa governorate, where some of the worst violence took place after protests seeking greater freedoms began in various parts of the country. The specifics went largely unreported due to the information blockade imposed by the Syrian authorities. Victims and witnesses interviewed by Human Rights Watch described systematic killings, beatings, torture using electroshock devices, and detention of people seeking medical care...."

READ FULL REPORT: "'We've Never Seen Such Horror': Crimes against Humanity by Syrian Security Forces," HRW, 1 June 2011, http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2011/06/01/we-ve-never-seen-such-horror-0

4. "UN urged to act following deadly weekend in Syria," Amnesty International, 6 June 2011, http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/un-urged-act-following-deadliest-weekend-yet-syria-2011-06-06

"Amnesty International has condemned Syrian authorities' brutal treatment of protesters following one of the bloodiest weekends in months of pro-reform demonstrations, with more than 120 people reportedly shot dead....

'As the death toll in Syria reaches staggering new heights, it is imperative that the UN Security Council - which has so far been silent on this issue - votes to condemn the killings,' said Philip Luther, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

'It must also take decisive action and refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. Those responsible for the brutal crackdown of pro-reform protesters must no longer be allowed to get away with murder,' he added...."

SEE ALSO:

5. "Syria must release all prisoners of conscience under amnesty," Amnesty International, 2 June 2011, http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/syria-must-release-all-prisoners-conscience-under-amnesty-2011-06-02

6. "Fears for Syrian child protesters amid fresh reports of deaths," Amnesty International, 10 June 2011, http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/fears-syrian-children-detention-amid-fresh-reports-torture-death-2011-06-09

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The CICC's policy on the referral and prosecution of situations before the ICC:

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. Communications to the ICC can be sent to:

ICC
P.O. Box 19519
2500 CM, The Hague
The Netherlands