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ICC Prosecutor seeks arrest of Sudanese president: On July 14, 2008 ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo filed an application for a warrant of arrest for Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir on charges of 10 counts of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. This is the first time the Prosecutor has publicly charged an individual with the crime of genocide. The Prosecutor alleges in his application that President Al Bashir targeted and sought to destroy the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups in Darfur by deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the groups’ destruction. The judges of Pre-Trial Chamber I will evaluate the evidence presented and decide whether to issue a warrant of arrest for President Al Bashir.
Former DRC VP transferred to ICC on alleged CAR atrocities: On July 3, 2008 Belgian authorities transferred former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba to the ICC where he made his initial appearance on July 4 following his arrest on May 24. Mr. Bemba faces charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including rape and torture, allegedly committed in the Central African Republic (CAR). The Government of CAR referred the situation to the ICC in December 2004. The ICC Prosecutor opened a formal investigation in May 2007, with a particular focus on gender crimes and crimes of sexual violence. Click here to read the OTP press release, AMICC's CAR background paper and AMICC's factsheet on Mr. Bemba.
Appeals likely to delay release of ICC's first defendant: On July 2, 2008 Trial Chamber I of the ICC issued a decision ordering the release of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo once all appeals, if any, have been exhausted. The Chamber issued the decision in response to a motion by the defense for Mr. Lubanga and its own finding that a fair trial would not be possible if the Prosecutor does not release confidential exculpatory documents to the accused. It is very likely that the prosecution will appeal this decision. The Chamber also granted the prosecution leave to appeal its June 13 decision to stay the proceedings. These appeals will likely delay any possible release of Mr. Lubanga, alleged leader of the Union des Patriotes Congolais (UPC) militia in the Democratic Republic of Congo, on charges of war crimes related to the conscription and abuse of child soldiers which were confirmed by Pre-Trial Chamber I in January 2007.
President limits reach of Nethercutt provision for 2008: On June 20, 2008 President Bush directed the Secretary of State to waive Economic Support Funds (ESF) sanctions with respect to 14 nations: Bolivia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Kenya, Mali, Mexico, Namibia, Niger, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, South Africa, and Tanzania. Congress approved HR 2764 and President Bush signed into law in December 2007 a comprehensive Consolidated Appropriations Act which reinstated the so-called Nethercutt provision cutting off ESF to nations unwilling to enter into Bilateral Immunity Agreements (BIAs) shielding US nationals from the jurisdiction of the ICC. Those US allies not subject of the waiver may lose millions of dollars in economic assistance. Click here to reach more about US legislation on the ICC.
Security Council issues Darfur presidential statement: On June 16, 2008 the United States presidency of the UN Security Council issued a Presidential Statement (PRST) adopted by consensus calling on Sudan to cooperate with the ICC, including on arrest warrants issued by the Court. It follows the June 5, 2008 seventh bi-annual report of ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo to the Security Council regarding his office's investigation into crimes committed in the situation in Darfur. In his statement to the Council, the Prosecutor again called for the arrest of Ahmad Harun and Ali Kushayb and stated that his office would bring two more Darfur cases later this year. Following the report, Security Council President and US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad reiterated the US commitment to justice for Darfur and support for a Security Council PRST in order to achieve accountability.
ICC Prosecutor's report to UN highlights ongoing crimes: On June 5, 2008 ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo delivered his seventh bi-annual report to the UN Security Council regarding his office's investigation into crimes committed in the situation in Darfur. In his statement to the Council, the Prosecutor again called for the Ahmad Harun and Ali Kushayb and stated that his office would bring two more Darfur cases later this year. In response to the report, Security Council President and US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad reiterated the US commitment to justice for Darfur and support for a Security Council Presidential Statement (PRST) in order to achieve accountability. Click here to read a New York Times article on the hearing.
55 Members of Congress urge US action on ICC arrests: On May 30, 2008 55 US lawmakers sent a bipartisan letter to President Bush urging him to work through the Security Council for action on Darfur, including a benchmark that "The Government of Sudan must hand over to the ICC all indicted individuals without any delay as required by [UN Security Council] Resolution 1593." Click here to read other statements by US lawmakers.
ICC unseals fourth DRC arrest warrant: On April 28, 2008 Pre-Trial Chamber I made public its 2006 arrest warrant for Bosco Ntaganda, alleged former associate of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo of the Forces Patriotiques pour la Libération du Congo (FPLC). Mr. Ntaganda, who is still at large, allegedly enlisted or conscripted children under the age of 15 and used them to participate actively in hostilities. Click here to read an OTP press release and AMICC's factsheet on Mr. Ntaganda.
US signals acceptance of ICC, reiterates qualified willingness to assist on Darfur: On April 25, 2008 Department of State Legal Adviser John B. Bellinger III in his remarks to an ICC conference in Chicago acknowledged that the US must accept that the ICC is a reality and that it enjoys broad international support. It was the most far-reaching statement on US-ICC policy by a high-ranking member of the Bush Administration since 2002. Bellinger also stated that "if the ICC were to make a request for appropriate assistance from the United States in connection with the Darfur matter, we would be prepared to consider it consistent with applicable U.S. law." Click here to read other statements regarding US-ICC cooperation and a Wall Street Journal article about the speech. Click here to read AMICC's analysis of it and a Reuters news analysis quoting AMICC Convener John Washburn.
Ms. Silvana Arbia sworn in as ICC Registrar: On April 17, 2008 Ms. Silvana Arbia of Italy began a renewable five-year term as Registrar, the chief administrator of the Court. The judges of the ICC elected Ms. Arbia on February 28. Ms. Arbia, who succeeds Mr. Bruno Cathala of France, is currently the Chief of Prosecutions at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), served as a judge in Italy for 20 years and was a member of the Italian delegation to the Rome Conference which established the ICC. Click here to read more about Ms. Arbia as well as her statement at the ceremony of her solemn undertaking.
Madagascar becomes 30th African State Party: On June 1, 2008 Madagascar became the 106th State Party to the Rome Statute of the ICC. Madagascar signed the Rome Statute on July 18, 1998, one day after the conclusion of the Rome Conference, and ratified the treaty on March 14, 2008. Click here for a complete list of signatories and States Parties.
ICC judges join two DRC cases, set confirmation hearing: On March 10, Pre-Trial Chamber I issued a decision joining the cases of The Prosecutor v. Germain Katanga and The Prosecutor v. Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui. Both suspects are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during and after an attack on the village of Bogoro in the Ituri region in 2003. The confirmation of charges hearing is set to begin on June 27, 2008.
Third DRC suspect appears before ICC judges: On February 7, 2008 Congolese authorities transferred to the ICC Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui, alleged former leader of the National Integrationist Front (FNI), based on nine counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. At his initial appearance before the Court, held on February 11, the judges of Pre-Trial Chamber I informed him of his rights under the Rome Statute as well as the crimes he allegedly committed as the former leader of the FNI, including murder, sexual slavery, inhuman treatment, the use child soldiers in hostilities, and unlawful attacks against civilians during and after an attack on the village of Bogoro in the Ituri region in 2003. From October 2006 until his arrest on February 6, Mr. Ngudjolo served as a Colonel in the National Army of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Click here to read an OTP fact sheet on Mathieu Ngudjolo and Germain Katanga, the second DRC suspect in custody.
US Congress repeals anti-ICC provisions, eliminating all military sanctions from ASPA: On January 28, 2008 President Bush signed into law an amendment to the American Servicemembers' Protection Act (ASPA) to eliminate restrictions on Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to nations unwilling to enter into Bilateral Immunity Agreements (BIAs) shielding US nationals from the jurisdiction of the ICC. An earlier version of the defense appropriations act containing this amendment was vetoed by President Bush on December 28, 2007 for reasons unrelated to the ASPA amendment. Section 1212 of HR 4986 effectively guts from ASPA all of the provisions which threaten nations with the loss of military assistance of any kind for refusing a BIA. In October 2006, Congress lifted International Military and Education Training (IMET) restrictions provided for in ASPA. ASPA will still place restrictions on US cooperation to the ICC, subject to the Dodd Amendment, as well as US participation in peacekeeping missions, and authorize military force to free US nationals from the custody of the ICC. Click here to learn more about the US anti-ICC legislation and the recent changes.
Three ICC judges elected at sixth ASP are sworn in: On January 17, 2008 three new judges made a solemn undertaking and assumed their judicial duties. Mr. Bruno Cotte of France and Mr. Daniel Nsereko of Uganda, both assigned to the Trial Division, will serve until March 10, 2012. Ms. Fumiko Saiga of Japan, assigned to the Pre-Trial Division, was picked by lot to serve until March 10, 2009 and thus will be permitted to seek reelection for a full nine-year term in 2008. The three new judges were elected at the sixth session of the ICC's Assembly of States Parties at UN Headquarters in New York to serve out the terms of three judges who resigned. During the session, which AMICC attended, the management and oversight body of the Court also adopted a series of resolutions concerning the work of the Court, approved the ICC's annual budget for 2008 and discussed the crime of aggression. Read AMICC's pre-ASP Memo and its post-ASP Report on its work at the sixth session.
UN Secretary-General urges closer UN-ICC cooperation: On December 3, 2007 Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon hailed the ICC as "the centrepiece of our system of international criminal justice" in an address at UN Headquarters to the sixth session of the Court's Assembly of States Parties. He also urged all Member States to assist in enforcing the outstanding arrest warrants.
DRC hands over second suspect to ICC: On October 17, 2007 the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) transferred Germain Katanga, alleged commander of the Force de résistance patriotique en Ituri (FPRI), to The Hague. Pre-Trial Chamber I issued a sealed warrant of arrest for Mr. Katanga, also known as Simba, on July 2, 2007 based on allegations of six war crimes and three crimes against humanity including murder, sexual slavery and intentionally directing attacks at civilians. Click here to read the press release and an OTP background information sheet. Click here to read more about of Mr. Katanga, including his arrest and surrender to the ICC.
US Congress passes resolution on Darfur response: On October 29, 2007 the US House of Representatives passed resolution HR 726 drawing attention to the crisis in Darfur, in particular crimes of rape and sexual violence, noting key provisions of the Rome Statute, and calling on the government of Sudan to enforce the arrest warrants issued by the ICC for Ahmad Muhammad Harun and Ali Muhammad Al Abd-Al-Raham.
White House issues new aid waiver on Montenegro: On August 31, 2007 President Bush directed the Secretary of State to waive all military aid restrictions on Montenegro under the American Servicemembers' Protection Act (ASPA). This waiver follows reports that on April 19, 2007 the US and Montenegro signed a bilateral immunity agreement shielding US citizens from the Court's jurisdiction, without which Montenegro risked losing military and economic aid.
ICC Prosecutor opens investigation in Central African Republic: On May 22, 2007 ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo announced that his office had decided to open an investigation into alleged killings, sexual crimes and looting in the Central African Republic since July 1, 2002. The government of the Central African Republic, an ICC State Party, referred the situation to the ICC on December 21, 2004. The Court is also investigating alleged atrocities in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Darfur, Sudan. Click here for an OTP fact sheet and additional information.
PTC I issues arrest warrants for Darfur suspects: On May 2, 2007 Pre-Trial Chamber I issued warrants of arrest for Ahmad Muhammad Harun, former Minister of State for the Interior of the Government of the Sudan (and current Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs), and Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (also known as Ali Kushayb), a Militia/Janjaweed leader, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Darfur region of Sudan, including murder, rape, torture and persecution. The arrest warrant for Harun is the first ever issued by a permanent international court against a sitting government official. The Pre-Trial Chamber's decision follows an application on February 27, 2007 by the ICC Prosecutor requesting issuance of a summons to appear as an alternative to warrants of arrest. These arrest warrants mark a crucial step towards the indictment and trial of individuals for the alleged atrocities committed in the Darfur region of Sudan since July 1, 2002.
Uganda arrest warrants: The unsealing of the ICC's arrest warrants on October 13, 2005 for five senior members of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) from Northern Uganda, including the group's leader, Joseph Kony, has increased pressure on the LRA to seek a political resolution to the 20-year conflict. Click here for a report and questions and answers to assist in advocacy.
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Local Action |
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Union for Reform Judaism passes ICC resolution: At its 69th General Assembly in June 2008, the Union for Reform Judaism, which represents the largest Jewish religious movement in North America, adopted a Resolution on International Human Rights in support of the ICC and US ratification of the Rome Statute.
See what the 2008 presidential candidates are saying about the ICC, including a recent statement by Senator Barack Obama on US-ICC cooperation, and look for opportunities to ask candidates about the ICC. Read a Des Moines Register Op-Ed by Kate Karacay of Iowa UNA on the importance of asking candidates about the ICC.
The San Francisco Chronicle published a front page article on January 2, 2008 about the positions of current presidential candidates on the ICC, including a link to AMICC’s collection of statements which are used extensively in the article.
ICC resolutions approved by American Bar Association sections: Resolutions calling for closer US cooperation and participation with the ICC passed by the Section of International Law and the Criminal Justice Section in April 2008 will be considered by the ABA House of Delegates at its annual meeting in August.
ASIL President discusses US-ICC relations: Click here to read about "The Evolving US-ICC Relationship", by American Society of International Law President José E. Alvarez.
New report on the ICC and the Responsibility to Protect: Click here to read the report of "The Responsibility to Protect and the International Criminal Court: America’s New Priorities" conference, which AMICC's Convener attended, presented by the Center for International Human Rights at Northwestern University School of Law and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) Coalition.
International Association of Women Judges unanimously approves a resolution in support of the ICC's effort to end impunity in Darfur at its biennial conference.
Presbyterian Church (USA) reaffirms support for ICC: On November 12, 2007 AMICC member and US FENICC co-chair PCUSA issued a statement by its Stated Clerk voicing its support for the Court and its ongoing work. Click here to read PCUSA's press release.
California Bar Associations approve ICC resolution: The Conference of Delegates of the California Bar Associations (CDCBA) passed a resolution in support of the ICC which was introduced and championed by International Criminal Court Alliance, AMICC's Southern California alliance, and the LA County Bar Association.
Find out if your current senators and representatives in Washington voted against the American Servicemembers' Protection Act of 2002 (ASPA), legislation prohibiting most US cooperation with the ICC. Click here to find out more ASPA and other relevant legislation.
Transatlantic dialogues: AMICC analyzes the Atlantic Council's "Law & the Lone Superpower" policy paper, taking issue with it on certain aspects of the ICC and the Rome Statute as well as characterizations of European notions of justice.
Work to support resolutions endorsing the ICC. Click here to view resolutions passed by organizations and governments around the US, including International Justice Day proclamations in Los Angeles and other cities.
Conduct a local poll on the ICC: Nationwide polls show strong American support for the ICC and US cooperation in Darfur. Help inspire local action by showing your community's support for the ICC.
Click here for a complete list of AMICC's members and observers as well as their statements and resolutions in support of the ICC.
Darfur referral and arrest warrants provide breakthrough for US advocacy: Click here to learn more about the current investigation and the US position on Darfur.
AMICC in the Press:
Read AMICC Convener John Washburn's letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal, published on May 2, 2007, in response to "German for Chutzpah", a commentary by David B. Rivkin and Lee A. Casey.
"The Evolution of Justice", an article on international courts by Deputy Convener Matthew Heaphy, was published in the spring issue of UNA-USA's The InterDependent.
The National Education Association wrote a letter to President Bush on April 30, 2007 calling upon "the United States government to provide assistance to the International Criminal Court" by providing intelligence for the prosecution of the atrocities in Darfur. The NEA’s Resolution Committee previously adopted a resolution in favor of US cooperation with the Court and ratification of the Rome Statute. The NEA, with 2.7 million members, is the largest professional association in the US.
The United Nations Association of the USA, an AMICC member, unanimously passed a resolution on the ICC at its Biennial Convention in March 2007. Click here to learn more about AMICC's members and their support for the ICC.
Click here to view upcoming ICC events in your area.
Organize ICC-related events on days of remembrance and celebration: Click here for suggestions.
Find AMICC advocacy materials about the ICC. Click here to find updated materials on issues related to the Court, including victims' participation and defendants' due process rights.
Join an existing ICC alliance or start a new one: Click here to find out more.
Apply for an internship with AMICC. Click here to learn about the internship program and the UNA-USA application procedure.
Click here to order UNA-USA's educational video, "A Beacon in the Dark," which explains powerfully why US government opposition to the Court is unnecessary and violates America's most cherished beliefs and principles.
An October 2006 event in Arkansas organized by leaders of the local AMICC alliance featured former Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues Pierre-Richard Prosper. Click here to read news coverage, including remarks by the president of the University of Central Arkansas Student Alliance for the International Criminal Court.
National Association of Evangelicals supports Court on Darfur: The October/November 2005 National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) newsletter includes a strong article in support of the ICC's work in Darfur. It results from the October 2005 visit by ICC President Judge Philippe Kirsch to their Washington offices which AMICC coordinated and attended.
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