150 African and Arab civil society organisations implore US and China to help solve conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan (2 May 2012) China and the United States are in a unique position to encourage Sudan and South Sudan to resolve their internal and cross-border conflicts through peaceful negotiation, said a coalition of leading Arab and African civil society organisations in letters sent to the US Secretary of State and Chinese Foreign Minister ahead of the US-China strategic dialogue in Beijing, May 3-4. The signatory organisations, which include the Institute for Security Studies and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, warn that recent escalation of cross-border violence between Sudan and South Sudan poses a very grave threat to international peace and security. Their plea comes as the UN Security Council prepares to vote on a new resolution regarding the Sudans conflict. The letters call on the US and China to show leadership and use their influence with the two parties, and their status as permanent members of the UN Security Council, to encourage Sudan and South Sudan to return to the negotiating table and resolve outstanding post-secession issues. The organisations warn that the impending rainy season means that time is running out to help hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced by fighting, many of whom are already facing serious food shortages. They stress the need for Sudan to uphold its commitment to addressing the underlying causes of conflicts in South Kordorfan and Blue Nile states, which can have ‘no military solution’. The letter, which was sent on Tuesday to Mr Yang Jiechi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and Hillary Clinton, US secretary of State, reads: “Your engagement and collaboration is crucial for the well being of the people of the two Sudans and for the region as a whole. […] Sudan and South Sudan are at a turning-point in their history and the next few weeks and months will be decisive. Everyone, not least the Sudanese people, stands to lose if the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan resort to war at the expense of peace.” The specific issues the organisations say need to be resolved are:
Read the letter.
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Steps Towards Justice, Frustrated Hopes: Reflecting on the Impact of the ICC in Ituri (March 2012) On 14 March 2012, the International Criminal Court (ICC) will hand down its first verdict in the case of former rebel leader Thomas Lubanga of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As Iturians anxiously await the verdict, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the impact that the investigation and trial, alongside other activities of the ICC, have had in Lubanga’s native Ituri district. In an effort to bring the voices and concerns of Iturians to the fore in this reflection, the International Refugee Rights Initiative and our Iturian partner organization, the Association pour la promotion et la défense de la dignité des victims (APRODIVI), today launched a report “Steps Towards Justice, Frustrated Hopes: Some Reflections on the Experience of the International Criminal Court in Ituri”. Drawing on the experiences of IRRI and APRODIVI following the Court’s work in Ituri and working with victims and other activists, the paper reflects the views of Iturians on the process. The paper notes that the ICC is seen on the ground in Ituri as having pierced the veil of impunity: there is appreciation of the fact that leaders such as these can be forced to face trial. It was also acknowledged that the security situation has improved significantly since the Court first became involved, attributed in part to the ICC’s engagement. At the same time, the paper explores the disappointment expressed about the nature and impact of the ICC intervention. Rooted in a perception that there had been a lack of understanding of the context on the ground, concerns were raised about prosecutorial strategy, continuing barriers to full and effective participation of victims and the fairness and objectivity of Court proceedings. More broadly these reflections suggest that some fundamental questions need to be asked about the current capacity of the Court to meet the kind of expectations which are being created in vulnerable communities where violence is ongoing and the state protections are minimal. The paper offers several concrete recommendations and an agenda for future reflection and research. Read the full paper: Steps Towards Justice, Frustrated Hopes: Reflecting on the Impact of the ICC in Ituri Lisez la version francaise. |
Just Justice? New Paper Series Reflects on International Justice in Africa (January 2012) IRRI today launched a discussion paper series entitled Just Justice? Civil society, international justice and the search for accountability in Africa. The series will reflect local perspectives on international justice as it is being experienced in Africa. It aims to deepen the debate around a series of key questions and controversies facing the realisation of international justice, anchored in reflections from the ground, including civil society. Read Just Justice: Civil society, international justice and the search for accountability in Africathe series introduction. Read A Poisoned Chalice? Local civil society and the International Criminal Court’s engagement in Uganda.
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IRRI Primer on Sexual and Gender Based Violence and the Great Lakes Conference (December 2011) The International Refugee Rights Initiative today launched a primer “Using the Great Lakes Conference to Combat Sexual Violence: A Primer.” The launch coincides with the closure of the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in Kampala on the theme “United to Prevent, End Impunity and Provide Support to the Victims of SGBV in the Great Lakes Region.” The primer offers an overview of the content of various ICGLR instruments related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). It also gives a description of the institutional architecture which may be engaged in order to give effect to the commitments articulated in the instruments. An annex reproduces portions of the key ICGLR texts which are most relevant to SGBV. The primer is intended to serve as a resource for civil society organisations and others who may wish to engage with the ICGLR as part of their efforts to address SGBV in the region. Read the full primer here. Lisez la version francaise.
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