2008 News
ICC Arrest Warrant Request an Advance for Global Justice
July 14th 2008
The Global Justice Center supports the important step taken today by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in requesting an arrest warrant for Al Bashir, the President of Sudan, for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. This request furthers the global commitment to ending impunity for crimes that threaten international peace and security and sends a message that no one, even a sitting head of state, is immune from prosecution. In particular, the inclusion of rape as both a means of genocide and a crime against humanity is a significant step in implementation of Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 and toward ending impunity for sexual violence as a tactic of war. As stated in the Summary of the Case issued by The Office of the Prosecutor, "Rape is an integral part of the pattern of destruction that the Government of the Sudan is inflicting upon the target groups in Darfur. As described by the ICTR in the Akayesu case, they use rape to kill the will, the spirit, and life itself."
The Global Justice Center urges the international community to take whatever actions are necessary to stop the genocide in Darfur and to support the ICC in ensuring that the government of Sudan cooperates fully in holding the alleged perpetrators of these crimes accountable. This action by the Prosecutor should be a reminder to all governments that these crimes will not be tolerated.
Summary of the case: Prosecutor's Application for Warrant of Arrest under Article 58 Against Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir