|
Learn from Rwanda genocide, ICTR tells Africa
2008-03-18 09:46:19
By Hirondelle News Agency, Arusha
The UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has called on African countries to absorb the lessons of the 1994 Rwanda genocide ``to avoid a repetition of the ultimate crime`` on the continent.
The call is contained in a keynote address at the opening of a journalism training programme here yesterday by the tribunal’s spokesman, Roland Amoussouga.
Amoussouga said weak institutions in many African countries have given rise to a culture of impunity, especially under dictatorships that would do anything to cling to power.
``We believe, for example, that the existence of ICTR may have made a major difference in political developments in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and lately Kenya,`` he told 30 programme participants from Eastern African countries.
He said ICTR`s intervention had served as a deterrent against abuses of human rights, adding: ``The tribunal will leave a legacy of international jurisprudence that can guide future courts and deter future commission of these grave crimes.``
Amoussouga explained that the Arusha-based tribunal has created a history in the development of international law. He cited its definition and interpretation of genocide in post-World War II as including rape and sexual violence as examples.
``Surely, the tribunal has played an important role in the evolution of political and legal accountability,`` he said.
He elaborated: ``This is the first time high-ranking (African) individuals have been called to account before an international court of law for massive violations of human rights in Africa. The tribunal’s work sends a strong message to Africa`s leaders and warlords.``
He stated that, by delivering the first ever verdicts in relation to genocide, the tribunal was providing ``an example to be followed in other parts of the world where these kinds of crimes have also been committed.``
The ICTR spokesman pointed out that an independent and free press also fulfils a key public information duty ``and could help to deter public perceptions that corruption, bad governance and evil deeds are inevitable and that important people in our societies are immune from investigation or censorship``.
A total of 91 key suspects have been indicted since the setting up of the tribunal some 14 years ago, out of whom 78 have been arrested.
The trial of 37 of the suspects has been completed, with 32 sentenced and five acquitted. Twelve detainees are awaiting the commencement of their trials.
The UN Security Council has directed that all first instance trials be completed by the end of this year and appeals by 2010.
The Prosecutor intends to transfer eight cases, with authorisation of the Chambers, to national jurisdiction and at least five to Rwanda, where the 21st century`s worst crime was committed.
The UN estimates that 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in the July-April 1994 genocide.
The programme is organised under the auspices of the African Peer Review Mechanism and New Partnership for African Development (Eastern African chapter) and funded by the Canadian International Development Agency.
|
