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Teaching ToolsLESSON PLAN : The ICC -- A DebateCARTOON ON ICC |
ARTICLES ON THE ICC | EU AND THE ICC | SIERRA LEONE AND THE ICC |
UNITED STATES AND THE ICC |
CANADA AND THE ICC SIERRA LEONE AND THE ICCSierra Leone signed the treaty on October 17th 1998. On September 15th 2000, Sierra Leone announced its ratification of the treaty, becoming the thirteenth country to do so. Since 1991, a civil war between the government and the Revolutionary United Front has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than two million people. The conflict in this country has been characterized by unspeakable brutality and violence. International war crimes of the worst type were routinely and systematically carried out against all Sierra Leoneans. Men and women of all ages have been victims of murder, forced conscription, rape, amputations and various other unspeakable atrocities. The direct experience of atrocious crimes and the awareness that long lasting peace is not possible without justice has led Sierra Leone to accord special relevance to the negotiations for the ICC, and to the recognition that crimes like the ones committed in Sierra Leone should not go unpunished. Accordingly, Sierra Leone has been strongly committed to the concept of a permanent international criminal court. As an expression of its commitment to the court, Sierra Leone was an active participant in the Rome conference in 1998. Sierra Leone is calling for a fair, effective, independent and unfettered International Criminal Court. In this regard, they hope and trust that the court will achieve universal acceptance and significance. Sierra Leone believes that the ICC statute with its complex review and admissibility procedure provides many safeguards against frivolous and unjust prosecution. However, there are a few issues that raise certain questions and concerns. Two issues of paramount importance for the Sierra Leone delegation are the election process for those who will sit as judges of the court and also the question of defining certain crimes, particularly the definition assigned to the crime of aggression. It is the hope of Sierra Leone that the establishment of the ICC will assist humanity in the struggle for peace and reconciliation, while at the same time establishing a just and equitable legal order for both the present and future generations. Sierra Leone regards this court as the perfect complement to national systems that are unwilling or unable to effectively prosecute those who are guilty of genocide and all other heinous crimes. Sources:
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