Justice for Timbuktu destruction | States: Ratify ICC cooperation treaty
Justice for Timbuktu destruction
In a historic first before the International Criminal Court (ICC) last week, Malian Islamist Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi was found guilty and sentenced to nine years in prison for the destruction of religious and historic buildings in Timbuktu. The landmark trial saw the first international prosecution for the destruction of protected cultural heritage. The verdict has been welcomed in Mali and throughout the international community. But justice must not stop here says civil society.
Read an explanation of the verdict and reactions.
States Ratify international justice cooperation treaty
With the 15th session of the Assembly of Stares Parties (ASP) taking place this November in The Hague, states will have the opportunity to show their support and commitment for international justice by pledging to ratify the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the ICC (APIC).
The APIC establishes the legal rights of International Criminal Court (ICC) and states parties’ personnel as they carry out work around the world in support of ICC proceedings.
The Coalition for the ICC invites states to join the initiative and pledge to ratify the APIC by 2018, the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty.
Amnesty International publishes Human Rights in International Justice Project
Amnesty International’s first Human Rights in International Justice Project publication seeks to ensure human rights compliance of international criminal justice mechanisms.
The paper analyzes provisional amendments by the ICC to simplify and expedite the prosecution and trial of offences against the administration of justice. Recommendations include reducing the number of judges to ensure competence, independence and impartiality of the Court.
International Criminal Court investigations
Democratic Republic of Congo: Forensic expert testifies about physical injuries on UPC victims at trial of former Congolese general Bosco Ntaganda while UN Human Rights Council adopts resolution placing the country at center of its attention
Sudan: Fresh accusations of war crimes leveled against regime of Pesident Omar al- Bashir as credible evidence shows use of chemical weapons in Darfur
Libya: The National Commission for Human Rights welcomes efforts to deliver comprehensive national reconciliation in Libya
Côte d’Ivoire: Great caution at conclusion of the prosecution witness examination at trial of former President Laurent Gbagbo and political leader Charles Blé Goudé
Central African Republic: ICC preparing for first judgment over alleged witness interference against former Congolese opposition leader Jean-Pierre Bemba
ICC preliminary examinations
Gabon: ICC chief prosecutor announces preliminary examination into Gabon post-election violence
Afghanistan: UN mission condemns killing of at least 15 civilians in airstrike
Burundi: UN Human Rights Council approves inquiry into Burundi abuses
Colombia: Why Colombian’s rejected the peace deal with FARC
Iraq/UK: Politicians and military chiefs dismiss victims claims on British army abuses
Campaign for Global Justice
Chile and The Netherlands ratify amendments to the Rome Statute on the crime of aggression
Around the world
United Nations tribunal clashes with Serbia over witness intimidation
Joint UN-Red Crescent relief convoy reaches besieged cities in Syriafor first time in five months
Peru sentences 16 former soldiers for 1985 massacre
Brazil declares trial on Carandiru massacre null in shocking blow for justice
Civilians trapped in Benghazi in desperate conditions as fighting encroaches Libya
Fight against impunity in Morocco requires more than promises
