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Press Release: 22 June 2000
WOMEN’S GROUPS DEMAND
NO COMPROMISE ON JUSTICE
AT INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT MEETING
At United Nations, 12-30 June 2000New York, NY – On Friday, June 23, women from around the world will rally to demand that justice not be compromised away at the Preparatory Commission meeting for the International Criminal Court where important final negotiations are taking place. They will hold a silent demonstration in the basement of the UN near Conference Room 1 beginning at 9:45 a.m.
The adoption of Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court by an overwhelming majority of countries in July 1998 marked an end to the culture of impunity for the perpetrators of horrific crimes. The Rome Statute is also heralded for its treatment of gender as crimes of sexual and gender violence, including gender-based persecution, are specifically named as crimes for the first time in international law. Thus far, 11 countries have ratified the Rome Statute and 97 have signed.
The U.S., however, along with six other countries, including Iraq, Libya and China, voted against the Court. Since the adoption of the ICC Statute over the U.S.’ objections, the U.S. has continued with its efforts to debilitate the Court. On Monday, the U.S. introduced the first part of a controversial two-part proposal which would give the Security Council more control over the cases that can come before the Court and allow for an exception for U.S. nationals. The proposal will be discussed for the first time in an open session in the afternoon.
In addition to the U.S. efforts, a block of Arab countries have been determined to exclude crimes of sexual and gender violence when committed within the context of family, religion or culture. Their efforts have resulted in language which would make all of the crimes against humanity more difficult to prosecute in a manner inconsistent with international law and which would severely limit the Court’s ability to address crimes against women and children.
On Friday, women’s groups will demand real justice – not a compromised justice that privileges U.S. officials and citizens above the rest of the world and not a justice where crimes against women have been used and bartered away in the name of compromise.For more information please, contact:
Pam Spees @212-697-7741 or 917-447-6789