Act Now in Support of the International Criminal Court
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In the beginning of 2009, the International Criminal Court was finally able to start its first trial, that of accused war criminal Thomas Lubanga Dyilo. The ICC has overcome obstacles and delays to get to this point where justice will soon be served. Lubanga, a militia commander in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is accused of recruiting and utilizing child soldiers in the brutal conflict taking place there. A second trial is likely to begin this year against Congolese rebel leaders Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. On March 4, 2009, the ICC released a formal arrest warrant for Sudanese President al-Bashir, accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, marking the first time an acting head of state has ever been indicted by the Court. However, al-Bashir has not been turned over to the Court yet. Despite this groundbreaking progress towards international justice, the U.S. still does not engage with the ICC. Bill Clinton, as one of his final acts at President, signed the Rome Statute that set the framework for the court, but George Bush dispatched John Bolton to the UN to "un-sign" the agreement in 2002, beginning a unilateral campaign of active opposition to the court. Well, we have a new administration in Washington and a new opportunity for the U.S. to recommit to the ideals of the ICC, and to even become a leader in providing justice for the victims of the worst atrocities, like those taking place in Darfur. Our country has the resources and technology to help the court convict the world's most heinous criminals, and we want YOU to stand up for America's legacy as a world leader in protecting human rights. WRITE TO THE ADMINISTRATION TODAY TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE U.S. RE-ENGAGING WITH THE ICC. We think this needs to be a top priority for President Obama - let him know that you think so, too. Fill out the form below to send him an email in less than 30 seconds |
