First step to hold the perpetrators of attacks against peacekeeping forces accountable

The ICC Prosecutor requests the issuance of arrest warrants against those responsible for the attacks against members of the AU peacekeeping force in Northern Darfur

FIDH welcomes yesterday’s ICC Office of the Prosecutor’s request for the issuance of arrest warrants against the rebel leaders who allegedly planned and commanded the 29 September 2007 attack against members of the African Union peacekeeping mission (AMIS) in Northern Darfur, Sudan.

This attack in the Haskanita camp resulted in the death of twelve peacekeepers and the sever wounding of eight others, as well as the destruction and pillaging of AMIS installations and property, constituting, as the ICC Prosecutor explained, three counts of alleged war crimes.

"The attack of peacekeepers represents an attack against the civilian population, these peacekeepers are mandated to protect", said Souhayr Belhassen, FIDH President.

FIDH recalls that there are two pending arrest warrants in the Darfur situation, against current minister Ahmad Harun and alleged janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb, that are to be executed.

Also on 14 July 2008, the Prosecutor requested an arrest warrant againt the President al Bachir for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The application is still under examination by the Pre Trial Chamber I.

FIDH denounces Sudan’s absence of cooperation with the ICC and calls upon the UN Security Council to take its responsibility, as initiator of the Darfur situation referral to the ICC, and take all possible measures for the decisions of the ICC judges to be implemented.

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