4 March 2009 marks a milestone for the victims of Darfur: the International
Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar
al-Bashir. This decision marks a crucial step in international justice. It is
the first time since its creation in 2002 that the ICC has issued an arrest
warrant for a sitting Head of State. Furthermore, it is a particularly
significant decision since it confirms the assumption that the whole state
apparatus has been involved in serious crimes committed in Darfur. FIDH has
been particularly involved in this case: by conducting fact-finding missions
and by calling for referral of the Darfur situation to the ICC by the United
Nations Security Council, FIDH helped to secure the opening of an investigation
and the delivery of arrest warrants against the highest Sudanese officials,
including President al-Bashir.
The international community must, at all costs, take this opportunity to act
promptly to put an end to the crimes currently ongoing in Darfur.
To learn more : FIDH
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