NO PEACE WITHOUT JUSTICE INTERNATIONAL

JUNE 16,1998 U.M. CONFERENCE Oil THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AM INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COÜRI Annan Throws Down Gauntlet

ROME . nited Nations of adherents. 'Tor the Court to be (Secret ary-Geacra] credible and to stand the test of lime, Kofi Annan Kicked it has to be seen as independent and off Ihe five-week strong." he told reporters. meetings here by "I think for a court to be calling'on all nations to create as independent...ÎI implies (hat no one slrong and as credible an body, no unil and no organisation International Criminal Court (ICC) should be able to influence unduly as possible- even ifnoi even nation what the court doc-s," he added. "To «me El immediately accepts the results. have a weak and ineffective Court "Obviously, you must aim for will not solve Ihe problem." » statute (to create the ICC) accepled The secretary-general remained CICC MONITOR INSIDE and implemented by as many states optimistic that over time, as possible." Annan told delegates "tremendous international pres- trom 186 nations Monday morning. sure" could rally latecomer nations "But the overriding interest must be - the ranks of which already are isolated instances of malfeasance, that of the victims, and nf the expected to include the United Schcffer said. If the threshold international community as a whole. States - to sign on board. requirement for the Court's actions I trust you will not flinch from In that respect, Annan argued, involves sufficiently major, large- creating a Court .strong and the treaty might be part of the same scale crimes, he argued at a week- independent enough to carry out its trend as last year's Landmines end panel organised by the group task," Convention, which opened for 'No Peace without Justice', many of Still, he said, many nations' signature last December in Ottawa the disputes over the ICC "will concerns about the Court are serious despite Washington's public dissipait very quickly." and must be dealt with fairly. opposition to Ihe treaty's strict terms. The United States has also been "Some small slates fear giving Massive grassroots pressure helped insistent on other issues, such as pretexts for more powerful ones to swing support behind the treaty, and some form of restriction on Ihe set aside their sovereignly," he said. Ihe U.S. government has indicated authority of the prosecutor and a "Others worry that the pursuit of it may join the landmines ban. degree of Security Council control justice may sometimes interfere although not immediately. over Ihe ICC docket. with the vital work of making "In my judgment, it is a new Morton Halperin, vice president peace." diplomacy," Annan said of the of the Twentieth Century Fund and As many diplomats here conce- grassroots-led campaigns. "It a former Pentagon official, said that ded, the choice may be between a doesn't threaten me and it doesn't the While House is considering Court which has strong powers and worry me —in fact, I welcome it." support for the 'Singapore substantial independence, but few Nevertheless, the diplomats compromise', under which the adherents, and a weaker body which gathered for the ICC meetings \iill Council could temporarily remove could be ratified by a wider number face an uphill challenge in preparing items from Ihe ICC's agenda but of nations. a document that can be both the basis would not oversee its entire docket. Tony Lloyd, secretary of slate for Ά sirong court and a widely- Sclieffer did not specify what for the British foreign ministry, acceptable text. Already. option Washington will back during admitted that it could be better to Ambassador David Scheffer, head of the coming weeks. But he insisted have a Court granted considerable Ihc US delegation, warned that Was- that,"i Γ the debaie descends to ihere jurisdiction, even if some nations hington will not be willing to accept being no ro!e whatsoever (for the slay outside the treaty governing the debate on certain topics that infrin- Security Council), Ihen I think we Court for a few years. But the ICC ge either on sovereignly or Security will have a very difficult discussion would need at leasl Council powers. here at Rome.'' adherents to be effective^ Principal among US demands Already, Annan said, the road to Lloyd added.^^j are that the Court handle "mass the conference has been a long one. Annan alsdWMa wiU killings" and other major crimes, 1 'It is said al! roads lead to Rome," rst for a sÎAo <-1φ anc rather than individual acts he .said Monday. "But not all lead Hff'nHBfcne that hasK-ide number committed by military officers or there drreclly."Fi(f7ii7rt HaqUPS

PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ Rome, June 16,

Terra Viva is an independent A Court For publication of Inter Press Service Publisher Every Crime? Roberto Savio ROME "We all have become more Managing Editor opening of the aware of the extcnl to which crimes Alejandro Kirk Conference on Ihe of sexual violence are committed in Editor armed conflict." addedTony Lloyd, Johanna Son International Criminal Court (ICC) resembled many other Britain's state minister of foreign Senior Reporter global meetings in combining affairs. "The definition of war Fa rhan Haq statements about the gravity of the crimes to be contained in the statute Reporters should therefore make explicit that Alison Dickens task at hand with lists of what goals Jorge Pifia should be accomplished. gender-related crimes are also Ste'ano Palumbo Different world leaders included." Art suggested different tasks for Ihe Axworthy argued Ihat the ICC Win-iie Dobire ICC, from combating drug should also "have a mandate 10 Photographers trafficking to ending the exploitation prosecute those who recruit children Andrea Cavalieri of children and sexual slavery. under 15 into armies or armed Vlihai Romanciuc Italian President Oscar Luigi groups or who use them in hostilities Chief, Technical Services Scalfaro got the hall rolling by in any way/' calling for the ICC to handle such Yet the age of 15 is not tasks as abusive child labour and universally agreed to as a cut-off for IPS-hter Press Service is an child pornography. recruiting soldiers. Some nations international non profit asso- "A Court worth having is one wani to place the cut-off higher, at ciation of journalists ,t enjoys that addresses Ihe real problems on the age of 18, as was recommended NCiO consultat'vc status ihr ground," said Lloyd Axworthy. in the UN Convention on the Rights (Category I) with the united Nations Economic and Social Canada's foreign minister. "Thai of the Child. Council. means focusing not only on •'We hope Ihat states will soon Terra Viva r= also available on t ho rebuilding peace through recognise IS as the minimum Internet ',\t http://WLfM.ip5.org/icc reconciliation, but also on acceptable age for recruitment and responding to the nedds of the participation in hostilities," Boris Printed at FAO victims of conflict - victims who are Friec. foreign minister of Slovenia, disproportionately women and proposed Monday. children." Even as some nations have Terra Viva is produced in Axworthy called for the Court to pushed for specific causes for the partnership by IPS and the non-governmental deal with "rape, sexual slavery and ICC to take up. other criminal organisation No Peace other forms of sexual violence", all activity has receded from proposals Without Justice International, of which he said could qualify as war for the Court's agenda. Drug with funding from the crimes or crimes against humanity - trafficking, which Trinidad and European Union and support from the Coalition for an Inter- two of the three core crimes on the Tobago originally proposed as the national Criminal Court. ICC docket. reason for an international court in Several NGOs have pointed to 1989, has dropped outside the ambit the use of sexual slavery in war - of Ihe Court's 'core crimes', and from the case of Ihe 'comfort may therefore fall outside the ICC women' raped by the Japanese Army agenda entirely. ΐ- NO reecE WTTHOUT JUSTICE during the Second World War to the Trinidadian foreign minister kidnappings and sexual servitude of Ramcsh Maharaj acknowledged Ihat the

1- for ar. I nisr national women in Algeria's ongoing conflict issue of drugs seems to have receded Criminal Court today - as examples of how sexual since 1989, but lauded the efforts to violence has itself become a war create "animpartial and effective body" lactic. to grapple with war crimes.

PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ Romp, June 16,1998 China Keeps Wary Eye on Interference' by Tribunal

BEIJING jurisdiction of the ICC shouldn't countries' internal affairs. ils formal substitute that of the national court Its respect for the principle of endorsement of the of the country. The ICC should act non-interference is such that China tTL'i-, lion of an as a complement to the national ju- did not join global appeals to create Interrational Criminal Court (ICC). dicial system." a tribunal to bring to justice China remains wary on issues thai By calling for the consent of Cambodia's mass murderer Pol Pot may erode the principle of naliunal state parties involved before the and his genocidal Khmer Rouge, sovereignty il so jealously guards. ICC can exercise its righl of calling the matter an internal affair. For Beijing, among (lie mosf jurisdiction, the Human Rights The reasons for Beijing's restraint touchy questions are how wide the Society ruled out the possibility that are complex, but its unwillingness ICC's scope of powers (o be subjected to similar would be, and how it ... interventions from the would balance its right of Beijing is looking to see international community is jurisdiction with the not an insignificant one. national courts of slate how universally accepted At the same time, parlies. This is why, in the Court will be. ft is China's ascent as an Asian voicing supporl for the .: - power and its growing glo- court, a spokesman for the wary of a tribunal that will bal role is prompting it to Chinese foreign ministry transgress national sove- - behave according to said its rok ought to be existing international rules "limited to the gravest reignty, but as a world and norms, Λ case in point : was China's announcement international crimes (he : :/ ; : player is also well aware of world community is earlier this year that it was widely concerned with". the benefits that adhering ready to sign the U.N. "The International to international norms can Covenant on Civil and Criminal Court hits to act Political Rights — a only as a complement in bring. decision that earned it points exceptional cases when for an improved human the national judicial rights record. More system is non-existent,"theforeign a mass organisation in China could importantly, observers saw it as a ministry said in a written statement. lodge a protest on a domestic issue reflection of China's recognition of "It shouldn't interfere with the with the international body. the benefits that adhering to major role of jurisdiction over these China is not the only country international rules can bring. crimes played by the national court," concerned with the issue of Still, it is unlikely that China will it added in the statement issued sovereignty, since France has stand firmly behind the ICC if the ahead of Rome negotiations on the requested that the signatories to the tribunal does not become a widely ICC. ICC treaty be given the right to reject accepted one in Rome. The Chinese Likewise, the fact that the its jurisdiction on a case-by- case foreign ministry spokesman said that inception of a world crime court basis. "Before exercising its right having some 50 countries so far with potential powers to go past of jurisdiction, the ICC should seek agreeing on the iCC's shape is not national borders has received the approval of the concerned state." enough to establish an virtually no publicity in the said the spokesman for the foreign "authoritative and efficient" tribu- officially-sanctioned Chinese press ministry. nal. He said the ICC's universality- reveals that Beijing is indeed Beijing has always regarded would depend on how manv cautious of it. sovereignty as a sensitive issue. For countries accept the statute at the end Chinese quasi-NGOs — which years, it lias rejected international of the Rome talks. function as government bodies more criticism on issues like Tibet or China will also be closely than independent no n-govern m en ta I Taiwan on the ground that relations watching the outcome of the organisations — are also wary of between Beijing and these 'renegade proposed inclusion of 'crimes of taking a position on the court. The provinces' are China's internal aggression' on the ICC's docket. If China Human Rights Research affairs. Beijing has been cautious in included, 'aggression' might expose Society, one of the two NGOs backing efforts for dealing with China to charges of occupy ing Tibet working in the area of human rights, international crimes against and endanger its goal of eventual issued a statement that echoed the humanity, for fear these would be reunification with Taiwan. government's stand: "The seen as interference in other Anioaneta Bezlova/IPS 3 PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ Korne. June 16,1998 Africa Speaks Strongly For Court

ROME ican diplomats are countries have a role to play, he because of its sheer size, with 53 quickly taking a lead added, the Court's m-ciibility as an nations from the region involved in posilioii in pushing for impartial body is crucial. the ICC debate, noled Phakiso an International Criminal Court As a result. Omar contended, the Mochochoko. Lesotho's legal (ICC) with a significant degree of UN Security Council must nol be counsel for the conference. independence from greai powers- able to determine who the Court may Since many of the countries Abdullah Onw, Souih Africa's prosecute and who not. Instead, many involved have only recently ended justice minister, argued Monday that Southern African nations are colonial rule - as in Namibia or there are several vital prerequisites favouring the adoption of the /imbabwe - or set up "truth for the Court to be effective, chief 'Singapore compromise' by which commissions" like South Africa's, among them thai no one country must the Council could onlv lake items off many also have the moral authority dominate the iCC's work. Such a the Court's agenda if its members to push for the Court to be an Court, he said, could "ultimately specifically agree to do so, rather than effective one. contribute 10 the attainment of allowing a potential Council veto The importance of moral suasion international peace." over Ihe entire ICC docket. in the coming weeks should not be At the same time, he said as the Southern African nations have underestimated, cautioned Jacques meeting for the ICC began here, the been one of Ihe more united groups Baudin, Senegal's just i ce minister. ' 'I Court should not be dominated by in supporting the components of a don't think there can be a any body or group of nations. strongly independent Court: a representative of a state who can say, ;'We do not want a Security prosecutor empowered to conduct 'I am against the establishment of a Council dominated by Europe .. (or investigations on his or her own Court'," Baudin said. by) powerful countries," Omar authority: a limited Security Council But he warned that those same argued at a weekend forum sponsored role; and broader international officials could easily try lo prevent by No Peace without Justice, a group jurisdiction over national courts. the ICC's creation by placing which supports the ICC's crealion. Africa as a whole is able to steer conditions that would make the body Although European and other the debate on the Court forcefully a "mock court''at best.

Remember Cambodia, Australia's Downer Says ROME Then Australian Foreign Now. the foreign minister added. to turnover Pol Pol fora war crimes Minister Alexander a strong Court is needed 10 ensure inquiry last year, Ihe transfer was Downer leaves this [hat governments respond 10 future never made as nation.·· haggled over week s' opening session of the crimes against humanity with how the Cambodian war crimes International Criminal Court (ICC) ongoing investigation and should be handled. conference, he will attend a meeting accountability. China, a longtime Khmer 10 help one of Ihe countries which The example of Cambodia has Rouge ally, resisted efforts by the he believes could most have been uppermost in many delegates' UN Security Council to create a benefited from the Court. Cambodia. minds, especially since an effort to special ad hoc tribunal for "The recent death of Pol Pot Iry Pol Pot for his role as Khmer Cambodia, while Cambodian stands as a stark reminder of Ihe need Rouge leader dragged on for a year, leaders themselves appeared for an international court to try the and finally ended when the rebel divided on the need for a wide- most inhumane of crimes," Downer leader died, ostensibly of a heart ranging investigation. told delegates here Monday. ''It attack, in a Khmer Rouge camp in Pol Pol's death, however, has seems impossible that [he crimes he April. contributed to the momentum and his regime committed could Referring to the Cambodia behind the ICC', with delegates he'rc t have gone unpunished." genocide, UN Secretary-General contending that a mechanism must lü Yet. he added, the world did not Kofi Annan lamenled Monday that be developed to respond quickly to act to prosecute Cambodia's Khmer "Hie man who organised that horror similar offers to try war criminals. Rouge government, which is linked to died just Iwo monihs ago. without In addition, Downer argued, Ihe murders of some 2 million people ever being brought to answer for his other crimes like ethnic cleansing between 1975 and W?*·).because "ihe crimes before a court." and ihe systematic use of rape and international community had neither Although other Khmer Rouge torture "are of such gravity thai llic will. nor. importantly, the leaders, including the movement's they musl bo included in the ambil mechanism locarrv out such a task." current leader Ta Mok. had offered of the Court's jurisdiction."

PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ The Rome Treaty Conference MONITOR Special Issue of the NGO Coalition for an International Criminal Court Issue 2 - June 16,1998 CICC Address: c/o WFM, 777 UN Plaza - New York, New York 1001.7 USA email [email protected] Web Address http://www.igc.org/icc William R. Pace Convenor Rjk Panganiban Editor Address during the Rome Conference: c/o Movimontio. Piaz/.a Albania 10. Roma - Tel 5783202 - 5783179 Fax 5783251 ity, the world will establish a per CICC "Awful and Awesome rnanent tribunal capable of ensur- ing that national governments or the International Criminal Court Responsibility Stands In Front of will bring to justice those who commit these most heinous viola- Us. We Cannot Fail" tions of international law and uni- Statement by William Pace, Convenor ofNGO versal moral principles. Coalition for an International Criminal Court, at Mr. President and Distinguished the Official Opening Plenary Session Delegates, in this room exists the diplomatic expertise and leader- Mr. President, Excellencies, Dis- lion upon million of human lives. ship capable of concluding an ef- tinguished Delegates, Representa- Gradually the world has come to fective, independent and just ICC. tives of International Organiza- realize that relying on each State The NGO Coalition knows from tions, felluw colleagues from Non- or army to punish its own trans- the last three years of negotiations governmental Organizations, re|i- gressors is not enough. When that there is a majority of nations resentativcs of the media and pub- crimes are committed on such a at this conference willing to adopt lic. It is my great honor to serve as scale, we know that the State lacks a stong statute. But, in this room Convenor of the NGO Coalition for either the power or the will to stop are governments not yet ready to an International Criminal Court - them. Too, often, indeed, they are accept mandatory national and a global network of civil society part of a systematic State policy, international enforcement of vio- organizations spanning all regions and the worst criminals may be lations of international humani- of the world and sectors of civil found at the pinnacle of State tarian law. society - including human rights, power." humanitarian, women's, interna- The issue is whether the majority tional law, children's, victim's, re- Mr. President and Distinguished of nations will galvanize the politi- ligious, peace - more than 800 or- Delegates, according to experts we cal will to resist those nations not ganizations working at the local, are talking about 110,000,000 ready for this court, who will at- national, regional and interna- war-related deaths in the 20th tempt to block the adoption of a tional ievel for the establishment Century. We are talking about tens strong treaty, or who will attempt of a just, fair, effective and inde- of millions more deaths and "dis- to create a weak and powerless pendent permanent International appearances" in internal conflicts. court which would be subject to Criminal Court. We are talking about hundreds the control or veto of the most and thousands of millions of vic- powerful nations, or which would Mr. President and Distinguished tims. Since World War II the over- require the consent of the nations Delegates. The whole world is whelming majority of casualties in whose leaders, as the Secretary- watching. As the Secretary-Gen- armed conflict are innocent civil- General acknowledged, are often eral so eloquently stated in open- ians, chiidren and women. The the ones who have commited these ing this historic conference: "Our question before us in this confer- crimes. Suchacourt, described by own century has seen the inven- ence is whether, fifty years after a major world leader of a country tion and use of weapons of mass the adoption of international con- which should know as an "alibi" destruction, and the use of indus- ventions outlawing genocide and court, is unacceptable to global trial technology to dispose of mil- crimes against peace and human- civil society, to NGOs.

The Inlernational Criminal Court Monilor - The Rome Treaty Conference Monitor PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ Coalition organizations which arc members of the Basic Principles for an Independent Steering Committee have agreed to a statmcnt of Ba- sic Priniciples for an Inde- Effective and Fair International pendent, Effective and Fair International Criminal Criminal Court Court which lists eleven es- For more than half a century the world has debated the estab- sential prinicples which in no way are intended to limit lishment of a permanent International Criminal Court (ICC) the espousal or advocacy of that would be empowered to try individuals suspected of the other specific principles as most serious crimes under international law. As we near the determined by the mandate end of the most violent century in human history, fifty years of each member organiza- after the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials, the international com- tion, hut which include the munity is finally poised to create such a court. The United principles outlined by the Nations Plenipotentiary Conference on the Establishment of CICC C1CC [seen here on the an International Criminal Court will be held in Rome be- right], tween June 15 and July 17, 1998 to adopt a convention creat- ing the new international court. The critical issue at the Rome Mr. President and Distin- Conference will be the kind of court that is created. The NGO guished Delegates. Will we Coalition for an International Criminal Court (CICC) is com- replace the centuriesold rule of impunity with the rule of mitted to the establishment of an independent, effective and just law? Will we establish fair permanent International Criminal Court. an ICC. which will be the last major international organi- An International Criminal Court is intended to act as a comple- zation created in the 20th ment to national criminal justice systems when they fail to Century, which has been the perform their primary obligation of bringing to justice the bloodiest and most war-rid- perpetrators of heinous international crimes. Its establish- den in all history? Will the ment would help end impunity for egregious violations un- ICC be a final war-related der international law and ensure that the often repeated victim of the 20th Century, promise of ''never again" is heeded. The court would also con- or a major advance in re- tribute to the deterrence of future atrocities, serve as a stan- placing the rule efforce with dard setting mechanism for international criminal justice, the rule of law in the 21st Century? and provide redress to victims of international crimes.

What does it mean to call At the Rome ICC Treaty Conference, the international commu- this treaty conference his- nity will be in a unique position to ensure the creation of a tone and monumental in its court that can fulfill these tasks. In order to punish and pre- signifcance? One measure is vent crimes and to serve as a model, an ICC must be inde- this; if we succeed it means pendent, effective and fair. the establishment of a court which will prevent the The following principles are considered fundamental by the un- slaughter, rape, murder of dersigned organizations, which are members of the NGO Coa- millions of people during the lition Steering Committee. Their listing is in no way intended next century. This is an aw- ful and awesome responsi- to limit espousal or advocacy of other specific principles as bility. We cannot fail! On determined by the mandate of each member organization: behalf of global civil society and the NGOs present, we 1. The International Criminal Court should have the broadest offer our commitment to possible jurisdiction over the most serious crimes under in- working tirelessly with the ternational law such as genocide, war crimes and crimes governments and interna- against humanity. Its jurisdiction must include crimes com- tional organizations here as- mitted in non-international armed conflict and crimes against sembled in achieving a great humanity committed in peacetime; and historic result in pursuit of the greatest of all goals, 2. The International Criminal Court should have automatic ("in- the establishment of peace herent") jurisdiction over genocide, war crimes and crimes nn earth. against humanity. This means that a state accepts the court's Thank vou . The International Criminal Court Monitor - The Rome Treaty Conference Monitor PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ highest international standards of fair trial and due process in all stages of the proceedings. The court should scrupulously adhere to international fair trial standards if jus- tice is to be done and to be seen to be done.

9- The International Crimi- nal Court should ensure justice for the victims of international crimes, in- cluding women and chil- dren, and should ensure CICC that all aspects of its work take gender concerns into Pace of CICC speaking at opening strategy session account. 'People expects concrete results '. On the foreground, Naomi Qnaga of the CICC. 10. No reservations should jurisidiction over these empowered to initiate be permitted to the ICC crimes by ratifying the proceedings of his or her treaty. ICC treaty. own motion. The Pros- 3. The International Crimi- ecutor should be able to 11. The ICC should have nal Court should he able initiate proceedings long-term and secure to exercise universal ju- based on information funding. risdiction over genocide, from any source, with ap- war crimes and crimes propriate safeguards. against humanity in keep- ing with established rules 6. The International Crimi- AMNESTY of international law. No nal Court should be able INTERNATIONAL state consent should be to perform its tasks free EUROPEAN LAW STUDENTS required as a condition from the interference of ASSOCIATION for the exercise of this ju- any political body, includ- FEDERATION risdiction. ing the UN Security INTERNATIONALE Council and states. While DES LIGUES DES 4- The International Crimi- the Security Council DROITS DE L'HOMME nal Court should comple- should be able to refer HUMAN RIGHTS ment national criminal situations to the ICC, it WATCH justice systems. The ICC should not be able to de- INTERNATIONAL should be able to exercise lay or stop ICC investiga- COMMISSION OF jurisdiction when it de- tions or prosecutions. JURISTS termines that national LAWYERS criminal justice systems 7. All states parties, includ- COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS fail to carry out their pri- ing their courts and offi- NO PEACE WITHOUT mary responsibility for cials, should be obliged to JUSTICE bringing to justice indi- comply without delay to PARLIAMENTARIANS viduals who commit orders and requests of the FOR GLOBAL ACTION crimes within the court's ICC at all stages of the WOMEN'S CAUCUS jurisdiction. proceedings. FOR GENDER JUSTICE IN THE ICC 5. The International Crimi- 8. The Internationa] Crimi- WORLD FEDERALIST nal Court should have an nal Court should ensure MOVEMENT independent Prosecutor suspects and accused the

The International Criminal Court Monitor - The Rome Treaty Conference Monitor

PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ NGOs Attending Rome r Announcements ' Conference Meet for First NGO Calendar Strategy Session An NGO Calendar is being More than 100 NGO representa- Pascale Morris maintained in the Sudan tives were in attendance at a pré- Latin American coordina- Room for NGO representa- conférence general strategy ses- tion tives to announce their sion organized by the NGO Coali- Eduardo Gonzalez events. Please keep the cal- tion yesterday. The session was "Teams "monitoring the endar updated so other held in the NGO Pavillion orga- negotiations groups can know; what. nized by Amnesty International- Pascale Nor ri s events are occuring.- On an Italy at Piazzale U. La Malfa (on Communications : occasional basis the Coali- the left side of Circo Massimo near Terraviva, OnThe Record tion secretariat will also the FAO building). Rik Panganiban make available paper print- Mr Wunanl outs of the calendar. Contact CICC · Pace, convenor of the Sectoral coordination NGO Coalition, conducted the Fanny Renedetti Eduardo Gonzalez of the meeting, supplemented by the Media Coordinator Coalition secretariat for other staff people of the Coalition Shelly & Beata Plonlta more information. secretariat. Mr . Pace presented NGO Calendar the various task groups that the Eduardo Gonzalez-Ccuva Daily Strategy Sessions Coalition will be organizing itself UN / government meetings Daily strategy sessions of the under. The task groups and the Calendar NGO Coalition will be con- individuals coordinating them are Fanny Benedetti ducted every day at 9:15- as follows: Reception organizing 9:45 am in the Sudan Room Lydia Swart of the FAO building. This is Overall coalition strategy- Financial coordination a primary vehicle for NGO William Pace Lydia Swart representatives to stay in- formed of the latest develop- Documentation Individuals wishing to assist any ments and upcoming events. . Fanny Benedetti &Rik of these task groups are encour- Panganiban aged to contact the coordinator. Accreditation The Coalition can be reached at Contributions to ICC Denise Lifton telephone 570-50200. Monitor Hospitality, orientation The NGO Pavillion will be open NGOs wishing to contribute» Denise Lifton during the entire conference and articles, event notices^ and Sponsored participants coor- will host a number of public other information to the dination events. Simulcasts of open meet- CICC Monitor should con- Denise Lîfton ings will also be broadcast via tact Rik Panganiban at the Developing world coordina- close circuit television to the Sudan Room or via mobile tion Pavillion. ContacttheltalianCoa- telephoneat 0339 222 0576, Denise Lifton lition for an ICC for more infor- European Coordination mation at telephone 689791. INTERNATIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE Lausanne Appeal: Organized Crimes Against Childhood Must Be Considered Crimes Against Humanity Parents of Victims Take the Floor Sponsored by Terre des Hommes International Tuesday, 16 June - F.A.O. Building Iran Room at 11.15 AM Introductory Speeches: Michel Hoffman, Programs Director, Terre des Hommes Lausanne. Joseph Moyersoen, Terre des Hommes Italy Main Interventions by: Mrs E. De C arlotto, President, Association "Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo"- Argen- tina; Mr and Mrs Caudin, President, Association "Stephan et Laurent" - France; Mr and Mrs Russo, President, Association "Julie et Melissa, N'oubliez Pas" - Belgium; Dr. Shu Yun Zhang, Pedîatrist, former Director of Orphanage in Shangai; Mrs. Koudri Noudra, Representative of "Djazairouna", Algerian Association to assist children For more information, please call Terre des Hommes - Italy at (02) 89400208

The International Criminal Court Monitor - The Rome Trcaly Conference Monitor PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ tani'.JuiiMli.fflu Britain Seeks Compromise on Security Council Role

ROME the current list of core crimes; proceedings, he said, it is not as vi- Hlain's posifion on the genocide, war crimes and crimes tal as simply establishing the Court. International Criminal against humanity. Similarly, he contended that the need Court (ICC) remains In general, Britain aims to use to build a coalition should lake into 'among the five permanent its position as both Security Council account the other Council member's members of the Security Council, permanent member and current head concerns. with the other four all still insisting of the European Union lo forge as "We would regret any country on relatively strong Council large a consensus as il can. argued not signing on," Lloyd said. ''We oversight over the proposed Court, Franklin Berman, the legal adviser hope that the United Sla tes will sign On Monday. Tony Lloyd, |o the British foreign ministry. on." If they do not. however, the secretary of state for Hie foreign For that reason, it doesn't want British diplomat added, the ICC ministry, reaffirmed thai London any issues lo bog the debaie down, should have al least some 50 initial intends to accept a compromise Lloyd explained. If the aggression signatories in order to become an position lhat would allow for the debate threatens to sidetrack the effective body at the outset. Security Council to have a rale in the ICC's work, but not 10 dominaie it. Speaking on behalf of the As ICC Meet Starts, NATO Flexes European Union, the British secretary said the Security Council "'should be able to refer to the Coun Muscle on Kosovo ROME situations in which crimes may have as delegates gathered Monday for the opening of meetings to been committed which are within the •eate an Imemalional Criminal Coun (ICC), NATO planes roared Courl's jurisdiction7', adding that inIo*Uction on the eastern Italian air base at Aviano to respond to signs of such a capability would prevent the impending atrocities in Yugoslavia. need to set up ad hoc UN tribunals. While UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned that an ICC is needed to At Ihe same time. Lloyd prevent the sort of rights violaiionsand ethnic cleansing that accompanied the dismissed as "ridiculous" rumours break-up of Yugoslavia between 19Q1 and 1W5, fresh examples of elhnic lhat Britain might still consider cleansing - directed this unie againsl ethnic Albanians - sparked the NATO mechanisms by which the Council display of air power near Kosovo. would largely determine what cases Eighty-five aircraft, led by US F-lo fighter planes, left from Aviano at the ICC does and does not try. first, as well as from bases in Greece, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands What Britain wants, Lloyd and the Adriatic Sea, to show the unity and ''significant lethal capability" of clarified, is for the Council to have NATO forces if the Kosovo crisis worsens, US Defense Secretary William a role in the Courl's affairs in two Cohen said. distinct areas: it could lake itemsoff ' 'This is an exercise intended to demonstrate Ihe alliance"s commitment 10 the Court's docket if. for example, peace and stability in the region and the alliance's ability to project power in the threat of prosecution could harm the region," added Lt Gen Michael Short, commander of NATO's Southern concurrent peace talks; and it could Europe air forces. Πιο· air exercise achieved its objectives, Short .said afterward. move to prosecute non-state aclors Russian Defense Minister igor Sergeyev rebuked NATO commanders or parties which have not signed the Monday, arguing that Moscow had not been informed of Ihe air exercises, ICC treaty, in order to bring them to which were conducted over Albania and Macedonia, which border Yugoslavia justice. and are near the Albanian-majority province of Kosovo. However, Cohen Britain also is unique among the countered that "it was very clear NATO expected the air exercises to take five Security Council powers - Ihe place." others are China, France, Russia and In any case, the flights from Aviano offered a powerful reminder to ihe Ihe United States - in seeking to delegates gathered at Rome about the need lo counter crimes against humanity include aggression as a crime over before they spin out of control. which the ICC can have jurisdiction. Annan, for example, warned the delegates Monday of the evils, particularly Problems in defining aggression evident during Yugoslavia's break-up, of ethnic cleansing, the practise of have held up prospects that it will forcibly allering - often through massacres - the demographic composition of be put on the Court's docket during a territory. But hitman rights officials contend such ethnic cleansing is occurring the ne.xt five weeks in Kosovo now. with at least 30(1 ethnic Albanians believed killed - and •'We do think it would be a step thousands more having fled to Albania - since the recent Yugoslav crackdown forward if the crime of aggression on separatist elements in Kosovo. were included." Lloyd said, as long Annan told reporters lhat he hoped a mix of the credible threat of force and I as "it isn't simply a catch-all" for a of diplomacy could help solve the situation in Kosovo. Until then, he argued, wide range of crimes that do noi fil 'Ί would hope that the establishment of this Court would send a powerful message to Ihe world lhat impunity will not be tolerated/'

PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ Rome, June IM9S8

Doubts Cast On Lifting Of British Beef Ban

LONDON ÎROM THE IPS WIRE As a committee of lop European LI nion vets prepare to pass j jdgment on plans to lift export bans on British beef, new research suggests that .so- called 'mad cow disease' could Newspapers Hurting from Economic Crisis affecl up to 100 times more cattle than previously thought BANGKOK/ JAKARTA The EU imposed a worldwide Asia's media are taking a battering from the region's economic crisis, embargo on British beef exports in forced to fire staff and cut operations al a time when their audiences' need for l°-9(>, following evidence of a information is crucial. possible link between mad cow From Souih Korea down to Indonesia, newspapers are finding oui that disease, more formally known as they are as much victims of the economic downturn they have heen reporting Bovine Sporigiform Encepha- on for nearly a year. With Asian currencies devalued, newsprint costs rising lopalliy (BSE), and its human by up to ICO percent and advertising revenue plunging by half or more, the equivalent, Creutzfcldl-Jakob region's media are in for tough years ahead. disease (CJD). Thousands of Thai journalists have lost their jobs and are trying their luck The EU's Standing Veterinary in everything from computers to the jewelry business. ' Ί had been working as Commitle-e of top vets from the 15 a journalist for 13 years and had heen through hard times, but this time is the EU slales, will decide this week worst. I saw the industry collapse so fast that media workers did nol have whether to support the end ihe ban, time to adjust,'1 said Permpol Poperhermhem, a laid-off editor. which has cost Britain around a billion dollars and 1,000 jobs, [t AIDS Increasing Among Poor In Latin America would apply only on beef from cattle born after Aug. 1, 1996, when British anti-BSH measures look CARACAS effect. The AIDS virus in Latin America is increasingly affecting ihe poor, people in rural areas, lic te rost \uals and women, more so than other sectors of society, according to the United Nations. Falling Yen May Drag Che Because more women have been infected with the Acquired Immune Rest of Asia With It Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), this also has broughi with il Ihe problem of transmission of the virus lo infants during pregnancy, explains Mario TOKYO Bronsman, an Argentinian sociologist and public health specialist, For the first lime in 10 years, The rapid spread of ihe AIDS vims among poor sectors is explained by Ihe Jutiko Shimzu and her family will lack of AIDS education and economic resources lo protect themselves. The spend their summer vacation not rise in Ihe number of AIDS sufferers in rural areas is mainlv the result of lazing on Waikiki Beach or some other exotic destination outside migration, Bronsman said here. Japan, but at an ancestral home a When immigrants arrive in cities, they increase their efforts to protect mere three-hour drive from Tokyo. themselves, but I hey also put themselves more at risk. When they return lo "The weak yen has not made it their home town, either permanently or temporarily, they continue engaging economical to go on foreign tours in risky practices - and many abandon the use of "safe sex." anymore,"she says. 'ΊΓ I spent 6,000 U.S. dollars for our summer Devil In the Bottle Kills Thousands in Kenya vacation last August, then this time it will be at leasi another thousand more. With the Japanese economy GIKAMBURA so unsteady and my husband's bonus Kenyan police have declared war on illicit liquor, which kills and maims reduced as well, we have to learn to thousands of peasants in ihe East African country each year. stay put." Latest police figures show that over 6.00(1 peasants died as a resull of Shimzu's concern over the consuming the lethal brews last year. The most serious incident occurred last '-J steady decline of the Japanese year when 12 people died moments after taking the alcohol known here as currency against the U.S. dollar is i "chan'gaa" in a village in central Kenya. Dozens others lost their eyesight. echoed across the region, as Sample contents of the brew, analysed by a government chemist, revealed economists fear that its effects could that excess car batter}· acid and methanol mixed wilh formalin —a poisonous be more worse than those of the chemical used to preserve dead bodies — had been the lethal weapon in Ihe currency crisis that hit South-easi drink. Asia last vear. That incident, coupled with a protest march by 300 women in Kikuyu The once mighty yen has fallen town, some 10 km west of here last month, have forced Ihe police to take note 11 percent against Ihe U.S. dollar of Ihe health risks posed by Ihe illicit booze. since Ihe start of the year and The women who came from Gikambura, 2n kms west of Nairobi, demanded economists predict a further slide to Ihe banning of Ihe sale of the alcohol with banners reading: 'Our husbands 16U or even 170 by autumn. It was and sons are married to Sorghum', 'Root ihe devil'. 'They can't perform in trading at 145 to the dollar on any way. any more.' Monday.

PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ 16, [m Legalese Aside, NGOs Want Independent, Effective Court

ROME European Commissioner Emma associate counsel Richard Dicker said with Hie NGO Bonino, who was T RP secretary at the NGOs wouid be watching how Coalition for an time, had sought the holding of the ddegalesdccideonlhe jurisdiction the International Criminal ICC negotiations in Rome in 199îi. Security Council would have over the k"(CICC) made a strong pilch Now that the talks are underway, Court's work. "The ICC must not be Monday for an independent, effective Cappato said: "The Transnational Ra- a judicial appendage to the Security and fair tribunal, saying this is the dical Party is ready to mobilise civil Council, he said, adding thai the US world's chance to prevent the. society against any altem pi to stall Ihe government's position would be a recurrence of another Bosnia or negotiations." "severe test." Rwanda in the future. Amnesty International secretary - Jelena Pejic, senior programme . Speaking at a press conference, general Pierre Sane said the clearest coordinator for the Lawyers' coalition convenor Committee for Human William Pace said Rights, says the basic NGOs were en- choice facing delegates couraged by UN ai the ICC conference is Secretary General simple. "Either we Kofi Annan's H create a political body, or challenge for |J a truly credible. delegates lo come || international judicial up with a powerful institution. The first court. option is not worth Annan lias having. The victims of provided "strong, future atrocities do not steadfast, eloquent Jij need this,'* Pejic said. and powerful The Court needs ID support in the most be powerful enough to important ;_J look into grave crimes challenge facing despite what affected humanity in the jj, national governments present century ;B may think, activists say. and the next, " U Thus, Pejic .said, Pace said. activists favour "the "All the states San«: "The 20ih century lîad been the Moodiest in recorded history." broadest possible participating in the definition of war cri mes, conference should and Ilic statutory right of take the leadership shown by Annan proof that an ICC is needed is the fact NGOs to present information to the to heart" to easure that the court would that " the 20ih century had been the prosecutor, who must have ex officio not be "the last war-related casualty bloodiest in recorded history.'" powers". of the 20th cenlury." he pointed out. "NGOs have a clear idea of what Mona Rishmawi, director of the "The international community has kind of ICC is needed: it must be free Centre for the Independence o f Judges been arguing for this kind of universal from Security Council interference, it and Lawvcrs, said: "We don't want jurisdiction for50years,"Pace added, must have a strong independent victors' justice, but redress for the describing how the partnership prosecutor and be financially victims of human rights violations. between civil society, governments independent, must easure justice for There must be no blocking of the court and international organisations had women and children, must exercise by the Security Council in any states. gathered momentum inrecent decades. universal jurisdiction over the core A bad or limited court is worse than Marco Cappato, UN representative crime categories and must be able to no court.''Alinim Dickens for Transnational Radical Party and No do so without the consent of any Peace Without Justice, recalled thai the slate,"Sane said. Iwo groups had been lobbying since Sane said that For the ICC to be 1994 for a permanent tribunal to be sel effective, its judgments wou Id have to up as quickly as possible. been as impartial by the international From then on, the groups insisted community. "This requires fair trial. "on the respect of a tighl timing, as according to the highest principles of the only remedy against the natural justice. We need this to prevent slowness of diplomatic negotiations", another Bosnia or Rwanda," he added. he said. Four years ago, current To this end. Human Rights Watch

PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/ 551F Mary Robinson, who impressed Kofi Annan lold delegates that audiences with her speech on Ihe it was a long road to get to the Rome ICC Monday, has her work cul out meeting - and for some delegates, it for her, given the oppobriuin with felt like a long climb as FAÜ which some experts treat her elevators were closed down briefly prior to the opening of the meeting, re some nations shifting predecessor, Jose Ayala Lasso. Referring to the post of High leading some disgruntled diplomats their positions on the Commissioner for Human Rights. lo climb Ihree flights of stairs to get ICC already? Al least Senator Alain Destexhe of Belgium lo the plenary, and finally end their long road to Ihe ICC talks.... one human rights activist was complained over the week-end thai miffed when Senegal Justice "the first person who held this post, Minister Jacques Baudin said his Mr Ayala Lasso, was somebody who Starting today, delegates can delegalion had no fixed position on no-one knew." Destexhe dismissed tune in to Ihe ICC conference the ICC controversies prior to the Ayala's effeciiveness during his through Radio Radicale 2 (FM meeting, and was ready to show stint, and openly pondered how 107.8). The Transnaiional Radical much authority Robinson will have flexibility. ''Senegal doesn't have Party is distributing pocket radios to to do the sort of job Ihat human a fixed position?" the activist delegates, Journalisis and members rights activists want lo see. of IGOs and NGOs at Ihe Indonesia asked, "F.ven if they intend 10 Summing up, the senator argued, "1 Pavilion from 8 a.m. to ft p.m. compromise on some of their think we should avoid setting up 'luesday. You can also check out the concerns, it doesn't make any organisations that become simple TRP's website a! http:// sense for them lo do it so early.,.." alibis.../' w w w. rad i ca l part v. o rg/i cc/i cc . h t m l

Valkan Museums :Fcur different guided WORLD MUSIC, JAZZ tours oi these extensive museums are offered Hours: Mon-Sat 8.45-13 Entry Rome Meets the World. 25]une to 01 15 000 lire (10 000 lire reduced rate). August, Villa Ada. 'Ici 68884466. Vale Vatican. Closed Sundays. WHERE TO EAT AROUND FAQ Borghese Gallery: Set in the magnificent Villa UorgheseGardens, themustum was only reopened to the public last year after L'lasalata Ricca, Viale Aventino (just being closed for 14 years, so booking is after the FAO building). Reasonably necessary! Tel 328101. A special priced and good. Italian, trattoria with a exhibition of Bernini's sculptures is line in salads. Open forlunch and dinner. showing until 20 September to II Milione, Viale Marco Polo 53-57. commemorate the 400th anniversary of Booking necessary: Tel 5780Ü3Q. Closed the Baroque master's birth. Opening Tuesday. Traditional Italian restaurant. hours: Mori-Sat 9-22; Sunday and public Serves fish Garden, open late. Expect to ¥HAT5 UP holidays 9-20. Piazza Scipionc Borehese 5. spend at least 6D 000 lire. Villa Medici: The beautiful gardens and Zelig Pub, Viale Giolto 19. Closed premises of the Villa Medici, the site of Sunday. Tei 5741806. Bombardier and EXHIBITIONS the French Academy in Rome, are now Fustemberg draught beer. Salads and Rome's major museums and galleries are open to (he public every summer until filled roils also served Open lafe. now open in the evening. the year 2000. The work of 20 contemporary· painters is also on show. Palazzo Altemps: Recently reopened to Opening hours. Tues-Sunday 11-13 and DANCE the public, the museum now houses 16-19.30. Until 3D August. Viale Triniti Italy's most important archaeological del Monti. Closed Mondays. 'IIPipistrelle·'(The Bat) Quintisseniially treasures, including the famous Ludovisi Viennese operetta and great musical Palazzo délie Esposizioni: Catch an Ihrone. Open ing hours; Tues-Sat 9-21,45; jüion of Italo-Argentinianssaisior romedy by Johann Strauss II. . Teatro Sundays and public holidays 9-19,45. Colosseo, 9 pm. Ticket price to be worl Guided tours by arrangement. Tel ry of his announced. 520726. Piazza S. Apollinare 44-46. Closed Mondays.

PURL: https://www.legal-tools.org/doc/fb5e35/