September 9, 2004

Genocide Declared: How America Can Help
A Commission of Inquiry and Referral to the International Criminal Court Essential for Peace in Darfur

Washington, DC – Following Secretary of State Colin Powell’s declaration that genocide is being committed in Darfur, Citizens for Global Solutions calls for the UN to immediately authorize a Commission of Inquiry for Darfur. Based on the result of the Commission’s report, the U.S. should then support a UN Security Council referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Charles J. Brown, President and CEO of Citizens for Global Solutions and former spokesperson for US Delegations to the UN Conference on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court said:

“Finally Secretary Powell has reached the conclusion that Congress and various humanitarian organizations reached several months ago. Women and children are dying by the thousands while we have been debating and discussing. Our words must be backed up by action. The United States and the rest of the international community can no longer stand idle and allow one more person to die.

“The UN Commission of Inquiry is the first step. It will gather information, preserve evidence and indicate those responsible. But, after the investigation has concluded, the critical next step is a UN Security Council referral to the ICC. U.S. support of a referral to the Court would send a clear message to the Janjaweed militias and the Government of Sudan that individuals will be held accountable, and the genocide must halt now.”

Unlike the ad hoc tribunals which first need to be constructed, staffed and funded, the ICC is already established to take on genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Court can handle these complex issues immediately upon referral, and has the expertise from atrocities committed in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which it is currently investigating.

“The continued cooperation of the United States at that stage will also be vital to ensure the success of the prosecution,” said Brian Thompson, International Law and Justice Program Manager.

“The U.S. should provide assistance including sharing information, expertise and any other form of assistance necessary to support the ICC in its investigations and prosecution to bring those responsible to justice.”

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+ READ MORE ON THE CONFLICT IN DARFUR
+ READ MORE ON SUDAN