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International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence calls on African States to back ICC

Sonke Gender Justice calls on President Zuma and African Union Chair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to use South Africa’s considerable influence to support the ICC and ensure that other AU members uphold their historic commitments to the court. 

“Ending gender violence in conflict must be a top priority for all AU member states,” said Leymah Gbowee, Nobel peace laureate and Co-Chair of the International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict. “A decision to withdraw from the ICC will be very bad news for survivors who seek justice, and very good news for rapists who expect to get away with their crimes.”

The news that some African ICC states may be considering withdrawal from the Rom Statute has alarmed activists in Africa and around the world who work to end sexual violence in conflict.

“This could be a step back in the struggle against impunity for crimes against humanity, especially rape during war,” said Dr. Denis Mukwege, Founder and Medical Director of Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and an Advisory Committee member of the International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict. “Without real justice, there will be no lasting peace for Africa or the rest of the world.” 

In their letter, Campaign members note the critical role the ICC plays in bringing justice for rape survivors: “As a court of last-resort, the ICC often represents the only opportunity rape survivors have to access justice… The ICC trials serve as powerful symbols that even those at the highest level of power will not get away with using rape as a weapon of war.”

Campaign member Sonke Gender Justice from South Africa is calling on AU Chair and South African senior politician Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to use her position to rally support for the ICC.

“South Africa has long been a staunch supporter of the ICC,” said Sonke Director Dean Peacock. “We call on our government to use its influence at the AU to ensure that human rights are strengthened”.

Media contact:
Rachel Vincent, Director of Media & Communications, Nobel Women’s Initiative for
The International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict
Phone +1 613-569-8400 ext.113 or media@stoprapeinconflict.org
www.stoprapeinconflict.org <http://www.stoprapeinconflict.org>

Dean Peacock, Executive Director
Sonke Gender Justice Network
Phone +27 21 423 7088 or dean@genderjustice.org.za

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