African States must co-operate with ICC-Kuenyehia

Accra, Dec. 03, GNA-Professor Akua Kuenyehia, First Vice-President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has underscored the need for African States to foster greater co-operation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), in order to end conflicts on the continent. She said this co-operation, which would also bring about peace, justice and security would become a reality if Africans and their leaders took a greater interest in the ICC than it was currently the case.

Prof Kuenyehia made the call when she presented a paper on, "Impunity, Justice, Peace and Security-The ICC and Africa at a Lecture in Accra.

The Lecture was to herald a two-day Conference on Introducing the New African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, jointly organized by Africa Legal Aid (AFLA) and the Ministry of Justice.

Prof. Kuenyehia urged the Media, Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society Groups to have a good understanding of the Court, its mandate, principles and activities, in order not only to promote it, but to also make its work in Africa worthwhile.

Africa. She reminded the organizations that they could assist the ICC to help end impunity on the continent if they created awareness about the ICC and its activities.

"The more knowledge there is about the Court and its mandate, the more would-be perpetrators of serious crimes of concern to the international community would be put on notice that their activities would not go unpunished."

She undoubtedly conceded that the ICC's contribution to ending conflict and impunity on the one hand, and fostering peace, security and justice on the other, was fraught with a myriad of challenges.

Prof Kuenyehia, therefore charged it to be fair, transparent, objective and cost-effective in its proceedings, in order to win the confidence of the international community, especially Africa.

She said it was gratifying to note that the ICC was an institution that had something to contribute to the search for peace, security and the rule of law, not only on the continent, but in all parts of the world where conflicts had ravaged societies.

The Lecture preceded a two-day Conference on Introducing the New African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights currently underway in Accra. It is being convened jointly by AFLA and the Ministry of Justice.