Let justice be the foundation of a new beginning

More than 7 years of rape, murder and pillaging have gone unpunished. Demand justice for war crimes in Darfur.

Dear Rector, For more than 7 years now, alleged war criminals of Darfur have lived freely, while the innocent people in their paths have lived in fear. But last month, when two Darfuri rebel leaders, suspected of killing peacekeepers, surrendered themselves to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, the wall of impunity finally began to crack. The suffering in Darfur won't end until all those indicted by the ICC are brought to justice. International justice can't work until there's international cooperation. In order for the ICC to effectively prosecute those responsible for grave human rights abuses, the international community must do its part to fight impunity. Urge the U.S. to strengthen its support of the ICC in bringing Darfuri war crimes suspects to justice. The U.S. has recently taken important steps forward to renew its engagement with the ICC. This shift in U.S. policy signals hope that those who so egregiously abused human rights will finally be held accountable for their crimes. Outstanding warrants for three high-profile individuals have been issued, but remain unanswered. Suspects Ahmad Harun and Ali Kushayb remain at large after being charged with 51 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. And despite becoming the world's first sitting head of state to ever be issued an arrest warrant by the ICC,Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir continues to be welcomed as a guest in other countries and given full presidential treatment. This blatant obstruction of justice has gone on for too long. The influence of the U.S. can push negligent governments to stop shielding these men from accepting responsibility. Ensure that the U.S. is doing its part in standing up for justice in Darfur. After all the suffering the people of Darfur have endured, they deserve a glimmer of hope. Let justice be the foundation of a new beginning in Darfur. In Solidarity, Juliette, Vienna and the rest of the Justice for Darfur Team  Share on Facebook  Share on Twitter