Trial begins on human rights abuses in DRC
25 Nov 2009
Baroness Kinnock welcomed the role the International Criminal Court (ICC) continues to play in the fight against the most serious international crimes.Baroness Kinnock's comments were made at the start of the ICC trial against Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui who are charged with human rights abuses during the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Baroness Kinnock said:
'The beginning of trial proceedings yesterday (Tuesday 24 November) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui is another important step forward for the Court as it establishes its vital role in the global fight against impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern.
The charges against Mr Katanga and Mr Ngudjolo Chui include allegations of the use of children in hostilities, deliberating directing an attack on a civilian population, and sexual slavery and rape during conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2003.
I welcome the role that the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor has taken to ensure that these horrendous crimes are properly investigated and prosecuted in a court of law. This trial, along with the continuing ICC trial of former militia leader Thomas Lubanga, underlines the message that the international community will continue to take action against those who seek to undermine stability in DRC and the region.'
