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Victims and NGOs appeal to the ICC to not disregard their obligations to Post-conflict communities
After the Government of Uganda referred the situation in northern Uganda to the ICC in 2003, the Court set up a field office in Kampala, Uganda, to ensure effective work. In the beginning, the ICC received very hostile reception within the conflict affected population in northern Uganda and this seriously impacted on the Ugandan Field Office Outreaches. The Outreach Section, among other sections of the Court established in Uganda was responsible to present the work of the Court to the civilian population of northern Uganda. Amidst unfriendly atmosphere, the Court engaged CSOs who seriously risked their lives and contributed greatly to reverse the negative image of the Court among the communities. With full support of Government of Uganda, CSOs, victims and communities of northern Uganda, affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), enthusiastically cooperated with the Court with the aim to ensure that the indicted LRA commanders are brought to justice.
In October 2014, after years of cooperation with CSOs, the ICC informed the key ally CSOs that the Outreach Section, was “ceasing” its regular outreach activities and that the situation in northern Uganda would be henceforth monitored from Nairobi, Kenya. To discuss what this means and to strategise on a way forward, AYINET organised a follow-up meetings at which a Position Paper for the ICC was prepared.
The Position Paper reflects the Victims and local CSOs` perception that the Court`s decision disregards the complexity of the situation in northern Uganda as well as the efforts made by local CSOs. In addition, the Outreach Section`s practical ceasing of regular from northern Uganda sends mixed messages to victims, the ICC intermediaries and local partners in other and future situation countries.
To read the complete Position Paper, which was submitted to the ICC, click below
1. Position Paper Download
2. Concept Paper Download
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