ICC holds training for Magistrates in Central African Republic

From 21 to 23 March 2018, the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "Court") is holding a training course for Magistrates in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR). The training opened on 21 March with the interventions of HE Mathieu Simplice Sarandji, Prime Minister of the Central African Republic, and ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda.

During three days, eight magistrates of the Special Criminal Court and eight magistrates of the Central African judicial system are discussing with representatives of the ICC Registry and Office of the Prosecutor about issues of common interest, such as the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions, cooperation, protection of victims and witnesses, and outreach. The Special Criminal Court was created in 2015 to judge international crimes committed in CAR from 2003.

"The determination of the Central African authorities and people to include the fight against impunity in their efforts to find a lasting solution to the ongoing armed conflict on the national territory remains intact. We are deeply convinced that peace and justice go hand in hand, and that peace without justice is just a house of cards," said HE Mathieu Simplice Sarandji, Prime Minister of the Central African Republic.

"Building on our joint efforts with national Central African jurisdictions, we will resolutely continue our actions against impunity for serious crimes committed in the Central African Republic. Sharing experiences and best practices will enable us to work together in our efforts to bring justice to the thousands of victims of atrocious crimes in this country," said ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda at the opening of the training.

Ms Samuela Isopi, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Central African Republic, HE Simplice Sarandji, Prime Minister of the Central African Republic, Ms Fatou Bensouda, ICC Prosecutor, Mr Toussaint Muntazini, Special Prosecutor of the Special Criminal Court, and Mr. Parfait Onanga Anyanga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Mission Chief of the MINUSCA © ICC-CPI

This training is part of the Court's ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation and complementarity. It is organized by the ICC in close collaboration with the Special Criminal Court and the Government of the Central African Republic, with the financial support of the European Commission.

Background: The ICC is currently conducting two separate investigations regarding the Central African Republic, for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in 2002 and 2003 and from 2012. The Prosecutor's investigations are continuing to identify the perpetrators of the most serious crimes and to prosecute them. The ICC's activities remain complementary to the proceedings conducted at national level.

For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: [email protected]

For interviews with the Office of the Prosecutor, contact: [email protected]

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