Minister of Justice of the Central African Republic discusses cooperation during visit to ICC headquarters

Today, 2 July 2015, the Minister of Justice of the Central African Republic (CAR), H.E. Mr Aristide Sokambi, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague (the Netherlands), where he held meetings with ICC President Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, the Deputy Prosecutor, Mr James Stewart, and the Registrar, Mr Herman von Hebel.

H.E. Mr Sokambi discussed various cooperation issues with regard to the ongoing ICC investigations in CAR and expressed that "the fight against impunity is a core priority for the authorities in CAR". "The population wants justice. We do our part, with national proceedings and the Special Criminal Court, but we also need the ICC to support us in bringing justice to the victims of crimes. A strong and joint signal is needed that impunity must and will be ended", he added.

President Fernández thanked the Minister for the Central African Republic's longstanding support and cooperation with the ICC, and stated: "The ICC stands together with the government and the people of CAR in their aspirations for lasting peace. The ICC is actively conducting its mandate in CAR and supports the creation of the Special Criminal Court. National and international justice have an important complementary role in breaking the cycle of violence in this country and in securing justice for the victims of atrocity crimes committed on its territory".

The ICC Prosecutor has opened two investigations with respect to atrocity crimes allegedly committed in the territory of CAR in May 2007 and September 2014, respectively. In September 2014, the Prosecutor decided to open a second investigation into the situation in CAR to look into the alleged crimes within the Court's jurisdiction committed since 1 August 2012. Both situations were referred to the Office of the Prosecutor by the CAR authorities.

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

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