Launch of the information campaign on the opening of the trial of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo in Ituri
On Tuesday 20 January 2009, in the conference room in Bunia, the Outreach Unit of the International Criminal Court launched its information campaign in Ituri on the opening of the trial of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, which is scheduled for 26 January in The Hague.
The 116-strong audience in the room consisted of representatives from all social classes and ethnic groups, including Hema, Lendu and Giti leaders, traditional leaders, representatives from the local authorities and from religious groups and also journalists. ICC staff explained the latest developments in the case of The Prosecutor v. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo and were available to answer questions.
Following the brief summary of the background to the case, a play was put on by the local theatre group “La voix d’Ituri” [The Voice of Ituri] on the theme “La CPI, notre espoir” [The ICC: our hope]. The audience applauded enthusiastically in recognition of the artistic quality of the play and the relevance of the message regarding the mission of the ICC, the crimes which fall within its jurisdiction and the various ways in which cases may be referred to it.
Participants expressed the desire for the play to be translated into Swahili and for it to be taken on an outreach tour to the various districts in Bunia and the surrounding area. They also asked the Outreach Unit, among other matters, to organise weekly meetings with community leaders in Bunia to report on the progress of the trial and to listen and respond to their various views and concerns.
For further information please contact the Outreach Unit in Ituri at: + 243 998011418 or by e-mail at the following address : [email protected]