Amnesty International has called for the war crimes committed during the Sudanese civil war to be investigated by prosecutors at the United Nations International Criminal Court in The Hague.
In a report released in London on Tuesday, Amnesty urged the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Sudan, including the Darfur region, to the special court.
”The UN Security Council has repeatedly emphasised concern at the failure of Sudan to end impunity and must now act to remain coherent,” the report said.
It added that the appeal was made in the context of ending impunity ”for the worst crimes committed in conflicts”.
However, since The Hague court will only try ”a handful” of those responsible, it is essential that the Security Council should support a ”comprehensive reform of the Sudanese justice system so as to enable it to bring to justice perpetrators of serious crimes under international human rights and humanitarian law”.
The right of victims and their families to truth and justice is an essential element of the process of reconciliation and peace in Sudan, Amnesty said in its report.
The people in Darfur continue to risk their lives trying to expose and seek redress for the ”egregious human rights abuses” they suffered, including the disappearances of relatives and friends.
Amnesty appealed to the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army, the two parties to the comprehensive peace agreement, to fulfil their responsibility for a lasting peace, built on truth and justice.
”They must engage in a process to establish truth and reconciliation in the country,” Amnesty said. — Sapa-DPA