By Nation team
Delegates reviewing the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court have warned dictators in Africa to respect human rights or face the wrath of the international community.
The continent was also asked to co-operate with the International Criminal Court by arresting fugitive warlords against whom the ICC issued arrest warrants.
Speaking during the opening of the International Criminal Court Review Meeting in Kampala, Uganda, United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, warned world leaders the era of impunity was over, adding a new age of accountability was setting in slowly.
“In this new age of accountability, those who commit the worst of human crimes will be held responsible,” he added. “Whether they are rank-and-file foot soldiers or military commanders...whether they are lowly civil servants following orders, or top political leaders, they will be held to account”.
The secretary general said the ICC needs universal support if it is to become an effective deterrent and an avenue of justice. “Only then will perpetrators have no place to hide...no government or justice system that is complicit in international crimes can any longer shield the perpetrators from justice,” he said.
