The Global Citizen: DRC

ICC Prosecutor Asks for More Charges Against Bosco Ntaganda

Melissa Kaplan | May 14th, 2012
Topics: Genocide Prevention, International Criminal Court, Civilian Protection, Gender Based Violence, International Criminal Justice, Human Rights

Today, ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo announced he would seek new charges against Bosco Ntaganda of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Ntaganda was already charged by the ICC in 2006 for the use of child soldiers in battle. Prosecutor Ocampo is now seeking to add charges of crimes against humanity for murder, ethnic persecution, rape and sexual slavery, as well as war crimes charges for "intentional attacks" against civilians leading to murder, rape, sexual slavery and pillaging. These alleged crimes were committed in the DRC between 2002-2003.

ICC: Lubanga Verdict Expected Early Next Year

Melissa Kaplan | November 17th, 2011
Topics: Genocide Prevention, International Criminal Court, Civilian Protection

It appears that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is still on track to issue a verdict in its first completed trial by early 2012, according to a recent announcement by Court judges.

The trial of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo wrapped up in August with closing arguments by both defense and prosecution. Lubanga is charged by the ICC with conscripting child soldiers under the age of 15 into battle in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Citizens for Global Solutions will provide updates on the verdict when it is released.

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Closing Arguments in ICC's Lubanga Trial Begin Today

Melissa Kaplan | August 25th, 2011
Topics: Genocide Prevention, International Criminal Court, Civilian Protection, International Criminal Justice, Human Rights

Today and tomorrow, the International Criminal Court (ICC) will be hearing closing arguments in the trial of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, accused by the Court of conscripting child soldiers in battle in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This marks an important milestone for the Court: the long-awaited conclusion of the first completed trial since its creation.

Lubanga is alleged to be the founder of Union des Patriotes Congolais (UPC) and the Forces patriotiques pour la libération du Congo (FPLC); the former Commander-in-Chief of the FPLC, and president of the UPC. He is charged with war crimes including enlisting and conscripting child soldiers under the age of 15 into the FPLC. His trial began in January 2009.

The closing arguments are scheduled to wrap up tomorrow, and a verdict in the Lubanga case is expected early next year.

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ICC Postpones Bemba Trial

Veronica Glick | March 9th, 2010
Topics: International Criminal Court, Law & Justice

The International Criminal Court (ICC) trial of Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo was due to start on April 27, however, the ICC announced that the trial has been postponed until July 5. On April 27 the ICC will hold a status conference to discuss the admissibility challenge brought by the Defense for Bemba.

Human Rights Abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Citizens for Global Solutions | September 10th, 2009
Topics: Gender Based Violence, Rights of the Child Treaty, Human Rights

Two reports were released by the United Nations on September 7, 2009 regarding human rights abuses, and possible war crimes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These reports, and top human rights officials stress the importance of reforming the DRC's judicial and security mechanisms. The focus of the reports is the period of heavy violence in late 2008 in the country's North and South Kivu provinces.