Originally published on the CGS blog on July 8, 2009.
A new film, called The Reckoning, is coming out on PBS on July 14th which will look at the workings and struggles of the International Criminal Court. The film follows Luis Moreno Ocampo, the prosecutor for the ICC, for three years as he battles genocidal criminals across four continents. These include the Lord’s Resistance Army leaders in Uganda, Congolese war lords, the Columbia justice system, and the president of Sudan. The Reckoning touches on the two problems that the ICC faces. Not only do they deal with human rights violators but they must also fight to remain efficient and stir up enough political will from the countries involved. The atrocities shown in this movie are only touched on in the trailer but hopefully this movie will alert the American people and Congressional officials alike to the absolute necessity of an International Criminal Court.
This film is a great chance to make the ICC better known. There are many things that Citizens for Global Solutions is doing to promote the video and many ways that other organizations can get involved too. For instance a quick banner or blurb on a website would alert viewers to the films importance. Additionally the YouTube video of the trailer on a homepage or a blog post would also increase awareness, there is plenty of information available here. Citizens for Global Solutions is also available to send language to anyone who would like to post something about it in their newsletter or even an e-mail to members. There are even oppertunities to host a screening of the film. International Justice Day is coming up July 17th and that would also be a great day to promote this film. It is important that these atrocities are stopped and the first step is knowledge.
