International Justice and Accountability International Justice Day 2008 -

July 2008

International Justice Day 2008 celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Participants invited local mayors and state and federal elected officials to issue an International Justice Day proclamation recognizing the unique contributions of the ICC to creating a more just and peaceful world, hosted community screenings of “Justice Without Borders” and mobilized local letter-writing action on pressing action in support of the ICC’s ongoing work.

Please take a moment to read summaries and view pictures of International Justice Day successes, hosted by international justice activists!

Portland, OR

When the world learned of the ICC Prosecutor’s landmark request for an arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al Bashir on July 14, 2008, AIUSA members in Portland witnessed another groundbreaking moment. Portland Mayor Tom Potter became the first and only U.S. mayor to sign a proclamation declaring July 17 as International Justice Day two years in a row.

“I’m a firm believer if we don’t protect each other’s rights, there may come a time when our rights will need to be protected and there may not be anyone to protect them,” Mayor Potter told AIUSA members Carmen Martin-Stiles and Sherry Harbert.

Mayor Potter read the proclamation to urge all residents to observe the date and recognize the contribution of the ICC for the advancement of justice, peace and security. “If we don’t have equity and justice for everyone, we don’t have it for anyone,” he said.

Audio recording Listen to Mayor Potter read the International Day of Justice proclamation

Chicago, IL

On July 17th, IJA Anchors (volunteer community organizers) held an International Justice Day Social and Happy Hour to celebrate the tenth anniversary signing of the Rome Statute, which created the International Criminal Court. The well-attended event brought local activists and interested citizens together to learn more about the ICC, international justice and the work of the IJA program in Chicago.

The event proved timely, as IJA Anchors were able to give the attentive crowd an overview of the developments of ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo's recent call for an arrest warrant for genocide charges against Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al Bashir. In addition, they talked to the group about the significance of International Justice Day and other local IJA events that they could become involved in, including hosting a film screening, tabling, and the monthly book club.

While having a great time mingling and playing games, partygoers also picked up informative handouts, brainstormed ways to work together, and signed petitions supporting the ICC. Ultimately, the event was a success and the IJA Anchors are excited to build upon this network of support for international justice and accountability in the Chicagoland area!

Boston, MA

To celebrate International Justice Day in Boston, community members and Amnesty International volunteers came together at the Democracy Center in Cambridge on Monday, July 14th . The event centered around justice in times of conflict utilizing specific country examples to highlight ways that international justice has played a role in ending conflict and fighting impunity after its end. Country examples included the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, and Uganda. Participants were invited to peruse the country and thematic exhibits, read over the materials, and take action. Cake and beverages were served in celebration.

Washington, DC

On July 17th, Amnesty International local group 536, in conjunction with the AIUSA Program for International Justice and Accountability, and with Special Initiative Funding (SIF), hosted an event to celebrate International Justice Day. The event featured three speakers, including Professor of Law and Founding Director of the International Human Rights Law Clinic at American University, Richard Wilson; Washington Advocate for the Human Rights Watch International Justice Program, Golzar Kheiltash; and Country Specialist for Amnesty International USA, Kate Vandermade. The panelists were preceded by the short documentary Justice Without Borders, which explores the global movement seeking justice and accountability for the most grave human rights abuses. Over 125 DC human rights enthusiasts came out and packed the local Busboys and Poets screening room. At least a dozen people signed up to join our local AI536 chapter (five of whom attended our most recent chapter meeting) and many more signed up for more information on the AI program for IJA.

The group credits its members for doing an excellent job publicizing the event and SIF for giving us the means to book an ideal venue and provide desserts. We believe that by holding the event at Bus Boys and Poets, a popular and hip local bookstore/café/bar, we were able to attract the extended public (beyond group members and their immediate networks.) We also commend attendees for coming and for challenging the speakers with questions regarding the ICC, Guatemala, universal jurisdiction, and other relevant topics.

For us, the event epitomized the community activism work promoted by Amnesty and provided us with a better understanding of what it means to advocate for human rights with Amnesty. Local events organized by volunteers do not necessarily change public policies; however, the event demonstrated that a small and local human rights activist group can have direct impact on the immediate surrounding community. At the least, each guest walked away with greater knowledge of international justice and how activists are working to make this concept a reality. Even more, a minority of guests walked away with a new commitment to get involved in international justice activist work. These impacts are enough to keep our group proud and inspired through our volunteer work with Amnesty.

Eastern Iowa

Eastern Iowa celebrated International Justice Day with help from Matthew Heaphy of the American Coalition for the International Criminal Court and Amnesty International the week of July 17, 2008. The celebrations began with official proclamations of support by the Iowa City Council and Cedar Rapids mayor’s office.

On July 17 Matthew Heaphy lectured at the University of Iowa College of Law and the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council before speaking at a celebration at Kirkwood Community College where United Nations Association Student Alliance members made ICC birthday cakes, recited poetry and screened an Amnesty film on the ICC. Matthew’s lecture with the Iowa City Foreign Relations was recorded by WSUI for broadcast on Iowa Public Radio.

Matthew’s trip was a great success. At each lecture people had several questions. Many wanted to know how Americans can get involved to promote the ICC and the US’s involvement. Matthew’s visit showed the importance of spreading the word about the ICC and its critical role with international justice and human rights.
Iowa Proclamation

New York, NY

To mark the tenth anniversary of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Amnesty International, Group 27 (Amnesty-Brooklyn) hosted an event comprised of a lecture, film screening, and action opportunities at the Flying Saucer Cafe in Brooklyn, NY. John Washburn, the Convener of the American Non-governmental Organizations Coalition for the International Criminal Court (AMICC), gave a phenomenal presentation about the structure, functioning, history, activities, and mission of the International Criminal Court, and Amnesty-Brooklyn was very honored to have such a distinguished speaker. Following Mr. Washburn's speech, he graciously and thoroughly answered questions from audience members. Then Amnesty-Brooklyn screened a clip from "Darfur Now" (2007), a film highlighting the Sudanese government's horrific human rights violations in Darfur, which is the subject of one of four investigations launched by the Prosecutor of the ICC. After the screening, Amnesty-Brooklyn circulated a petition and letter actions calling for the United States to fully support the work of the ICC.

Seattle, WA: Justice Summer

Justice Summer Seattle integrated three justice concerns -- Guantanamo, the ICC, and China; beginning with a visit (July 1st) by Amnesty advocates (Group 4/Seattle) with staff of Congressman McDermott (D-Seattle) -- to help close Guantanamo. Next came the PEN Poetry Relay (July 5th), a reading of the poem “June” written by prisoner of conscience Shi Tao. The delegation and reading were followed-up by an Op-Editorial (July 8th) along with display of “Arrest Now” fliers at three University District cafes. The combined impacts encouraged the public to remember -- the International Criminal Court matters, despite the U.S. un-signing from the ICC.

Dayton, OH

Mayor of Dayton, OH, Rhine McLin issued a proclamation declaring July 17th, 2008, International Justice Day. By designating this important day as International Justice Day, the mayor has continued the Dayton tradition of promoting peace and human rights internationally. The Dayton Peace Accords signed in 1995 will celebrate its 13th anniversary this December. Through the negotiations held at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, this community learned of the grave human rights abuses committed in the former Yugoslavia. The large scale human rights abuses that occurred in Bosnia were often ordered by and carried out by high ranking government and military officials. Despite the many years that have passed since the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, the leaders most responsible for ordering the killing of 8,000 men and boys have remained unpunished, living in hiding and maintaining false identities. The recent July 2008 arrest of one of those alleged war criminals, Radovan Karadzic reflects the international community’s unwavering commitment and strong conviction that these criminals must be tried and punished for their crimes. Karadzic has been indicted by the UN tribunal for war crimes and genocide over the 1995 massacre at Srebrenica. The mayor’s proclamation issued shortly before the arrest, reminds not only citizens of Dayton but throughout the world that international justice efforts must continue to be supported. It is through the actions of committed individuals and communities like that found in Dayton, from which the political will needed to support international justice initiatives truly develops.
Ohio Proclamation