International Justice
Take Action on July 17, International Justice Day
In light of the US government’s hostile position toward the ICC, actions/events that focus on raising awareness in your community and reaching out to potential allies will help build the foundation for the advocacy that will be need over the long-term in order to affect real change in the US government’s position. The particular needs and opportunities of your group should inform the actions your group decides to take.
- Send letters to the editor or editorials to local media: Write letters to your local newspaper, highlighting the important role the ICC plays in combating impunity for serious crimes of violence against women. Raising community awareness about how the ICC operates is crucial in light of the US government’s aggressive efforts to spread misinformation about the Court. Poll after poll shows that the majority of people in the US support the concept of the ICC, particularly as a means of ensuring accountability for the crimes committed in Sudan [see: www.pipa.org; www.crisisgroup.org], but much work remains to be done to turn that silent support into a vocal constituency who will mobilize to demand a change in US policy. To that end, please also consider writing letters to draw attention to future key milestones in the life of the Court, such as the 100th ratification of the Rome Statute (currently there are 99 ratifications – the 100th is expected by Fall 2005), and the Prosecutor’s first indictments. Please see page 4 of this packet for two sample letters to the editor. Sample letter to the editor (AI members only).
- Screen the documentary If Hope Were Enough, which was produced by the Women’s Caucus for Gender Justice and WITNESS in 2001. The documentary captures the historic importance of women coming together to influence the establishment of the International Criminal Court so that it can address violations of women's human rights. Through the voices of women survivors of historic and on-going violence in both armed-conflict situations and peacetime, the documentary brings to life the inspiring struggle for an end to impunity for violence against women. If you are interested in obtaining a copy or would like more information, please contact networks@aiusa.org.
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Collaborate with local women’s organizations to organize a seminar on international justice and violence against women. Contact your AIUSA Regional Office to get in touch with your state’s Stop Violence Against Women Coordinator (1.866.A.REGION).
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Take Action Online - send letters urging the US government to support accountability for the crimes committed in the Darfur region of Sudan by supporting the Darfur Accountability Act 2000, S.495. Share this action with friends and colleagues.
- Sign up to receive future actions and bulletins involving international justice issues through AIUSA’s Online Action Center.