On June 15, 2012, Fatou Bensouda assumes the role of Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. The International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict welcomes and supports Fatou in her new role, as well as the increasing visibility of gender justice on the Court’s agenda. TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT FATOU!
Meet Fatou
A Gambian national, Bensouda is the first woman and the first African to take up the role of Chief Prosecutor of the ICC. She is an experienced lawyer, in Gambia and then at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. She has served as the ICC’s deputy prosecutor for the past eight years, before taking on this role.
The ICC serves a critical role in ensuring comprehensive justice of conflict-related rape and gender violence. In countries such as Burma, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya—rape is used as a tactical weapon, often perpetrated with direct consent or ordered by military commanders and government officials. Prosecuting not only the perpetrators of rape, but the architects of violence is vital for preventing future conflict and providing restorative justice to survivors.
However, the Chief Prosecutor will only be as effective as the support and mandate she receives from the international community.
Take Action Now
Send a letter or email to your Head of State asking your country to Support Fatou: provide the new Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court with a mandate for effective gender justice!
Contact information for Heads of State.
Here's How:
STEP 1
Check if your country is on this list - these are all of the countries that have ratified the Rome Statute and are party to the ICC:
If your country is on the list: great first step! It means your country has signed on to the International Criminal Court and actively supports the Court's functions. This also means that perpetrators of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed within your country after July 2002 can be prosecuted at the ICC.
If your country is NOT on the list: tell your Head of State you want your country to ratify the Rome Statute and be part of the International Criminal Court.
Click here for a contact list of Heads of State around the world.
STEP 2
Is your country on the list and has already ratified the Rome Statute? There are still many actions your government can take to Support Fatou and gender justice!
Write to your Head of State asking your country to make a first time donation to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims earmarked pool for victims of sexual and/or gender-based violence. The Fund is vital for providing reparations to survivors who testify at the Court.
Click here for a contact list of Heads of State around the world.
To send a letter to your Head of State asking your country to ratify the Rome Statute of the ICC.
Contact List of Heads of State in countries around the world.
