The ICC launches Outreach Programme radio campaign in Kenya
On Friday, 3 December 2010, the Outreach Unit of the International Criminal Court (ICC) launched a radio campaign in Kenya to provide the general population with information about the Court, particularly the development of the ICC’s judicial processes in relation to the situation in Kenya.
The campaign, entitled “Understanding the International Criminal Court”, will include a number of different programmes with information on the Court, which have been translated into four vernacular languages: Kiswahili, Luo, Kalenjinj and Kikuyu. They will be broadcast through 13 vernacular and community radio stations, potentially reaching the entire country’s population.
The first part of the radio campaign aims to explain the judicial process that will follow the ICC Prosecutor’s forthcoming filing of request(s) for the issuance of warrants of arrest or summonses to appear in relation to the situation in Kenya.
The radio campaign aims to inform the public and engender greater local community participation in Court proceedings, by countering misperceptions and by addressing people’s concerns. Through this and other activities, the Outreach Programme aims to reach out to victims and affected communities and allow them to see that justice is being done.
Background
The Republic of Kenya ratified the Rome Statute on 15 March 2005 and became a State Party to the Rome Statute on 1 June 2005. In accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute, the ICC Prosecutor sought authorisation from Pre-Trial Chamber II to commence an investigation proprio motu in a situation involving crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Kenya during the period known as the post-election violence of 2007-2008. On 31 March 2010, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber II granted the Prosecutor permission to start the investigation.
The ICC’s Outreach efforts in Kenya began before the Chamber issued its decision to grant permission to the Prosecutor’s investigation. Outreach Programmes aim to cultivate a level of awareness and understanding of the ICC’s mandate and activities, promote access to and understanding of judicial proceedings, and foster realistic expectations about the Court’s work. In Kenya, Outreach Programmes have thus far placed special emphasis on explaining the statutory provisions for launching an investigation proprio motu and the procedural steps that followed.
For further information, please contact Jelena Vukasinovic, Associate Legal Outreach Officer, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-8094 or by e-mail at: [email protected].
You can also follow the Court’s activities on YouTube and Twitter.