ICC launches Outreach programmes for youths in the Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions in northern Uganda
Press Release
ICC launches Outreach programmes for youths in the Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions in northern Uganda
ICC-CPI-20080717-PR342
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On 8 until 10 July, the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) field Outreach Unit in Uganda, in collaboration with a locally based organisation, Youth Coalition, concluded four face-to-face meetings with 200 representatives from over 150 local youth organisations from the Acholi, Teso and Lango sub-regions of northern Uganda.
Youths, including university students, have been targeted as a distinct group as part of the ICC’s outreach strategy. This particular group forms a large percentage, and encompass’ different sections, of the Ugandan population in the region’s areas most affected by the conflict. The Court therefore perceives them as potentially effective agents of change. The objective of equipping these youths with accurate information will enable them to disseminate this knowledge effectively to others in their groups and communities where topical issues are discussed on a daily basis.
Several dramatic performances were enacted by the youth group, depicting scenes of violence directed against the civilian population and in particular, women, youths and children. Outreach staff used certain scenes drawn from the drama performances to further explain and clarify the role and the activities of the Court and to address any concerns related to the on-going investigating in the situation in northern Ugandan. Updates were provided on issues related to victim participation and witness protection mechanisms at the ICC. Time was also dedicated to reinforcing the Court’s position in relation to the Juba peace process.
The chairman of the Coalition thanked the ICC for directly including youths in the ICC discussions and pledged on behalf of those present, to support the work of the Court.
For further information, please contact Ms Maria Mabinty Kamara, Field Public Information and Outreach Co-ordinator for Uganda. Tel: +256772700655/ +31646448830, email: [email protected]