Attempts to give African leaders immunity from prosecution for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, will completely undermine the integrity of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights, before it even becomes operational, warned Amnesty International this week.
The Amnesty International Africa Director, in an open letter to the African Union (AU), called on heads of state to reject a proposed amendment that could grant impunity to African leaders, reports AllAfrica.
"If this amendment is adopted it will also call into question the African Union's commitment to its declared goal of ensuring justice for victims of serious crimes under international law," said Netsanet Belay.
“"It is vital that those responsible for atrocities must face justice, irrespective of their official positions. The adoption of this amendment would be a tremendous backward step in the long battle for accountability and human rights on the continent," said Netsanet Belay.
"How African leaders vote on this crucial amendment at the AU summit this week will provide a litmus test of leadership for each and every African government," he added.
The Amnesty International Africa Director, in an open letter to the African Union (AU), called on heads of state to reject a proposed amendment that could grant impunity to African leaders, reports AllAfrica.
"If this amendment is adopted it will also call into question the African Union's commitment to its declared goal of ensuring justice for victims of serious crimes under international law," said Netsanet Belay.
“"It is vital that those responsible for atrocities must face justice, irrespective of their official positions. The adoption of this amendment would be a tremendous backward step in the long battle for accountability and human rights on the continent," said Netsanet Belay.
"How African leaders vote on this crucial amendment at the AU summit this week will provide a litmus test of leadership for each and every African government," he added.