AI Index: ACT 77/016/2005

Date: 15th April 2005

Ending violence against women –

the role of the International Criminal Court (postcard)

For the first time in history, serious crimes of violence against women have been explicitly recognized as crimes against humanity and war crimes. They include rape, sexual slavery, forced pregnancy and trafficking.

The legal breakthrough is thanks to the International Criminal Court – the world’s first permanent court able to hold individuals criminally responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The International Criminal Court, which came into being in 2002, can play a unique role in combating violence against women and has adopted rules and procedures to ensure that women survivors are not discriminated against or traumatized in court. For example, the judges and staff of the Court must include women and men, and include experts on dealing with crimes of sexual violence. The Court also provides protection and support for victims and witnesses and provides reparations to help victims rebuild their lives. National courts should follow these examples. Nearly half of the world’s countries have already ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. All others should do so immediately.

Caption

Inauguration of the judges of the International Criminal Court. © ICC-CPI/Wim van Cappellen

Show your support for international justice – tear off and send the postcard below. Help stop violence against women – now!

For more information visit: http://www.amnesty.org/icc/or http://www.iccnow.org

End impunity for the worst crimes of violence against women

Support the International Criminal Court

Take action – Japan must ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court immediately!

Japan’s economic and political influence throughout Asia means that it can play a vital role in ending impunity for the worst crimes of violence against women. It should begin by immediately ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

When the Court was established in 2002, Japan made clear its intention to ratify the Statute. However, since then little progress has been made.

During the Second World War, Japan itself was responsible for subjecting tens of thousands of so-called "comfort women" to torture and sexual slavery. By ratifying the Rome Statute immediately, Japan would help ensure that if similar crimes were committed elsewhere in the future, those responsible could be brought to justice.

Send the attached postcard to Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro, urging his government to:

 Demonstrate Japan’s commitment to international justice by ratifying and implementing the Rome Statute before the end of 2005

 Encourage other Asian countries to follow Japan’s lead and support the International Criminal Court

Dear Mr KOIZUMI,

Name:

Country:

Signature:

left image: An indigenous massacre survivor lights a candle in memory of the victims at the launch of a genocide suit against former Guatemalan officials, May 2000. © AI

main image: Clare Muhinyuza was raped and had her arm cut off during the genocide in Rwanda. Her two children were murdered in front of her. © The Guardian/Sean Smith

right image: South Korean women used as sex slaves by the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War demand compensation and redress. © AP

Please affix postage here

Mr KOIZUMI Junichiro

Prime Minister

2-3-1 Nagata-cho

Chiyoda-ku

Tokyo 100-0014

Japan

AI Index: ACT 77/016/2005

Amnesty International, International Secretariat, Peter Benenson House,

1 Easton Street, London WC1X 0DW, United Kingdom.

www.amnesty.org

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