Darfur crimes investigated

It can’t be denied that the International Criminal Court’s move to accuse Sudan’s President of committing war crimes in Darfur is a very bold step as it's the first time the ICC has issued charges against a sitting serving head of state.

This arrest petition which is now being considered by the Hague may well have set the cat among the pigeons in the ongoing peace process in the region but Amnesty along with others have described this as an ‘important step’ towards ensuring accountability in Darfur.

Whatever one may think about this decision, it’s clear that the ICC has sent a strong message to the international community that being head of a state doesn’t guarantee anyone immunity for crimes punishable under international law.

I wonder if this has made other state leaders stop to consider their own position…

Staying with Sudan, keep an eye out for Panorama on BBC One this evening. It’s set to reveal that Chinese military equipment is still being found in Darfur, despite there being a UN arms embargo in place across the Sudanese region.

Panorama’s findings have reinforced Amnesty’s long-held concerns that countries, including Russia and China, may be in breach of the UN arms embargo over Darfur.  As Amnesty’s Arms Director, Olly Sprague points out, governments should stop sending supplies to Sudan as there is a strong risk that these weapons could end up being used in the conflict-ravaged region of Darfur.

Tonight’s programme is set to be a cracker, so tune in at 8.30pm on BBC One, straight after ‘stenders to find out more!

Til the next time