Skip to main content
Normal View

Situation in Uganda.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004

Wednesday, 31 March 2004

Questions (31)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

24 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the findings of an investigation by the International Criminal Court into serious crimes committed in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10006/04]

View answer

Written answers

I take it the Deputy is referring to the recent announcement by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr Luis Moreno Ocampo, that Uganda has referred to him the situation concerning the activities of the Lord's Resistance Army in northern Uganda. In accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute, it now falls to the prosecutor to evaluate the information made available to him, and then to decide whether to initiate an investigation. The prosecutor has indicated that a formal announcement of the initiation of an investigation, which will concern all relevant crimes allegedly committed in the territory of Uganda, will take place shortly. As yet, however, no "findings" have been made by the ICC in relation to crimes allegedly committed in Uganda.

In investigating a situation, the prosecutor will seek to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to charge particular persons with crimes falling within the scope of statute. Any decision as to guilt or innocence of any individuals charged is then a matter for the judges of the International Criminal Court in accordance with the Rome Statute of the ICC.

In view of the likelihood of an investigation being undertaken, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the situation in northern Uganda. However, I express my conviction that any investigation conducted by the Prosecutor of the ICC will illustrate the integrity and independence of that institution.

Top
Share