Time for Justice in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

 We appeal to you to make the fight against impunity a priority. A comprehensive justice sector reform process is essential to strengthen the rule of law and ensure respect for international human rights standards. As a first step,   we urge you to support a conference on justice and impunity in 2012. Impunity for crimes under international law cannot be allowed to continue. We urge you to reintroduce legislation establishing a special tribunal with Congolese and international staff to investigate and prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, in accordance with international law and without recourse to the death penalty. We appeal to you to listen to the voices of human rights activists, particularly victims and women’s representatives. They have a vital role to play throughout the process of reforming the criminal justice system. A 15-year-old rape victim in Kivu, one of the countless victims of crimes under international law committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. © Amnesty International