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9-15 November 2015

Media Monitoring Report for Rwanda (9-15 November 2015)
Posted on November 20, 2015

Compiled by Berta Fürstová

Report content

  1. Rwanda still hesitating to join ICC
1. Rwanda still hesitating to join ICC
Private but pro-government newspapers

New Times, 12th November 2015 “Why Rwanda expressed reservations to rights council proposal to join ICC” by Collins Mwai

  • Although Rwanda reported that so far, it had implemented 63 of 67 recommendations made by the Human Rights Working Group of the United Nations in 2011, there is no decision on the ratification of the Rome Statute governing the International Criminal Court (ICC) in sight.
  • Johnston Busingye, the minister for justice as well as attorney-general, said Rwanda is a believer, supporter and member of international justice systems that are transparent, objective, impartial and fair. And he added that Rwanda is not entirely convinced that the ICC fully represents the said values, hence opting out of the court.
  • He criticized the ICC for alleged ‘selective justice’. “The International Criminal Court, until now, seems to be a court that looks at your colour before it tries you. If you are colour black, you are a good candidate for that court,” Busingye said.  
  • Another recommendation that was not adopted was a call to investigate reports that Burundian refugees were being recruited into armed groups, which the minister called as unsubstantiated allegations.
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