JURIST - Paper Chase: Uganda considering war crimes court: government minister

[JURIST] Ugandan Minister of Internal Affairs Ruhakana Rugunda told the BBC Monday that Uganda [JURIST news archive] has begun the process of consulting with victims to determine the best way to hold accountable those responsible for atrocities committed during Uganda's civil war [BBC Q&A]. Rugunda said that the government is considering establishing a war crimes court [recorded audio] or local courts reflecting Ugandan traditional values may be created. Rugunda said that it was key that the government solicit feedback from victims as "they are the ones who suffered and their views are critical in ensuring there is accountability and reconciliation."

The International Criminal Court has indicted [ICC materials; JURIST report] five leaders of Uganda's rebel Lord's Resistance Army, including LRA leader Joseph Kony [BBC profile], for orchestrating the killing of thousands of civilians and the enslavement of thousands more children over two decades of conflict. The Ugandan government is trying to negotiate a peace deal with the rebels, though they say they will refuse to sign an agreement unless the ICC withdraws its indictments. The ICC has so far refused to do so, despite a call for a review of the charges [JURIST report] by the Ugandan government. The government has also said that Kony is willing to face trial at home [JURIST report], but not at the ICC. BBC News has more.

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