The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) Calls on ICC Prosecutor for Urgent Intervention
In a pressing plea to International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan, KC, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) demands immediate action in the face of escalating violence, unlawful killings, and crimes against children in Plateau State, Nigeria.
The Urgency of the Situation:
Over 190 lives lost, hundreds injured, and 32,604 people affected, as reported by the Nigerian Red Cross, underscore the gravity of the situation. The crisis has reverberated across 84 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas, forcing 29,350 people into displacement.
SERAP’s Call to ICC:
In a letter dated December 30, 2023, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare implores Prosecutor Khan to issue a formal “preventative statement” and take decisive steps. The request includes a preliminary examination, the initiation or extension of investigations to cover the ongoing crisis, and a visit to Plateau State to demonstrate a commitment to accountability and justice for the victims.
The Stakes and ICC’s Vital Role:
SERAP emphasizes that ICC intervention would not only reassure victims but also highlight the global commitment to strengthening the rule of law. The move would complement Nigeria’s responsibility to ensure accountability and justice, an obligation the country has struggled to fulfill.
The Petition Highlights:
The petition outlines a compelling argument, stating, “There is a reasonable basis to believe that crimes under international law have been committed in the ongoing violence in Plateau State.” It underscores the ICC’s role in holding perpetrators accountable when national courts falter and providing redress to victims.
The Ongoing Crisis:
Armed attacks, particularly in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi, have resulted in numerous casualties, destroyed homes, and displaced thousands. SERAP emphasizes that the Nigerian authorities, often unwilling or unable to address such human rights crimes, necessitate ICC intervention.
The ICC’s Mandate and Nigeria’s Obligations:
Nigeria, as a state party to the Rome Statute, is obligated to uphold international criminal justice. SERAP contends that ICC Prosecutor Khan’s intervention is crucial in preventing future atrocities through deterrence and reinforcing the ICC’s focus on victims.
Ending with a Quote:
SERAP concludes with a quote from the ICC: “Justice is not an optional extra. It is an absolutely essential prerequisite for vindicating people’s rights.” The plea is a stark reminder that accountability is pivotal in curbing impunity-fueled crimes in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
