NEWS RELEASES

April 4, 2005 (3:40 p.m. EDT)
No. 58

CANADA CONTRIBUTES $500,000 TO INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT FOR DARFUR INVESTIGATIONS

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today announced that Canada will contribute $500,000 to the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations in Darfur, Sudan.

“Canada is very pleased to announce this contribution from Foreign Affairs Canada’s Human Security Program to the ICC, to assist with the investigation of crimes committed in Darfur, Sudan,” said Minister Pettigrew.

On March 31, 2005, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1593, referring the situation in Darfur to the ICC. This referral represents a crucial step in ending the culture of impunity for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by all parties in the Darfur conflict, and a step toward resolving this conflict. Under Resolution 1593, the ICC, along with states providing voluntary contributions, must cover the costs of the Darfur investigation and prosecution.

In welcoming Resolution 1593, Prime Minister Paul Martin on April 1, 2005, stated that Canada stands ready to assist the work of the International Criminal Court in whatever manner is appropriate.

Canada is the first country to announce a voluntary contribution to the ICC to assist with the Darfur investigations; the decision to contribute follows discussions with the ICC Prosecutor’s Office. The Human Security Program was recently renewed in the 2005 federal budget as part of new funding for Foreign Affairs Canada peace and security initiatives.

“For too long the world has watched unspeakable crimes being committed in Darfur,” added Minister Pettigrew. “With the referral of the situation to the ICC, bringing perpetrators from all sides to justice is within reach. We hope that other countries will make similar contributions in order to ensure that the ICC will have all the necessary resources to carry out this work as effectively and quickly as possible.”

Canada calls on the Government of Sudan, the Darfur rebel movements and other parties in the Darfur conflict, as well as on all UN member states, to cooperate fully with the ICC as it carries out the important mandate provided by the Security Council.

Canada remains committed to working with all parties toward a peaceful resolution to the Darfur conflict.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca