Women for Women International [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.womenforwomen.org/press-releases

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Dr. Denis Mukwege Denounces ANC’s Efforts to Leave the International Criminal Court
Receiving Women for Women International’s Champion of Peace Award, Dr. Mukwege called for an end to impunity for sexual violence around the world and encouraged men to stand with women in the fight for basic, fundamental rights.
November 16, 2015, Washington, D.C. — Speaking at the Women for Women International (WfWI) 2015 Gala, Dr. Denis Mukwege, award-winning human rights advocate and founder of Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, denounced efforts in South Africa to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“The recent announcement from South Africa’s African National Congress party wishes to withdraw [their nation] out of the ICC – disregarding and violating all that Nelson Mandela fought for,” said Dr. Mukwege, arguing that weakening the ICC promotes a culture of impunity for atrocities.

Citing increased violence in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, across the continent of Africa, and around the world, Dr. Mukwege argued that the most vulnerable populations during conflict need the world to commit to justice and accountability and show that it will not tolerate mass crimes. This is why, he argued, it is important to strengthen the ICC.

“To weaken the ICC is to vote in favor of impunity, opening the door to more violence,” Dr. Mukwege said.

Read Dr. Mukwege’s full speech at the Women for Women International Annual Gala