On 30 May 2016 in Dakar, the Extraordinary African Chambers within the Senegalese court system (EAC), will deliver their verdict in the trial of Hissène Habré. While the EAC will rule on the guilt and, potentially, on the sentence of the former Chadian dictator, charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture, our organisations welcome the holding of this exemplary trial – leading as it will to a historic verdict – but question whether it will guarantee adequate reparations for victims.
“The verdict in this trial, which represents a strong commitment to tackle impunity in Africa and which, we hope, will reflect the reality and gravity of the violations committed during Habré 's regime, is an opportunity to vindicate the long fight for truth, justice and reparation of thousands of victims, who have been waiting for this moment for over 20 years” stated our organisations.
Hissène Habré stands accused before the EAC of being responsible, during his rule in Chad from 1982 to 1990, for murders, summary executions, arbitrary detentions and acts of torture, amounting to crimes against humanity and war crimes. Under his presidency, close to 40,000 people were assassinated and over 200,000 were victims of torture and other violence. The trial, which lasted seven months, has allowed around 100 witnesses and victims to be heard and has told the facts and story of the fierce repression of the Chadian people.
Our organisations welcome the organisation of this trial, although we regret that charges of crimes of sexual violence were not brought against him.
“We would like to acknowledge the survivors, the States and the African Union, who participated, organised and supported this trial, demonstrating not only that Africa can judge those responsible for the gravest crimes, including former heads of State, but also that attempts to allow impunity will always be countered by the determination of victims, and the NGOs who support them, to see that justice is done”, added the human rights organisations.
On the basis of this long-awaited verdict, our organisations call on the EAC to put in place a comprehensive system of reparation for the victims of the Habré regime and their beneficiaries. Even though victims’ rights to reparation, in the form of restitution, compensation and rehabilitation are foreseen in the Statute establishing the EAC, it is now necessary to clarify the procedure and applicable deadlines for submitting Civil Parties’ requests. Furthermore, the fund for victims anticipated in the statute is not yet operational, even though the EAC will no longer be in place once the judgment is final.
“It is essential that the judges in the Extraordinary African Chambers clarify, as soon as possible and in a consultative process, the procedures according to which claims for reparation will be examined. If found guilty, it will in the first instance be Habré’s responsibility to finance reparation measures, but thought should be given to the fund for victims”, added our organisations.
A delegation representing our organisations, as well as our lawyers, will be present in Dakar for the verdict of the Extraordinary African Chambers on 30 May 2016 and will also be participating in a series of meeting on international justice.
Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH).
Source: Apo-Opa
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