International Justice

Amnesty International is working together with thousands of other organizations to lobby governments worldwide to create an international system of justice that complements and reinforces national justice systems. Such a system is essential to deter those contemplating human rights crimes, to enable survivors to obtain justice and redress, and to support post-conflict reconciliation. | Watch AIUSA's new film | Attend an event in your community!

Justice for Darfur speaker tour

The crisis in Darfur continues to shock the conscience of the international community. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been killed by both deliberate and indiscriminate attacks, and over 2.5 million civilians have been displaced. To date, no one has faced trial for these abuses, and the violence continues. Please join Amnesty International USA in calling for justice in Darfur!

The Justice for Darfur tour is a great opportunity to learn from Darfuris living in the U.S. who are organizing for peace and justice in their homeland. In November 2008, the tour will stop in Los Angeles and New York City. Please click here to find an event near you.

Don't Bargan Away Justice in Darfur

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has requested an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur. Write to Secretary of State Rice today to urge the U.S. not to bargain justice away.
» Take action | More Information on Darfur and the ICC

Justice and Peace in Times of Conflict: Discussions with the experts

On July 14, 2008, the ICC's Prosecutor requested a warrant for Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al Bashir, alleging that Bashir bears criminal responsibility for 10 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Darfur. In response to the Prosecutor's announcement, AIUSA's international justice team has asked leading international justice experts to discuss the importance of pursuing justice in conflict and post-conflict situations. Read the responses we received from Ariela Blätter, Priscilla Hayner, Richard Goldstone, Betty Bigombe and Sara Darehshori. Learn more.

Activists Honor International Justice Day

International Justice Day 2008 commemorates the day ten years ago on which the international community adopted the groundbreaking treaty establishing the International Criminal Court -- and the day each year on which activists throughout their world call on their governments to help make the promise of that treaty a reality.

Check out summaries, photos and audio features from International Justice Day 2008 celebrations held by AIUSA activists!

Check out AIUSA's New Film "Justice Without Borders"

"Justice Without Borders" is a 37-minute documentary film by Amnesty International USA and Skylight Pictures. The film explores the current landscape of international justice through the stories of survivors and the legal cases they are pursuing in Peru, Chile, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Hague, Guatemala and Spain.
| Watch the film! | About the project | Sign up today to host a screening! | Contact us »

Arrest Now!: Take Action for Justice
Demand Security for Human Rights Defenders in Guatemala

An email was sent to Fredy Peccerelli of the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation on May 19 threatening to kill him, his sister and four leading members of the organization he heads, which exhumes bodies of people buried in secret graves during Guatemala's internal conflict.

Witnesses to the Guatemalan genocide of the 1980s have recently finished giving testimony to a court in Guatemala City. This court is acting on behalf of the Spanish courts as part of a genocide case currently proceeding in Spain against former high-ranking members of the military junta of the early 1980s. It is believed that the prominence of the hearing has led to the latest threat.

| Take Urgent Action on this case (pdf) | Take Further Urgent Action (pdf)

Human Rights Goals

Build support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) among US public and policy makers.
The International Criminal Court | Ensuring Justice for Women | Watch a video clip!

Promote the effective exercise of universal jurisdiction by ensuring that anyone responsible for torture, "disappearances", extra-judicial executions, genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes can be brought to justice, regardless of where the crimes were committed or where the suspects are found.
Universal Jurisdiction: Q & A | USA: A Safe Haven for Torturers (pdf)

Support the work of international criminal tribunals, including the Yugoslavia and Rwanda Tribunals, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and other international criminal courts created in the future.
Handbook for Government Cooperation | More on international tribunals

Defend survivors' rights to an effective remedy, including the right to obtain adequate reparations.
The Alien Tort Claims Act | End Impunity: Justice for Victims of Torture