UN calls for Congo 'abuses' probe

A top UN human rights official called for the speedy investigation of massive abuses in Congo and said the UN stands ready to help the International Criminal Court and other international and national efforts to bring perpetrators of gross rights violations to justice.

Bertie Ramcharan, the UN deputy high commissioner of human rights, said the time has also come for the UN Security Council to consider taking “appropriate action” on serious human rights violations in Congo, including addressing the relevance of the International Court, the world’s first permanent war crimes tribunal.

The court’s involvement in Congo is a sensitive issue for the council because the tribunal is strongly opposed by the US. The Bush administration argues that the International Criminal Court – established last year and expected to start operating later this year – could be used for frivolous or politically motivated prosecution of US troops and has actively sought to limit its reach.