On 11 October 2016, James Mehigan presented an amicus curiae brief on behalf of Child Soldiers International to the International Criminal Court. The London-based NGO had been asked to submit such a brief to the Trial Chamber in the case of Prosecutor v Thomas Lubanga.
The Trial Chamber is currently considering the process of providing reparations to the victims of Mr Lubanga. The Chamber was also addressed by the Women’s Initiatives on Global Justice. This is the first such hearing of its type in the history of the Court.
Child Soldiers International is currently conducting extensive research into the reintegration of girls formerly associated with armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The organisation made submissions in order to assist the Court in its consideration of how to deal with the psychosocial reintegration of former girl soldiers, particularly in relation to their stigmatization upon return to their communities.
The hearing continues for a second day on 13 October 2016.
More information can be found in this media coverage.
James Mehigan is a member of Garden Court International.
