KIGALI - The International Criminal Court (ICC) has intensified a campaign to encourage female lawyers from the African continent to join the ICC list of Counsel.

When a lawyer is admitted to the list of Counsels, they stand a chance of being appointed to practice at the ICC.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign in Kigali, ICC judge Joyce Aluoch, noted it was important for female law practitioners to take-up duties at the court basing on the nature of crimes handled.

"Rape cases can effectively be handled by female lawyers something that has featured over and again in war crimes and crimes against humanity,” Aluoch told The Sunday Times.

Aluoch said that for Rwanda, only two male lawyers are on the list. She encouraged more to take advantage of the campaign.   

For a lawyer to be admitted, he or she must have at least ten years of experience in criminal proceedings, competent in English or French and well versed with the International Criminal Law (ICL), among others.

During Aluoch`s two day working visit, 120 lawyers were trained on the ICL.

Kigali Bar Association (KBA) president, Athanase Rutabingwa, said the training improves lawyer’s knowledge and skills in the various fields of the law.

"It is also important from the vital development of transferring cases from the ICTR to Rwanda,” Rutabingwa said.

At the same event, the International Bar Association (IBA) in collaboration with Rwanda Bar Association (RBA) launched the IBA international criminal law manual.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KBA Thierry Ngoga, said the manual gives lawyers insight and developments at the ICC.

He explained that this also further strengthens or builds the capacity of lawyers to practice professionally.

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