Human Rights Watch said United Nations Security Council and member countries should publicly oppose Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir attendance at the General Assemby because he is wanted by the International Criminal Court or ICC for serious crimes in Darfur.
Human Rights Watch Associate International Justice Program Director Elise Keppler said ‘If Al Bashir turns up at the UN General Assembly, it will be a bold challenge to Security Council efforts to promote justice for crimes in Darfur.’
In a statement issued on Wednesday, he urged all UN member countries to consider the possible international legal implications in responding to Al Bashir’s anticipated travel.
Mr Keppler said ‘Al Bashir belongs only in one place ‚Äì the ICC ‚Äì to face charges of heinous crimes committed in Darfur. His many victims deserve to see him there, not in the halls of the United Nations.’
US ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power condemned Al Bashir’s visit to UN General Assembly calling it ‘deplorable, cynical and hugely inappropriate.’