Soccer match honours war crimes victims

Victims of war crimes were honoured for their dignity during a soccer game in Kampala, Uganda, on the eve of the first review conference for the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Secretary-General with Uganda President Museveni

The match was held on Sunday and players came from the five countries where the ICC is investigating war crimes.

In his address to the crowd, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that although these survivors had experienced “unspeakable atrocities,” they were never crushed.

” Instead of being crushed, you fought back. Instead of giving up, you regained your dignity. You helped other people regain their dignity. That is very much appreciated.”

Mr. Ban also participated in the match but his team, called Justice, did not prevail. They lost 1-0 to Dignity, the team led by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

Mr. Ban stated the football pitch is the only arena where he and President Museveni are opponents as Uganda is a “strong supporter” of both the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The review conference of the International Criminal Court opened on Monday in Kampala and runs through June 11. More than 100 countries are party to the Rome Statute, the 2002 treaty which established the court.

Dianne Penn, United Nations Radio.

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