UN SPECIAL COURT FOR SIERRA LEONE

Early day motion 1375, tabled 10 June 2003 by Tony Baldry (Conservative). Signed by 109 members.

That this House notes that the Special Court for Sierra Leone has indicated President Charles Taylor of Liberia for 'bearing the greatest responsibility' for war crimes, crimes against humanity and serious violations of international humanitarian law within the territory of Sierra Leone since November 1996; further notes that UN Security Council Resolution 1470 clearly calls upon all states to assist the Special Court; expresses concern that President Taylor has travelled outside of Liberia since he became a wanted war criminal but that the Ghanaian authorities failed to arrest him; further notes with concern that the Government made no public efforts to exert pressure on the Ghanaian authorities to arrest a wanted war criminal; and calls upon the Government to make every possible effort in future to support the Special Court for Sierra Leone to ensure that the people of Sierra Leone see those who bear the most responsibility for war crimes in their country held accountable to the rule of law.

Signatures by party: Labour 54, Conservative 26, Liberal Democrat 16, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 3, UUP 2, Independent 1, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, Scottish National Party 1.