AI asks Benin to repudiate US immunity agreement

Benin: Government must repudiate illegal impunity agreement with the USA

Amnesty International today called on the government of Benin to repudiate an illegal impunity agreement it has signed with the USA and to reaffirm its commitment to international justice.

For more than two years, the USA has demanded that Benin sign the agreement committing the Benin government not to surrender US nationals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes to the new International Criminal Court.

Amnesty International is dismayed to learn that the Benin government has given into US pressure. The agreement is contrary to international law, which provides that those responsible for the worst crimes known to humanity must be brought to justice. No one should have impunity for these crimes.