By: Priscila Néri, Posted: Jan 30 09

Regions: Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Issues: Armed conflict, Child soldiers, War crimes

Tags: childrens rights, Duty to Protect, icc, international criminal court, International Justice, kivu, Lubanga, war

This week the International Criminal Court (ICC) began its first trial ever against Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga - and video played a prominent role. Lubanga, a former rebel leader, is accused of conscripting children under the age of 15 to fight on the frontlines of the Congolese civil war.  He is the first person ever arrested on a warrant issued by the ICC and could face life in prison if convicted (more here).

WITNESS' Bukeni Waruzi- who was at the ICC this week attending the first week of the Lubanga Trial - has dedicated a lifetime to working with child soldiers in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  In the late 1990's, he began to use a video camera to document what was happening and, years later, his footage was made into two films that helped bring Lubanga to justice. 

In Today's Pick, Bukeni talks about how he shaped the advocacy goals for his footage and also reflects on the impact the finished videos had in the local communities and beyond. 

Watch Bukeni's two videos - On the Frontlines and A Duty to Protect - and check out our special coverage of the first week of the trial to learn more.  For the latest news, go to LubangaTrial.org.