International tribunals

In 2004, the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 (ICTY) completed remaining investigations and subsequently filed indictments for war crimes, thereby meeting the first of three deadlines set out in its 2002 completion strategy to accomplish its mandate by 2010. The other two deadlines were to complete first instance trials by 2008 and the rest of its work by 2010. The International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Genocide and Other Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan Citizens Responsible for Genocide and Other Such Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighbouring States between 1 January and 31 December 1994 (ICTR) formalized and revised its completion strategy, based on the same objectives and targets as those of ICTY. It met its first deadline of completing investigations by year’s end. Both Tribunals focused efforts during the year on the implementation of other deadlines under their respective completion strategies. In May and November progress reports, they detailed specific measures being taken in that regard and potential obstacles. In August, the Security Council encouraged them to remain on track for meeting the relevant target dates.

Related Subject(s): United Nations