Thank you, Madam President. President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz provided a briefing on their ongoing work to advance justice for victims of atrocities committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia during the conflicts of the 1990s.
President Gatti Santana's leadership is appreciated as the Mechanism continues to streamline and downsize its functions.
Over thirty years ago, reports of civilian massacres, rapes, torture in detention sites, and city attacks led to the creation of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. A year later, the Rwandan genocide prompted the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. These tribunals have brought hundreds of perpetrators to justice, established a factual record of crimes, and challenged impunity among political and military leaders.
However, resolving outstanding cases has become more urgent due to defendants', victims', and witnesses' advancing age and health. The Mechanism must address Felicien Kabuga’s release due to his health and Ratko Mladic’s need for palliative care.
There is hope that judicial proceedings in South Africa involving Fulgence Kayishema conclude swiftly so he can face trial for genocide and crimes against humanity, providing justice for victims.
The contempt proceedings following the Ngirabatware case review process are noted. Justice requires that victims and witnesses remain free from interference while upholding defendants' due process rights to ensure a just resolution.
The Mechanism's support for national authorities in addressing atrocity crimes within domestic systems is valued. By providing legal, evidentiary, and strategic assistance, it strengthens the rule of law.
In the Western Balkans, direct case support from the Office of the Prosecutor has resolved cross-border issues. Collaboration between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro with this office is welcomed; continued efforts are urged to resolve case backlogs delivering justice to victims.
The Prosecutor’s report on Rwanda highlights ongoing completed proceedings in France Belgium recent arrest Faustin Nsabumukunzi United States show shared commitment accountability preventing perpetrators finding safe haven.
States supporting investigations prosecutions hosting convicted persons are appreciated since enforcing sentences crucial Mechanism’s work. Concern remains about individuals acquitted released Niger deserving resolution.
As investigations prosecutions wind down preserving legacy Mechanism predecessor tribunals crucial appreciating President Gatti’s focus making public records available commitment preserving digitizing physical records strongly supported efforts engaging public through information centers workshops social media valuing EU support programs Western Balkans enabling engagement schoolteachers bringing youth together educating essential combatting genocide denial historical revisionism especially youth understanding impact legacy past events next month international community commemorate 30th anniversary Srebrenica genocide time recommit reconciliation peaceful future grounded justice rule law honoring victims survivors loved ones heart promoting justice accountability United States continue advocating foundation peace stability thank you.