Yearbook of the United Nations, 2009. Part 4, Legal questions. Chapter 2, International tribunals

Abstract

In 2009, the international tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda worked towards the completion of their mandates. 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 continued to expedite its proceedings, in keeping with its completion strategy. During the year, the Tribunal rendered two Trial Chambers judgements and three Appeals Chamber judgements. As at 3 December, the nine remaining trials were expected to be completed by September 2012 and all appeals by February 2014. 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) continued to work towards its completion strategy, despite an unprecedented workload. In 2009, it rendered five Trial and two Appeals Chamber judgements and commenced 10 new trials. Two fugitives were arrested, yet 11 remained at large. The International Criminal Court, in its sixth year of functioning, continued its proceedings with respect to situations of concern in four countries. A warrant of arrest was delivered against Omar Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir, the President of the Sudan, for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Eight warrants of arrest were outstanding at year's end. In November, the Prosecutor requested authorization to open an investigation into the situation in Kenya, where over 355,000 civilians had allegedly been forcibly displaced, injured, raped or killed as part of a widespread and systematic attack.