76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council debate on the Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals
Statement by DPR Andre Lipand
December 13, New York
I thank Judge Carmel Agius and Prosecutor Serge Brammertz for the detailed progress reports submitted to the Council, and for the informative briefings today.
Estonia commends the important work of the Mechanism in ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes under international law. We positively note the progress made by the Mechanism’s in carrying out its judicial activities during the reporting period, including the delivery of three judgments during the month of June. We note the two cases entering stages of appeal and ongoing judicial activity in the Kabuga case. We are also mindful of the implementation of the further wide range of residual functions that the Mechanism has been entrusted with.
Mr President,
The Mechanism relies on cooperation from States in conducting its work.
Estonia remains concerned about the challenges in securing effective cooperation from national authorities in apprehending the remaining fugitives. We strongly urge States, especially those African States where fugitives are suspected of being at large, to intensify their cooperation with the Mechanism in order to arrest and surrender all of the remaining fugitives.
Moreover, Estonia continues to deeply regret that Serbia has continued to disregard its obligations under the international law to comply with the Mehcanism’s orders. We call on Serbia to fulfil its obligation to execute the arrest warrants for Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta.
Mr President,
International criminal justice and fight against impunity continue to heavily rely on collective effort. The international community and this Council must work together to ensure justice for the countless victims and survivors. At the same time, domestic jurisdictions also need to assume their role and we welcome the efforts of the Mechanism for assistance provided to national jurisdictions prosecuting international crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and call on States to increase their efforts in this regard.
Estonia remains deeply concerned about the ongoing denial of the genocides and the glorification of convicted war criminals. This is unacceptable and must stop.
Mr President,
As this is Estonia’s last meeting with the Mechanism during its membership in the Security Council, allow me to extend our gratitude to the Mission of Viet Nam for facilitating our discussions on Mechanism-related issues as chair of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. Finally, allow me to once more express Estonia’s deep gratitude to the President and Prosecutor of the Mechanism and their staff for their outstanding work. We take note that the periodic evaluation of the Mechanism is underway, and wish the Mechanism success in the 2022 review process, and in the day-to-day work with our common aim to ensure justice for victims.
Thank you.
