I would like to thank Judge Agius and Prosecutor Brammertz for their thorough report to the Security Council, and for today’s briefing. Norway is deeply saddened by the passing of esteemed Judge Gberdao Gustave Kam from Burkina Faso in February. His passing is a great loss to the Mechanism, and to the international legal community. We express our condolences.
President,
The fight against impunity is a central element of Norway’s foreign policy.
We have been a staunch supporter of the ICTY and the ICTR since their establishment in the early 90s, and the residual mechanism. The Mechanism has, despite challenges due to the pandemic, maintained an impressive level of activity. And three important decisions are to be announced in June. Including today’s delivery of the Appeals Chamber judgement in the Mladic case, as referred to by President Agius. We further commend the Mechanism for solid progress in its other judicial functions, and its important support to national judicial authorities.
President,
The Mechanism is dependent on the cooperation of Member States in order to fulfil the mandate this Council has provided: to ensure accountability, and justice for the victims.
Norway is deeply concerned by the non-compliance by the Republic of Serbia. We strongly urge Serbia to comply with its international obligations to arrest and surrender Mr. Petar Jojić and Ms. Vjerica Radeta to the Mechanism. After more than six years, and three referrals on this matter to the Security Council, it is beyond time for this protracted situation to be solved in accordance with international law.
President,
Norway greatly appreciates the Office of the Prosecutor’s work to account for the remaining six fugitives indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. We are concerned by the reported lack of timely and effective cooperation from Member States, preventing successful results. We urge all States to fully cooperate with the Mechanism and arrest and surrender all remaining fugitives. The Security Council’s decisions must be adhered to. Non-cooperation undermines the Mechanism, it undermines this Council, and it undermines international law. The Council should assume its responsibilities by examining every possible measure to facilitate the arrest and surrender of those wanted by the Mechanism.