UNSC Debate on International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals [IRMCT]
(Tuesday, 12 December, 2022; 1000 hrs)

Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Now, I will make a statement in my national capacity.

I join others in thanking President of the IRMCT Judge Graciela Gatti Santana and Chief Prosecutor of the IRMCT Serge Brammertz for presenting the latest report.

2. We are particularly delighted to see a female Judge heading the Mechanism. India firmly believes in gender equality with full expression and participation of women in public life and our socio-economic and political discourse.

3. I also take this opportunity to commend the outgoing President Judge Carmel Agius for his able stewardship, despite enormous challenges, including the corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

4. India supports the work of the Mechanism and appreciates its contribution to the fight against impunity. We reiterate the importance of implementation of the mandate by the mechanism strictly in accordance with the principles of justice, impartiality and fairness. It is our collective responsibility to seek justice for victims.

5. My delegation appreciates Judge Gatti Santana for the outlined core priorities of her own presidency with a focus on efficient, effective and fair conclusion of the remaining trial and appeal proceedings. We hope the Mechanism will complete the transition from an operational court to a truly residual institution very soon.

6. We have taken note of the progress made by the Mechanism in the trial proceedings in Kabuga case as well as in the appeal proceedings in Stanisic and Simatovic case. The judgment in Fatuma et al. case and the termination of proceedings against Mr. Protais Mpiranya following his death, has reduced the judicial workload of the institution. The Mechanism is now left with only two main cases relating to its core mandate. We also acknowledge the progress made in other judicial matters.

7. The Mechanism should continue to make headway in its remaining residual functions, including protecting victims and witnesses, tracking the remaining fugitives of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, extending assistance to national jurisdictions, and managing the archives of the ad hoc Tribunals and the Mechanism. We also emphasize on the importance of cooperation between the Mechanism and the concerned member states to address legal and logistical challenges.

8. We also look forward to an early resolve of the impasse posed in the context of acquitted and released persons relocated to the Republic of Niger. This is a humanitarian issue which needs to be addressed with urgency and sensitivity.

Thank you!

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