IRMCT :"France reiterates its full support for the Mechanism" [fr]

I thank President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for their report and presentation. I would like to congratulate Judge Santana on her appointment as President of the Mechanism on July 1st.

We welcome the presence of the representatives of Serbia, Rwanda, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mr. President,

France reiterates its full support for the Mechanism and its action in the fight against impunity and the preservation of the legacy of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda.

2022 is a decisive year for the Mechanism, which has been able, in a more favorable health context, to continue its activities and make concrete progress, which testifies to its relevance and effectiveness. The Security Council must support its work.
We take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Gabon for its excellent coordination work at the head of the dedicated informal working group.

We welcome the important judicial work carried out by the Mechanism, including the opening of the trial in the Kabuga case, which is an important moment for the victims and for national reconciliation in Rwanda, the delivery of the judgment in the Fatuma et al. case, and the continuation of proceedings in the Stanišić and Simatović case.
In order to complete this and other pending proceedings in a timely manner, the Mechanism must have adequate financial resources and qualified staff.

France once again urges all States to cooperate fully with the Mechanism, in accordance with their international obligations, and to support it in the continuation of its activities. We regret that some partners still refuse to do so, despite the numerous appeals of the Mechanism’s authorities, relayed within this Council.

It is essential that the last fugitives indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda be brought to justice. The death of the alleged perpetrators of the most serious crimes cannot be considered justice for the victims.

Since the creation of the Mechanism, Mr. President, France has provided significant support in several areas :

First, judicial cooperation, notably with the arrest of one of the last fugitives from the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Félicien Kabuga, in May 2020 and his transfer to the Mechanism.

Second, the mobilization of French courts, particularly in the case of Laurent Bucyibaruta. On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, he was sentenced by the Assize Court of Paris to 20 years in prison for complicity in genocide and crimes against humanity.
Finally, France’s active and permanent support for the two ad hoc criminal tribunals has also been demonstrated by the conclusion of agreements on the execution of sentences.

In 2000, France and the UN concluded an agreement on the enforcement of sentences handed down by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. In this regard, three persons served their sentences in France between 2004 and 2013 and one person is currently serving his sentence in France.

This constant support, which is part of France’s broader commitment against impunity, will continue so that justice can be served to the victims.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that the work of the Mechanism is not limited to judicial activities.

We welcome the announcement made by the Chairperson on the project to develop a completion plan for the Mechanism. We encourage her to continue her efforts and to work on options for the future of this jurisdiction. Indeed, after the cases related to the core crimes, the Mechanism will have to continue to carry out heavy tasks that include dealing with other judicial issues as they arise, assisting national jurisdictions, protecting victims and witnesses, managing archives, and overseeing the execution of sentences. Remembrance work is also essential to reconciliation.

Finally, we remain deeply concerned about the resurgence and multiplication of political statements and acts of denial of the crimes, as well as the glorification of genocidaires and war criminals condemned by international criminal tribunals after impartial and independent proceedings.
Thank you.