International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda

Impressions of Rwanda by Jenny Paul – (20)

ICTR in Kigali

ictr office 3

International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) was an international court established in November 1994 by the United Nations Security Council under Resolution 955. The tribunal was set up in response to the Rwanda Genocide that took place earlier that year, during which an estimated 800,000 people were killed over a span of approximately 100 days. The ICTR was headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, and its primary mandate was to prosecute persons responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of Rwanda and neighboring states between 1 January and 31 December 1994.

Mandate and Jurisdiction

The ICTR was given authority to prosecute individuals for four types of crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, violations of Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions and of Additional Protocol II (1977), and violations of international humanitarian law. Its jurisdiction was limited to these crimes if they were committed within the specified timeframe and within the territory of Rwanda or by Rwandan citizens in neighboring states.

Structure and Proceedings

The tribunal consisted of three trial chambers and an appeals chamber. It employed a mix of international and Rwandan law and was staffed by judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys from around the world. The ICTR utilized the principle of individual criminal responsibility and did not prosecute states, political parties, or organizations. Its proceedings were conducted in English and French, the tribunal's official languages.

Notable Cases and Impact

The ICTR prosecuted several high-profile cases, including those of former Rwandan Prime Minister Jean Kambanda, who became the first head of government to be convicted of genocide by an international court. Other significant cases involved military, government, and media leaders who were found guilty of inciting or participating in the genocide.

The tribunal's work contributed significantly to the development of international criminal law, particularly in its interpretations of the definitions of genocide and crimes against humanity. It also set precedents for the prosecution of sexual violence as a form of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Closure and Legacy

The ICTR officially closed in December 2015, after completing its mandate. Its remaining functions, including tracking fugitives and managing archives, were transferred to the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT), a body established to carry out the residual functions of both the ICTR and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

The ICTR's legacy includes its contributions to the global fight against impunity for mass atrocities, the promotion of reconciliation in Rwanda, and the strengthening of the international justice system. Its archives serve as a vital resource for understanding the genocide and for promoting human rights and the rule of law.

See Also

• Genocide
• International Criminal Court
• International humanitarian law
• Rwanda Genocide
• United Nations Security Council