Security Council Press Statement on Closure of International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Samantha Power (United States):

The members of the Security Council mark the closure on 31 December 2015 of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) established by its resolution 955 (1994) of 8 November 1994.

The members of the Security Council acknowledge the substantial contribution of the ICTR to the process of national reconciliation and the restoration of peace and security, and to the fight against impunity and the development of international criminal justice, especially in relation to the crime of genocide.

The members of the Security Council emphasize that the establishment of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals pursuant to resolution 1966 (2010) was essential to ensure that the closure of the ICTR does not leave the door open to impunity for the remaining fugitives.

The members of the Security Council call upon all States to cooperate with the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and the Government of Rwanda in the arrest and prosecution of the eight remaining ICTR-indicted fugitives, and further call upon States to investigate, arrest, prosecute or extradite, in accordance with applicable international obligations, all other fugitives accused of genocide residing on their territories.

The members of the Security Council reaffirm their strong commitment to justice and the fight against impunity.