Joint Declaration of the Registrars following their ‘Round Table on the Administration of Justice’ in Venice, 2-3 July 2009
The Registrars of the International Criminal Court, Ms Silvana Arbia, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Mr John Hocking, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Mr Adama Dieng, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, Ms Binta Mansaray (Acting Registrar) and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Mr Herman von Hebel (Acting Registrar) held a round table on the administration of justice from 2 to 3 July 2009, in Venice, Italy.
The Registrars provided an update on the progress made by their respective institutions. Bearing in mind the Registrar’s role as principal administrative officer of the court, the meeting concentrated on the securing of adequate funding and the efficient use of resources. In this respect, comprehensive governance arrangements, effective decision-making and a sound budgeting process were identified as primary areas to address.
The Registrars stressed the importance of retaining qualified and committed staff, a particular challenge for the tribunals/courts nearing completion. They agreed to further develop their cooperation with regard to mobility of staff between their institutions.
With respect to co-operation with states on matters such as enforcement of sentences, arrangements following acquittal/interim release and the protection of witnesses, the Registrars also agreed to explore the possibility of common strategies.
The meeting also discussed challenges stemming from the closure of the courts/tribunals and the transition to residual mechanisms.
The significance of the enduring legacy of the international/internationalized courts/tribunals was emphasised by all Registrars. They underlined the benefit of a co-ordinated approach to external communcations, public information and outreach to highlight the value of international criminal justice in the wider context.
For further information please contact Ms Sonia Robla, Head of Public Information and Documentation Section at +31 (0)70 515-8089 or (0)6 46 44 87 26 or at [email protected]