Mechanism’s Second Judicial Colloquium to open in Arusha on 28 February 2024

On Wednesday, 28 February 2024, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism) will open its Second Judicial Colloquium, entitled “The New Face of Atrocity Crime Proceedings: Internationalisation of Standards, Regional Dialogues on Procedural and Cooperation Matters, and Use of New Technologies”, in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania (Tanzania). Taking place over two days, this high-level event will bring together over 100 international and regional experts in the field of international criminal justice, including eminent Judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACtHPR), the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), and the Mechanism.

The Mechanism is honoured that the Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs of Tanzania, H.E. Hon. Ambassador Dr. Pindi Hazara Chana, will officially open the Second Judicial Colloquium, reflecting Tanzania’s longstanding support as Host State to both the Mechanism and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and its role as a prominent hub for international justice in the region.

Following the formal opening, the President of the Mechanism, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, will take part in an Introductory Panel together with the President of the EACJ, Hon. Justice Hestor Kayobera, and the President of the ACtHPR, Hon. Lady Justice Imani D. Aboud. To cap off an exciting initial segment, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, will then deliver the Keynote Address.

During the course of the Second Judicial Colloquium, participants will have the opportunity to exchange views during five interactive panel discussions focusing on: fair trial rights and harmonising standards of justice; fitness to stand trial and counsel’s representation; State cooperation and practical challenges; cooperation at the regional and national levels; and the use of new technologies in court proceedings.

The Second Judicial Colloquium is being funded through the generous contribution of the late Mr. Benjamin B. Ferencz, former Prosecutor at the Nuremberg International Military Tribunal, and his son, Mr. Donald Ferencz.