Rules of Procedure and Evidence adopted for the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals

The Judges of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) recently adopted the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, to guide the work of the institution mandated with carrying out a number of essential functions of the ICTY and the ICTR after the completion of their respective mandates. Judge Theodor Meron, President of the MICT, expressed his gratitude to the Judges of the MICT for their cooperation in considering and adopting the Rules on an expedited basis.

Adopted on 8 June 2012, the Rules of Procedure and Evidence will govern the Mechanism’s trial and appellate proceedings as well as sentencing and early release practices. 

The Rules combine and build upon the procedures already in place at the two pioneering Tribunals that have, since the mid-1990s, been prosecuting those believed to be the most responsible for the crimes committed during the wars in the former Yugoslavia and the genocide in Rwanda.   

The Security Council established the MICT in order to carry out the remaining essential functions of both Tribunals after the completion of their respective mandates and to maintain the legacy of these institutions. 

The Arusha Branch of the MICT, which will cover functions inherited from the ICTR, will commence functioning on 1 July 2012, while The Hague Branch of the MICT, covering the functions derived from the ICTY, starts operating on 1 July 2013.