Mandate

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was established to investigate and try persons suspected of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide on the territory of the former Yugoslavia since 1991.

The United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to establish the ICTY on 25 May 1993 by resolution 827. The UN Security Council considered that the mass killings, ethnic cleansing, torture, rape and other crimes that were occurring at the time on the territory of the former Yugoslavia were a threat to international peace and security.

The Tribunal has indicted 161 accused for crimes committed against thousands of victims of all ethnicities in the former Yugoslavia. Among these accused are some of the highest political, military and police leaders from all sides to the conflicts committed in the former Yugoslavia. Although the Tribunal completed its investigations in 2004, it continues to work closely with judiciaries in the region in their efforts to investigate and try others responsible for committing crimes in the former Yugoslavia.

The ICTY has led post-World War II efforts to end impunity for war crimes, and in doing so has brought justice to thousands of victims. Its judgements have established a multitude of facts about crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia beyond a reasonable doubt, thus combating denial and historical revisionism. Its partnership with local judiciaries has strengthened the rule of law in the region. Through its efforts, the Tribunal has contributed to preventing inter-ethnic hatred, and promoting reconciliation and peace in the former Yugoslavia.

The ICTY’s Office in Serbia

The ICTY’s office in Belgrade houses staff from the Office of the Prosecutor, which is tasked with investigating and prosecuting crimes, and the Registry, which is a neutral organ serving the administrative needs of the Chambers, the Office of the Prosecutor and the Defence.

The ICTY’s office in Belgrade:

• Liaises with state authorities and international agencies on cooperation with the ICTY and all other relevant matters
• Acts as a contact point for victims, potential witnesses, and other individuals and organisations that wish to provide information to the Tribunal
• Serves as a logistical base for ICTY staff on mission, providing them with office space, vehicles, communications and language assistance
• Facilitates the transfer of know-how, cases and evidence to Serbian judicial organs dealing with war crimes
• Acts as the Tribunal’s local public information office, answering queries, giving interviews and providing other assistance to the media, victim associations, non-governmental organisations, schools and universities, and other interested individuals and organisations.