Remarks by Ambassador Dai Bing at the UN Security Council Debate on the Report of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals |
2022-06-14 14:25 |
Mr. President, China thanks President Agius and Prosecutor Brammertz for their respective briefings. We appreciate President Agius for leading the residual Mechanism in the past two years to overcome difficulties and advance judicial activities in an orderly manner. We support the efforts of the office of the prosecutor to track down fugitives. In accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions, the Mechanism should be a small, effective and temporary institution, whose functions and size should be gradually reduced over time. The Security Council will decide on the extension of the Mechanism’s operating period later this month. China hopes that the Mechanism will continue to conduct its activities in accordance with the mandate set forth in Council resolutions, and implement the recommendations made by the Council’s informal working group on international tribunals and the office of internal oversight services. Mr. President, In the past two years, affected by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of health of the accused, the Mechanism has been experiencing delays to varying degrees in its proceedings. China has noted that the Mechanism has completed the health assessment of the accused Mr. Kabuga and planned to start the trial this September. China expects the Mechanism to strictly follow the projected timetables set out in its work plan, and efficiently complete the judicial proceedings for the remaining cases. As the relevant cases are coming to their completion, the Mechanism should allocate budgetary resources rationally, focus on ensuring the fulfillment of judicial activities, and gradually reduce its expenditures. Mr. President, Pragmatic and effective cooperation between the Mechanism and the countries concerned is of great significance for it to complete its mandate and make progress. Regarding issues such as the resettlement of the acquitted and the released, the transfer of cases between the Mechanism and the countries concerned, and the tracking of the remaining fugitives, China hopes that the Mechanism will strengthen communication with relevant parties, enhance mutual trust, accommodate each other’s legitimate concerns, learn from the success experience of the international criminal tribunals, find proper solutions, and join hands in combating impunity. In closing, I wish to take this opportunity to thank Gabon, chair of the Council’s Informal Working Group on International Tribunals and the Office for Legal Affairs, for their efforts in coordinating the work of the Council and the Mechanism. I thank you, Mr. President. |