Chief Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Mr. Serge Brammertz, recently attended the annual conference of war crimes prosecutors from the Western Balkans region in Montenegro. The conference, financed by the European Union and organized by UNDP, aimed to strengthen war crimes justice in the region.
Prosecutor Brammertz emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in bringing perpetrators to justice, noting challenges faced due to perpetrators residing in different countries. Despite past setbacks, there have been positive developments in cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro.
During the conference, delegates discussed solutions for challenges in prosecuting war crimes, including conflict-related sexual violence cases. Prosecutor Brammertz encouraged prosecutors to renew efforts in improving cooperation and addressing the numerous war crimes suspects still at large.
In conclusion, Prosecutor Brammertz reminded colleagues of the high expectations of victims and survivors for justice. He will present his next report to the UNSC later this year, following his visits to Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.