The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is an international tribunal that was established by the United Nations Security Council in 1993. The ICTY was created to specifically address the war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 2001.
The primary objective of the ICTY is to bring justice and accountability to those who are responsible for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law during the conflicts. The tribunal has jurisdiction over individuals who participated in these crimes, regardless of their official position or affiliation, including military personnel, political leaders, and civilians.
The ICTY operates under the principle of individual criminal responsibility, meaning that it seeks to hold individuals accountable for their actions rather than punishing entire groups or communities. The tribunal conducts fair trials in accordance with international standards of justice, providing both the accused and the victims with the opportunity to present their cases.
Since its establishment, the ICTY has played a crucial role in promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation in the region. It has rendered numerous judgments and established important legal precedents in the field of international criminal law. Additionally, the ICTY has contributed to the development of the International Criminal Court (ICC), serving as a precursor to this permanent international tribunal.
Overall, the ICTY has been instrumental in addressing the atrocities committed during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and providing a measure of justice for the victims of these crimes.
