The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt. Hon. Don McKinnon today visited the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and pledged his organisation’s support to ICTR’s commitment to international justice. He also commended the work being undertaken by the Tribunal of promoting international justice and national reconciliation in Rwanda.

During his one day visit, Rt. Hon. McKinnon held talks with the ICTR President Sir Dennis Byron, Judge Jai Ram Reddy, the Prosecutor Mr. Hassan Bubacar Jallow, the Registrar Mr. Adama Dieng, and the ICTR’s Spokesperson. The talks centered on areas of cooperation between the Commonwealth and the Tribunal and in particular the sensitization of Commonwealth Member States in the continued provision of cooperation and judicial assistance in apprehending the remaining fugitives and in overcoming the challenges facing the Tribunal at this critical stage of its completion strategy.

Other issues discussed included support by the Commonwealth for the ICTR’s effort in the capacity building process in Rwanda and other countries including the sharing of the ICTR experience in Information Technology based management of judicial archives and the tools the Tribunal has developed in Witness Protection and Court Management. All these are part of the Tribunal’s legacy. Rt. Hon. McKinnon was also briefed on latest developments at the Tribunal apart from being offered a guided tour of the ICTR facilities.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General was accompanied by Prof Ade Adefuye, Special Adviser, Head of Africa Section, Political Affairs Division, Mr. Amitav Banerji, Director and Head, Office of the Secretary-General and Mr. Manoah Esipisu, Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs Division.