Statement by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana at the UNSC Debate: 'International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals'

I thank the President of the International Residual Mechanism, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, and Prosecutor Serge Brammertz for their briefings. I also welcome the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Rwanda and Serbia to today’s meeting.

Guyana takes positive note of the 26th report of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and reiterates our support for the continuing work of the Mechanism in carving out essential residual functions for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

We welcome the further steps taken by the Mechanism during the reporting period to reduce its functions.

We are also encouraged by the President’s refinement of her key priorities, following the adoption of resolution 2740(2024). We note, in particular, the significant reduction of staffing levels, budget and operational footprint, as part of efforts to expeditiously complete the remaining functions of the Mechanism.

Guyana reiterates its concern that the situation of the persons relocated from Arusha to Niger in December 2022 remains unresolved. We note the continued efforts of the Mechanism towards finding a solution and urge States to cooperate and render all necessary assistance to the Mechanism pursuant to resolution 2637 (2022).

The management of the archives and records of the Court are of great importance to preserving the legacy of the ad hoc Tribunals and of the Mechanism. We look forward to the recommendations, in this regard, to be presented by the Secretary General at the end of 2025.

We take positive note of the progress by the Mechanism in implementing outstanding recommendations made by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) and look forward to the closure of the final two recommendations.

Guyana commends the efforts of the Mechanism to respond to requests for assistance from national jurisdictions, thereby enabling them to advance justice and hold perpetrators to account.

In closing, my delegation reaffirms its full support for the work of the Mechanism, and efforts to combat impunity and achieve justice for the victims of the atrocities committed in the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.

I thank you.