THE ROLE OF WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW: AN OVERVIEW OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL FOR RWANDA
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The Rwanda genocide of l 994 experienced one of the most shocking and flagrant abuse of the rule of international humanitarian law. The international community was left in a state of disbelief by the carnage perpetrated during the crisis. The level of destruction experienced during the crisis has led to international condemnation and criticism of the international community and in particular the United Nations in failing to prevent the occurrence of the crisis and for making little effort at ensuring that it did not escalate to the point experienced. In response to these criticisms, the international community established, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda to prosecute, persons accused of the most grievous crimes during the crisis. Despite several challenges in its formative years, the tribunal became one of the most effective implementing mechanisms of international humanitarian law. The research examines the role of the tribunal in the development of international humanitarian law within the Africa continent.