RETURN TO UNCONQUERED BOSNIA HOMEPAGE
Visit CIJ World Wide Web Site.
Visit War Criminal Watchwhich provides up to date information on the whereabouts of indicted war criminals.
Established in 1995, the Coalition for International Justice (CIJ) provides in-kind support and technical legal assistance to the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. The CIJ, which was initiated by U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, international human rights activists and the American Bar Association's Central and East European Law Initiative (CEELI), also coordinates support for the Tribunals from interested non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and provides advocacy and public education about the role of the Tribunals in maintaining international security and in establishing the rule of law.
In November 1995, the CIJ sent a U.S. attorney to The Hague to work as the CIJ's liaison in the ICTY's Registry. The CIJ provides on-the-ground legal assistance to the Tribunals. This assistance has included providing analyses of international humanitarian and criminal law, obtaining needed legal material and, in the interests of justice, organizing a seminar on trial advocacy.
As an advocate the CIJ helps to educate the public and opinion leaders on the importance of the Tribunal and its mission. The CIJ has testified and assisted in developing legislation for Congressional committees and subcommittees, particularly about the need to secure adequate resources and a need for a more aggressive approach toward apprehension of indicted war criminals. Similarly, the CIJ coordinates the work of NGOs that are interested in pooling efforts and information in support of the two Tribunals. Political support for the apprehension of indicted war criminals and the need to secure adequate funding for the two Tribunals are a primary focus.
As the first war crimes trials since Nuremberg and Tokyo take place, the importance of these two Tribunals cannot be overstated. They represent the first effort in fifty years to establish the international accountability of those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and other horrendous crimes. They are, moreover, vital for the establishment of democracy and the rule of law, and for the maintenance of international security, in both the Balkans and Central Africa.
The Coalition can tap the energy, expertise and experience of non-governmental organizations and people, helping them make their important contributions to the Tribunal's work. In addition, the Coalition's strong independent voice for justice will help focus international attention and build support for the Tribunal's work.
Secretary of State
Madeleine K. Albright
Visit CIJ World Wide Web Site.
Visit War Criminal Watchwhich provides up to date information on the whereabouts of indicted war criminals.
RETURN TO UNCONQUERED BOSNIA HOMEPAGE