He made this appeal in a statement following the conclusion of his weeklong mission to Rwanda, which took place from November 4 to 9, 2024.
His visit forms part of preparations for his regular biannual report to the United Nations Security Council.
During his stay, Prosecutor Brammertz held high-level discussions with key Rwandan officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, the Secretary-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service, Mr. Aimable Havugiyaremye, and the Prosecutor General, Angélique Habyarimana.
These meetings focused on reinforcing collaboration in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the atrocities committed three decades ago.
In collaboration with the United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, and Aegis Trust, Prosecutor Brammertz also spearheaded a series of high-level events in Kigali.
Aegis Trust is an international organization dedicated to preventing genocide, crimes against humanity, and mass atrocities across the globe.
These included a workshop for women community leaders, expert consultations on mediation for prevention, and an international conference on ethnicity and prevention. The initiatives aimed at developing actionable strategies to address challenges in genocide prevention globally.
Renewed call for Justice
Despite significant progress in holding perpetrators accountable, Prosecutor Brammertz emphasized the pressing need to bring fugitive génocidaires to justice.
'Many perpetrators have been punished for their crimes. But there is still much more work to be done. It is our responsibility to work together to ensure that fugitive génocidaires no longer enjoy safe haven and impunity,' he stated.
There are still over 1,000 fugitive génocidaires around the world. Mr. Brammertz highlighted his Office's ongoing efforts to locate these individuals and support prosecutions in multiple countries.
'In the last year, my Office has provided legal, evidentiary, investigative, and strategic assistance in response to more than 30 separate requests, including concerning ongoing investigations and prosecutions in Rwanda, France, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, and the United States of America.'
Deepening international collaboration
The Prosecutor underscored the importance of international cooperation, pointing to the increased collaboration between the Office of the Prosecutor, Rwandan authorities, and justice systems in other countries.
'In addition, my Office has deepened our engagement with these and other partners, including by briefing the Eurojust Genocide Network and convening a trilateral meeting with the Prosecutor General of Rwanda and the Head of the French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecution Office,' he said.
Reflecting on the renewed momentum in Rwanda and internationally, he remarked, 'It is evident that in Rwanda and elsewhere, there is a renewed urgency and dedication to achieving more justice for more victims and survivors of the Genocide.'
Brammertz highlighted that his Office is determined to provide national partners with the support and assistance they need to be successful in the courtroom and bring more génocidaires to account.
Through these collective efforts, the IRMCT aims to close the chapter of impunity and honor the memory of those who perished by delivering justice for the survivors and victims of the Genocide.
Théophile Niyitegeka
