Statement [Made on Behalf of the Security Council, at the 6844th Meeting, 9 Oct. 2012, in Connection with the Council's Consideration of the Item Entitled "the Situation in Sierra Leone"]

S/PRST/2012/21View PDF

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

A Presidential Statement of the Security Council, under agenda item 171 The situation in Sierra Leone, published in 2012.

What subjects does this mandate have?

6 subjects

Criminal Courts International Criminal Courts Judicial Proceedings Sierra Leone Trials War Crimes

What’s in this document?

11 paragraphs

At the 6844th meeting of the Security Council, held on 9 October 2012, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The situation in Sierra Leone”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“The Security Council expresses its warm appreciation to the President and Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone for their briefing to the Security Council on 9 October 2012.

“The Security Council reiterates its strong support for the Special Court and commends the progress the Special Court has achieved (S/2012/741). The Security Council particularly notes the contribution of the Special Court to strengthening stability in Sierra Leone and the subregion and bringing an end to impunity.

“The Security Council congratulates the Special Court on the completion of the trial proceedings in the case of Charles Taylor on 30 May 2012. The Security Council takes note of the commencement of appellate proceedings in the case of Charles Taylor and the projected schedule for the completion of those appellate proceedings by 30 September 2013.

“The Security Council also acknowledges the Special Court’s progress towards completion. The Security Council underlines its expectation that all organs of the Special Court will do their utmost to finish the remaining work of the Court, including any contempt cases, in accordance with the completion strategy.

“The Security Council commends the important outreach activities of the Special Court in bringing its judicial work to the attention of the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia, and thereby contributing to the restoration of the rule of law throughout those countries and the region.

“The Security Council commends the Special Court for the important contribution made to international criminal justice concerning the crimes within its jurisdiction, namely, crimes against humanity, serious violations of Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions and of Additional Protocol II, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law, as well as certain crimes under Sierra Leonean law, and recognizes its work in the areas of women, peace and security, and the protection of children affected by armed conflict, including through its outreach and witness support programs.

“The Security Council recognizes the need to address residual matters after the closure of the Court, including the supervision of the enforcement of sentences for convicted persons, the protection of witnesses, and the preservation of the archives of the Special Court. In this regard, the Security Council welcomes the Agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone on the Establishment of a Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone.

“The Security Council urges the international community to continue to support the Special Court as it moves into its final stage of work.

“The Security Council in particular takes note of the Special Court’s ongoing and urgent need for financial support. The Security Council emphasizes the vital need for further pledges of voluntary contributions in order to allow the Special Court to complete its mandate in a timely manner. The Security Council calls upon Member States to contribute generously to the Special Court and for the implementation of the Agreement establishing the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, and encourages the Secretary-General to cooperate with the Registrar of the Special Court in order to find practicable solutions to address the needs of the Residual Special Court in the most efficient and effective manner.

“The Security Council will continue to offer strong support to the Special Court as it nears the completion of its mandate and to the Residual Special Court as it commences its functioning.”

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

What subjects does this mandate have?

What’s in this document?

Table of contents