International and national prosecutors have resolved to form a joint operation that will enable them devise means of ending impunity across the world. According to a communiqué issued shortly after their three-day meeting in Arusha, the joint operation will also bring together Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to facilitate interaction, exchange of information and sharing of best practices. The network comprises of prosecutors from different UN member states and from international tribunals like the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia (ICTY)Once formed, the network will also encourage member states to harmonise their respective national rules of procedure and evidence with those of the international tribunals when dealing with international crimes. ‘It will also encourage member states to proceed with the incorporation of international crimes within domestic legislation as well as pursuing the establishment of a universal framework for extradition in respect of international crimes,” the communiqué reads in part. The network will also lead to the establishment of a mechanism for national prosecuting authorities to secure timely and effective access to the information resources of the international tribunals upon their closure. Several suspects wanted for their alleged roles in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis are still being shielded by many UN member states. Some have not handed over to the ICTR the remaining thirteen Genocide fugitives considered to be financiers and planners of the Genocide. Notable among them is Félicien Kabuga who is believed to be hiding in Kenya. ICTR has reported Kenya to the UN Security Council for lack of cooperation in the tracking, arresting and extraditing of the wanted fugitive. Ends
