HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WELCOMES YUGOSLAV GOVERNMENT DECREE ON COOPERATION WITH HAGUE TRIBUNAL

25 June 2001




United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson today welcomed the decree issued by the Government of Yugoslavia opening the way for the transfer of former President Slobodan Milosevic to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia as a major step forward in the fight against impunity.

"The decree is a recognition that the serious crimes the former President and others are accused of must come to trial", Mrs. Robinson said. "I hope the decree can be implemented promptly and that all persons indicted by the Tribunal and present in Yugoslav territory will be transferred to The Hague for trial".

The High Commissioner said human rights defenders around the world could take heart in the growing recognition that high office is no longer a guarantee of protection for human rights violators.

"Two years ago when the indictment was handed down few dared to believe the former President would ever face trial", she said. "The Yugoslav Government’s decision is further vindication of the daily struggle so many people carry on for human rights. Today, we are one step closer to the day when we can tell any tyrant responsible for human rights abuses: You will be called to account. There is no place to hide".



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