Group Photo: Participants at the ICD Retreat
The Principal Judge, Dr Flavian Zeija, today opened a three-day residential retreat for Judges of the International Crimes Division Judges, ICD-circuiting Judges as well as Magistrates Grade I Research attached to the Division.
At the Retreat taking place at Lake Victoria Serena Hotel, Kigo, the Principal Judge noted that it had been organized for the participants to familiarize with international and domestic legal frameworks addressing international crimes as well as their enforcement mechanisms.
He thanked the Embassy of Belgium, Austrian Development Cooperation, the International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), Avocats Sans Frontiers (ASF) and other development partners for their immense contribution in funding the training.
Justice Dr Zeija also thanked them for the Judicial Bench Book on the Practice and Procedure for the Adjudication of International. Crimes in Uganda, which was launched on July 20,2023. He thanked them for living up to the promise of training Judicial officers that was made at the launch of the Bench Book.
He reiterated that the objective of the Bench Book was to provide effective measures to demystifying the complexities in investigating, prosecuting and trying international crimes.
"As the Judiciary, we have been looking forward to applying the best practices and standards on international criminal procedure and practice drawn from the various experiences and jurisprudence of the International Criminal Tribunals and Court as indicated in the Bench Book," he said.
The Court's Deputy Registrar, HW Hatanga Juliet Harty said since its inception, the ICD has addressed several cases involving transnational crimes and is concluding its first war crimes case.
She noted that trials of international crimes pose several challenges related to jurisdiction, applicable law, procedure, evidentiary standards, witness protection, victim participation and support, and upholding an accused person's fair trial rights.
Adding that the primary purpose of the retreat is to introduce Judges of the High Court to the core principles of international criminal law, specifically focusing on the laws governing genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
The Head of the International Crimes Division, Justice Dr Andrew Bashaija, noted that in all the engagements with ICD, the PJ has emphasized the need for effectiveness and efficiency. And that the retreat was a move in the right direction.
He thanks the development partners for their continued support which has brought on board international experts to facilitate the retreat.
Ms. Sarah Kasande, Head of Office, International Centre for Transitional Justice(ICTJ) in a special way commended Justice Solomy Balungi Bossa (Judge of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court) for taking part in the training and also accepting to share her expertise and knowledge right from The Hague.
She further noted that the training was intended for the judges to have a reflection on international criminal justice as well as share information for comparative expertise to enhance the objectives of ICD in fulfilling its mandate.
Ms. Faridah Kyomuhangi who represented the Country Director Avocats San Frontieres (ASF) appreciated the Judiciary's dedication and partnership with the development partners to help in effective justice delivery.
The Head of Office, Austrian Embassy Development Cooperation, Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, thanked the Judiciary Administration for being champions of Transitional Justice.
She commended the organizers for such workshops to draw lessons from international courts and tribunals.
Some of the sessions of the day included; presentations about the International Crimes Division, introduction to International Criminal Law and its enforcement architecture, an overview of the legal framework on atrocity crimes in Uganda and International Law on modes of liability and grounds for excluding criminal liability.
About the Retreat
HW Hatanga said drawing from lessons learned from international courts and tribunals, the retreat aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of international standards and procedural aspects of adjudicating international crimes.
And that the Workshop will equip Judicial Officers with a comprehensive understanding of the international and Ugandan legal framework for addressing international and transnational crimes. Topics to be covered will include modes of liability, the stages of criminal proceedings and evidentiary matters, the rights of victims and witnesses in international criminal proceedings, defenses and due process rights of the accused, and the status amnesties under international law.
Additionally, the workshop will address key issues and challenges related to the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of international crimes in Uganda.
Posted 11th, June 2024
