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In this conversation, I speak to Dr. Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor of the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Trials. Dr. Brammertz is one of the world’s foremost experts on international…
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Coming from the German-speaking part of Belgium, my family history includes both German and Belgian soldiers, highlighting the lose-lose nature of war, which only results in death and misery. Therefore, I believe in investing in multilateralism, seeking common ground rather than emphasizing differences.
— Dr. Serge BrammertzChief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
There is still considerable hesitancy within the international community for robust intervention. Ultimately, blue helmets, or UN peacekeepers, come from specific countries, and the decision to withdraw them rests with the capitals of these contributing countries.
— Dr. Serge BrammertzChief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
Today's world reveals a sad truth: impunity for international crimes is more common than prosecutions. Justice and accountability remain the exception rather than the rule.
— Dr. Serge BrammertzChief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
Those who know the locations of the remaining graves remain silent, not wanting to tarnish the 'heroic' image of their generals. This silence and glorification prevent crucial information about mass graves from emerging, demonstrating the profound and tragic impact of this hero worship.
— Dr. Serge BrammertzChief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
I firmly believe that a society cannot heal from the wounds of war without accountability for serious international crimes. How can a society move towards a shared future while fundamental disagreements about the past and about responsibility for past crimes persist?
— Dr. Serge BrammertzChief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
As a prosecutor, I recognize that our involvement typically begins when it's already too late: when prevention, humanity, and common sense have failed. Violence, whether in families, communities, or at an international level, signifies a failure of humanity.
— Dr. Serge BrammertzChief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
From my perspective, however, justice alone is insufficient for reconciliation. True reconciliation must originate within a society, involving both victims and perpetrators. Yet, accountability is an essential starting point, laying the groundwork for reconciliation efforts.
— Dr. Serge BrammertzChief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
Historically, conflicts typically ended with the major players negotiating peace agreements, often including amnesties. The more brutal and involved in crimes a party was, the more significant their role at the negotiation table. This approach changed after the Second World War with the Nuremberg trials.
— Dr. Serge BrammertzChief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
As a prosecutor, I recognize that our involvement typically begins when it's already too late: when prevention, humanity, and common sense have failed. Violence, whether in families, communities, or at an international level, signifies a failure of humanity.
— Dr. Serge BrammertzChief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
I firmly believe that a society cannot heal from the wounds of war without accountability for serious international crimes. How can a society move towards a shared future while fundamental disagreements about the past and about responsibility for past crimes persist?
— Dr. Serge BrammertzChief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
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