It is with deep sadness that the Tribunal has learned of the passing away of Sir Ninian Stephen, who served as a judge of the ICTY from 1993 to 1997.
Judge Stephen was among the first 11 judges of the Tribunal and played a critical role in formulating the Tribunal’s early jurisprudence. He sat on the Bench that delivered the ICTY’s very first trial judgement, in the Tadić case, and was also among the judges who delivered the ICTY’s first appeal judgement, in the Erdemović case.
Renowned throughout the international community as a harbinger of peace, Judge Stephen served in various capacities in international tribunals and peace-making processes across the globe. There were very few honours that Judge Stephen, who held five separate knighthoods, did not have to his name.
Judge Stephen passed away yesterday at the age of 94. The international community will remember Judge Stephen for his intellect, humility and his lifelong commitment to justice and the rule of law.
