ICRC Delegation visits ICTY Detention Unit

A delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross today concluded a visit of the Tribunal's Detention Unit.

The visit in which the delegates concentrated on several matters of humanitarian concern was conducted in accordance with Rule 36 of the Tribunal's Rules of Detention.

The ICTY Detention Unit is subject to frequent visits by the ICRC, pursuant to the agreement between the ICTY and ICRC made in May 1995. The agreement, formalized in the exchange of letters between the then ICTY President, Antonio Cassese, and the ICRC President, Cornelio Sommaruga, appointed ICRC as the inspection authority for the ICTY Detention Unit.



The latest visit to the Tribunal's Detention Unit is the second conducted by the ICRC during 2006. The ICRC is internationally recognized for its independent work in monitoring detention facilities in order to ensure that detained persons are treated humanely and in accordance with the highest international standards.

The text of Rule 36 of the ICTY's Rules of Detention can be found at

http://www.un.org/icty/legaldoc-e/index.htm.

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Courtroom proceedings can be followed on the Tribunal's website at www.un.org/icty.