On behalf of the whole Tribunal, I would like to warmly congratulate Louise Arbour on her appointment as United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights. Not only are we all pleased, but also very proud that she has been honoured in such a way.

Louise Arbour enjoys a worldwide reputation for working tirelessly in the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, and deservedly so. Many here at the ICTY will remember the unwavering commitment, tenacity and creativity that she demonstrated in pursuing suspected war criminals in the former Yugoslavia when she was Prosecutor between 1996 and 1999. Herexperiences then and later as a Judge on the Canadian Supreme Court mean that she is uniquely qualified for this crucial position. I am confident that her immense professionalism and dedication to ending impunity, enhancing the rule of law and maintaining the highest standards of due process and of human rights promotion and protection will help ensure the advancement of universalhuman rights.

All of us at the Tribunal wish her every success in her new function.