Foreign Secretary announces funding for international criminal tribunals
Foreign Secretary William Hague announced additional UK funding for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
In a written statement to Parliament he said:
鈥淚n line with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office鈥檚 Strategic Framework priority of Safeguarding Britain鈥檚 national security by countering terrorism and working to reduce conflict, and as a demonstration of the Government鈥檚 continued support for international justice as a key pillar of our foreign policy, I am pleased to announce additional UK funding for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
We will provide 拢1 million to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, taking the UK鈥檚 total contribution to 拢3.3 million since 2009. This contribution underlines the UK鈥檚 steadfast support for the Special Tribunal which is key to holding to account of those guilty of serious crimes and ending the climate of impunity for political assassination in Lebanon. The UK is, and will remain, committed to working towards Lebanon鈥檚 continued sovereignty and stability.
We will contribute a further 拢750,000 to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, taking the UK鈥檚 total contribution to around 拢4.4 million since 2006. This demonstrates the UK鈥檚 continued commitment to Cambodian reconciliation and development and bringing justice to the victims, and families of victims of the horrific atrocities and deaths of around 2 million Cambodians under the Khmer Rouge.
Finally, we will make available an additional 拢600,000 for the Special Court for Sierra Leone, taking the UK鈥檚 total contribution to around 拢27.6 million since 2002. This will help allow the Special Court to complete the trial of Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia. The Special Court will be the first court to deliver judgement on a former head of state related to charges of war crimes for actions he took while in office.
We believe there should be no impunity for the most serious crimes at the international level. The effective prosecution of those who commit these crimes is fundamental to preventing such crimes, which in turn is vital in the development of communities which are more stable and prosperous. I take this opportunity to applaud the important continuing work of all of the international tribunals.鈥�