Ministers open diplomatic conference on prosecution of atrocities
Ljubljana, 15 May - Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon and Justice Minister Dominika Švarc Pipan opened the diplomatic conference on prosecution of atrocities in Ljubljana on Monday confident that a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes will be adopted.
Ljubljana
ICC judge Kimberly Prost at the opening of diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
Dutch Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius at the opening of diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
Justice Minister Dominika Švarc Pipan at the opening of a diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon at the opening of a diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ljubljana
A diplomatic conference to adopt a convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes opens in Ljubljana.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
"The key to our success is to strengthen cooperation and political will of countries to investigate and prosecute the most serious international crimes," said Fajon, who believes that the conference will reach a successful conclusion.
"Three decades ago we witnessed horrible crimes in our immediate vicinity and we deeply understand the role justice plays in ending disagreements, reconciliation and healing the deep wounds of individuals and societies," the minister added.
Fajon noted prosecution of sexual crimes as one of the priorities, especially in the time of armed combats. "Armies and militias use sexual violence as a war tactic. That is why we must ensure that the deep wounds of victims heal by ensuring justice," she said, adding that "victims must be heard".
Švarc Pipan also believes that the delegates will be able to reconcile their views in the coming two weeks and find joint solutions to improve criminal procedures.
Impunity remains a serious threat to the rule of law, she said, adding that it increases the risk of further violence and undermines the efforts to protect basic human rights and dignity. "It is our duty to strengthen our efforts to end impunity, to bring perpetrators to justice," Švarc Pipan said.
"We must establish effective systems of support and protection for children," the justice minister said, noting that while most children in criminal proceedings are victims or witnesses, the special requirements and vulnerability of the children who find themselves on the other side of justice should not be forgotten.
"We must ensure that criminal proceedings do not cause a secondary victimisation through traumatic experiences, media exposure, lack of psychological and social support or even bullying and threats," she said. It is key that measures are adopted taking into consideration children's rights, dignity and best interests, she added.
Švarc Pipan mentioned the children's house that was established in Slovenia in 2021 as an example of best practice. Based on the Scandinavian Barnahus model, the children's house provides a safe space for comprehensive treatment of children involved in criminal proceedings as victims, witnesses or perpetrators.
Running until 26 May, this will be the biggest diplomatic conference Slovenia has ever hosted, bringing together some 300 experts in international public law and international criminal law from around 70 countries supporting the initiative.