In conversation with Dr Serge Brammertz

On 2 August 2023, the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (the Centre) co-hosted Dr Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor of the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). The theme of Dr Brammertz’s lecture was on the development and transformation of international criminal law as a branch of international law, and he also spoke about contemporary issues in the field.

During Dr Brammertz's visit to the Centre, Africa Rights Talk had a conversation with Dr Brammertz on themes covered in his lecture and on various aspects of international criminal justice. Dr Brammertz highlighted the evolution of international tribunals, the importance of state cooperation, the contribution of the mechanism to accountability and rule of law, the engagement and support of victims, the capacity building of domestic judiciaries, and the challenges and solutions for cross-border cooperation in criminal investigations.  In conclusion, he provided examples, insights, and recommendations based on his role as the Chief Prosecutor of the most complex international criminal cases.

Dr Serge Brammertz is a Belgian prosecutor and jurist, who leads the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) since 2016. He is also the former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). In this role, Dr. Brammertz was responsible for the prosecution of all trials and appeals before the Tribunal. Prior to joining the ICTY, Dr. Brammertz was the Commissioner of the United Nations International Independent Investigation Commission (UNIIIC) in Beirut, Lebanon.  Dr. Brammertz headed the investigation into the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri from January 2006 until the end of 2007. He has a PhD in international law and has taught at several universities.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLuDFOZnyCw 

This conversation was recorded on 2 August 2023.

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