Legacy website of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia

Since the ICTY’s closure on 31 December 2017, the Mechanism maintains this website as part of its mission to preserve and promote the legacy of the UN International Criminal Tribunals.

 Visit the Mechanism's website.

Status of Judges

Permanent judges of the ICTY enjoy the same terms and conditions of service as the judges of the International Court of Justice. The Statute of the ICTY provides for the judges to enjoy the privileges and immunities, exemptions and facilities accorded to diplomatic envoys in accordance to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of 13 February 1946.

The ad litem judges benefit from the same terms and conditions as the permanent judges; however, they are not eligible for election as President or the Presiding Judge of a Trial Chamber. In addition, ad litem judges do not have the power to adopt Rules of Procedure and Evidence, although they are consulted before the adoption of any new Rules. They also do not have the power to review an indictment or to consult with the President in relation to the assignment of judges to the various Chambers or in relation to a pardon or commutation of a sentence. According to Security Council resolution 1660 (2006), ad litem judges may also be appointed as reserve judges to be present at each stage of a trial and to replace a judge that is unable to continue sitting.