For the first time in the ICTY’s history, members of the public were given open access to one of the Tribunal’s courtrooms. Visitors were able to sit on the judges’ bench, or take the places of the Prosecution, the Defence, the witness or the accused, while listening to presentations by ICTY staff on how the Tribunal’s courtrooms operate.
Reiterating the importance of International Day, Registrar John Hocking said: “As its mandate draws to a close, the ICTY welcomes the opportunity to take part in such events and to present its work and achievements to the public."
Some visitors said they had lived in the vicinity of the ICTY for many years, but had never before had the chance to take such a detailed look behind the scenes of the Tribunal, while others had traveled from as far afield as Belgium and Germany, just to take advantage of this special opportunity.
 Members of the public were able to explore the inside of a courtroom |
A real highlight of the day was the opportunity for members of the public to engage in question and answer sessions with Judge Alphons Orie and Prosecutor Serge Brammertz, who gave visitors a unique personal insight into the Tribunal’s core activities.
"Having the opportunity to address so many members of the public in an open forum, where they could put their questions directly to me, was a real pleasure, particularly as it came in a year that has seen some truly momentous events at the Tribunal," Judge Orie said.
In addition, ICTY officials were on hand throughout the day to greet visitors, to answer their questions and to explain the work and achievements of the Tribunal; an exhibition and a film laid out further information about the ICTY; and a variety of presentations took place throughout the day.
Visitors from 8 to 80 years old enjoyed their time at the Tribunal on Open Day, with the large number of law students in attendance not surprisingly finding the experience particularly fascinating.
Commenting on the International Day, Prosecutor Serge Brammertz stated: "The fact that 750 people came to the ICTY for the International Day shows that a commitment to international justice is spreading throughout the general community, engaging people of all ages and from many different countries and backgrounds. This is certainly an encouraging sign, which reflects positively on the work of the ICTY, and which we hope will be replicated in other international justice initiatives in the future."
 Visitors could attend presentations by ICTY staff on the work |
The ICTY also welcomed visitors to its stand at the International Fair, held at the World Forum Convention Centre on the same day. The Fair provided international organisations, NGOs, and embassies based in The Hague with an occasion to present their work to around 2,500 visitors and to answer their questions.