Arusha, The Hague, 19 January 2019 – On 19 January 2019, Judge Carmel Agius, of Malta, assumed office as President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), following his appointment by the United Nations Secretary-General on 30 June 2018 to a term expiring on 30 June 2020.
Judge Agius takes over the Presidency of the Mechanism from Judge Theodor Meron, who served as the Mechanism’s President since 2012.
Upon assuming the function as President of the Mechanism, Judge Agius expressed his deep gratitude to Judge Meron for his exceptional stewardship of the Mechanism since the very first day of this institution’s existence, noting that it was very much thanks to Judge Meron’s work, leadership and dedication that the vision of the Mechanism as a new and efficient model of international tribunal became a reality.
In addition he praised Judge Meron and his staff for all their efforts in making the transition between Presidents exceptionally smooth.
Judge Agius underlined that his main priorities as the Mechanism’s President will be ensuring that the residual judicial proceedings are concluded efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of due process; enhancing the Mechanism’s unique mandate through a unified work culture, inter-branch coordination and harmonisation of practices and procedures at both the Arusha and The Hague branches and fostering a positive work environment with a view to encouraging high staff morale and performance.
