Statement by Ambassador Joseph H. Melrose, U.S. Representative for Management and Reform, on Conditions of Service for International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and Yugoslavia Judges, Fifth Committee

Ambassador Joseph H. Melrose, Jr.
Senior  Advisor to the United Nations 

New York, NY

October 29, 2010

AS PREPARED

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, at the outset, the United States would like to convey our full support and respect for the work of the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. We welcome the important role the International Court of Justice continues to play in facilitating the peaceful resolution of disputes. Equally, we commend both the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda for their ongoing efforts to bring a sense of justice and accountability to the innocent victims of the terrible crimes committed in these two former conflict regions. Those dedicated individuals serving with the ICJ, the ICTY and the ICTR merit our deep appreciation and gratitude.

The United States remains committed to ensuring the judicial independence in all respects of the ICJ, the ICTY and the ICTR.

On behalf of the United States delegation, I wish to thank Ms. Catherine Pollard, Under Secretary General for the Office of Human Resources Management for presenting the Secretary-General’s report on the Conditions of Service for the Judges of International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the members of the International Court of Justice. The report contains a useful comprehensive historical overview and recommendations for addressing issues of concern to the General Assembly. I would also like to thank the Vice-Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Mr. Colin Kelapile, for the Committee’s detailed report and reasoned recommendations.

My delegation is carefully considering all the reports on the Conditions of Service and looks forward to working constructively on this matter with our colleagues in the Committee, taking into account the views of the ACABQ.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

###