§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the progress that has been made to establish an international tribunal on genocide following recent events in Rwanda; what crimes against humanity will be investigated by the international tribunal on genocide in Rwanda; and what contribution the United Kingdom is making to the establishment of the international tribunal on genocide in Rwanda.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe Security Council established an international criminal tribunal for Rwanda by resolution 955 of 8 November 1994, which we co-sponsored.
Under the statute, the tribunal has jurisdiction over persons responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of Rwanda and Rwandan citizens responsible for such violations committed in the territory of neighbouring states, between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1994. Its jurisdiction includes genocide and serious violations of the laws of war as well as certain crimes against humanity committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against any civilian population on national, ethnic, racial or religious grounds.
The Secretary-General will shortly make recommendations as to the practical arrangements for the tribunal. We will consider any United Kingdom contributions in the light of his report.