New Shelter Needed for Yugoslav Tribunal Archives
Future of Tribunal Archives Debated Amid Monument Proposals
Table of Contents
- Future of Tribunal Archives Debated Amid Monument Proposals
- Future of ICTY Archives: A Debate Between remembrance and Preservation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is the core issue that is being debated, according too the article?
- 2.Why is the location of the archives so crucial and what concerns have been raised?
- 3. What is the National Monument Srebrenica Genocide Foundation proposing, and where?
- 4. Besides the monument, what else is being proposed, and by whom?
- 5. What is the Dutch government’s position on these proposals?
- 6. What factors are influencing the Dutch government’s decision?
- 7. What is the UN’s role and what is the deadline for a decision?
- Frequently Asked Questions
SARAJEVO, Bosnia — Teh search for a permanent home for the archives of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former yugoslavia is being closely watched, particularly in Bosnia. Ismena Causevic, with the Facts Center for the Yugoslavia Tribunal in Sarajevo, expressed hope that the Netherlands would be selected as the new custodian.
concerns Over Archive Location
Causevic voiced concerns about housing the archives in the Balkans,stating,”If we kept these archives in Bosnia,then other parties such as Serbia,Croatia or Kosovo could also lay claim. We are not sure that it would be in good hands. Although the war is over, the information war is not yet.”
Dutch government’s Position
The Dutch government is consulting with the United Nations on the archives’ future but has not yet revealed its plans. The Government Buildings Agency is assessing the cultural and ancient significance of the former Aegon building,a post-World War II office structure dating back to 1952.
According to a government spokesperson, the search for a new user will consider “how the past can be integrated into the present and the future.”
Cost Considerations
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the high cost of maintaining the building, situated in a prime international location, makes establishing a museum there financially challenging. The management and maintenance of the archives also represent a significant expense. Consequently, the dutch government has not yet embraced the museum proposal.
UN Deadline Looms
The UN Security council has mandated that the current UN institution provide recommendations on the archives’ future by Dec. 31. Clerk Tambadou is refraining from making official statements to avoid complicating the search for a permanent solution.
Future of ICTY Archives: A Debate Between remembrance and Preservation
The archives of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) hold immense historical meaning. But where should they be housed? This is a question causing much debate, with proposals for a monument, concerns about location, and a pressing UN deadline. Let’s delve into this complex issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the core issue that is being debated, according too the article?
The central issue revolves around determining a permanent home for the archives of the international Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). This decision is notably meaningful as the location of the archives directly impacts their accessibility, security, and symbolic meaning. The search is being closely watched, especially in Bosnia.
2.Why is the location of the archives so crucial and what concerns have been raised?
The location carries significant weight due to the lasting impact of the war. Ismena Causevic, from the Facts Center for the Yugoslavia Tribunal in Sarajevo, expressed concerns about housing the archives within the Balkans. She stated, “If we kept these archives in Bosnia, then other parties such as Serbia, Croatia or Kosovo could also lay claim. We are not sure that it would be in good hands. Even tho the war is over, the information war is not yet.” This highlights concerns over potential claims, the security of the information, and the political sensitivities surrounding the conflict’s legacy.
3. What is the National Monument Srebrenica Genocide Foundation proposing, and where?
The National Monument Srebrenica Genocide Foundation, comprised of Bosnians in the Netherlands is advocating for a monument to commemorate the victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide. They propose locating the monument on the square in front of the former tribunal building in The Hague.
4. Besides the monument, what else is being proposed, and by whom?
Samir Hajdarevic, chairman of the National Monument Srebrenica Genocide Foundation, suggested transforming the former tribunal building into a museum. he noted that “The session room is still intact, and the archives could get a permanent place there.” The foundation is reportedly in discussions with the Dutch government and the municipality of The Hague regarding this proposal.
5. What is the Dutch government’s position on these proposals?
the Dutch government is currently consulting with the United Nations regarding the future of the archives. They haven’t revealed their specific plans yet. The Government buildings agency is assessing the historical significance of the former Aegon building,a post-World War II office structure built in 1952. A government spokesperson indicated that the search for a new user would consider “how the past can be integrated into the present and the future.”
6. What factors are influencing the Dutch government’s decision?
Cost is a significant consideration. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that maintaining the building, given its prime international location, will be expensive.The management and maintenance of the archives also represent a considerable financial burden. Consequently, the Dutch government has yet to fully embrace the museum proposal.
7. What is the UN’s role and what is the deadline for a decision?
The UN Security Council has mandated that the current UN institution provide recommendations on the archives’ future. This recommendation is due by December 31st. Clerk Tambadou is currently refraining from making official statements to avoid complicating the search for a permanent solution.
To summarize the key players involved in this debate, here is a table presenting the key points from the article.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| main Issue | Finding a permanent home for the ICTY archives |
| Key Concerns | Potential claims and security of the archives if located in the Balkans (e.g., Bosnia) |
| Monument Proposal | National Monument Srebrenica Genocide Foundation proposes a monument in The Hague, in front of the former tribunal building. |
| Museum Proposal | Samir hajdarevic suggests transforming the former tribunal building into a museum, housing both the monument and the archives. |
| Dutch Government position | Consulting with the UN; Assessing the former Aegon building’s significance; Considering how the past can inform the present and future; Hasn’t embraced the museum proposal. |
| Cost Considerations | Maintaining the building in the prime location and managing the archives represents a considerable financial burden. |
| UN Role & Deadline | The UN Security Council has mandated recommendations by December 31st. |
The future of the ICTY archives is a complex issue, touching on historical remembrance, political sensitivities, and practical considerations. The ongoing discussions and the upcoming UN deadline will undoubtedly shape how this vital part of history is preserved and remembered for future generations.
