Judge Carmel Agius has been President of the IRMCT since 2019 to 2022. He was the final President of the ICTY, from November 2015 to December 2017, when it was succeeded by the IRMCT.

"The international justice system is not only vital in the fight against impunity and in contributing to peace and security, but is a fundamental building block for a fair and just world"

"The 'Ratko Mladic' case is proof of what can be done in international justice processes if states show the will to cooperate and remove political obstacles. “The issuance of the fnal judgment sends a strong message to victims of atrocities committed in the former Yugoslavia and elsewhere, that perpetrators of such heinous crimes will ultimately be brought to justice, regardless of their position or how powerful and untouchable they consider themselves to be. Judge Carmel Agius said addressing the UN Security Council on 8 June 2021, just hours after the Mechanism’s Appeals Chamber afrmed Mladić’s convictions and life sentence (handed down initially by an ICTY Trial Chamber). Ratko Mladić was Commander of the Bosnian Serb Army (VRS)"

Agius's message for those who believe that they stand to gain by denying the Srebrenica genocide:

"The denial or distortion of history is an intentional assault on truth. Understanding the past is crucial to how people understand themselves, their society, and how to achieve their common goals. The Srebrenica genocide is unlike any other that happened before. It is so well documented, established by two UN international courts, including the International Court of Justice, and scientifically supported in even the minutest details. Dear revisionists, deniers, you will never succeed in hiding the true nature of this genocide. Your children, your grandchildren will one day realize that the truth of what happened here does not lie in the homes where it has been distorted but outside where it is readily available. They will discover the truth, the undistorted truth, and when they do, they will wonder what else you have hidden from their view."

"I feel gratitude for the fact that, during my lifetime, for a shining moment, the community of nations galvanized in a robust effort to end impunity for atrocity crimes, and that I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to contribute to this noble goal. I also feel deeply thankful to have been part of this astonishing community of dedicated people from all over the world, who willingly left family and friends behind and who perhaps took career or personal risks in order to come here to The Hague and serve a greater good."

"I will remain steadfast in my conviction that the staff of the ICTY are the pride of the United Nations. For each of us, our time at the ICTY carries with it a different meaning, and our departures, their own challenges. Nonetheless, I hope that when you step out of the building for the last time, leaving this chapter of your life behind, you will do so with pride, and most of all, faith in what can be achieved for humanity with persistence and goodwill and hard work."

"Sometimes, in the course of history, decisive action by the international community sparks movements for change. The ICTY stands out as a shining example Its creation was a resounding expression of the common resolve to fght against impunity, and for humanity Certainly, we were created as an ad hoc Tribunal: non-permanent, with jurisdiction over those most responsible for committing atrocities in the former Yugoslavia, and a mandate to bring justice, peace and security to one particular region of the world However, despite our limited raison d’être, the achievements of the past years show us something different—they point to the universality of our Tribunal."

"Sometimes, in the course of history, decisive action by the international community sparks movements for change. The ICTY stands out as a shining example. Its creation was a resounding expression of the common resolve to fight against impunity, and for humanity."