Special Court Agreement, 2002 (Ratification) Act, 2002
The Act ratifying the agreement between Sierra Leone and the United Nations that established the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
Summary
The Special Court Agreement, 2002 (Ratification) Act, 2002 ratified and gave domestic legal effect to the agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations establishing the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The Special Court was a hybrid international-national tribunal created to try those bearing the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law and Sierra Leonean law committed during the civil war.
The Act gave the Agreement the force of law, provided for the Court's establishment, jurisdiction, and powers within Sierra Leone, its relationship with the national courts and authorities, and matters such as cooperation, privileges and immunities, and the enforcement of its orders. It is a historic instrument of post-conflict justice, under which figures including Charles Taylor were tried.
Its continuing functions were later carried on by the Residual Special Court.
Main provisions
- Ratifies the UN–Sierra Leone agreement establishing the Special Court.
- Gives the agreement the force of law in Sierra Leone.
- Provides for the Court's establishment, jurisdiction and powers.
- Provides for its relationship with national courts and authorities.
- Provides for cooperation, privileges, immunities and enforcement.
- A historic instrument of post-conflict international justice.