ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the experience of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY or Tribunal) from a ‘lessons learned’ perspective, particularly in light of the completion strategy and legacy. Indeed, in order to fully appreciate the accomplishments of the Tribunal, as well as the progress in international criminal law, it is equally important to look to the past and take into account the initial obstacles the Tribunal overcame. These challenges, along with the Tribunal’s achievements, form the basis of the lessons which should be built upon and direct the future of international criminal justice. With this in mind, this contribution will focus on the following three themes: (i) the ICTY’s establishment and its landmark developments; (ii) the ICTY’s core achievements; and (iii) the issues related to the ICTY’s completion strategy and its legacy.
