Boutros Boutros-Ghali and “The beginning of modern international criminal law”

Syracuse, NY… Syracuse University College of Law professors are available for comment on the passing of Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the former UN secretary general. Both professors can be reached by contacting Robert Conrad, communications director at the College of Law at 315.443.9536 or rtconrad@syr.edu

David Crane, Syracuse University College of Law Professor and former Chief Prosecutor to the Special Court for Sierra Leone:

• “Boutros Boutros-Ghali led a changing world from the Cold War into a new age of hope and promise. It was his vision and determination that saw the creation of the first modern international tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. The beginning of modern international criminal law can be attributed to him,” said Crane.

Cora True-Frost, Syracuse University College of Law Professor, author of The First Global Prosecutor, and former leader of the working group of Women, Peace, and Security at the UN headquarters:

• “Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the UN’s sixth Secretary General and the first from Africa, led the organization during a time of massive challenges–a tragically missed opportunity to avert genocide in Rwanda, and NATO’s bombing campaign in Bosnia-Herzegovina. His passing offers an opportunity for us all to reflect on the ways the UN has made progress–developing and expanding peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions; grappling, albeit imperfectly, with accountability of the organization to those it serves; and targeting sanctions. At the same time, it provides a stark reminder of the ways that the international community is still failing to successfully intercede to stop gross violations of human rights,” said True-Frost.