The Secretary-General welcomes today’s delivery by the Appeals Chamber of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) of the appeal judgment in the case of Mr. Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia. This is a historic and momentous day for the people of Sierra Leone and the region. The judgment is a significant milestone in international criminal justice, as it confirms the conviction of a former Head of State for aiding, abetting and planning war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Secretary-General wishes to congratulate everyone at the SCSL for this important achievement and thank them for their commitment to ensuring accountability for the serious crimes committed during the conflict in Sierra Leone. 

The SCSL has been a model of a cooperative partnership to bring those responsible for serious international crimes to justice in accordance with international standards of fairness and due process of law.  It has helped the process of national reconciliation and the restoration of peace in Sierra Leone.

The Secretary-General thanks all Member States which have contributed to the Court, and calls on the international community to preserve and promote its legacy by supporting the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone which will commence functioning upon the closure of the SCSL in the coming weeks.