All those who believe in and strive for international justice should take the time to read Shielding Victims of War Crimes and Other Vulnerable Witnesses in the Practice of International and Hybrid Courts. The topic addressed by the author, Anna Adamska-Gallant, a former international judge of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, addresses an essential element of international criminal law, how the victims of serious international crimes and other vulnerable witnesses ought to be protected when called as witnesses before international and hybrid courts. Those who are quick to disparage the work of international and hybrid criminal courts too often ignore the critical and vital role that vulnerable witnesses play in the administration of international justice. Indeed, vulnerable witnesses must often face intimidation, threats, including death threats, to themselves and their family members, that are often carried out. The tremendous courage and strength required by vulnerable witnesses to testify in these criminal proceedings can never be overestimated. In three substantive chapters that deal with the recognition and development of victim’s rights, a reparations system, and witness protection programs; the motivation of vulnerable witnesses to testify at international and hybrid courts; and the protection of potential vulnerable witnesses, the author offers an indispensable work for all those who are interested in the promotion of international justice through international and hybrid courts.
James C. Simeon (Thu,) studied this question.