Reacting to the extreme violations of humanitarian law occurring in the former Yugoslavia against primarily Bosnian Muslims and Croats, the Security Council decided to establish an international tribunal to prosecute those responsible.  Therefore, the Security Council adopted the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in May 1993.

The Statute of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia discusses breaches of the Geneva Convention of 1949, the jurisdiction and organization of the tribunal, and the rules of procedure and evidence.  In addition, the Statute discuses trial proceedings, penalties, appellate and review proceedings, and pardon or commutation of sentences.

Full text of Statute of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia