Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the UNSC meeting on the situation in Libya

Thank you Madam President.

We would like to thank the Deputy Prosecutor, Ms. Khan, for her briefing and for the 30^th report regarding the Libya situation. I also welcome the participation of the representative of Libya.

Madam President,

We strongly welcome the substantial progress made by the Office of the Prosecutor across its four key lines of inquiry in the Libya situation. This progress includes the arrest of Mr. El Hishri which will soon lead to the first trial in this situation before the Court. This is a significant achievement in fulfilling the mandate given with resolution 1970 and it is also an important step in the fight against impunity in Libya. 

In this sense we also note the unsealing of another arrest warrant and we repeat our regret that despite the unsealed arrest warrant Mr. Njeem has been able to return to Libya. We urge all states to fully cooperate with the Court, as is their legal obligation under the binding resolution 1970 and under the Rome statute. The message that the states are sending to the victims and perpetrators must be clear and that is: there will be no impunity for international atrocities, however long it takes.

In this sense we strongly welcome the continued engagement of the Office of the Prosecutor with victims’ associations and civil society. Their right to justice and redress must remain at the heart of international efforts.

Madam President,

We welcome concrete steps taken by the Libyan authorities in their cooperation with the Prosecutor and we call on them to continue with their efforts in this regard, in accordance with the resolution 1970. In particular we emphasize the importance of executing all outstanding ICC arrest warrants. We positively note the declaration made by the Government of Libya pursuant to article 12, para 3, of the Rome Statute and we welcome that the Office of the Prosecutor will continue its investigations pursuant to resolution 1970 beyond 2026.

Madam President,

The task and the mandate of the Court are difficult, now more so than ever before. However, we have established the Court for exactly such times; difficult, darkest, most challenging times – for the victims. The ICC is delivering justice – for the victims. The ICC is ensuring accountability for all, regardless of their position and however long it takes – for the victims.

The independence and impartiality of the Court must be ensured – for the victims. And for justice. We, the States Parties to the Rome statute, have established the Court as the cornerstone of the global fight against impunity. The establishment of the ICC is part of the legacy of the Nuremberg Tribunal, whose 80^th anniversary we commemorated five days ago.

This role of the ICC has been recognized by this Council in two situations, including the one we are discussing today. And this role of the ICC is the reason why we call for all states to continue supporting and protecting the ICC. Slovenia will continue to do so. And we emphasize once again that any threats, pressures or sanctions against the ICC or its officials are unacceptable and we call for their immediate removal.

I thank you.

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