Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the situation in Libya, the International Criminal Court

Thank you very much Mr. President.

I would like to thank Prosecutor Khan for his briefing and his report and I welcome the PR of Libya to the meeting.

I will start by reiterating Slovenia’s strong and unwavering support for the ICC and the work of the Prosecutor. The ICC needs to be able to carry out its mandate independently, impartially and without outside pressure. Threats or sanctions against judicial institutions or against its officials are unacceptable. It is crucial that the message is also sent by this Council.

Mr. President,

I wish to make a few points regarding the latest Prosecutor’s report on the situation in Libya.

We welcome the significant progress made in the investigation and in the implementation of the renewed strategy, especially with regard to crimes related to 2014–2020 operations and crimes against migrants. This progress is also demonstrated by the recent public release of arrest warrants issued last year in relation to crimes committed in Tarhuna.

We welcome the continued and enhanced engagement of the Prosecutor with victims’ associations and civil society. A victim-centered approach and ensuring protection and support empowers survivors and is extremely important for Libyans and for migrants who have suffered the most atrocious crimes.

We note and welcome positive developments in Prosecutor’s engagement with the Libyan authorities and we encourage the latter to continue and strengthen the cooperation with the Prosecutor, in line with the resolution 1970.

And we commend the efforts made by the Prosecutor regarding cooperation with third states and the cooperation with the Joint Team in investigating crimes against migrants.

Mr. President,

It has been 13 years since the Security Council referred the Libya situation to the ICC. The investigation is now near completion, several arrest warrants have been issued and judicial phase is expected to start next year. The progress made is very encouraging for our fight against impunity.

We call for rapid execution of all issued arrest warrants and for continued cooperation of all states with the Prosecutor, in line with the Resolution 1970. And we continue to call for additional resources for the Office of the Prosecutor, across all situations and in particular also with respect to Libya situation.

Mr. President,

The Rome Statute has enabled the Security Council to refer a situation to the ICC. The Council was able to do so only twice; Libya being the last case. We believe the Council should make more use of the power. The number of conflicts around the world has reached unprecedented levels; every day more and more people are faced with unspeakable atrocities. International humanitarian law is being repeatedly violated.

This is unacceptable and we cannot idly sit by. We are responsible for maintaining international peace and security, and for peace in the true meaning of the word, we need justice. For the justice we need accountability. We need the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Court needs our consistent support at all times as the fight against impunity should never end.

I thank you.

Recent Statements