15.05.2025 Danish Statement for UNSC briefing by the ICC Prosecutor on the situation in Libya
Check Against Delivery
Mr. President,
Let me begin by thanking Prosecutor Khan for his briefing today on his Office’s twenty-ninth report on the situation in Libya. We express our regret that the Prosecutor was unable to brief the Council in person today as mandated by the Security Council.
I would like to welcome the Permanent Representatives of Libya and Italy to the Council today.
Denmark commends the Office of the Prosecutor for their sustained efforts to investigate and prosecute those most responsible for the serious crimes committed in Libya since 2011. We strongly support the ongoing investigation and welcome the Prosecutor’s latest report to the Council. At the outset, let me also emphasize that the International Criminal Court plays a pivotal role in the international justice system. The Court’s work in Libya supports our collective pursuit of accountability, peace and security.
President, allow me to focus on three areas.
First, Denmark welcomes the further acceleration of investigative activities of the Office in this reporting period, in line with the renewed strategy in relation to the situation in Libya, and reflected in the unsealing of the arrest warrant for Osama Njeem for crimes allegedly committed in Mitigi Prison. We note that this represents the first arrest warrant issued by the ICC with respect to its line of inquiry on crimes in detention facilities in Libya, and we emphasize the importance of accountability for such crimes in light of the extensive allegations in this regard. We are also pleased to note that despite the ongoing challenges the court is facing, the Office has made further progress towards completion of the investigative phase in line with the roadmap laid out by the Office of the Prosecutor in its 27th report.
Second, Denmark reaffirms the critical importance of state parties respecting their obligations under the Rome Statute. This includes, in this situation, the arrest and transfer of subjects of arrest warrants for trial at the ICC. We also agree with the Prosecutor that cooperation by the Libyan authorities remains crucial in order to achieve the objectives set out in the roadmap. As such, we call on the Libyan authorities to ensure continued and further improved cooperation with the Office in accordance with Council resolution 1970.
We welcome the recent announcement by the Libyan authorities regarding the Rome Statute Article 12 (3). It is a strong signal that Libya is committed to further cooperation with the court and the fight against impunity.
My third point, President, is the importance of engagement with Libyan civil society. Denmark welcomes the increased engagement with key stakeholders including victims and civil society organizations. Such deepened cooperation with key stakeholders is essential for fostering trust and promoting the rule of law in Libya.
President,
The recent escalation of hostilities in Tripoli is a stark reminder that an urgent settlement to bring an end to the political impasse is needed to stabilise the security situation. These events demonstrate that continued impunity for international crimes will only fuel further instability and violations in Libya. We welcome reports that a ceasefire has been reached, and hope this will be respected. We urge all parties to exercise utmost restraint and to protect civilians in line with IHL.
Above all, the Libyan people deserve justice. The victims of atrocity crimes – the men, women, and children, who have suffered murder, torture, sexual violence, and displacement – deserve healing and they deserve closure.
Our continued support for the Court’s efforts to ensure accountability is essential to break the cycle of violence and foster a culture of respect for the rule of law in Libya. It is imperative to the completion of the Libyan reconciliation process, as well as underpinning UNSMIL’s efforts to promote sustainable peace in Libya.
The Prosecutor can count on Denmark’s continued strong support for the independent and impartial work of his Office, which plays a vital role in combatting impunity for the most serious international crimes. Let me stress, that we recognize the commitment and professionalism of ICC personnel in fulfilling the mandate provided by the Council with respect to the situation in Libya under very difficult circumstances. In this regard, we are concerned with the application of sanctions against the Prosecutor and reaffirm our full support for the Office in fulfilling its mandate and activities as requested by this council. The Office must be able to exercise its role without external pressure, hindrance or obstruction.
To conclude, let me reiterate Denmark’s unwavering support for the International Criminal Court, as well as our firm commitment to the rules, principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute.