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25-11-2025 Denmark's statement for UNSC ICC briefing on the situation in Libya

Who Ambassador Sandra Jensen Landi, Deputy PermanentRepresentative of Denmark to the UN
Who Ambassador Sandra Jensen Landi, Deputy PermanentRepresentative of Denmark to the UN
When 25.11.2025

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Thank you, Madam. President,

 

Let me begin by thanking Deputy Prosecutor Khan for her briefing. We are pleased to see you brief the Council on this important matter that the Council has referred to you.

 

I would also like to welcome the Representative of Libya to the meeting today.

 

We welcome the significant progress made by the Office of the Prosecutor in the latest reporting period. The arrest of Khaled El Hishri marks a major milestone towards the fulfilment of the mandate given by this Council and a first trial for the serious crimes listed in the arrest warrant.

 

It sends an important message to the victims and the survivors that they are not forgotten. It also acts as a clear message of deterrence to other perpetrators of international crimes in Libya.

 

We commend Germany for leading by example in its arrest and expected imminent surrender of El Hishri to the ICC, and we urge all State Parties to comply in this situation with their cooperation obligations under the Rome Statute.

 

Madam President,

 

We welcome the Libyan government’s decision to accept the Court’s full jurisdiction for the crimes committed in Libya from 2011 to the end of 2027. This is a clear testament to the government’s commitment to end impunity in Libya and provides a renewed basis for cooperation. The government’s decision also illustrates its trustful and cooperative relationship with the ICC. In a difficult time for the Court, this is an important and welcome signal.

 

At the same time, we underscore that this new level of cooperation must be shown across all Libyan authorities in accordance with Libya’s obligations under resolution 1970. We urge the Libyan Attorney General to increase its cooperation with the Court. This includes providing access to its investigations into crimes in Tarhunah and Mitiga Prison and information on the progress of its national proceedings against Mr. Njeem and the Tarhunah suspects. It also includes surrendering suspects subject to ICC arrest warrants. In this regard, we welcome the continuing efforts by the Office of the Prosecutor to assist with complementarity and cooperation efforts in Libya and other states.

 

Madam President,

We welcome the Office’s increased engagement with civil society, victim associations and human right defenders. Their experiences and their role in bringing both evidence to light and witnesses forward is highly valuable. We urge the Office to continue building on these good practices and to continue prioritising its support to and safety of witnesses and victims working with the Court.

 

To conclude, let me once again welcome the new commitment by the Libyan government to cooperate with the Court. States and non-states parties need to engage in a constructive dialogue on strengthening the fight against impunity. Denmark reiterates its unwavering support for the Court as independent judicial institution. Our commitment to defend the Court and the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute remains resolute.

 

Thank you.