Press Stakeout Statement on the situation in Libya (ICC referral pursuant to resolution 1970) delivered by Denmark and Sierra Leone on behalf of the UNSC member-states that are State Parties to the ICC Rome Statute (France, Greece, Guyana, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Sierra Leone)
15 May 2025 – Delivered by Greece
We deliver this statement on behalf of the Members of the Security Council that are State Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC): France, Greece, Guyana, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and our own countries, Denmark, and Sierra Leone.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the ICC Prosecutor, Mr. Karim Khan, and his team for presenting the 29th report of his Office to the United Nations Security Council 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.
We note with appreciation the further acceleration of investigative activities by the Office of the Prosecutor during this reporting period, consistent with the renewed strategic approach for Libya. This progress is reflected in the unsealing of the arrest warrant against Osama Elmasry Njeem for serious crimes allegedly committed in Mitiga Prison. We note that this is the first arrest warrant issued by the ICC relating to its line of inquiry on crimes committed in detention facilities in Libya. In light of the extensive allegations, including unlawful confinement, murder, torture, and sexual violence, accountability for such crimes is essential.
The continued engagement of the Office with victims and civil society is a positive step in the right direction. In this reporting period, the Libya Team conducted over 145 meetings with 80 civil society organizations, and Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan convened with 38 CSOs to discuss enhanced cooperation and victim-centered approaches. It is important to continue and even deepen this engagement to build existing trust and ensure that the voices of victims and survivors are heard.
We recognize the progress made by the Office toward the completion of the investigative phase in relation to Libya, as set out in the roadmap established by the Prosecutor in his 27th report. This progress reflects the Office’s ongoing commitment to delivering on its mandate under challenging circumstances.
In this endeavor to fight impunity, it is crucial for all States to fulfill their obligations under the Rome Statute and in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1970 (2011). This includes arresting and transferring to the ICC individuals, who are the subject of arrest warrants.
Lastly, we reaffirm our steadfast and unwavering support for the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution. We strongly reiterate our commitment to uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute, safeguarding its integrity against any threats and actions aimed at the Court, its officials, or its partners. Such actions are counterproductive to our shared goal of ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes, promoting the rule of law, and fostering lasting respect for international law, including human rights.