Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Karim Khan presented his semi-annual briefing to the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday regarding the situation in Libya.
Khan stated in his briefing that his team has completed 18 visits and collected 800 pieces of evidence, including audio and visual materials, and they have made significant progress regarding crimes allegedly committed in detention centers between 2014 and 2020.
He noted that the court is now focused on meeting the legitimate expectations of the Council and civilians from the Libyan people regarding justice.
He added that under his leadership, the ICC has worked on a new strategy that detailed investigations in four main tracks and established clear criteria for measuring progress in the field of justice regarding the situation in Libya.
Khan emphasized that progress is being made to meet the expectations of the Libyan people, noting that the ICC has reached a turning point in Report No. 27 on the situation in Libya, urging the Security Council to move forward towards justice as essential for the Libyan people.
The council was urged to support the roadmap being developed by the ICC in Libya for the upcoming period. Khan stressed the importance of applying the principle of the rule of law equally in Libya, pointing out that the court is trying to improve the process of tracking down and arresting fugitives with the help of colleagues at the heart of the International Criminal Court.
He explained that the goal is to execute arrest warrants issued by the ICC against a group of wanted Libyans during the past year, calling on the Security Council to enable the court to initiate at least preliminary trials before the court at least regarding one arrest warrant.
He confirmed that the ICC plans to deepen cooperation with Libyan authorities at all levels, as well as to open an office in the capital, Tripoli, to support national staff, indicating that the court will implement the second phase of its plan by the end of 2025.
Khan stated that if the plan in the second phase is implemented by the end of 2025, they intend to provide support to colleagues in Libya and teach them to use technology, artificial intelligence, and technical skills to deal with these cases.
He added that deepening cooperation with Libyan authorities means not only dealing with the prosecutor but also dealing with Libyan authorities at all levels.
Khan emphasized that the authorities must realize that individuals of the International Criminal Court do not work to achieve the interests of the government or the interests of the court but to serve humanity and the people of Libya.
Karim Khan believed that opening an office for the International Criminal Court in the capital, Tripoli, would help achieve and implement Resolution No. (1970) included in the Rome Statute, criticizing the shortcomings and divisions of the United Nations Security Council, which hinder the work of the court.
He explained that in his first briefing to the council, he wished there was an opportunity to ensure unity in the council. He thought that the issue of international judicial justice is the issue that can unify the Security Council.
He thought that all countries would rise against heinous crimes. Despite all the challenges in our world, he thinks this is an opportunity if they work together, if they realize that continuing as usual leads them to ruin. They must do what is right, and they must protect those who lack protection, and the rule of law must be applied.
The Chief Prosecutor emphasized that the International Criminal Court still needs radical transformation, but this will not be achieved through a strategy or roadmap but through strong and tangible support from the Security Council.
