Statement by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the United Nations at the Briefing on the 29th Report of the Prosecutor of the ICC to the United Nations pursuant to Resolution 1970 (2011)
Mr. President
I thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr. Karim Khan, for his presentation of the 29th report of his Office on the situation in Libya. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of Libya and Italy in today’s meeting.
At the outset, I express Guyana’s deep concern at the escalation of violence in Tripoli over the past few days. We call for urgent de-escalation and for the parties to engage in dialogue.
Mr. President
Guyana commends the progress made by the Office of the Prosecutor during the reporting period in accelerating investigative activities across the key lines of inquiry, in line with the Office’s renewed strategy for Libya.
The issuance of the arrest warrant by the ICC for Osama Elmasry Njeem for the alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Mitiga Prison was a significant step toward holding perpetrators to account and seeking justice for the victims in Libya. We look forward to the arrest warrant being executed.
We note the projection that, based on current momentum in investigations and anticipated further collection of relevant evidence, the Office expects to present applications for additional arrest warrants, as well as support prosecutions in domestic courts.
We emphasize the critical importance of States meeting their obligations both under the Rome Statute and under Security Council Resolution 1970, to arrest and transfer subjects of arrest warrants for trial at the ICC. We also urge all States to cooperate with the Court and the Prosecutor in accordance with resolution 1970.
Mr. President
Guyana welcomes the report that there was significant engagement between the Office of the Prosecutor and Libyan authorities towards improving cooperation and complementarity.
We urge the Libyan authorities to undertake the requisite follow up actions to turn those discussions into action, and to cooperate fully with, and provide necessary assistance to the Prosecutor’s Office as required in the resolution 1970 (2011).
We see as a positive development the recent submission by the Libya of a declaration to the Court accepting the Court’s jurisdiction with respect to crimes committed in its territory from 2011 to the end of 2027.
We have also taken note of the increased meetings between the Deputy Prosecutor and team and victims and civil society organizations and their calls for the prompt arrest and surrender of suspects with pending arrest warrants currently located in Libya.
Mr. President
Guyana commends the Office of the Prosecutor and the Libyan Unified Team for diligently working to fulfil the mandate of the Security Council, despite challenges and a complex political landscape.
We note the continued resource constraints of the Office and encourage States to continue their support in this regard.
We emphasize that the Court, its officials, and those cooperating with it must be able to operate free from threats or intimidation. The independence and integrity of the Court must be respected and protected.
In conclusion, Mr. President Guyana reiterates our support for the International Criminal Court and the Office of the Prosecutor. We underscore that ensuring accountability for atrocities is crucial in preventing future crimes and building a foundation for lasting peace and stability.
I thank you.
