ICC Deputy Prosecutor, Ms Nazhat Shameem Khan, concludes technical visit to Tripoli, underlines commitment of the Office of the Prosecutor to renewed strategy for action in relation to the Situation in Libya

From 20 to 23 June 2022, the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC”), Ms Nazhat Shameem Khan, conducted a technical visit to Tripoli in furtherance of the renewed action strategy of the Office of the Prosecutor (“Office”) in relation to the Situation in Libya.

In his statement before the United Nations Security Council (“UNSC”) on 28 April 2022, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC”), Karim A. A. Khan QC, confirmed that after an extensive stock-taking exercise, the Office developed a renewed strategy to deliver justice for core international crimes. This strategy emphasises the allocation of additional resources, increased engagement with those impacted by alleged crimes in Libya and more effective cooperation with Libyan authorities in support of accountability efforts at the national level, in line with the principle of complementarity. The technical visit of Deputy Prosecutor Khan is one of multiple steps being undertaken to implement the new strategic approach of the Office with respect to the Situation in Libya.

During her visit to Tripoli, Deputy Prosecutor Khan held meetings with the Libyan Attorney General, Mr Sidieg Alsour; the Military Prosecutor, Mr Masoud Erhouma and with the Libyan Representative at the ICC, Dr Ahmed El Gehani. Deputy Prosecutor Khan was further pleased to meet members of the Judicial Forensic Expertise Office in Tripoli and the General Authority for the Search and Identification of Missing Persons.

In the course of the meetings, Deputy Prosecutor Khan elaborated on the Prosecutor’s renewed approach to the Situation in Libya and his commitment to actively support the work of the Libyan judicial authorities responsible for investigating and prosecuting core international crimes, in line with the principle of complementarity, while continuing to discharge the Office’s duties pursuant to the Rome Statute and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970, through which the Council referred the Situation to the Prosecutor.

Deputy Prosecutor Khan further conveyed the Prosecutor’s views on how to enhance the Office’s ability to effectively engage on the ground and to bring the Office’s work closer to affected communities. The Libyan authorities welcomed the Office’s efforts to strengthen communication lines, and reiterated their commitment to support the Office in the discharge of its duties, expressing their wish to deepen this engagement.

Deputy Prosecutor Khan also held in-depth consultations with members of a range of civil society organisations and victims associations. These discussions provided an important space to listen to the views of those working with survivors, witnesses and families of victims. In doing so, Deputy Prosecutor Khan recognised the concerns of some entities, while underlining the commitment of the Prosecutor to accelerate action under the renewed strategy. These meetings also provided an opportunity to discuss how survivors and the families of victims can be empowered to contribute to the work of the Office with respect to the Situation in Libya.

The meetings with the Judicial Forensic Expertise Office and the General Authority for the Search and Identification of Missing Persons Forensics provided a space for discussion of the progress made and continued challenges faced with respect to the collection, preservation and analysis of forensic evidence relevant to alleged international crimes in Libya, including the excavation of mass grave sites. In this context, and in line with the renewed strategy of the Office in Libya, Deputy Prosecutor Khan committed to strengthening and accelerating dialogue to identify areas in which the Office can facilitate forensic support and effective analysis.

The Office of the Prosecutor was extremely grateful to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya for the significant assistance they provided in facilitating the visit of Deputy Prosecutor Khan.

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