Swedish statement at the UN Security Council Briefing on ICC Libya

Thank you, Madam President,

I would like to start by thanking the Chief Prosecutor, Madam Fatou Bensouda, for yours, as always, comprehensive briefings to the Council.

Let me also take this opportunity to reiterate, as stated by my Foreign Minister, Margot Wallström, our condemnation of the attack on 02 May against the High National Election Commission. We repeat our firm support for the UN facilitated political process in Libya and for the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Salamé.

Madam President,

There have been positive developments on this file since the last briefing in November 2017. This includes a visit by the Office of the Prosecutor to Libya in March 2018. We appreciate the support provided to the Office of the Prosecutor by UNSMIL and Special Representative Salamé as well as the Libyan Prosecutor's office. Continued cooperation to support further investigative activities in Libya is essential and should be pursued.

We deeply regret that all arrest warrants issued by the ICC in relation to Libya remain outstanding, and that none of the suspects have been handed over to the Court since our last briefing six months ago. We note that INTERPOL has now issued a red notice regarding Mahmoud al-Werfalli. We support the Court's call on Libya to cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor and to immediately arrest and surrender the suspects. It is imperative that further crimes are prevented. And ensuring accountability for perpetrators would underline that impunity for crimes in Libya will not be tolerated.

Cooperation with the Libyan Prosecutor-General's office, Libyan authorities, State Parties, UN Member States and all other relevant entities is crucial in order to assist the Office of the Prosecutor in fulfilling its mandate. Libya and all State parties are under an obligation to cooperate with the Court and the Office of the Prosecutor.

The efforts that have been made by the Chief Prosecutor to integrate a gender perspective throughout the Office of the Prosecutor's investigations and reports are welcome.

We note that the gender perspective was not included in the most recent report and we wish to stress the importance of it being considered in future reports.

Madam President,

We welcome the Office´s efforts to investigate ongoing situations and cases, and to monitor closely the ongoing situation throughout Libya. This work is crucial and necessary since the situation remains volatile and insecure.

Reports of violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights must be investigated and those responsible must be brought to justice. We remain concerned over the continued reports of grave human rights violations, including regarding the situation of migrants. As the Prosecutor notes, there are continuing worrying reports of slave auctions in Libya. These reports must be fully investigated. We support the Libyan Prosecutor-General office's efforts to combat impunity for crimes related to migrants as well as - in the spirit of complementarity - the Office of the Prosecutor's active engagement with national authorities in relation to crimes committed. We also support the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Madam President,

To successfully carry out its functions, including those asked of by this Council, the Office needs our full support – both politically and financially. In this regard, we repeat our call for sufficient financial funding for the Office's work in the Libya situation.

In conclusion, we reiterate our sincere appreciation for the valuable work and tireless efforts of the Court, and its officials, in all organs. The work of the Office of the Prosecutor continues to make a significant contribution to accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims of serious crimes of international concern.

I thank you.