The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, told the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday that the implementation of a renewed strategic plan for the work of the ICC in Libya had provided significant and clearly discernible results, adding that real and profound resource restrictions in Libya were having an impact on his Office’s work.
Khan stressed the progress the ICC had made in the acceleration of investigations, use of technological applications and cooperation with Libyan authorities during his biannual briefing to the Security Council on the ICC’s activities in Libya.
Speaking via videoconference, Khan said that he aimed to complete investigative activities on key lines of inquiry by the end of 2025. He also said he intended to work with stakeholders in the next six months to prepare a plan for this, pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011).
“Whether that goal is achievable will depend on if we can collectively deliver on the plans outlined,” he said, including through cooperation with Libyan authorities.
The ICC has undertaken over 15 investigation missions and collected more than 4,000 items of evidence over the last six months.
“Lines of investigation against key suspects have been successfully concluded,” he said, adding that progress has been made regarding inquiries on crimes in detention facilities and those against immigrants.
“We cannot take this progress for granted as the Office is facing real and profound resource restrictions. Based on a fundamental strategic review of the Office’s work, we have identified resource shortfalls within its regular programme budget and has requested an increased budget for 2024, particularly to investigate financial flows and proceeds of crime.” Khan said.
