Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, Briefing by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor to the United Nations Security Council on Libya
2023/11/8
(As delivered)
I thank Prosecutor Khan for briefing us on his 26th report on the situation in Libya.
At a time when international peace and security is being challenged around the world, the International Criminal Court (ICC), as the central institution of the international criminal justice system, stands at the front line of the global fight against impunity. Perpetrators of serious crimes must be held accountable, and justice under the rule of law must be achieved.
Japan welcomes the continued progress in the investigation led by the Office of the Prosecutor under its renewed strategy of April 2022, fully utilizing available resources and modern technologies. Japan also recognizes the support provided to the Prosecutor’s office by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). In particular, Japan takes note of the enhanced investigative activities regarding crimes against migrants, with the engagement of relevant national authorities, other States, international and regional organizations, and civil society organizations. Japan is also encouraged to hear that investigations in relation to the 2014-2020 operation have moved toward the completion phase. Japan looks forward to the upcoming report to the Security Council outlining a potential roadmap toward this goal.
On the other hand, it is a little bit unfortunate that cooperation with the Libyan authorities still falls short of our expectations. Japan calls on both the Libyan authorities and the ICC to resolve outstanding issues including with regard to visas in a positive way, so that the Court can operate in Libya and carry out its necessary mission. Another challenge is the lack of major progress in the investigation into the 2011 violence, including the prosecution of Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi. We look forward to seeing the Court expedite its process.
Mr. President,
When Japan and Switzerland hosted the Arria Formula meeting in July, many states called for further utilizing the Court for international peace and security, and requested enhanced cooperation with the Security Council as well as with each Member State. Japan proudly supports the Court by providing both human and financial resources, and we hereby reconfirm our unwavering commitment thereto. Japan stands ready to further engage with relevant Member States, and will continue our robust support for the crucial activities of the Court.
I thank you.