ICC plans to wrap up Libya investigations by end of 2025

Nov 8, 2023 | International actors

On 8 November, International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC provided remarks coinciding with the delivery of his Report to the UN Security Council on the Libya Situation. Khan highlighted that 18 months on from his launch of a new strategy for Libya, the ICC has ‘accelerated’ investigative activities, undertaking over 15 missions in three regions during the six month reporting period, collecting over 4000 items of evidence and reaching key benchmarks.

He noted ‘particular progress’ with respect to the crimes related to the 2014-2020 period, saying those lines of inquiry against key suspects have successfully concluded. He added that ‘positive progress’ had also been made on investigations regarding detention facilities and crimes against migrants.

Khan said his Office has continued to work closely with the Joint Investigative Team that is investigating crimes against migrants on the central Mediterranean route. Based on this collective work, the Office has been able to provide tangible support with respect to ongoing investigations and prosecutions, with respect to key suspects in human trafficking investigations and prosecutions in Italy and in the Netherlands.

However, Khan highlighted ‘some challenges with cooperation’ including being unable to obtain visas to Libya for operational level field missions. He said that since the arrival of the Libyan ambassador Zeiad Daghim to the Hague, cooperation had seen some improvement. He also warned of an ‘inadequate, insufficient core budget’ and called for an increased budget in 2024, particularly regarding the ability to investigate financial flows that are relevant to the Libya situation and proceeds of crime. He concluded that he intends to prepare a plan for the completion of activities by the end of 2025.