STATEMENT BY
H.E. DR. MICHAEL IMRAN KANU
AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
Mr. President,
I thank Mr. Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for his timely briefing and for presenting the ICC Prosecutor’s 29th Report on the Situation in Libya, as mandated by Security Council Resolution 1970 (2011).
Sierra Leone commends the Prosecutor and his Office for their unwavering commitment to accountability and for the diligent efforts undertaken over the past six months, particularly with respect to the Situation in Libya, in line with the Rome Statute and resolution 1970.
Sierra Leone regrets that Prosecutor Karim Khan could not be physically present to brief the Council, owing to the non-issuance of a visa by the host country. As a Permanent member of the Council and a party to the UN-Host Country Agreement, the host State bears a particular responsibility to facilitate the participation of invited UN officials and representatives of institutions established under multilateral treaties.
Denial of access to such critical engagements undermines the effective functioning of this Council, sets a troubling precedent for multilateral cooperation, and threatens the impartial application of international justice. It is essential that we collectively guard against the erosion of international law and reaffirm that all member States, including host States, must uphold their legal obligations in good faith.
As a State Party to the Rome Statute, Sierra Leone remains committed to safeguarding the ICC, its personnel, and all individuals cooperating with the Court from any form of threat or intimidation. Attacks on the Court or its officials constitute an attack on the rule of law and the international community’s shared commitment to justice. Such attacks and unilateral sanctions and other threats against Court officials and those assisting them are deeply concerning. Such measures hinder cooperation, endanger staff, and obstruct the impartial discharge of the Court’s mandate. We remain gravely alarmed by all acts of intimidation or hostility directed toward the Court and emphasize the need for collective international support to safeguard its independence, impartiality, and credibility.
Mr. President,
We welcome the participation of the representatives of Libya and Italy in this meeting.
[ We welcome the information that Libya has just submitted an article 12(3) declaration to the Court accepting its jurisdiction. This represents a significant commitment on their part of the Libyan authorities to engage with and cooperate with the Court, even beyond the completion of the activities outlined in the roadmap for completion of investigations under the Security Council mandate. It also means there is a voluntary and strong recognition of the value of the work of the ICC to Libya in the longer term.]
Sierra Leone remains convinced that accountability for atrocity crimes not only protects civilians in armed conflict but also deters future violations and provides a foundation for sustainable peace. We therefore welcome the progress made on the four priority lines of inquiry in the Libya investigation and the key principles outlined by the Prosecutor for renewed action.
On the Prosecutor’s 29th Report, Sierra Leone would like to highlight five points: First, we welcome the renewed pace of investigative activity. The unsealing of the arrest warrant for Mr. Osama El Masry Njeem, alleged to have overseen grave abuses in Mitiga Prison, marks the Court’s first warrant focused on crimes committed in detention facilities in Libya. This action sends a powerful signal to victims that their suffering is neither forgotten nor beyond the reach of justice. Similar progress, such as the unsealing of six arrest warrants related to crimes in Tarhuna, is also acknowledged. These steps are vital to the objective of completing investigative activities by the end of 2025, with a possible extension into early 2026 for the filing of additional warrants.
Second, accountability requires enforcement. We emphasize that every member State has a duty, either under the Rome Statute and/or Resolution 1970, to arrest and surrender suspects without delay. The decision to return Mr. Njeem to Libya despite the outstanding warrant is concerning and has understandably caused dismay among victims’ communities. When suspects of atrocity crimes walk free, confidence in justice and the rule of law is gravely eroded. We urge all member States to fully cooperate in tracking suspects, preserving evidence, and supporting the Court’s work.
Third, we commend the growing engagement between the Office of the Prosecutor and victims, civil society, and affected communities. More than 145 meetings with 80 organizations were held during this period, and the Deputy Prosecutor’s dialogue with 38 groups is shaping a mechanism for structured engagement. Such direct outreach improves investigations and ensures they are responsive to the experiences of victims. We support continued psycho-social assistance for witnesses and broader community-based collaboration.
Fourth, Sierra Leone welcomes the progress made toward concluding the investigative phase by the end of 2025, in line with the roadmap set out in the Prosecutor’s 27th report. To realize this goal, the Office must be equipped with adequate and predictable resources. We support the request for additional staffing at the Assembly of States Parties and encourage secondments of national experts. Investing in accountability today brings justice closer tomorrow.
Fifth, Sierra Leone continues to affirm that States bear the primary responsibility to ensure justice and accountability for their citizens. Where national systems face limitations, international cooperation and support should be welcomed. In this context, we reaffirm our support for the people of Libya as they pursue justice and accountability as part of a broader peace process.
Mr. President,
As the Court transitions from investigation to trial, complementarity will rely on robust cooperation with Libyan judicial authorities. Challenges persist due to unexecuted warrants and restricted access to key evidence. We call on the Libyan authorities to fulfil their obligations under resolution 1970, including granting timely access and integrating the required standards within the courts. We commend ongoing joint investigative efforts into crimes against migrants and encourage deeper cooperation among the ICC, Libyan prosecutors, neighbouring States, and relevant UN entities.
Furthermore, we call on Council members, regional organizations, and international partners to strengthen support for security, logistics, and witness protection to ensure safe and effective investigative operations. We encourage follow-up actions when States fall short of their legal responsibilities.
From Sierra Leone’s own national experience, we know that impartial justice can heal societies and advance national reconciliation. We therefore reaffirm our strong support for the ICC, its Prosecutor, and all staff and partners. We will continue to advocate for a victim-centered, complementarity-driven approach that respects Libya’s sovereignty while ensuring that those responsible for the gravest crimes are held accountable.
Let me conclude by reaffirming our full support for the ICC and by paying tribute to the courage of Libyan victims, witnesses, and human rights defenders. Their resilience must inspire us to remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice.
I thank you.
