Map out a new four-pronged investigative strategy for Security Council on Thursday, the prosecutor of International Criminal Court (ICC) is committed to doing justice against the crimes committed in Libya.
“This situation can’t be a never ending story”, said Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. “Justice delayed may not always be denied, but justice can still come.”
In his key prosecutorial role for less than a year, Mr Khan is looking into many alleged perpetrators of crimes against humanity and war crimes, along with three pending arrest warrants. , as a politically divided country continues to face widespread sanctions. , which dates back to the overthrow of longtime ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011.
The internationally recognized government in Tripoli, remains at odds with rival administrations and parliament’s authority in the east, while the “deepening repression” of civil society is having an “increasing impact”. cold to human rights defenders”, according to the United Nations human rights office, OHCHRin a report last month.
New motivation
Presenting his 23rd report on the Libyan case, Mr Khan said survivors and victims’ families were waiting for justice, and that the report had for the first time the standards to help move cases forward. .
“Our New Approach prioritizing the voices of survivors,” he said. “In order to do that, we have to get closer to them. We can’t conduct investigations, we can’t build trust, while having to make the best effort from those affected.”
The first pillar of the new approach, he said, is Prioritize Council referralsby allocating more resources and focusing on strengthening financial investigations, along with building capacity to investigate sex and gender crimes.
To accelerate investigations, his team is also harnessing the power of new technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to assist with transcription and translation of document, video and audio files in Arabic. Arabic.
Monday is committed to empowering witnesses and survivors to participate in the work of the Office. The Hague, where the Court is located, is very far from Libya. Unable to establish meaningful relationships with the victim by over-interacting. He told the ambassadors that it was important to work together with the affected communities.
Investigate more on the spot
“We need to be on the ground more“He said, adding that the Office is establishing an enhanced field presence.
Third, strengthen engagement with the Libyan government, focusing on supporting national accountability efforts based on the principle of complementarity.
“Where the national authorities can conduct actual proceedings, his Office has to be there to assist,” he said.
Focus on justice
However, if the Libyan authorities appear unable to investigate or prosecute crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court, His office will continue to do its job. He said he would visit Libya during the next reporting period to deepen the relationship of the Court with the Libyan authorities.
The fourth new approach, he said, is to strengthen accountability by strengthening cooperation with Third States, international and regional organizations.
He said he did not want his Office to be the only place to receive cooperation from relevant national authorities, but actively contribute to national accountability processes. This should be a “two-way street”, the ICC Prosecutor urged.
