YouSaid · the spoken record

Fatou Bensouda

lines on the record: 90
first: 2020-05-05
most recent: 2021-05-17
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The missions also provided an opportunity to strengthen mutual cooperation with the relevant national authorities and other stakeholders. I express my gratitude and appreciation for the cooperation and support we received from the Government of National Accord and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). We continue to constructively coordinate our joint efforts in a constructive manner, in line with the cooperation and complementarity principles under part 9 of the Rome Statute. My Office continues to actively monitor the situation in Libya.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, two crucial investigative missions were deployed to Libya to collect additional evidence to further strengthen our cases. As the Council will have noted, on 22 June I issued a statement following the discovery of multiple mass graves in the city of Tarhouna and south of Tripoli. My Office is engaging with the national authorities in relation to those mass graves. So far, reports indicate that over 100 bodies have been recovered by the authorities involved in exhuming the graves. Many of the recovered bodies had been blindfolded and had their hands tied. I wish to take this opportunity to recognize the significant efforts and important work of all involved in preserving the evidence of these crimes, including the commendable efforts of the Government of National Accord.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“We call on the parties to assiduously implement the agreement to usher in the much-awaited peace and stability for the people of Libya. Victims of atrocity crimes in Libya must be reassured that, ceasefire or future agreements notwithstanding, individuals alleged to be responsible for serious crimes falling under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will be promptly arrested and surrendered to the Court to face charges for their alleged crimes. Libya remains a high priority situation for my Office, and our commitment to seek justice and accountability on behalf of the victims remains unshaken. Our investigations have significantly progressed since my previous briefing to the Council on this issue in May (see S/2020/371).”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“I am grateful for this opportunity to again brief the Security Council via video-teleconference on my Office’s activities in relation to the situation in Libya even as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to present unique challenges across the globe, including for the work of my Office. We nevertheless remain resilient and productive in the face of these challenges, and I am pleased to present my latest report to this organ. I congratulate Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and wish you, Madam President, every success in steering the essential work of the Council for the month of November. On 23 October, we witnessed the signing of the ceasefire agreement by Libyan parties in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations. That is indeed a welcome concrete development.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“Kushayb to the Court, is also significant in that context, and it embodies the resilience, tenacity and reach of justice, as well as the crucial importance of the ICC in the global fight against impunity. We are committed to continuing to honourably fulfil our duties under the Rome Statute, without fear or favour, in the pursuit of justice for the world’s most heinous crimes. We count on the Council’s support as we make progress in this necessary journey forward towards a more just world.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“We must collectively seize it. Let us act together to finally bring justice to the victims in Darfur. To conclude, on 29 May, I had the opportunity to brief the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights in relation to a number of situations before the Court, including Darfur. In the course of my exchanges with the Subcommittee, I was encouraged in particular by the strong support expressed for the mandate of the ICC and the independent exercise of its prosecutorial and judicial functions, as set out in the Rome Statute. For victims of atrocity crimes and affected communities in many conflict situations around the world, the ICC represents a last beacon of hope for independent and impartial justice. Yesterday’s development, with the transfer of Mr.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“I hope the Council does not only share my optimism but will work hard to ensure that we achieve that aim. I recall the salient words of His Excellency the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to the United Nations Omer Mohamed Ahmed Siddig in his response to my last report to the Council on 18 December 2019 (see S/PV.8691). Mr. Siddig referred to a new reality for the Sudan that has accountability as its cornerstone and in which there is no place for impunity. That is the goal that my Office and the Government of the Sudan, with the support of the Council, must work together to deliver for victims in Darfur. In that collective effort, there is no time to waste. Justice for Darfur has already been too elusive for too long. It is past time for that unsatisfactory state of affairs to change. A window of opportunity has been opened.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“Even so, meeting the legitimate demands of the Sudanese people for justice and accountability must remain at the forefront. It is 17 years since many of the crimes occurred in Darfur. My Office has not been able to access the territory of the Sudan in the last 13 years. Now is the time for that to change. Mr. Kushayb’s surrender to the Court further highlights the importance of that cooperation. I call on all the members of the Council, States parties to the Rome Statute and the international community more broadly to support and encourage the Government of the Sudan to fully and promptly cooperate with my Office. It is my hope that, when I next brief the Council, I will be in a position to report on key milestones in my cooperation with the Sudanese authorities.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“The progress my Office has made thus far in this situation would not have been possible without the principled cooperation and unwavering support of a number of States, including those who sit on the Council. Allow me to express my sincere gratitude for that support. I must also express my heartfelt thanks to the inspirational individuals and organizations that continue to do everything in their power to pursue justice and accountability for crimes in Darfur. Allow me to reiterate that my Office attaches great importance to enhancing its fledgling relationship with the Government of the Sudan. We are alive to the complexity of the Sudan’s transition process and the competing priorities that the Sudanese authorities must attend to.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“However, I am concerned by reports of harassment of IOM staff and of the looting of humanitarian supplies from five local non-governmental organizations in Kabkabiya, North Darfur. I remain deeply concerned about the protection of civilians and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on humanitarian assistance. I welcome the Council’s decision, last week, to adopt resolution 2525 (2020), which extends the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur until 31 December. I also welcome the Council’s adoption, on the same day, of resolution 2524 (2020), which establishes a new political mission in the Sudan, the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“On 13 May, the Trial Chamber, by majority, granted leave to the Legal Representative for Victims to file observations on the issue. My team continues to monitor alleged crimes in Darfur that may fall within the Court’s jurisdiction. There have been allegations of attacks on the Krinding camp for internally displaced persons, as well as villages near El Geneina. The attacks reportedly resulted in significant casualties and caused the displacement of thousands of people. There were also reports of continuing sexual and gender- based violence. Attacks such as these must stop, and the protection of civilians must remain a priority. I welcome reports from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) that the number of returnees in 2019 exceeded the number of internally displaced persons in Darfur.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“Abdallah Banda, who is still at large, remains an ICC fugitive who should be arrested and surrendered to the Court. Pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005) and the subsequent orders of ICC Judges, the Sudan still has an international legal duty to surrender all the suspects subject to an ICC arrest warrant to the Court without delay. Regarding recent judicial activities, on 11 May, my Office filed a public redacted version of its observations on the possibility of a trial in absentia in the specific circumstances of the case against Mr. Banda. As set out in more detail in the filing, my Office argued that neither the Rome Statute nor the Rules of Procedure and Evidence permit a trial in absentia of an accused person, particularly in the circumstances of the case against Mr. Banda.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“Al-Bashir is serving a two-year sentence in the Sudan for a conviction relating to financial corruption. Furthermore, the Sudan’s Public Prosecutor has reportedly announced additional charges relating to the 1989 coup. I am also aware of recent reports that the Sudan’s anti-corruption body recently confiscated assets valued at $4 billion from Mr. Al-Bashir, his family members and associates. Mr. Ahmad Harun and Mr. Abdel Raheem Hussein are both reportedly in the custody of the Government of the Sudan, awaiting charges to be laid by the Public Prosecutor. I am concerned by recent reports that both of those ICC suspects are ill with COVID-19, and trust that adequate measures are being taken by the authorities to attend to their health in detention. Mr.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“Given the current restrictions on international travel and personal interactions, my Office stands ready to facilitate virtual meetings with all stakeholders in the Sudan at the earliest opportunity in order to raise greater awareness about my Office’s work, the Court’s jurisdiction and what can be expected going forward. We are not oblivious to the tremendous challenges that the Government of the Sudan is currently facing, and can only wish it success in this transition phase towards achieving greater human security and prosperity for the Sudanese people. Securing justice for past crimes in Darfur must remain a priority as part of this national reset and response. The ICC arrest warrants for the four suspects in the Darfur situation remain in force. As I note in my report to the Council, Mr.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“I reiterate my Office’s commitment and readiness to engage with all sectors of the interim Government to ensure genuine justice for the crimes committed in Darfur in accordance with the requirements of the Rome Statute. My Office is pursuing its efforts to reach out to the Sudanese Government in order to open lines of communication with all its relevant components. Those efforts have been impeded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has restricted travel and demanded the attention of Governments all over the world, including that of the Sudan.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“To that end and pursuant to the principle of complementarity and my mandate as ICC Prosecutor, I reiterate that I welcome dialogue with the Government of the Sudan, while reassuring victims of the atrocity crimes committed in Darfur of my steadfast commitment to ensuring that those responsible for them ultimately face justice. Even as the Sudan continues its extraordinary transition, the situation on the ground remains volatile. The reported attempt to assassinate Prime Minister Hamdok in March underscores the fragility of the situation. At times like these, the Sudanese people look to the Council and the international community more than ever for tangible support and encouragement to forge ahead with their efforts to find lasting peace, of which justice and accountability are essential components.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“I was encouraged by that open and helpful conversation. I remain hopeful that a new chapter of constructive engagement between the ICC and the Sudan, rooted in mutual respect and a genuine commitment to providing justice for the victims of heinous crimes committed in Darfur, may be on the horizon. Dialogue between my Office and the Government of the Sudan is imperative. In keeping with the requirements of the Rome Statute, all ICC Darfur suspects must be brought to justice through genuine proceedings, either in a courtroom in the Sudan or at the Court at The Hague.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“To date, the Court has yet to receive official communication from the Government of the Sudan relating to any agreements reached in respect of the Court’s pending arrest warrants. At this point in time, my Office has not been informed by the competent authorities of the Sudan what actions they intend to take in relation to the ICC suspects. Accordingly, I take this opportunity to appeal to the Security Council and, through the Council, to the authorities of the Government of the Sudan to intensify dialogue with my Office to ensure accountability for the heinous crimes that have taken place in Darfur. I am pleased to note that I had the honour of placing a courtesy call to His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Sudan, Mr. Abdalla Hamdok, concerning yesterday’s transfer of the ICC suspect into the custody of the Court.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“I take this opportunity to call on Mr. Abdallah Banda and all other ICC suspects who are at large to follow Mr. Kushayb’s lead and surrender to the ICC and answer for the charges against them through a fair, objective and independent judicial process. We remain optimistic that the ongoing transitional process in the Republic of the Sudan augurs well in terms of prospects for finally achieving justice for Darfur victims. In particular, we are encouraged by the ongoing peace talks in Juba between the Government of the Sudan and rebel groups and urge all parties to stay the course in their quest for durable peace in that country. We have noted with keen interest media reports indicating that an agreement was reached with rebel groups and that justice in Darfur requires those against whom arrest warrants were issued by the ICC to appear.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“We have always welcomed such efforts and look forward to continued collaboration in the service of the Rome Statute. I cannot be faulted for also being proud of my dedicated team, along with colleagues from the Registry of the Court, whose tireless efforts in the exercise of our respective independent mandates contributed to yesterday’s development and successful transfer to the ICC. That outcome was achieved notwithstanding the complexities of the operation, which were aggravated by having to operate in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. And here, I salute my colleagues for the hours of preparation and travel time dedicated to the operation in these exceptional circumstances. This development highlights yet another obvious need. All ICC suspects for whom arrest warrants have been issued must face justice.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“I would be remiss if I did not seize this occasion to express once again my sincere appreciation for the impressive cooperation of all those States, organizations and individuals that contributed to this pivotal development, in particular the Governments of the Central African Republic, the Republic of Chad, the French Republic and the Netherlands, as well as the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. Apart from the success of the operation, this development also demonstrates, in clear terms, support for the ICC and its crucial mandate and, indeed, how effective the Rome Statute system of international criminal justice can be through timely and devoted collaborative action.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“Indeed, while many had either abandoned hope in the situation or had actively sought to stifle progress, we maintained our focus and perspective, never giving up on our investigations despite cooperation challenges or on building the necessary networks and partnerships. Our commitment to the situation and the victims in Darfur remains unwavering, as does our conviction about the importance of fighting impunity for atrocity crimes. There should be no escape from justice for perpetrators of the world’s most serious crimes under international law. We have continued to make important progress in the collection of evidence to strengthen our cases relating to the Darfur situation, in line with our strategic plans, and will continue to honour our obligations under the Statute.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“We have made every effort to adapt to the current reality of a virtual world, and the Office has maintained a notable degree of business continuity despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, including the closure of the ICC premises since March. As many members will be aware, yesterday, ICC suspect Ali Kushayb was transferred into the custody of the Court following his surrender. This is a pivotal development in the Darfur situation, especially for the victims who have waited so long for justice. I hope that the suspect’s transfer to the Court also sends a clear and unequivocal message that, no matter how long it takes or the obstacles placed in our path, my Office will not stop until the alleged perpetrators of Rome Statute crimes are brought to justice.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“It is a pleasure once again for me to interact with the Council, albeit virtually, as I present my Office’s thirty-first report on the Darfur situation, pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005). At the outset, I wish to congratulate France on assuming the presidency of the Council and to express my sincere appreciation for facilitating today’s briefing amid a rather hectic work plan for the month of June for this organ. I am grateful for the flexibility and the importance attached to this briefing. As the world continues to navigate the uncertain and unprecedented era of the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the wheels of justice have continued to turn at the International Criminal Court (ICC), and in my Office in particular.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“I take this opportunity to once again stress that military commanders may be held responsible for crimes committed by forces under their effective command and control. Military commanders have a responsibility both to prevent or repress the commission of crimes by their forces and to submit any such crimes for investigation and prosecution. In conclusion, international criminal justice is a necessary force of accountability and deterrence; these are pillars upon which stability, progress and prosperity can be built and thrive. I call on the Security Council, the States parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the international community more broadly to stand firmly by the ICC and its crucial mandate to end impunity for the world’s gravest crimes.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“I would be remiss if at the same time I did not acknowledge the excellent cooperation my Office continues to receive in support of our investigations from numerous States and stakeholders, and in particular from the Government of National Accord and the Libyan Prosecutor General’s office. Nonetheless, on the most crucial cooperation matter — the arrest and surrender of ICC fugitives — the Libyan people’s calls for justice remain unheeded. It is my sincere hope that this state of impunity will not remain the status quo and that the victims of Rome Statute crimes committed in Libya will obtain justice. Justice for such crimes, including those I have elaborated upon today, is crucial to the rule of law and stability in Libya. Where appropriate, accountability for such crimes must extend to those in positions of authority.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Al-Werfalli is reported to be under the command of General Haftar. While my Office continues to meet its obligations under the Rome Statute by advancing its investigations despite resource constraints and a challenging operational environment, the course of justice cannot make further progress without the arrest and surrender of ICC suspects. This is a responsibility that rests neither with my Office nor the Court, but with other actors in the Rome Statute system, namely, States. As I have repeatedly stated before this organ, the Council and its members also have a special responsibility to support and urge cooperation with the Court pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), which referred this situation to my Office back in 2011.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Accordingly, Judge Ibáñez Carranza found that such measures appear to be contrary to the object and purpose of the Rome Statute, although this issue must ultimately be determined on a case-by-case basis. This is a significant legal development with respect to the obligation of States to investigate, prosecute and, if appropriate, punish perpetrators of mass atrocities. Allow me to also recall that the arrest warrants for Mr. Al-Tuhamy Khaled and Mr. Mahmoud Al-Werfalli have yet to be executed. The Arab Republic of Egypt, where Mr. Al-Tuhamy is believed to reside, has not arrested and surrendered him to the Court. General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army has neither facilitated the arrest and surrender of Mr. Al-Werfalli to the ICC nor ensured his genuine investigation and prosecution in Libya. Mr.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Al-Qadhafi is a wilful fugitive, actively evading justice both in Libya and before the International Criminal Court. Neither case can progress, nor can the victims of Mr. Al-Qadhafi’s alleged crimes receive justice, while he remains at large. The Appeals Chamber’s judgment provides valuable guidance on some important points of international criminal law. Notably, Judge Ibáñez Carranza, in her separate and concurring opinion, found that amnesties or similar measures that prevent the investigation, prosecution and punishment of international core crimes that amount to grave human rights violations and grave breaches of international humanitarian law are incompatible with international law.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“In its judgment, the Appeals Chamber found that the International Criminal Court is barred from trying someone who has already been tried in a national jurisdiction with respect to the same conduct only if the proceedings in the other court are final. The Libyan domestic proceedings against Mr. Al-Qadhafi are not final. Given that he was convicted in absentia, if Mr. Al-Qadhafi surrenders himself or is arrested, Libyan law provides that he must be retried. If sentenced to death for a second time, review by the Libyan Court of Cassation would be mandatory. Furthermore, the Libyan amnesty law, Law No. 6 of 2015, does not apply to his case. In the course of the admissibility proceedings, Mr. Al-Qadhafi stated that he was released from detention on or about 12 April 2016. He has made no effort to surrender himself. Mr.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Anyone who incites fear, hatred and division in the community causes harm not only to those targeted, but also to society as a whole. I turn now to the case of Mr. Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi. The second round of litigation in relation to the admissibility of Mr. Al-Qadhafi’s case has now concluded. On 9 March, the Appeals Chamber unanimously ruled that Mr. Al-Qadhafi’s case is admissible before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Accordingly, the arrest warrant for Mr. Al-Qadhafi remains enforceable. Libya continues to be under an obligation to arrest and surrender Mr. Al-Qadhafi to the Court.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Derogatory and dehumanizing language targeted at certain individuals or groups of people is now pervasive in both traditional and social media. This is cause for concern. This type of language generates both hatred and fear in the community and deepens divisions within society. It sows the seeds for crimes against targeted groups and individuals and foments conditions in which mass atrocity crimes can occur. Under the Rome Statute, a person who instigates the commission of crimes by others is also responsible for those crimes. Such instigation can include the making of public statements that incite attacks on specific ethnic or social groups. Leaders and prominent members of the community have a special responsibility to lead by example and refrain from hate speech.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“When targeted against prominent members of the community, such as political activists, human rights defenders and journalists, it sends a strong message that voices of dissent will not be tolerated. For these reasons, and others, the crime of enforced disappearance has grave consequences for both individuals and communities. Emblematic of this disturbing trend is the case of Ms. Siham Sergewa, a member of the Libyan House of Representatives. Ms. Sergewa has been missing since 17 July 2019, when armed men allegedly kidnapped her from her home in Benghazi. Her fate and whereabouts remain unknown. Recent information obtained by my Office may point to those responsible for Ms. Sergewa’s disappearance. Investigations to verify this information are continuing. Hate speech in Libya also appears to be on the rise.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting these alleged crimes rests with Libya. My Office continues to closely follow up on these allegations. Reports received by my Office also indicate increasing numbers of cases of enforced disappearance, committed with close to total impunity. The crime against humanity of enforced disappearance entails the refusal to provide information on the fate or whereabouts of persons who have been arrested and detained by a State or political organization, or with its authorization, support or acquiescence. The crime of enforced disappearance inflicts severe suffering on the family of the missing person. It can also spread terror within a society.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Detainees have died from injuries sustained through torture and from the failure to provide proper and timely medical care. My Office is aware of allegations of serious violations in many prisons and detention facilities throughout Libya. Of particular note are Al-Kuweifiya and Gernada prisons located in eastern Libya. These allegations also extend to Mitiga prison in Tripoli, which is controlled by an armed group known as the Special Deterrence Force. This group officially falls under the authority of the Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Accord. Serious and urgent reforms in many Libyan prisons and detention facilities appear necessary in order to prevent future crimes. Accountability for alleged past violations is equally important.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“It is worth stressing that the issue of arbitrary detention and serious mistreatment of detainees affects not only migrants and refugees, but also thousands of other people detained in prisons and detention centres across Libya. The latest figures indicate that the detention of persons without due process is widespread. Many people are being detained without lawful basis or denied their fundamental procedural rights. Persons detained without the proper protection of the law are at greater risk of serious forms of mistreatment, including murder, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence. Information obtained by my Office indicates that such crimes are all too common. Former detainees report brutal methods of torture. Detention-related victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence include men, women and children.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Even where military targets are involved, the principle of proportionality applies. I have previously also brought to the Council’s attention the issue of arbitrary detention and serious mistreatment of migrants and refugees attempting to transit through Libya. These detentions are a grave and persistent problem, and my Office continues to dedicate resources to investigating this matter. In particular, important progress has been achieved through the adoption of a cooperation strategy by my Office, which focuses on the exchange of evidence and information with relevant States and organizations. This activity is conducted with a view to taking advantage of synergies and supporting investigations and prosecutions in domestic jurisdictions. These efforts, I am pleased to report, are producing helpful results.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“My Office continues to carefully monitor the unfolding events. Of particular concern to my Office are the high numbers of civilian casualties, largely reported to be resulting from air strikes and shelling operations. My team continues to gather and analyse information about incidents that have occurred during the recent period of armed conflict that may constitute crimes under the Rome Statute. I reiterate that intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population or against individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities is a war crime under the Rome Statute. Likewise, the Rome Statute prohibits the intentional directing of attacks against hospitals and other buildings protected under international law, such as those dedicated to religion or education, when they are not military objectives.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Relatedly, let me also emphasize that, despite some inevitable limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, my Office’s Libya team is forging ahead with its judicial work and investigations, managing to remain active and productive in these exceptional times. The Libya situation remains a priority for my Office, and I take the opportunity afforded by this forum to announce that my team is working on applications for new warrants of arrest. The Security Council is well aware that, since my last report and briefing (see S/PV.8660), serious violence related to the armed conflict in Libya, particularly in and around Tripoli, has regrettably not abated. It is now over a year since the offensive on Tripoli by the eastern-based militia known as the Libyan National Army, headed by General Khalifa Haftar, started.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Given the exceptional circumstances in which we currently find ourselves owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, I am pleased to appear before the Security Council via video-teleconference to deliver my Office’s nineteenth report on the situation in Libya, pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011). I congratulate Estonia on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May and express my gratitude to the Council for facilitating today’s remote briefing. Allow me at the outset also to express my condolences to Council members and indeed all members of the United Nations family for the untimely deaths of their respective citizens caused by this global pandemic and to convey our solidarity in the fight to contain the spread of the virus.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source