YouSaid · the spoken record

Wickremasinghe

lines on the record: 49
first: 2021-11-23
most recent: 2023-12-12
sittings or episodes: 11
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 United Kingdom is also concerned by the situation of the Rwandan individuals relocated to the Niger who have been rendered stateless since 2022 and remain under house arrest. We would welcome further updates on efforts to find a durable solution regarding those individuals. In conclusion, the Mechanism has much important and sensitive work to do, ensuring sentences are properly enforced, its legacy is preserved and national prosecutions are supported. We see that the Mechanism is well placed to deliver on those ongoing functions and that it is taking seriously the need to do so in a streamlined way. We look forward to reviewing the Mechanism’s mandate over the coming months.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, the Mechanism’s ongoing work with the Government of Rwanda remains essential as Rwanda looks to commemorate 30 years since the genocide against the Tutsi in April 2024. Given the Mechanism’s critical role, the United Kingdom is proud to demonstrate its support through enforcing sentences, and in doing so it takes seriously its duty of care to detainees under the supervision of the Mechanism. My third point is that there remain several outstanding issues, which have an impact on the Mechanism’s ability to deliver its mandate and which must be addressed. In particular, we are disappointed by reports of some States blocking cooperation in the Western Balkans. We call on Serbia to fulfil its obligation to arrest and transfer Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta to the Mechanism following years of requests.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Secondly, the Mechanism’s work remains critical. In the Western Balkans, we have seen heightened ethno-national tensions and the concerning use of hate speech by some political figures. Such language entrenches divisions and holds back countries from providing safe, inclusive and prosperous environments for their citizens. The Court has played an essential role in delivering justice for all, which has in turn promoted peace and reconciliation. We therefore welcome the progress in the Mechanism’s discussions with the Government of Croatia on the establishment in Zagreb of an information centre on the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Such centres can promote knowledge and understanding of history, which is important in challenging the denial of atrocity crimes.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“I would like to start by thanking President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for their briefings and for presenting the latest report of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (see S/2023/566). I also take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Ambassador of Gabon and his team for their leadership of the Security Council’s Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. I would like to make three points today. First, the Mechanism’s work continued effectively and efficiently over the past six months. Most recently, that included the confirmation of the death of the fugitive Mr. Aloys Ndimbati. We commend the Office of the Prosecutor for its work and echo the report’s call for continued cooperation among all States to secure the arrest of the remaining two Rwandan fugitives as soon as possible.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“In that respect, we welcome the support and engagement of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) with the ICC investigation. However, we also emphasize the importance of the cooperation of the Libyan authorities with the ICC investigation, in accordance with the requirements of resolution 1970 (2011). Such cooperation includes the issuance of visas to ICC staff, the provision of documentation and other evidence to the ICC, and the surrender of individuals subject to arrest warrants. In conclusion, we underline that the United Kingdom remains committed to working with the Prosecutor’s Office and urge it, along with the Libyan authorities, UNSMIL and others, to build on the progress to date and to ensure the delivery of justice for the people of Libya.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“We are pleased to note the increased engagement with witnesses, survivors and civil society through the Office’s continuous presence in the region. Justice is vital to long-term security and stability. We note also the progress made by the Office with respect to crimes against migrants and the efforts to work more closely with national authorities to deliver accountability for relevant crimes. We recognize the Prosecutor’s call for resources to address the identified strategic risks and the need to ensure the Office is sufficiently resourced to conclude its investigations. The ICC is an important tool to deliver justice for Libya through transparent investigations. We must therefore ensure that the ICC is in a position to set out and deliver a road map to complete investigations and to do justice for the people of Libya.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Prosecutor Khan for his important briefing today on the occasion of the twenty- sixth report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the situation in Libya. The United Kingdom gives its full support to the Prosecutor’s ongoing investigations. And we welcome his latest report to the Council. We welcome the good progress in the implementation of the renewed strategy of the Office of the Prosecutor, in particular the indication from the Prosecutor that the Office will be in a position to outline a potential road map for the completion of its activities pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) in his next report. We welcome the update from the Prosecutor on the four key lines of inquiry in the strategy.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“The United Kingdom is proud of its assistance to the Mechanism in enforcing sentences and encourages other States to do so as well. Karadžić is not being mistreated in any way. He has exactly the same treatment as any other prisoner. He has been subject to some time-limited, proportionate and lawful restrictions on his contacts externally, but that followed his misuse of those privileges to publish articles that pushed political messages, genocide denial and the glorification of war crimes — and he has been informed of that. Underpinning all of that is Karadžić’s own failure and that of his supporters to recognize that he has been convicted of some of the most heinous crimes witnessed in Europe, including the genocide in Srebrenica.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“Looking to the future, we note that the Mechanism continues to have much work to do, even though the trial phase is very nearly over. There are 47 individuals serving sentences, which need to be supervised, many witnesses who continue to need protection and domestic proceedings in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda that need the Mechanism’s support. It is nevertheless important that this remaining work is done as efficiently as possible, so we welcome the President’s focus on the future strategy of the Mechanism as it transitions to becoming a fully residual institution. We commend the detailed work being done in that respect and look forward to the Mechanism’s proposals. Finally, I must say a few words in response to the representative of Russia’s unfounded allegations against the United Kingdom authorities in relation to Karadžić.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“As such, we are concerned about the reports of the ongoing denial of genocide. That is unacceptable, both in its impact on the victims and in hampering the international community’s efforts to ensure the accountability of the perpetrators and to deter future atrocities. While the international trial and appeal processes for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda are coming to an end, processes at the domestic level are ongoing. We call on all countries to cooperate and to support those national processes in order to ensure justice for all. In that regard, continued reports from the Mechanism of some States blocking cooperation in the Western Balkans remain deeply concerning. It is also high time that Serbia arrest and transfer Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta to the Mechanism, following years of requests.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“Having recently marked the twenty-ninth commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Mr. Kayishema’s arrest is a salient reminder of the Mechanism’s ongoing commitment to securing justice. The United Kingdom would like to commend the Mechanism’s fugitive-tracking team and the South African authorities for their successes in that matter, and we also thank the authorities of Eswatini and Mozambique for their important contributions to that success. We note the recent news that the Trial Chamber has decided that Félicien Kabuga is no longer fit to stand trial and that it will deal with his case by way of an alternative finding procedure. We look forward to future updates on that case and underline our commitment to holding the perpetrators of the genocide against the Tutsi to account.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“First, there are the final convictions of Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović, which bring to a close the major cases of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and are landmarks in international justice. Their convictions, while occurring many years after their offences, are of great importance in demonstrating the international community’s continued fight against impunity for the most serious crimes. The judgments of the ICTY and the Mechanism form part of the record of the suffering inflicted on civilians during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. We remember the victims and survivors and recognize the bravery of all those who have cooperated and supported the judicial processes. Secondly, there is the recent arrest of Fulgence Kayishema.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“I would like to begin by acknowledging the sudden and tragic passing of Judge Ibanda-Nahamya and remembering her vital contribution to international justice. In that respect, in particular, I would point to her exemplary work on the Prosecutor v. Ratko Mladić and Prosecutor v. Félicien Kabuga cases. I also take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of Judge Mugambe Ssali and wish her all the best in her new role. Turning to today’s briefing, let me thank President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for presenting the report of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and for their statements today. Under their guidance, over the past six months, the Mechanism has continued to implement its mandate in a timely and effective manner. Two very recent successes reflect that.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“The United Kingdom would like to reiterate its support for the Court in delivering justice for the people of Darfur. In that respect, we call for action to deliver on the four ICC warrants that remain outstanding in the Darfur situation, and we call for the surrender of Mr. Banda, who remains a fugitive from justice.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“Secondly, a permanent presence is vital for the Office of the Prosecutor to deepen its engagement with affected communities. We therefore urge the Sudanese authorities to help to facilitate the establishment of a field office in Khartoum, remove the unnecessary bureaucratic impediments preventing Court staff from being permitted multiple entry visas to the Sudan and give access to Darfur to ICC staff. Thirdly, the United Kingdom calls on the Sudanese authorities to respond swiftly to the Court’s outstanding requests for assistance, noting that 34 requests currently remain outstanding, with no responses received in the current reporting period. Finally, we welcome and encourage the continuation of cooperation between the Court and third States, which has proved particularly vital in the absence of cooperation by the Sudanese authorities.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“It is therefore deeply disappointing that sufficient cooperation has been lacking from the Sudanese authorities, despite their reassurances to the Prosecutor during his visits to the Sudan. Stronger engagement would demonstrate that the Sudanese authorities are serious about delivering their commitments on transitional justice, as outlined in the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement and the initial framework agreement signed on 5 December 2022. The United Kingdom urges the Sudanese authorities to immediately enhance their cooperation with the Court, in particular in the following three areas. First, we call on the Sudanese authorities to provide prompt access to documentary archives and witnesses relevant to the Court’s investigations.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“I would like to start by thanking the Prosecutor for the thirty- sixth report on the situation in Darfur, submitted pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005), and for his briefing today. We welcome the swift progress made in the trial of Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman as a historic step towards seeking accountability for survivors and affected communities in Darfur after many years. In that light, the United Kingdom would like to commend the tireless commitment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for more than 17 years to help deliver justice for the people of Darfur. As we heard, the trial of Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman enabled victims and witnesses to courageously tell their stories and to demonstrate to other victims that justice can be delivered. Such progress is an example of how strong cooperation with the ICC can translate into meaningful action.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“While his access by telephone to certain members of his family and a wider circle of contacts was temporarily suspended, those controls were legal and in line with prison service policy and were intended to prevent his continued abuse of such access and to protect the victims of his crimes. We also understand that, despite Russia’s concerns, Mr. Karadžić himself has raised no complaint. We consider that those types of spurious complaints are a deliberate attempt by Mr. Karadžić’s supporters to undermine the Mechanism and the United Kingdom, as the enforcing State, as well as the victims and survivors of his terrible crimes.”
2022-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9217 (2022) · source
“The United Kingdom condemns such denial and glorification in all their forms and calls on all Member States to do so as well. While we regret those continuing issues, they serve as an important reminder that the work and legacy of the Mechanism remain as important as ever. Before concluding, I would like to say a word in answer to the concerns raised by our colleague from Russia. Let me assure colleagues on the Council that Mr. Karadžić is treated exactly the same as other convicted prisoners, with the same rights, privileges and restrictions. He has not been mistreated in any way.”
2022-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9217 (2022) · source
“It is high time that Serbia arrested and transferred Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta to the Mechanism following years of requests, considerations and discussion. Separately, while the Mechanism continues to engage in important work to assist with justice at the national level in the Western Balkans, the blocking of cooperation by some in the region represents a critical and growing risk to meaningful reconciliation and long-term stability. That has direct implications for achieving justice for victims, and we call on all States to meet their obligations and increase their efforts to provide justice for those heinous crimes. Finally, we are saddened to see that the glorification of war criminals and the denial of genocide continue. That is unacceptable and increases the suffering of the victims.”
2022-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9217 (2022) · source
“Secondly, we note that Félicien Kabuga’s trial is progressing on schedule and is due to conclude with judgment in 2024. His trial is a testament to the international community’s continuing dedication to accountability for the genocide against the Tutsi. Thirdly, we are pleased to see the efforts that the Mechanism is making to be agile and to downsize in line with the tasks that it now has, including by looking for new headquarters in The Hague and reducing its presence in the Western Balkans. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Mechanism and all colleagues on the Security Council to ensure that the Mechanism remains efficient, while securing its critical legacy. While there are positives for the future, we have continuing concerns.”
2022-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9217 (2022) · source
“Let me start by welcoming President Gatti Santana to the Security Council for the first time. We are confident that she will be an excellent leader of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. We also would like to thank her and Chief Prosecutor Brammertz for presenting the report of the Mechanism and their informative briefings today. It is clear that under their stewardship the Mechanism will continue to play an essential role in ending impunity and implementing international justice. Their briefings demonstrate that this is a good opportunity to look forward to the Mechanism’s future. First, this summer we will see the conclusion of the final appeal relating to the crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia. The final decision in the Stanišić and Simatović case is a defining moment, of which the Court should be proud.”
2022-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9217 (2022) · source
“In that regard, the United Kingdom was pleased to see the appointment of the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily, and the substantial 12-month renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. United Nations leadership is vital to restoring Libya’s electoral footing following the failed presidential elections of December 2021. The interim Government of national unity is charged with making the necessary preparations for free, fair and inclusive elections, and it must fulfil its obligation to do so. In conclusion, I underline that the United Kingdom remains committed to working with the Prosecutor’s Office and the Libyan authorities and urge them to build on the momentum that we heard about today and accelerate progress towards achieving justice for the victims.”
2022-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9187 (2022) · source
“We welcome the formal membership of the Office of the Prosecutor in the joint team on crimes against migrants in Libya, together with the authorities of Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom and in conjunction with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation. Their assistance with the investigation of two key suspects of crimes against victims of human trafficking and smuggling led to their arrest and extradition, which is a significant step towards justice for their victims. However, we note the difficult context in which those results were achieved. The complex political landscape, together with the ongoing executive impasse and division, heightens the continued risk of violence.”
2022-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9187 (2022) · source
“We welcome the additional resources that the Prosecutor has allocated to the Libya investigation team, in particular through experts and Arabic speakers. The report also highlights the increased support received from the Libyan authorities, including from the Office of the President of the Presidential Council of Libya ahead of the Prosecutor’s current visit to Tripoli. We encourage the Libyan authorities to build on that and to take the key steps outlined in the report to increase further cooperation. A collective approach and engagement among all relevant actors is needed to uphold the rights of those who are still waiting to receive justice.”
2022-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9187 (2022) · source
“I would like start by thanking Prosecutor Khan for his twenty- fourth report and for briefing us today on the work of his Office. We are pleased to note that the Office of the Prosecutor has accelerated its investigative and cooperation activities under the renewed strategy outlined in the previous report. We welcome the tangible progress of the Office on the four key lines of inquiry — the 2001 violence, crimes in detention centres, crimes that took place during the 2014-2020 operations and crimes against migrants. The constant presence of the Office in the region throughout the reporting period has strengthened its personnel’s ability to engage with witnesses and victims, thereby deepening their knowledge and understanding of the challenges to achieving accountability.”
2022-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9187 (2022) · source
“In that regard, we call for action to deliver on the four outstanding ICC warrants in the Darfur situation. We also continue to call for the surrender of Mr. Banda, who remains a fugitive from the Court.”
2022-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9113 (2022) · source
“A permanent presence is vital for the Office of the Prosecutor to continuously deepen its engagement with affected communities and facilitate stronger cooperation with the Sudanese authorities. Secondly, the United Kingdom urges the Sudanese authorities to respond swiftly to the Court’s outstanding requests for assistance, noting the Court has only received a response to two of the 17 requests it has made in the past six months. We also urge the Sudanese authorities to provide unimpeded access to the documentation and witnesses that have been identified by the Court. Finally, the United Kingdom would like to commend the ICC for its tireless efforts in delivering justice to the people of Darfur and reiterate its support to the Court in that endeavour.”
2022-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9113 (2022) · source
“This historic moment demonstrates how enhanced cooperation can translate into meaningful action in the pursuit of justice. It is our sincere hope that this initial step will begin to deliver justice to the people of Darfur and help to break the cycle of impunity that exists across the Sudan. However, it is regrettable that sufficient cooperation has been lacking from the Sudanese authorities since the October 2021 military coup, putting at risk the progress that the previous Government of Sudan had been able to make with the Court. The United Kingdom therefore urges the Sudanese authorities to immediately enhance their cooperation with the Court. First, we call for the Sudanese authorities to engage in helping to facilitate the establishment of a field office in Khartoum.”
2022-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9113 (2022) · source
“I thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his thirty-fifth report on the situation in Darfur, pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005), and for his briefing to the Security Council. I also welcome the fact that the briefing has been delivered during his second visit to Sudan, as a sign of Court’s unwavering commitment to helping deliver justice to the people of Darfur. In that light, the United Kingdom welcomes the progress made in the trial of Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman, in which 28 witnesses have provided evidence since April. It is a testament to the victims’ courage and patience for them to tell their stories after two decades and represents a vital step towards seeking accountability for all survivors and affected communities in Darfur.”
2022-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9113 (2022) · source
“We call on all countries in the region to remove the impediments to that. Finally, we are concerned about the situation of the acquitted and released persons who were relocated to the Niger, who are now under effective house arrest. We call upon the Niger and the Mechanism to urgently find a lasting solution to that problem.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“We also expect the Mechanism to be as lean as it can be, including by developing detailed completion timelines across its functions and by ending, limiting or transferring functions at the appropriate time. My third point is on the importance of cooperation with the Mechanism. The Mechanism’s successes are the result of significant and sustained international cooperation. We must therefore again raise its referral of Serbia to the Security Council for the ongoing failure to arrest Jojić and Radeta. That continued non-compliance is serious and follows years of requests, consideration and discussion. We therefore urge Serbia to comply with the Mechanism’s order immediately. We commend the Mechanism’s work on building capacity in the Western Balkans but note that judicial cooperation within the region still remains inadequate.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“It is dishonest and dangerous to promote the idea that peace and reconciliation are undermined by the careful and rigorous work of the Mechanism and its independent judges. My second point is on the future of the Mechanism. As the Mechanism looks forward to its post-judicial phase, there remains vital work to be done. Four fugitives remain at large; we await the outcomes of two appeals; and we look forward to the timely trial of Félicien Kabuga, while accepting that the Mechanism must take into account his medical requirements. But the work does not stop there. There are sentences to be enforced, witnesses to be protected and archives to be maintained. We support that important work.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“We are currently seeing appalling barbarism and heinous acts committed by Russia in Ukraine on a scale not seen in Europe since the dark days of the 1990s in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Mechanism stands as a reminder that the Security Council can and should act to ensure accountability for atrocity crimes. Our commitment to the Mechanism is unwavering, and we will continue to support it in implementing its vision of being a small temporary and effective organization. Sadly, there are some who smear the Mechanism and its predecessors and who glorify war criminals and deny the genocides that happened in Rwanda and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We condemn those false narratives and denial, which punish victims and prevent societies from creating the prosperous future that they deserve.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“As Judge Agius addresses us for the last time as President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, I congratulate him for his successful tenure and thank him warmly for his unstinting service and his presentation today. He has led the Mechanism expertly and ensured very significant progress on its mandate, even despite the challenges of the global pandemic. We also welcome the Secretary-General’s proposal to appoint Judge Gatti Santana as successor to President Agius. I thank Prosecutor Brammertz for his report and commend his recent work and that of his Office, including in confirming the deaths of Protais Mpiranya and Pheneas Munyarugarama. I would like to make three points about the Mechanism. My first point is on the importance of justice and defending justice.”
2022-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9062 (2022) · source
“Finally, I would like to commend the efforts of the Prosecutor and his team to help deliver justice to the people of Darfur. The United Kingdom stands ready to assist the ICC in facilitating the four ICC warrants that remain outstanding in the Darfur situation and calls for the surrender of Mr. Banda, who remains a fugitive from the Court.”
2022-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8948 (2022) · source
“The United Kingdom echoes the Court’s request for access to evidence, archives and witnesses and unfettered access to the territory of the Sudan, including crime scenes in Darfur. As detailed by the Prosecutor in his report, the situation in Darfur continues to be characterized by increasing violence, resulting in deaths and the large-scale displacement of civilians. The already fragile situation has been further exacerbated by the ongoing political crisis following the October coup. Accountability for past human rights violations has a vital contribution to make in ending the cycle of violence and addressing the root causes of conflict. In that regard, we urge the Sudanese authorities to fully cooperate with the Court.”
2022-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8948 (2022) · source
“The signing of a memorandum of understanding, as well as the Government’s commitment to facilitating a full-time presence of the Office in the country, were potentially indicative of wider positive gains on justice and human rights since the 2019 revolution. It is, however, regrettable that the military coup on 25 October has placed such progress at risk. The interruption of investigative activities in the Sudan has been a significant setback to the Court’s effort to deliver justice for the people of Darfur. We therefore urge the Sudanese authorities to build on the previous positive engagement with the Court and the commitments made by various parties, including in the memorandum of understanding and in the Sudan’s obligations under resolution 1593 (2005).”
2022-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8948 (2022) · source
“I should like to start by thanking the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his briefing to the Council and for the thirty-fourth report on the situation in Darfur pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005) First, the United Kingdom would like to welcome the confirmation of charges in the case of Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman more than 16 years after the Security Council referred the situation in Darfur to the Office of the Prosecutor. That is a positive development and a sign of the patient and tireless work that is required to deliver justice. We also welcome the continued attention and priority placed on the situation in Darfur, as demonstrated by the Prosecutor’s first official visit to the Sudan in August.”
2022-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8948 (2022) · source
“Glorifying the perpetrators and instigators of such heinous acts takes us further away from reconciliation and hinders the achievement of a positive future. The United Kingdom will continue to condemn such denial and glorification in all its forms and calls on all Member States to do the same. As the Council has seen, through its actions the United Kingdom remains committed to the Mechanism. We reaffirm our willingness to assist it wherever possible in fulfilling its mandate and implementing its vision of being a small, temporary but effective organization.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source
“That continued non-compliance is serious and follows years of requests, considerations and discussion. We urge Serbia to comply with the Mechanism’s order. Last week, we observed the United Nations International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime. However, the glorification of war criminals and the denial of genocide continue. That is unacceptable, and it increases the suffering of victims. We see that in many areas, including the continued presence in Belgrade of a mural of Ratko Mladić, a man, as we observed, who is convicted of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Reconciliation is difficult. We must accept and acknowledge the truth of the past to move forward.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source
“We also continue to follow the case of Protais Mpiran, the former commander of the Presidential Guard in Rwanda, who is believed to be, or to have been, in Zimbabwe. We continue to call on the Government of Zimbabwe to work with the Mechanism to support its investigations. We call on all Member States to assist the Mechanism. In that respect, we commend the acceptance by the Government of the Niger of the nine acquitted or released persons. However, regional judicial cooperation in parts of the Western Balkans continues to remain inadequate. That has direct implications for achieving justice for victims. We would like to mention the Mechanism’s referral of Serbia to the Security Council for its failure to arrest and transfer Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, and finally, the Trial Chamber found Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović responsible for violations of the laws or customs of war and crimes against humanity. They were sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment each. Through its tireless work, the Mechanism continues to show that impunity is not, and will not be, allowed to prevail. The United Kingdom is also pleased to see that following the timely delivery of those judgments, the Mechanism has a clear plan for winding down its activities. We remain grateful for the Mechanism’s ongoing efforts to progress the case of Félicien Kabuga. We note that the Mechanism is still considering his fitness to stand trial. We will continue to closely follow developments in the case, and we should be grateful for timely updates as they become available.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank President Agius and Prosecutor Brammertz for their briefings, which highlight how the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals continues to play a crucial role in ending impunity and implementing international justice. I would like to highlight that the Mechanism has made significant progress this year, in particular by rendering three notable judgments. First, it affirmed Ratko Mladić’s convictions for the violations of the customs of war, crimes against humanity and the genocide at Srebrenica. Secondly, in contempt proceedings connected with the case of Ngirabatware, it reached convictions in relation to witness interference and violating court orders.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source
“We underline the importance of the process of national reconciliation and providing accountability and justice for atrocity crimes. We urge the Government of National Unity to work with the Office of the Prosecutor to achieve those goals. We reiterate our call for all relevant States, including both States parties and States non-parties to the Rome Statute, to cooperate with the ICC in the arrest and surrender of individuals subject to arrest warrants. The United Kingdom fully supports the Prosecutor’s important investigation into the situation in Libya that was mandated by the Council. We will continue to work with his Office and with international partners to close the impunity gap for atrocity crimes in Libya and achieve justice for the people of Libya.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom is clear that civilians must be protected in conflict and that those responsible for violations of international law must be held to account. We are deeply concerned by the discovery of yet more graves at Tarhouna. We encourage the Government of National Unity to continue its investigations and take all possible actions to hold those responsible to account. The United Kingdom has funded humanitarian assistance to provide psychosocial support and access to health care and other basic services and assistance for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers The United Kingdom appreciates the cooperation that the Prosecutor’s Office has been able to offer the national authorities in combating people smuggling and human trafficking.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“The Government of National Unity should also investigate and address violence against women and girls, including the fates of female detainees at Al-Kuweifiya detention centre, which remain unknown. United Kingdom takes this opportunity to commend the efforts of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission to develop an action plan for ensuring the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya. The United Kingdom has been clear that their withdrawal should happen without delay, and the Commission’s action plan represents a Libyan-led practical step forward towards their withdrawal. The United Kingdom draws attention to statements of the Office of the Prosecutor that crimes committed by those foreign forces and mercenaries in Libya potentially fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom is committed to providing our full support to the Prosecutor’s ongoing investigations on Libya, which are as important as ever at this crucial time in the political process. We share the concern of the Prosecutor on the conclusions contained in the October report of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya (A/HRC/48/83). The report only serves to highlight the importance of the Mission. The United Kingdom welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission. We call on the Libyan Government to support the Mission by facilitating unrestricted and unfettered access throughout Libya. We urge the Government of National Unity to put an end to crimes committed in detention centres and to investigate the crimes committed in Mitiga prison and the Gernada detention facility.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“I would like to start by offering our thanks to Prosecutor Karim Khan for his powerful briefing today, on the occasion of the twenty-second report of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the situation in Libya. As this is his first time addressing the Security Council as Prosecutor of the ICC, I would like to assure him of my country’s support for him as he carries out his important duties. United Kingdom welcomes the Prosecutor’s report and his intention to visit Libya early next year. We urge the Government of National Unity to facilitate that visit and allow the ICC to investigate with independence, in accordance with the Rome Statute and resolution 1970 (2011).”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source