In a crucial development on Wednesday (Nov. 08), ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan provided a comprehensive update to the United Nations Security Council on the strides made in investigations related to human trafficking.
Delivering his report via videoconference to the Council in New York, Khan revealed that his office had conducted over 15 investigation missions, accumulating a staggering 4,000 pieces of evidence in the past six months alone.
This significant update comes 18 months after the implementation of a renewed Strategic Plan for the ICC’s work in Libya. Khan emphasized the collaborative efforts with the joint investigative team working on crimes against migrants along the Central Mediterranean route.
“Over the last six months, my office has continued to work closely with the joint investigative team that is investigating crimes against migrants on the Central Mediterranean route,” said Khan. “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.”
While Libya’s representative acknowledged the efforts of the Prosecutor’s office, he urged th犀利士 em to share the results, expressing frustration: “For the Libyan people, the Libyan file before the ICC is stagnant and has been stagnant for years.”
Taher El-Sonni emphasized the court’s credibility and raised concerns about the pace of proceedings, pointing to the situation in Gaza. “Your credibility is on the line; the ICC’s credibility is on the line. Some are doubting the ability and the credibility of the ICC. It’s not about how many cases you are considering. What matters is how many cases were completed and how many suspects were apprehended. Ladies and gentlemen, history will record and there is no peace without justice.”
The ICC investigations, initiated in March 2011, focus on alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in the context of the situation in Libya since February 15, 2011. The Office is achieving key milestones in its inquiries, particularly addressing crimes related to the 2014-2020 operations.
Despite progress, the ICC prosecutor requested an increased budget for 2024, a proposal met with varying opinions among Council members.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, the UN has labeled the central Mediterranean migration route, passing through Libya, as the world’s deadliest.