Mr. President,

I thank Prosecutor Karim Khan for the presentation of his 28th report to the Security Council in implementation of resolution 1970 (2011).

The International Criminal Court is the only permanent international criminal jurisdiction with a universal mission. It is charged with judging the perpetrators of the most serious international crimes, it plays an essential role in the fight against impunity.

France will continue to provide its support for the essential work of the ICC. This is a priority of our diplomacy. We reiterate our full support for the Court and its staff, who must carry out their duty without pressure, hindrance or obstruction.

Mr. President,

The Office’s new strategy regarding the situation in Libya, which was presented in April 2022, is bearing fruit. This strategy has accelerated progress as regards the four key lines of inquiry, and has allowed for significant progress. The 18 missions carried out in 7 countries and the 1,200 items of evidence collected are testimony to this. My delegation welcomes the unsealing of six arrest warrants in connection with the crimes committed in Tarhouna, which sheds light on the work accomplished.

France takes note of the next steps envisaged by the Office relating to new requests for the issuance of arrest warrants, and the transition to the judicial phase before the end of 2025, following the investigation stage.

Mr. President,

France welcomes the efforts made on behalf of victims during the period under consideration, to ensure that they are consulted and integrated into the Office’s investigation strategy. The Court’s mandate can only be fulfilled if it includes support for victims, through medical and psycho-social assistance. It is important that assistance for victims continues after the completion of the investigation stage in 2025.

My delegation takes note of the heightened cooperation with civil society organizations, the Office having met with over 70 of them during the period under consideration.

Mr. President,

The continued and growing cooperation with the Libyan authorities in respect for the principle of complementarity is important.

In line with its request it made last May, France takes note of reports of some improvement, in particular as regards the granting of multiple-entry visas for members of the Office.

We encourage the Libyan authorities to continue to cooperate with the Office as regards access to information in order to prepare for the judicial stage, collaboration with the competent technical authorities, or requests for assistance made by the Office. We take note of the Office’s intention to establish a liaison office in Tripoli as a matter of priority, and reiterate our support for this approach.

France regrets that the security situation in Libya continues to hinder the Office’s activities.

Mr. President,

It is important that the Court have adequate financial and human resources, beyond the situation in Libya.

France takes note of the Bureau’s request to the Assembly of States Parties for additional resources. France reiterates its appeal to all States Parties to the Rome Statute to pay their mandatory contributions to the Court’s budget on time, and in full.

Mr. President,

France recalls that the most serious crimes committed in Libya since 2011 must be investigated and prosecuted, including crimes committed by Daech and crimes against migrants and refugees, which are ongoing as mentioned in the report. Thus, the ICC can contribute to the goal of a sovereign, united, stable and democratic Libya.

Thank you.