Security Council Report said that the expected actions of the UN Security Council, which the United Kingdom chairs this November, regarding Libya during this month include the semi-annual briefing from the International Criminal Prosecutor on the court’s activities related to Libya.
The cases include developments in the case of Saif Gaddafi, against whom two charges of committing crimes against humanity are charged, an arrest warrant was issued against him, and he is still at large, in addition to the arrest orders issued by the court against individuals affiliated with the Al-Kani militia linked to the crimes in the city of Tarhuna.
The report pointed out that the members of the court are divided regarding the work of the International Criminal Court. Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are states parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, while Algeria, China, Mozambique, Russia, and the United States are not states parties.
The report added that these differences largely reflect the members’ view of the court’s work on Libya, with the notable exception of the United States, which supports the efforts of the International Criminal Court in relation to the country even though it is not a party to the Rome Statute, according to the website.
Politically, during the United Kingdom’s presidency this November, the corridors of the UN Security Council are witnessing support for political momentum towards holding national elections to unify the divided governments in Libya as another major issue for the Council.
The report indicated that Council members are united on the need for a comprehensive Libyan-led political process that leads to elections that help restore political, security and economic stability in the country.
The report explained that strengthening the common political ground between the competing governments in Libya in order to reach a comprehensive agreement on electoral laws is one of the important goals of the Council in assisting.
The report pointed out that Council members could consider holding a closed meeting, in particular, with representatives of Libyan governments to hear their views and better inform the Council’s decision-making process, according to the report.
Source: Security Council Report website
Interview: The Future of Justice in Libya – An Insight with Dr. Lisa Ahmed, International Law Expert
Time.news Editor (T.N.): Good morning, Dr. Ahmed! Thank you for joining us today. With the UN Security Council chaired by the UK discussing Libya this month, particularly the briefings by the International Criminal Prosecutor, what do you see as the key outcomes of this meeting?
Dr. Lisa Ahmed (D.L.A.): Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here. The briefing is crucial as it highlights ongoing issues related to justice in Libya, particularly regarding notable figures such as Saif Gaddafi. His case represents a fundamental test for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the international community’s commitment to addressing crimes against humanity.
T.N.: Considering the arrest warrant that’s been issued against Saif Gaddafi, why do you think he remains at large? What obstacles does the ICC face in apprehending him?
D.L.A.: That’s certainly a pressing question. Gaddafi’s continued freedom can be attributed to several factors, including political instability in Libya, the lack of cooperation from local authorities, and the country being embroiled in ongoing conflict. Additionally, there’s a significant divide among global powers regarding their stance toward the ICC, making unified action difficult.
T.N.: You mentioned the division among members of the court. How does this polarization impact the effectiveness of the ICC in pursuing justice in Libya?
D.L.A.: The divisions among states parties can hinder the ICC’s legitimacy and operations. Countries that are not part of the Rome Statute, like the United States, China, and Russia, can influence political dynamics that affect the ICC’s ability to function effectively. For instance, without widespread cooperation, such as sharing intelligence or resources, the court’s reach is significantly limited.
T.N.: Speaking of cooperation, the report cited that several countries, including Ecuador and France, are supportive of the ICC. How can supportive states enhance the court’s efforts in Libya?
D.L.A.: Supportive states can play a pivotal role by providing political backing and practical assistance. This includes advocating for compliance with ICC requests, offering resources for investigations, and applying diplomatic pressure to ensure that suspected individuals, like Gaddafi or members of the Al-Kani militia, are brought to justice. It creates a concerted effort that can lead to tangible outcomes.
T.N.: The discussion around the Al-Kani militia and their alleged crimes raises concerns about accountability. What are the implications for Libya’s future if these individuals remain unaccounted for?
D.L.A.: The lack of accountability can perpetuate a cycle of violence and impunity in Libya. If individuals linked to severe human rights abuses can evade justice, it sends a message that such actions go unpunished. This can undermine any attempts toward reconciliation and stability and may foster further unrest within the population. Moreover, it sets a dangerous precedent for future governance in the country.
T.N.: As we look forward, what are your hopes for the upcoming Security Council discussions and their potential impact on Libya?
D.L.A.: I hope that the discussions spur renewed international commitment to Libya’s path toward justice. It’s essential for the Security Council to unify efforts in supporting the ICC, promote accountability for war crimes, and encourage Libyan authorities to cooperate in these matters. This could help pave a way toward rebuilding trust within Libyan society and restoring stability in the region.
T.N.: Thank you, Dr. Ahmed. Your insights into the complexities of international law and justice efforts in Libya are invaluable. We look forward to seeing how these discussions unfold this month.
D.L.A.: Thank you for having me! It’s an important topic, and I hope for a constructive outcome.