Statement by Oļegs Iļģis, Deputy Permanent Representative of Latvia at the ICC Prosecutor’s Briefing to the UN Security Council on the Situation in Libya
New York, 22 May 2026
Mr. President,
We thank the Deputy Prosecutor Madam Nazhat Khan of the International Criminal Court for her comprehensive briefing and for the continued efforts of the Office of the Prosecutor to advance accountability for crimes committed in Libya.
Today, I would like to highlight the following points.
First, Latvia commends the significant progress achieved by the Office of the Prosecutor during this reporting period, in particular the arrest, surrender and transfer of El Hishiri to the custody of the ICC. The confirmation of charges hearing that took place this week was a landmark moment for victims and survivors in Libya. This hearing is a testament to those most affected by El Hishiri, that no one is above the law, not even the most powerful. I would like to quote the sobering words of the victim P1736: “ I will be reborn when the justice is achieved” this testimony and this hearing is a tangible proof that the mandate given by this Council under resolution 1970 can bring justice to the victims and accountability for the most heinous crimes committed in Libya.
Second, the cycle of impunity in Libya must end. Accountability is indispensable both justice for victims and for restoring trust in institutions, deterring future violations and laying the foundations for sustainable peace and stability in Libya. We recognise the steps taken by the Libyan Government to strengthen cooperation with the Court. At the same time, further cooperation from the Libyan Office of the Attorney General remains essential. This includes providing the Office of the Prosecutor with access to investigations into crimes committed in Tarhunah and Mitiga prisons, as well as information sharing regarding the progress of national proceedings against Mr. Njeem and Tarhunah suspects.
Likewise, outstanding arrest warrants cannot remain unenforced. All remaining suspects subject to the ICC arrest warrants must be surrendered to the ICC in accordance with the Council’s resolution 1970 in order to establish that perpetrators of atrocity crimes are not beyond the reach of justice.
Third, we welcome the strengthened engagement with the Office of the Prosecutor with the civil society, victims and human rights defenders. The increased engagement of the Libya Unified Team with civil society has contributed to trust-building with the affected communities and is indispensable for advancing accountability efforts.
Lastly, we stress the importance of safeguarding the independence of the Court, its efforts to defend the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute and to ensure the accountability for the gravest crimes under international law.
I thank you!