Mr President,
Switzerland thanks the Prosecutor for his presentation and for submitting his 26th report on the situation in Libya. This report is a guarantee of transparency and gives us a clear and comprehensive account of the Office's efforts over the past six months, in application of the mandate granted by Security Council Resolution 1970.
I would like to make three points:
Firstly, we congratulate the Office of the Prosecutor on the steady and significant progress made in implementing the renewed action strategy for Libya. Switzerland takes note with interest of the progress made in the four lines of investigation. The progress made in the investigation into crimes linked to operations in 2014-2020, which will soon be considered complete, is particularly noteworthy. We also welcome the emphasis placed on psychosocial support for victims, as well as support for witnesses in terms of security and medical assistance, including with the help of national authorities. Finally, we welcome the Prosecutor's indication that the Office will be able, in its next report, to present a potential roadmap for the completion of the Office's activities in accordance with Resolution 1970. This announcement demonstrates the Office's commitment to carrying out its activities in accordance with clear and concrete objectives.
Secondly, Switzerland supports the Court's efforts to digitalize, thereby contributing to its openness to new technologies in order to enhance its efficiency. Taking advantage of new technologies while preserving its integrity will enable the Court to optimize its efficiency. For example, we take note of the digitalization of evidence and the launch of a digital platform. By enabling the secure and rapid exchange of communications, the Court contributes to the security of victims, witnesses and civil society organizations. In this context, we stress that data security and the protection of judicial infrastructures are of paramount importance. And we condemn all the more strongly the cyber attack to which the Court fell victim this summer. Furthermore, for the Court to be able to carry out its mandate effectively, its independence and impartiality must be preserved. To this end, we would like to stress the importance of providing the Court with human and financial resources commensurate with its tasks.
Thirdly, cooperation is key to enabling the Court to fulfil its mandate. This is why we strongly encourage the Libyan authorities to continue their cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor, in particular in regards to the granting of visas. Visas are essential for the Office to be able to carry out missions in the field and ensure its presence in Libya. We welcome the Office's extensive cooperation with third States, particularly in relation to crimes against migrants. This cooperation demonstrates a positive application of the principle of complementarity that lies at the heart of the Rome Statute. We also welcome the Office's continued efforts to engage with civil society, and reiterate our concern about the restrictions on civil society in Libya. Finally, we encourage continued close cooperation between UNSMIL and the Office of the Prosecutor, particularly during field missions.
Mr President,
Allow me to conclude by echoing Noura Al Jerbi, who addressed this Council last August: " By holding individuals and institutions responsible for past wrongs, Libya can build the foundation of trust, stability and progress that is essential for a peaceful future."
Switzerland wishes to reaffirm its full support for the International Criminal Court. As everyone here knows, there can be no lasting peace without justice.
Thank you.