After having consulted the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), I am seeking on behalf of the ASP Presidency an external investigation into the matters related to alleged misconduct by the ICC Prosecutor. The involved parties have been informed.
The Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM), which exercises full operational independence from the International Criminal Court and reports directly to the ASP, is competent to investigate such allegations. The IOM was seized of the matter on the basis of a third party request and subsequently on the basis of a request by the Prosecutor. However, given the particular circumstances of this case, including the IOM's victim-centred approach, and perceptions of possible and future conflicts of interest, the IOM has indicated that it has no objection to exceptionally resorting to an external investigation.
An external investigation is therefore being pursued in order to ensure a fully independent, impartial and fair process, in conformity with the legal framework of the ICC and the IOM and following a victim-centred approach. The practical modalities of the investigation are being finalized. I call on all involved parties to cooperate fully with that investigation.
I must insist on due respect for the privacy and the rights of all involved parties as well as the confidentiality of such an investigation. Further information can only be shared once the investigation has concluded.
