Darfur: International Criminal Court launches investigation into escalating violence
Briefing the Security Council, Attorney Karim Khan, said that the mandate of his office, according to resolution 1593 that referred the situation in Darfur to the Court in 2005, is clear.
“[Our mandate is] ongoing with respect to crimes within our jurisdiction, crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes; and whoever is found committing those crimes within our jurisdiction will be investigated,” he said.
‘No stone is left unturned’
“And based on the evaluations by the independent judges of the ICC, we will strain every muscle and leave no stone unturned to ensure that they are held accountable in fair and independent trials.”
Mr. Khan continued to urge the 15-member Security Council to “unite” around the principles of the UN Charter, the obligations under the Rome Statute of the ICC, and the authority of the Council itself, which decided in 2005 that the violence. in Darfur and Sudan as a whole, represent a threat to international peace and security.
“And not only in the actions carried out in Sudan, any individual who helps, abets, encourages or directs from outside Sudan the crimes that may be committed in Darfur will also be investigated,” the Prosecutor emphasized. .
‘Delete instructions’
Mr Khan told delegates that he had given “clear instructions” to his office to prioritize crimes against children, as well as crimes of sex and gender-based violence.
He also announced that a secure online portal has been established where individuals can submit information or allegations of crimes and rights violations.
“We will make sure, God willing, that justice is not the only issue in this [Security Council] Chamber, but he feels to justify the rights of the citizens and the vulnerable in ways that they do not fully see in their life experiences,” said Mr. Khan.
‘Uphold international law’
The ICC lawyer also called on the warring parties in Sudan to uphold their basic obligations under international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
“It is important that those involved in the conflict know – however late in the day – that they have to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law,” he stressed.
Karim Khan, prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. (file)
Update on issues
In his meeting, Mr. Khan also provided an update according to resolution 1593, including progress in the trial of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, the general leader of the Janjaweed forces in Darfur, and other issues with the former. President Omar Al Bashir, and former ministers Ahmad Muhammad Harun and Abdel Raheem Muhammed Hussein, who are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“The increasing situation of violent crimes, including alleged crimes, and the current situation of Sudanese institutions, also show the inability of the Government of Sudan to be honest and truthful for justice and justice,” the report said.
“Under the current circumstances, it is not possible to hold discussions with the Government of Sudan regarding enforcement,” he added, noting that the Office of the Prosecutor is collaborating with relevant stakeholders on the enforcement recommendations made. especially to Mr. Al Bashir, Mr. Hussein and Mr. Harun, especially in light of the ongoing fighting between the national army and the RSF soldiers.
