Statement delivered by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on the 41st Report of the Prosecutor of the ICC to the UN under Resolution 1593 (Sudan and South Sudan)

Ambassador Trishala Persaud , Security Council Briefing on the 41st Report of the Prosecutor of the ICC to the UN under Resolution 1593 (Sudan and South Sudan)
United Nations Security Council Statements

Mr. President,

I thank the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Nazhat Khan, for the presentation of the 41st report on the situation in Darfur. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Sudan in today’s meeting.

Today’s briefing is held as situation in Sudan worsens daily with no end in sight. Guyana is gravely concerned about the continued airstrikes and bombardment on cities and IDP camps, the deteriorating humanitarian crisis which has been described as the worse ever recorded, and the high levels of rape and sexual violence. Twenty-five million people are reported as facing acute food insecurity and extreme famine looms for hundreds of thousands of civilians.

Guyana reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges the parties to the engage, in good faith, in political dialogue and diplomatic efforts towards a durable ceasefire and to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Mr. President,

It is more urgent than ever for the Office of the Prosecutor to make concrete progress on investigations and prosecutions in Sudan, both from the perspective of securing accountability for past crimes, and as a deterrent to future atrocities.

We note the Office’s confirmation that it has reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been, and continue to be, committed in Darfur and look forward to progress on the applications for arrest warrants regarding 2023 crimes. Swift investigation and prosecution can contribute to stemming the wave of terror in Sudan.

We welcome the intensified efforts of the Office to deliver concrete landmarks based on evidence collected and partnerships with a wide range of actors. It is noted that the Office has collected evidence concerning alleged crimes of killing, pillaging, attacks against internally displaced persons camps, indiscriminate targeting of civilian populations, gender-based crimes and crimes against children.

We welcome the priority given to investigating gender-based crimes and the addition of a dedicated expert on gender-based crimes to the team.

It is acknowledged that the Office’s efforts are being made as it continues to face significant challenges, including limited responsiveness from States on requests for assistance in evidence collection and in supporting travel of OTP personnel, security and logistical challenges and concerns expressed by witnesses and victims in Chad and Darfur about potential retaliation for engagement with the OTP.

The insufficiency of resources for the Office to carry out key functions relative to the seriousness and scale of atrocities being committed is also of concern.

We underscore the crucial importance of enhanced cooperation between the Sudanese authorities and the Office of the Prosecutor for progress to be made in the investigative activities of the Office and call on the Government of Sudan to continue to cooperate with the Court in accordance with obligations under resolution 1593 (2005). We acknowledge the recent improvements in this regard.

We also emphasize the need for continued cooperation and assistance between the Office of the Prosecutor and national authorities of third States.

The intensified engagement with civil society, organizations, victims, survivors, and affected communities is welcome, as are the efforts of the Office to support capacity-building activities for civil society organizations documenting international crimes in Darfur.

Mr. President,

The independent and impartial functioning of the International Criminal Court remains pivotal to deterring atrocity crimes and ensuring accountability for the gravest offences. The Court, its officials, and those cooperating with it must be able to operate free from threats and intimidation. We must work collectively to ensure that the independence and integrity of the Court are respected and protected.

In conclusion, Guyana reiterates our unwavering support for the International Criminal Court and the Office of the Prosecutor and the efforts to ensure justice for the people of Sudan.

I thank you.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in the discharge of its mandate to promote the interests of Guyana within the international community, is committed to preserving the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to contributing to the economic and social development of the Guyanese people. The Ministry is equally committed to promoting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, maintaining active relationships with the diplomatic community through skilled, dedicated diplomatic and administrative staff, and ensuring effective utilisation of its financial and material resources.

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