Statement by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana at the 38th Report of the Prosecutor of the ICC to the United Nations pursuant to Resolution 1593 (2005) - Sudan and South Sudan

Mr. President

I thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr. Karim Khan, for his presentation of the 38th report on the situation in Darfur. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Sudan in today’s meeting.

The International Criminal Court remains critical to ensuring justice for those who have suffered the worst crimes. Guyana supports the continued efforts of the Office of the Prosecutor to fight impunity and to bring perpetrators to justice.

We are gravely concerned about the escalating violence in Darfur, which has resulted in numerous deaths, mass displacement of persons and further deterioration of an already dire humanitarian situation. Women and girls have suffered, and continue to suffer, from widespread sexual violence including sexual slavery and gang rapes, kidnappings and other atrocities.

Guyana reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, a permanent ceasefire and the resumption of the process towards reaching a lasting and inclusive political solution in Sudan.

The parties to the conflict must be prevailed upon to respect human rights and international humanitarian law, ensuring that civilian populations, and protected persons and objects are not targeted or subject to crimes.

Guyana welcomes the decision of the ICC Prosecutor to accelerate investigations into the recent allegations of crimes in Darfur, with priority given to those committed against children and to crimes of sexual and gender-based violence. All perpetrators must be held accountable.

Mr. President

Cooperation and support from the relevant authorities are essential to the work of the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP). Guyana sees as positive steps the appointment in October 2023 of a new cooperation focal point and the recent issuance of visas for representatives of the Office.  However, we note that the progress achieved thus far in securing evidentiary material is based on cooperation from third States and international partners.

We are concerned about the lack of response by the Government of Sudan to requests by the Office for assistance and access to documentary evidence.

We note that following the outbreak of armed hostilities in 2023, there is uncertainty about location of the ICC suspects and that a formal request to the government of Sudan by the OTP for this information has not yet yielded a response.

Guyana recalls the obligations, under resolution 1593, of the Government of Sudan and all other parties to the conflict in Darfur, to cooperate fully with, and provide any necessary assistance to the Court and the Prosecutor.

We urge the government of Sudan and all other relevant parties to support the investigative and evidence collection efforts of the Prosecutor’s Office so that there can be justice for the victims of these horrific crimes.

We welcome the progress made in the trial of Mr Abd-Al-Rahman which is likely to conclude in 2024.

Accountability for atrocities is critical for preventing further crimes, and will contribute to the achievement of sustainable peace.

Mr. President

Guyana commends the Office of the Prosecutor for carrying out field-based and open-source investigations toward evidence collection, and welcome the engagements with civil society organisations, affected communities, victims and survivors.

We reaffirm our unwavering support for the International Criminal Court and the work of the Office of the Prosecutor.

I thank you.