Statement by H.E. Micheal Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the UN on behalf of the members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Caucus of the UNSC, at the Press stakeout on the situation in Darfur

State Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC): France, Greece, Guyana, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and our own countries, Denmark, and Sierra Leone.

We thank the ICC Prosecutor, Mr. Karim Khan, for the presentation of the 40th report on the situation in Darfur, in accordance with resolution 1593, amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan. We commend the Prosecutor’s Office for its determined efforts to implement its mandate in such challenging circumstances, including active hostilities and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

We are deeply concerned by the ongoing violence and the dire humanitarian situation in Darfur, and across the rest of Sudan marked by widespread atrocities and reports of Rome Statute crimes being committed. These include killings, attacks on internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, sexual and gender-based violence, crimes against children, and large-scale displacement. The recurrence of atrocities including reports of targeting marginalized ethnic groups underscores the enduring legacy of impunity in the region. Justice and accountability remain essential for sustainable peace and stability and in this regard, we call on the parties to cease hostilities.

We welcome the continued progress in the landmark trial of Mr. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (Ali Kushayb). This reporting period marked the closing arguments in this historic trial, the first completed following a United Nations Security Council referral. During this process, 100 witnesses have courageously shared their accounts, contributing to the pursuit of justice. We also welcome the progress made by the Prosecutor’s Office in collecting evidence and preparing applications for arrest warrants against individuals deemed responsible for crimes committed since April 2023 in West Darfur. Victims of the current alleged crimes in Darfur have emphasized the importance of this trial as a symbol of accountability and a source of hope for justice in the ongoing conflict.

We note with deep concern the continued impunity for those accused of crimes dating back to 2003. The current violence demonstrates the urgent need for accountability for both past and present crimes. We call on the Sudanese authorities to fulfill their obligations under resolution 1593 by cooperating fully with the ICC, including ensuring the safety and protection of victims.

We also commend the Office of the Prosecutor's engagement with affected communities, including outreach efforts in refugee camps in Chad and other neighboring countries. However, the deteriorating security situation has severely limited direct engagement with communities in Darfur. We urge all relevant actors to facilitate safe and unhindered access for the ICC and humanitarian organizations.

The ICC's mandate is strengthened through international cooperation. Therefore, we welcome the continued positive steps of cooperation from the Sudanese authorities, including genuine engagement on specific Requests for Assistance. However, we must stress that cooperation must also extend to the arrest and surrender of suspects believed to be in Sudan. We welcome the constructive dialogue on key issues between the Prosecutor’s Office and Sudanese authorities, as well as partnerships with civil society organizations and third States. We encourage continued cooperation to ensure the timely execution of pending arrest warrants and the collection of additional evidence.

We renew our unwavering commitment to uphold, defend and promote the principles and objectives of the Rome Statute, and to preserve its integrity undeterred by any threats or measures against the Court, its officials and those cooperating with it. In this regard, we continue to comply with our cooperation obligations, and encourage all States to fully support the Court in carrying out its mandate of ensuring justice for the victims of the most serious crimes under international law.

Finally, we reiterate our unwavering support for the ICC as an independent and impartial judicial institution. The Court’s work is vital to breaking the cycle of impunity and contributing to international peace and security. Justice for the people of Darfur is not just a moral imperative but a cornerstone for achieving lasting and durable peace in Sudan.