Sudan and South Sudan - Security Council, 10092nd meeting

The 10,092nd meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is: Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, I invite the representative of Sudan to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure, I invite Ms. Nazat Shamim Khan, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. I now give the floor to Deputy Prosecutor Nazat Shamim Khan.

Mr. President, Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council today. It was my hope and intention to be with you today in the Council Chamber, in particular given the importance of this moment in Darfur. But I regret that I was not granted a visa in order to be able to provide my briefing in line with the mandate provided by the Council. Please allow me to also express my thanks to His Excellency the Permanent Representative of Sudan to the United Nations for his attendance. Mr. President, Excellencies, Since I last addressed this Council, the situation in Darfur has darkened even further. Darfurs, as we speak, are being subjected to collective torture. The fall of El Fasher to the RSF has been accompanied by an organized, calculated campaign of the most profound suffering, targeting non-Arab communities in particular. Rape, arbitrary detention, executions, mass graves, all perpetrated on a massive scale. Many of these crimes have been filmed and celebrated by those committing them. This dreadful situation is still ongoing, fuelled by a sense of complete impunity. Our response to this must not be mere platitudes here in this Chamber, but must represent real action on the ground. As reflected in my report, the Office of the Prosecutor is working intensively, collecting evidence, accelerating its investigations, together with affected communities, both with respect to crimes committed in Aljanena, in West Darfur, and in Al-Fashir, in North Darfur. Mr. President, Excellencies, based on information and evidence collected by the Office, in this reporting period, including video, audio, and satellite data. It is the assessment of the Office of the Prosecutor that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Al-Fashir, including in particular in late October as a culmination of the siege of the city by the Rapid Support Forces. Video material analyzed by the Office, shows a similar pattern of crimes previously seen being allegedly committed by the RSF in other areas of Darfur, including detention, mistreatment, and killings of persons from non-Arab tribes. Members of the RSF are seen celebrating direct executions and subsequently desecrating corpses. Our work has been focused on corroborating these images with a range of other sources in pursuit of individual criminal responsibility for these acts. This has included analysis of satellite imagery indicative of mass killing events and attempts to conceal crimes through the establishment of mass graves. Engaging with affected communities and identifying potential witnesses to obtain and corroborate preliminary collected information. Processing submissions received from civil society organizations and other partners, which have further mirrored video evidence collected. The picture that is emerging is appalling. organized, widespread, mass criminality, including mass executions, atrocities which are used as a tool to assert control. As also reflected in my report, with respect to Al-Janaina, the Office has made significant progress in its investigative work. We have conducted interviews with direct witnesses to attacks in countries hosting Sudanese refugee communities. They have provided compelling evidence of attacks against camps for internally displaced persons, pillaging, indiscriminate targeting of civilian populations, detentions, gender-based crimes, and crimes against and affecting children. The evidence shows that the patterns of atrocities in Aljanina in 2023 have been replicated in Al-Fashir in 2025. This criminality is being repeated in town after town in Darfur. It will continue until this conflict and the sense of impunity that fuels it are stopped. As I emphasized to the Council in my last briefing, as part of our investigations, we are ensuring a thorough and effective approach to the investigation of gender-based crimes. It is undeniable, based on our investigations, that sexual violence, including rape, is being used as a tool of war in Darfur. This is clear from our engagement with affected communities, from the accounts we have heard directly, and from our close cooperation with UN partners and other organizations documenting these atrocities. The systematic and effective investigation of these crimes will remain a key priority in the coming period. In this context, we are aware and have had discussions, also with authorities from the Government of Sudan, on the cultural and gender barriers to reporting such crimes to us, and indeed to any relevant partner. This places a responsibility on us to ensure that our investigations and outreach are conducted in a cultural and gender-sensitive manner. requiring a close involvement of the Office of the Prosecutor's Gender and Children's Unit, and requiring an ongoing focus on ensuring that our investigators are gender competent and culturally aware. We are also aware that there are reports of Rome Statute crimes allegedly committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces in Darfur, and we are ensuring documentation of such reports. All parties involved in the conflict must ensure they meet their obligation under international law and must not target civilian populations and facilities. We call on all those who may have further information in relation to alleged crimes in Al-Fashir, Al-Jenena and across Darfur to come forward and provide this to the ICC, in particular through the secure online platform OTP Link. This is the moment to ensure that all of our collective efforts and all information held by our partners and affected communities are used in pursuit of our active investigations. Mr. President, Excellencies, As we have intensified our investigations in Darfur, we have also seen a significant, if only a first step, towards justice in The Hague. On the 6th of October 2025, Mr. Ali Mohammed Abdul Rahim was convicted by the International Criminal Court of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur, including murder, torture, and outrages upon personal dignity. The judges of the Trial Chamber unanimously convicted him of all charged criminal conduct. On 9 December, he was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for these crimes. Mr. Abdulrahman was found by the ICC judges to be the Janjaweed leader known as Ali Kushayb. and confirmed his role as direct perpetrator and co-perpetrator, as well as confirming his responsibility for ordering the commission of these atrocities. They also confirmed his close connection to senior members of the government of Sudan, including ICC fugitives Minister Abdul Rahim Mohammed Hussein and Ahmed Harun. The conviction and sentencing of Mr. Abdurrahman represents several landmarks. It is the first conviction resulting from a referral by the Security Council to the Court, but also the first conviction in the Darfur situation, as well as the first conviction on grounds of gender-based persecution at the ICC. Of course, any relief brought by this moment must be set against the deep, ongoing suffering we see currently in Darfur. But Darfurees have underlined to us, again and again, that this trial and this conviction do indeed represent important, meaningful outcomes for the hundreds and thousands of victims who fled their homes in 2003 and 2004, and those who suffered at the hands of the Janjaweed. It is our commitment to them, to all victims in Darfur, and to this Council today, that this first conviction will, in time, be seen not just as a landmark, but as a catalyst for much broader, deeper accountability for crimes committed against the people of Darfur through the work of the ICC. Mr. President, Excellencies, if we are to build on this progress, if we are to ensure that the conviction of Ali Kushayb sets the basis for further accountability, the expanded and active cooperation of our partners will be essential. The scale of suffering and criminality in Darfur at present can only be addressed if we work together. In the last six months, we have seen some key steps forward in our cooperation with a range of partners, which have set the basis for progress made. They include strong collaboration with a number of African states, and in particular, the government of Chad, which has facilitated access to its territory, thus enabling the conduct of a number of interviews with members of affected communities. Deepened cooperation with our civil society partners, including through dedicated in-person events held in a number of states aimed at identifying ways to work more effectively together in the documentation of crimes committed in Darfur. and expanded engagement with the United Nations fact-finding mission for the Sudan, as well as other UN partners, in particular with respect to gender-based crimes. Despite this notable progress, our investigations continue to face significant obstacles, including limited access to relevant witness populations and the lack of safe access to crime scenes. Many potential witnesses face serious challenges related to their own safety, making it essential that any engagement with them is conducted in a manner that ensures robust protection against intimidation or reprisal. In the face of these significant challenges, we need more support. I have highlighted in my report key areas where additional assistance and investment of resources are sought from states, international and regional organizations, and our civil society partners. States in particular can play an even more central role in supporting our work, including by sharing satellite imagery and other audio, visual, and digital information and intelligence relevant to the investigation. Supporting the identification, screening and interview of Darfuri diaspora in domestic jurisdictions, including through the provision of visas to Office staff to conduct such interviews. And by seconding national experts in specialized technical areas in support of the analytical activities of the Office. We welcome all possible additional cooperation that you can provide at this critical moment. And I also reiterate my call for all efforts to frustrate our work through sanctions or arrest warrants against ICC officials to cease. We do not have time to waste in our efforts to deliver justice for Darfuri communities. The real hurdles to accountability are already high enough without purposeful attempts to prevent action towards accountability. Mr. President, Excellencies, in our engagement with Sudanese authorities in this reporting period, we have seen more progress with further commitments for cooperation made. Indeed, the government of Sudan has supported additional missions by the Office to Port Sudan and has also responded promptly to some of the additional requests that we have submitted. I was also pleased, upon the sentencing hearing in relation to Ali Kushayb, to welcome the Attorney General of Sudan to the ICC, together with the committee established by Sudanese authorities for cooperation with the Office. The Attorney General and I had candid discussions regarding the ongoing criminality in Darfur and across Sudan, including the proliferation of gender-based crimes throughout the conflict. Our discussions were concrete and positive, with promises of further cooperation that will make a real difference to our investigations. That promise is made not just to us, but to this Council, and to the victims of atrocities in Sudan, and we have every expectation that it will be honoured. I want to also be clear on one key point. The Government of Sudan must work with us seriously, with focus, to secure the arrest of those individuals subject to ICC arrest warrants presently in Sudan. Omar Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir, Ahmed Harun, and Abdul Rahim Mohamed Hussein. I underline again that Mr. Harun in particular must be given priority. Action must now be taken to bring him to trial or for him to surrender voluntarily. Mr. President, Excellencies, to conclude, I wish to share the words of the courageous Darfuri victims in the courtroom of the ICC at the trial of Mr. Abdurrahman. Justice and asking for justice is a human request for a person to be treated with dignity and justice and equity. The natural existence of a human being requires this to be provided for. And so, when people see that there is injustice towards a number of people or a certain individual, and there is nothing they can do, there will be chaos, panic, fear, and terror. That victim has now seen some justice. It is not enough, but the conviction of Ali Kushayb based on the testimony provided by that witness and many other Darfuri survivors, has demonstrated that this Council, together with the ICC, can provide a path to accountability for these crimes. Our common task is now to widen the path that we have built to allow more victims to walk down it so that they can receive the validation of truth-telling and justice that we saw at the ICC last October. I have set out in my report and in this briefing how States and other partners can most effectively contribute to this work. I ask you to respond with the assistance we need. The greater the cooperation and support that our Office receives, the faster and more effectively we can deliver results. We stand ready to work with all of you to deliver more for all victims and to deliver a firewall of accountability to stop the further spiralling of atrocities in Darfur. I thank you.

I thank Deputy Prosecutor Khan for her briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. I give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr. President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 members, namely Liberia, Somalia, and my own country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The A3 thanks Deputy Prosecutor Naza Chamind Khan for her briefing and takes note of the 42nd report of the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1593. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Sudan in today's meeting. Mr. President, the A3 reaffirms Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We are convinced that any sustainable solution to the current crisis must respect Sudan's political independence while addressing the legitimate demands of victims for justice and accountability, particularly in Darfur. Justice and accountability remain central to promoting peace and stability in Sudan. The A3 emphasizes that transitional justice is vital for achieving national reconciliation and must be integrated into the broader process of stabilizing the country. In this regard, accountability for serious crimes committed against civilians is indispensable. in order to break cycles of violence and deter future atrocities. In this context, the A3 encourages the Office of the Prosecutor to continue its discussions with the African Union Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, having taken note of the activities carried out within the framework of the joint African Union Fact-Finding Mission in cooperation with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, as mandated by the African Union Peace and Security Council. The A3 notes the Office of the Prosecutor's ongoing call for full cooperation from all partners. We recall that Resolution 1593 of 2005 is a binding Chapter VII resolution under the Charter of the United Nations, and it is applicable to all UN Member States. Against this background, we encourage the Court to continue advancing its investigations and judicial proceedings in line with due process, and call upon all relevant actors to support these efforts in accordance with their obligations under international law. The A3 takes note of the conviction of Mr. Ali Mohammed Ali Abd al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb. This conviction represents a historic step in international justice for the situation in Darfur. This is the first conviction and sentencing resulting from a referral by the Security Council to the ICC and the first conviction in the Darfur situation, demonstrating that accountability for crimes committed in Darfur is achievable. While we note the gains made by the Court and the challenges it continues to face, we wish to highlight a few critical points. Mindful of the principle of complementarity as reflected in the Rome Statute, we must explore all avenues for revitalizing national justice institutions to support Sudanese ownership of this critical process. It is imperative to create an environment which strengthens Sudan's capacity to administer justice. Sudanese leadership in addressing justice must take precedence, supported by regional and African mechanisms. We note the establishment of a National Coordination Committee headed by a Supreme Court judge and the government's efforts to investigate human rights violations. Cooperation between Sudanese authorities and the ICC can foster accountability while respecting the principle of complementarity and national sovereignty. We welcome the cooperation demonstrated by Sudan in its engagement with the Court, reflecting its stated commitment to the principles of justice and accountability. The devastating conflict in the Sudan continues to claim numerous lives, creating an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis that demands our collective action. The A/3 condemns the crimes perpetrated in Darfur and underscores the imperative of accountability for these crimes, stressing that such atrocities must be neither ignored nor repeated. We call upon the Court to expedite the completion of its investigations of those responsible for these atrocities without further delay. We must scrutinize the role of external actors in fueling the conflict and monitor these destructive roles with transparency. To conclude, Mr. President, the A3 stands firmly with the people of the Sudan and the victims of these atrocities. The protection of civilians must remain our highest priority. The cycle of violence can only be broken through dialogue, accountability, and a genuine commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all civilians. The international community must remain committed to supporting the Sudanese people and their pursuit of justice, stability, and reconciliation. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Deputy Chief Prosecutor Khan, for your briefing. We regret that this briefing could not be done in person due to visa not being issued in time. This severely limits the opportunity for all of us to follow up on the referral this Council has made to address the grave situation in Darfur. I would also like to welcome the permanent representative of Sudan to the meeting today. The war in Sudan has now raged for more than a thousand days. A war that has driven its civilians to the breaking point, while creating the world's largest humanitarian disaster. A war where systematic killings, sexual and gender-based violence, and arbitrary detention and abductions have become daily life in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan. Over the past reporting period, we have seen El Fasher being stormed by the RSF after more than 500 days of siege. This was accompanied by horrific reports of grave atrocities, shocking the conscience of our humanity. The horrific crimes underscore the need for the Office's continued investigations. We welcome the extensive efforts of the Office to ensure the collection of evidence from these crimes. And now new atrocities threaten other regions. Ensuring full accountability for those responsible throughout Sudan, regardless of affiliation, is a crucial stepping stone for a peaceful future. Therefore, the ICC's jurisdiction should also be expanded to cover all parts of Sudan. We express our sincere gratitude to the affected communities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders that have provided the Office with information which has led to the Office's initial findings that both crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed in El Fasher. We call on everyone who has information that can assist the Office's investigations to submit this information through the secure platform that the Office has made available. Mr. President, the conviction and sentencing of the Janjaweed leader, Mr. Abd al-Rahman, for war crimes and crimes against humanity represents a major milestone for the Court and for this Council. The sentencing provides a glimmer of hope for the victims and survivors of atrocities in Sudan that justice may be slow, but can and will be served, and that the cycles of impunity in Sudan will come to an end. It also shows what can be achieved by collective action by the Council and the Court, and through cooperation by States, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. Mr. President, while we welcome the increased cooperation and engagement by the Sudanese authorities, we underscore that these efforts must be extended to the arrest and surrender of the outstanding ICC arrest warrants. namely Al-Bashir, Hussein, and Harun, in accordance with Sudan's obligations to provide full cooperation pursuant to Resolution 1593. We commend and welcome the Office's continued and increased engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the UN and African Union fact-finding missions, and the Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict. As reported, rape and other sexual crimes are being used as weapons of war. It is important that the Office continues to prioritize gender-based crimes and crimes against children. We also welcome the continued efforts to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of victims and affected communities, and we condemn any threats of retaliation and reprisals against witnesses. In conclusion, Denmark reiterates its unwavering support for the Court as an independent judicial institution. Our commitment to defend the Court and the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute remain resolute. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Mr. President. and thank you for arranging this report and briefing to the Council today on the Court's ongoing investigations and prosecutions related to the situation in Darfur. The United States is committed to ending the horrific conflict in Sudan. Under President Trump's leadership, we are working with our partners to facilitate a humanitarian truce and bring an end to external military support to the parties, which is fueling the violence. With peace and stability, the Sudanese people can return to civilian-led governance in a unified Sudan. As we have all seen the shocking atrocities are taking place in Sudan, the United States determined that members of the Rapid Support Forces and allied militias committed genocide. The RSF and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys, even infants, on an ethnic basis and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence. These same militias have targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent people escaping conflict, and prevented remaining civilians from accessing lifesaving supplies. There are no good actors in this conflict except for Sudanese civilians. the Sudanese Armed Forces have also committed atrocities. This administration condemns, in no uncertain terms, the atrocities committed by both parties. Those bad actors should be held accountable. The United States has taken action against Islamist actors in the SAF and networks deploying foreign fighters for the RSF. While the crisis in Sudan is a subject worthy of this Council's attention, it is unfortunate that the ICC Deputy Prosecutor, whom the United States has sanctioned for supporting illegitimate ICC actions, was invited to brief today. The United States maintains its ongoing and grave concerns with the ICC's attempts to assert jurisdiction over the United States or any U.S. ally that has not consented to ICC jurisdiction. The United States unequivocally opposes such actions as an affront to its sovereignty. None of these concerns are new. Indeed, the United States has been making the same point for nearly three decades. And we have been explicit with the ICC and states parties on what reforms are necessary. To date, however, we have seen no indications that the court intends to change its behavior. To the contrary, it appears to be doubling down on its worst impulses. We will not tolerate a court that seeks to undermine U.S. sovereignty, and we have been taking appropriate actions to safeguard our interests. Our response will continue to escalate in proportion to the threat presented and to the degree to which our longstanding concerns remain unaddressed. We need to see immediate and concrete action toward resolving our concerns. The ICC and States Parties have the opportunity to change course. Now is the time to do so. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of the United States for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. President.

We are grateful to the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms Nasad Shamim Khan, for her remote briefing on the progress of the Court's investigations in connection to the situation in Sudan. We welcome the representative of Sudan to this meeting. We regret the fact that the Deputy Prosecutor, for reasons beyond her control, was unable to be physically present today to brief this Council in person on the important matters which have compelled us to meet today. However, we reiterate our gratitude for the work done by the court. We underscore the importance of ensuring that this Council remain adequately and fully briefed on the developments in these matters, which are of the utmost interest to the international community. Panama, as a State Party to the Rome Statute, recognizes and supports the work of the International Criminal Court in the quest for justice for victims of the serious crimes committed in Darfur for more than two decades. The 42nd report of the International Criminal Court to the Security Council, presented pursuant to resolution 1593 of 2005, emphasizes that the situation in Sudan remains extremely serious. More specifically, the report documents an alarming escalation in violence, including the protracted siege and violent seizure of the city of Al-Fashir. as well as the continuation of atrocities in West Darfur, including in the city of Aljunena. The people of Darfur continue to suffer widespread violence. There is a growing number of attacks where atrocities are repeatedly perpetrated against the civilian population. These constitute clear violations of international humanitarian law and of human rights. We appreciate the Office of the Prosecutor's continued focus on the collection and expedited analysis of evidence, including testimonial evidence, digital evidence, and documentary evidence, in connection with these events, which are under the Court's jurisdiction. With this in mind, we take note of the preliminary analysis conducted by the Office of the Prosecutor. That analysis has concluded that there are reasonable grounds to consider that once again war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed, particularly in El Fasher, which must not go unpunished. Panama also values the Court's efforts to cooperate with other parties during the reporting period. Here we point particularly to the strengthening of coordination with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission of the United Nations for the Sudan. as well as cooperation with the fact-finding mission of the AU and the cooperation with a whole host of civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders. We recognize the support granted by several African states to the court, and we point to the cooperation of the government of Sudan. We hope that that cooperation will continue and deepen over time. In the midst of this sensitive situation, it is right and proper to recognize the progress made in terms of accountability. In our view, it is a historic milestone to note the conviction and sentence in the case of Mr. Abd al-Rahman, known as Ali Kushayb. He was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including executions, sexual and gender-based violence, and mass forced displacement. This decision is the first conviction to arise from a Security Council referral of a file, the first in the Darfur situation, and stands as significant progress for the victims of the crimes perpetrated in 2003 and 2004. However, as the report indicates, the current suffering of the Sudanese people appears even to exceed in scale and seriousness that endured 20 years ago. There is a humanitarian crisis which is unprecedented, and this is a situation which Panama has repeatedly condemned before this Council. This reality tests our collective commitment to justice and to the principle that all lives hold equal value under international law. We recognize the significant challenges facing the Office of the Prosecutor, and we denounce any coercive measure that seeks to hinder the Prosecutor's performance of its mandate, including hindrances to access, risks of reprisals for witnesses and victims, and restrictions on cooperation and resources in view of the magnitude of the crimes under investigation. President, Panama stands in solidarity with the people of Darfur, a people that continues to suffer the consequences of these atrocities. We reiterate our appeal for collective and united action, such that we can make progress towards justice, peace, and lasting stability in Sudan. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank the Deputy Prosecutor, Najat Shamim Khan, of the International Criminal Court for her comprehensive report and the sobering briefing, and for the continued efforts of the Office of the Prosecutor to advance accountability for crimes committed in Darfur. We note with regret that the Deputy Prosecutor was unable to brief the Council in person today, as mandated by the Security Council. 1,000 days after the war began in Sudan, Darfur remains the epicenter of atrocity crimes. Accountability must accelerate. Against this backdrop, I would like to highlight three points. First, we welcome the renewed engagement and cooperation of the Sudanese authorities with the Office of the Prosecutor. We view this cooperation as a positive development and an important step towards justice for victims and survivors. At the same time, we underline that cooperation with the Court is a legal obligation arising from this Council's referral, and we therefore expect sustained and tangible progress going forward. Constructive cooperation, including the arrest and surrender of all suspects, is essential to restore trust, reinforce the rule of law, and ensure that our accountability efforts can deliver meaningful results. We also underscore the value of strengthened coordination between the ICC and other accountability mechanisms, including the independent international fact-finding mission for Sudan, as well as continued engagement with civil society organizations documenting violations. Second, the atrocities committed in Darfur more than 20 years ago went largely unpunished. Our collective failure to ensure accountability has normalized impunity, laying the foundation for the sinister violations today. Attacks against civilians, widespread violence, and impunity persist due to the failure to arrest perpetrators and enforce accountability, and that sends a clear message that violence would go unpunished. In this context, we note the importance of the recent conviction of Ali Housseib. This judgment is a significant milestone, yet it also highlights the remaining accountability gap. Justice can only be achieved if all those responsible are held to account. It is therefore imperative that the indicted fugitives, Omar al-Bashir, Abdelrahim Mohammed Hussein, and Ahmed Harun, are arrested and surrendered to the Court, in line with Sudan's cooperation obligations. At the same time, accountability efforts must continue to address crimes being committed today, particularly conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated predominantly by the RSF and affiliated militias. Reports of rape and other forms of sexual violence, often targeting women and girls from specific ethnic communities, are deeply alarming and underscore a fundamental truth: that where justice is absent, violations recur. Third, we commend the institutional reforms undertaken by the ICC to enhance efficiency, prioritization, and the timely conduct of investigations. Measures that strengthen investigative capacity, improve evidence gathering, and streamline court processes are essential, particularly in long-standing situations such as Darfur. We expect that these reforms will also contribute to advancing reparations proceedings. initiated following the conviction, which constitute a vital pillar of justice for victims and survivors. Through such reforms, the Court strengthens deterrence, reinforces victims' rights, and contributes to international peace and security, objectives that lie at the very heart of this Council's mandate. On this note, I commend the Office for prioritizing the investigation of gender-based crimes and crimes against children, which too often receive insufficient attention. We further stress the importance of safeguarding the independence of the courts and the international judicial system as a whole. Recent developments that place increasing pressure on judicial independence are a cause for concern and risk undermining the integrity and effectiveness of international justice. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Latvia for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of China.

President, I listened attentively to the briefing made by Deputy Prosecutor Nazad Khan. I welcome the presence of the representative of the Sudan at today's meeting. China supports the international community in combating and punishing the most serious international crimes in accordance with law. Our position on the ICC remains unchanged. We took note of the 42nd report submitted by the prosecutor on the situation in Darfur, Sudan. China has consistently maintained that the activities of the court should comply with the Rome Statute and relevant council resolutions and strictly abide by the principle of complementarity. The Secret Council referred the situation in Darfur to the court more than 20 years ago. Since then, China has been following the court's investigations, prosecutions, and trials. We took note of the first conviction issued by the court in the Darfur situation. When dealing with international and regional hot spot The court should maintain an independent, objective and impartial stance at all times, apply international law equally and consistently and avoid politicization and double standards. China has all along emphasized that the Court should maintain close communication and cooperation with the governments of the countries concerned. We welcome the positive progress referenced in the report regarding Sudan's cooperation with the Prosecutor's Office, including facilitating the country visit by the fact-finding mission, sending its Attorney General to The Hague, and promptly responding to requests for assistance. The Court should fully respect Sudan's judicial sovereignty and jurisdiction, heed the legitimate concerns of the Sudanese government, and avoid inappropriate intervention that could exacerbate tensions. At the same time, the Court should support Sudan in building up the capacity of its judicial system to better safeguard fairness and justice. China has consistently called on the international community to shoulder its shared responsibility. On the basis of respecting Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, it is imperative to build synergy in mediation, accelerate efforts toward a ceasefire, and increase humanitarian assistance, so as to end the conflict in Sudan as soon as possible and restore peace for the people in Sudan. China remains committed to working with the international community to play a constructive role in achieving lasting peace, reconstruction, and development in Sudan. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Colombia thanks the presidency for convening and facilitating this briefing. on the situation in Darfur, and we are grateful for the work of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in the region in the period running from July to December 2025, work done pursuant to resolution 1593 of 2005. Moreover, Colombia wishes to thank the Deputy Prosecutor of the Court. We regret that it was not possible for her to be with us in person today because the necessary visa was not issued on time. We note this with particular regret, given that this is a file that was referred to the Court by this same counsel, and given that it is in our very best interest to have her here with us in this Chamber. However, we are grateful for efforts made to ensure that the Deputy Prosecutor was able to be with us remotely today. Colombia wishes to welcome the Permanent Representative of Sudan to the Chamber, and we are grateful that they are with us. President, the situation in Darfur is dire. The humanitarian crisis has been described as the worst in history, and the high rates of gender-based crimes and crimes against children are alarming. Moreover, it is clear that humanitarian aid is not reaching citizens. Colombia is an unflinching defender of the Court, as a model nation in terms of transitional justice and positive complementarity, thanks precisely to a large extent to harmonious cooperation with the OTP of the ICC. Colombia wishes to begin by encouraging Sudan and all neighbouring States to continue working with the Office so that its investigations in Darfur continue to bear fruit. Moreover, allow me to congratulate the Court on the milestone that was the conviction handed down against Ali Abd al-Rahman. This was the first sentence to arise from a referral by the Council to the Court. It was the first conviction issued in connection with the situation in Darfur and the first sentence to be issued for gender-based crimes perpetrated against men. We must harness the momentum provided by this sentence to reaffirm our commitment with the victims. They are and must always remain at the heart of all work done by the Court. We must harness this momentum also to recall that it is possible to achieve the accountability that is so necessary to build a society in peace. There are fervent appeals for that accountability. However, In order to achieve that goal, the Office of the Prosecutor has a great deal of work still to do. We are concerned by the fact that we have had it confirmed that indeed there are reasons to believe that in Darfur. Crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed and continue to be committed. This means that we must continue to grant the Office of the Prosecutor all the support it requires to obtain the relevant evidence. However, moreover, we must guarantee that witnesses are fully protected against the risk of reprisals perpetrated by armed groups. Sudan's authorities must continue to cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor to guarantee access to relevant sites on the ground and the arrest of suspects. Moreover, Colombia welcomes the cooperation between the Office of the Prosecutor and the civil society organizations documenting the crimes committed in Darfur. However, Colombia wishes to draw attention to the fact that priority must be given to mitigating the risk of re-victimization. Consequently, we recommend that all bear in mind that the well-being of victims must be our utmost priority. President, It is more urgent than ever before that the Office of the Prosecutor make progress in the fight against impunity. Doing that should help peace to be restored in Sudan. To achieve this goal, the Office of the Prosecutor must continue to conduct its work independently and impartially, without external interference of any kind. Consequently, Colombia rejects the obstruction of its work through sanctions imposed against the Court or against its judges or staff. To achieve genuine peace, truth, justice and To achieve genuine peace, truth, justice and reconciliation are vital prerequisites. Consequently, Colombia recognizes all the work done by the Office of the Prosecutor. We reiterate our unwavering support for the International Criminal Court. At the same time, we invite all States, parties or not, to the Rome Statute to continue cooperating with the Court. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Colombia for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Mr. President, we have familiarized ourselves with yet another report of the so-called Office of the Prosecutor of the so-called International Criminal Court on the situation in Darfur. And despite loud words and about progress, what we have before us, again, is a document that has nothing to do with real justice. and which sends no positive signals for the millions of the Sudanese affected by the conflict. Two decades after the Security Council referred the situation in Darfur, the handing down of one judgment against one defendant is presented as a supposedly great victory. And at the same time, even this one single process took years. Against the backdrop of such successes of this pseudo-court, any national judicial bodies demonstrate not just multiple but several orders of magnitude greater effectiveness. In fact, what we have before us is yet another example of extremely dubious yield and exceptionally inefficient use of resources. And we are referring not only to the inflated budget of the ICC, but also the time of the Security Council, which could have been spent on more important matters than hearing empty reports consisting of empty excuses and promises, which do not improve people's situations in any way. The termination of listening to such empty reports would free up the Council's time and resources for truly priority tasks. The Council is not a platform for the self-promotion of a politicized structure that has not lived up to the expectations placed upon it, which has completely lost any connection with real justice and has sunk into a series of scandals. The trend towards distorted interpretation of norms of international law and expansive vision of its own jurisdiction is something that emerged in the ICC a long time ago. And exactly in the context of the Darfur dossier, at the dawn of its so-called investigation, the pseudo-court attempted to force the states of the region to violate fundamental norms of international law by demanding the arrest of the sitting head of a sovereign state not party to the Rome Statute. Having rudely violated widely recognized norms on the immunities of high officials, this body definitively set itself on the path of politicizing its activities and with each new investigation moved further and further away from the ideals of genuine justice. It is telling that none of the states at the time agreed to comply with the ICC's unlawful demands. This body destroyed its own reputation. In addition to blatant ineffectiveness and disrespect for norms of international law, the situation was compounded by numerous scandals inside and around the ICC. Among them stands out the investigation concerning the suspended, but not removed, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, who is accused of harassment of his own employee. For almost a year and a half, The court has not reacted in any way to these accusations. Apparently, its officials hope that the case will be swept under the carpet. In mid-December, information appeared about the completion of the factual part of the investigation, and it was promised then that conclusions would be presented within a month, which has already passed, but we still haven't seen any results. And recently, the press has turned up new scandalous information stating that a high-ranking ICC member had been transferring funds and providing support to a terrorist group in the Central African Republic. The ICC is incapable of establishing order even within the ranks of its own staff. What kind of contribution to the administration of justice, let alone to assistance in establishing sustainable peace, can we then speak of? The ICC is very closely controlled by the countries of the collective West, is an instrument of exerting pressure on undesirable states, while investigations regarding its owners are being methodically deprioritized. It is no surprise, therefore, that the ICC has become a symbol of double standards and hypocrisy, not of justice. The need to rethink the role of the ICC is confirmed not only by its practical uselessness, but also by the loss of trust in this body by the international community. And the facts speak for themselves. The latest voting results in the General Assembly on the annual ICC report showed that this body cannot claim universality and does not represent the international community. Support for its activities decreases year after year. the resolution in favor of cooperating with the ICC was voted in favor by less than half of the UN members. Moreover, a quarter of the state parties to the Rome Statutes did not deem it possible to support this resolution. Against this background, the prosecutor's statement about its successes in Sudan look especially cynical. unprecedented deterioration of the humanitarian situation, escalating violence, ethnic massacres, destruction of El-Fasher. This is a demonstration of the real ability of the ICC to contribute to sustainable peace. This body has completely failed in the task assigned to it by the Council two decades ago. At the same time, The Court itself continues arbitrarily interfering the current events in Sudan. We'd like to recall here that the Council's request in Resolution 1593 of 2005 envisaged the referral of a specific situation in Darfur. And this mandate is something that the ICC has failed. No other tasks concerning Sudan were set for it. Therefore, all attempts of this structure, this body, to extend jurisdiction to the contemporary conflict have no legal basis. Mr. President, the ICC has proved itself incapable of ensuring justice for the victims of the Darfur conflict. against a background of 20 years of imitating vigorous activity by the pseudo-court. In Sudan itself, real work on administering justice through national proceedings. has not stopped for even a minute. It's taking into account the specifics of the country and the will of the people. In this regard, we once again repeat the call to our colleagues on the Council to withdraw the Darfur file from the ICC. Issues of accountability for crimes must be resolved by the Sudanese themselves at the national level with the support of the international community, inter alia, with the active role of the African Union. Mr. President, The extremely difficult humanitarian situation in Sudan can but arouse concern. We stress the obligations of all parties to the conflict to strictly observe the norms of international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of the civilian population, humanitarian personnel, and civilian infrastructure. Sustainable peace in Sudan cannot be achieved through externally imposed decisions. Its basis can only be an interest Sudanese inclusive dialogue reflecting the interests of all segments of the Sudanese society. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of Greece.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank Deputy Prosecutor Khan for her briefing on the report regarding the activities of the Office of the Prosecutor concerning the situation in Darfur. And I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Sudan at today's meeting. We note with regret that the Deputy Prosecutor was not able to brief the Council in person today. We are concerned that this might have a negative impact on the work of the Court. In this respect, we reiterate our firm commitment to upholding and defending the Rome Statute and maintaining its integrity against threats and actions aimed at the Court or its officials. Mr. President, the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Darfur is catastrophic and unprecedented. Following the significant escalation of the conflict, particularly after the takeover of El Fasher, the situation has further deteriorated. As consistently reported by the United Nations, the humanitarian emergency across Sudan continues to deepen, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Against this grim backdrop, we would like to underline the following points. First, we underscore the initial assessment of the report regarding allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Al-Faaser since October 2025. These, as we have heard by Deputy Prosecutor Khan, include allegations of systematic and widespread crimes, such as detention, mistreatment, and killings of persons of non-Arab origin, as well as attempts to conceal crimes through the establishment of mass graves. We also note that the Office of the Prosecutor gathered evidence in support of the commission of a wide range of crimes under the Rome Statute in al-Jeneina, in particular gender-based and crimes against children. Second, with regard to judicial developments in relation to the referral of the situation in Darfur, a number of firsts have been achieved. Specifically, the ICC rendered its first judgment in the Al-Rahman case, which is also the first conviction and sentencing regarding a referral, the first in the Darfur situation, and the first conviction on grounds of gender persecution of males. Moreover, the judgment was issued after a trial of more than two and a half years and after the examination of over 100 witnesses called or relied upon by the parties. It sends, therefore, a powerful message as the report rightly points out, to the affected communities and to the international community in general on what can be achieved through sustained cooperation between the Security Council and the International Criminal Court. Moreover, we underscore the commitment of the Office of the Prosecutor regarding past crimes, in particular regarding the cases of al-Bashir, Hussein and Harun, that such crimes will not be set aside. The cooperation of States, in particular the cooperation of the Government of Sudan, is critical in bringing before the Court the suspects in the above cases through the execution of the relevant arrest warrants. Third, Greece strongly supports the increased engagement between the Office of the Prosecutor and the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan as well as the strengthening of contacts with the African Union fact-finding mission to collect evidence in support of its inquiries. In the exceptionally difficult conditions on the ground, it is essential, as the report rightly highlights, to establish clear linkages between credible evidence perpetrators, and relevant organizational structures, especially when witnesses express fear of reprisals. In this regard, we welcome the initiative undertaken by the Office to secure information and evidence through the OTP-linked platform and to engage as broadly as possible with affected communities, grassroot, and civil society organizations. In conclusion, Mr. President, the message from the affected communities, as reflected in the report, is clear. Combating impunity is indispensable for justice, reconciliation, and any sustainable peace in Sudan. Accountability is not an obstacle to peace, but a prerequisite for it. The Security Council has a responsibility to uphold the commitments it undertook through Resolution 1593 and to support the Court in fulfilling its mandate. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Greece for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank the ICC Deputy Prosecutor, Nazhat Shamim Khan, for her briefing, and welcome the participation of Sudan in today's meeting. Pakistan has taken note of the 42nd report of the Prosecutor, submitted pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1593. We note the Prosecutor's update on the trial and conviction of Mr. Abdel Rahman, the first and only ICC trial arising from the Darfur referral. The report also documents a deeply troubling pattern of atrocity crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur, including in El Fasher, following the fall of the city last year after an 18-month siege, in defiance of the Security Council Resolution 2736. The RSF's actions, including sexual violence, summary executions, detentions, killing of people on ethnic basis, desecration of corpses, and several other alleged offenses constitute grave international crimes. Graphic images of these horrendous acts and their celebration by perpetrators have been widely circulated, shocking the conscience of humanity and leading to global condemnation. The crimes committed in West Darfur, El Genaina, and El Fasher must not go unpunished. Pakistan appreciates the cooperation demonstrated by the Sudanese Government with the Court during the reporting period. Constructive engagement by Sudan, including facilitation of missions and sharing of information, reflects Sudan's commitment to justice and accountability. Cooperation between the ICC and the Sudanese Government must engender a holistic approach to accountability that respects complementarity and national sovereignty. Strengthening Sudan's national justice institutions should remain an essential priority for sustainable, credible and locally anchored accountability. The brotherly people of Sudan deserve peace, justice and dignity. There is no military solution to the conflict. Pakistan continues to advocate dialogue and diplomacy and urges renewed diplomatic efforts for cessation of hostilities, unhindered humanitarian access, and a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned political process to resolve the conflict. We reiterate our commitment to uphold Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Mr. President, Pakistan remains committed to accountability for international crimes everywhere, not only in Darfur. The credibility and moral authority of the ICC rests on objectivity, impartiality, and non-discrimination. in the cases it decides to investigate and prosecute. Some jurisdictions have thus far been immune from prosecution for widely reported atrocity crimes, including those committed in situations of prolonged foreign occupation and intervention. Selectivity and double standards erode trust and credibility. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr President. Let me begin by welcoming the distinguished representative of Sudan to today's Council meeting. I also thank Deputy Prosecutor Nazat Shamin Khan for her briefing to the Council today, and thank the Office of the Prosecutor for the report on the situation in Darfur. We note with regret that the Deputy Prosecutor was unable to brief the Council in person today, as mandated by the Council. I will make three points today. First, we note the landmark conviction of Ali Mohammed Ali Abdalrahman for war crimes and crimes against humanity. That first conviction, from a Security Council referral, and the first addressing of Darfur crimes in 2003 to 2004, sends a clear message that perpetrators of international crimes will be held accountable, no matter how long it takes. We further note the office's engagement with victims and affected communities, and the significance of this judgment as the first ICC conviction for gender persecution. Second, I turn to more recent events. As my Foreign Secretary has said, 9 January marked a grim milestone of 1,000 days of devastating violent conflict in Sudan. That has pushed millions into famine. The UK has repeatedly condemned the violence perpetrated by both the RSF and the Sudanese armed forces. We support efforts to combat impunity and hold perpetrators of alleged international crimes to account. We therefore welcome the office's investigations into atrocity crimes in Al-Jenina and are deeply concerned by the office's findings in relation to El Fashir. The RSF's October takeover has brought horrific reports of alleged mass killings, targeting of specific ethnic groups and the use of rape as a weapon of war. The displacement of over 107,000 people only serves to underline the catastrophic humanitarian impact of these developments. We urge all parties to cease hostilities, protect civilians, as demanded by this council in resolution 2736, and allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. Third, co-operation remains critical. We welcome steps by the Sudanese authorities, including recent engagements in the Hague, as well as the enhanced co-operation referenced in the office of the prosecutor's report. It is important that those welcome commitments lead to action, including the arrest and surrender of ICC suspects Omar al-Bashir, Abdurrahim Hussein and Ahmad Harun. We deeply regret the RSF's failure to engage with the office. We encourage states and regional bodies to assist the ICC by sharing satellite imagery, enabling witness interviews and providing evidence via the OTP link platform. Lastly, we welcome enhanced co-operation between the Office and the African Union fact-finding mission, and recognise the vital role played by civil society organisations in supporting investigations and advancing accountability. President, impunity risks fuelling cycles of violence. Accountability must go hand in hand with efforts to end the conflict and deliver peace. We reaffirm our strong support for the ICC and its independence. We do not support sanctioning individuals or organisations associated with the court. Mr. President, the Sudanese people deserve justice, and we welcome the ongoing role of the ICC in achieving that goal. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Mr. President, at the outset, I would like to thank the Deputy Prosecutor General of the ICC, Ms. Nezhat Khan, for her briefing. I would also like to welcome the participation of the representative of Sudan in our meeting today. Mr. President, the Kingdom of Bahrain took note of the latest 42nd report of the Prosecutor of the ICC concerning Darfur and would like to highlight the following three points. First, we express our severe concern over the continued deterioration of humanitarian situation in Darfur. witnesses serious security escalation that caused the falling of great number of civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure and the civilian facilities, and severe deterioration of living conditions, which runs counter to international humanitarian and human rights law. Second, the Kingdom of Bahrain stresses that addressing these developments requires a comprehensive approach that includes humanitarian and legal tracks. The judicial sovereignty of Sudan should be respected, as well as the complementarity principle in the Rome Statute, which defines the key role of the national judicial authorities in discharging their duties and the complementary support role of the ICC. Bahrain also underscores the importance of cooperation between the ICC and Sudan in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed on August 12, 2021. And Bahrain stresses the importance of this cooperation in enhancing the capacities of Sudanese national institutions without prejudice to the key jurisdiction and ownership of the judicial process. Third, the Kingdom of Bahrain emphasizes the necessity of redoubling efforts to reach immediate ceasefire and finding urgent political solution to this conflict through dialogue and diplomacy in a manner which preserves the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Sudan and fulfilling the aspirations of the brotherly people of Sudan for peace, solidarity, development, and prosperity. Thank you, Mr. President.

Representative of Bahrain for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of France.

Thank you, Mr. President. First and foremost, I wish to thank the Deputy Prosecutor, Ms. Najat Chammim Khan, for the presentation of the 42nd report submitted pursuant to resolution 1593 of 2005. We regret that it was impossible for the Deputy Prosecutor to attend in person due to a visa not being issued. As such, we remind the host country of its obligations under the headquarters agreement We also reiterate our appeal for sanctions imposed upon the Court, its judges, its prosecutors and those that cooperate with the Court to be lifted. Mr. President, the situation in Sudan is gravely serious and the work of the Court is crucially important. As such, I will make three comments in this regard. The suffering of the civilians in Sudan is the fruit of absolute scorn for the laws of war and lawful stop by the parties to the conflict. These Civilians are not only indirect victims of the conflict, they are deliberately targeted. This was the case during the siege and seizure of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces. We staunchly condemn these atrocities and all the violations of human rights and international humanitarian law perpetrated since April 2023. The parties are criminally responsible for the above. Against that backdrop, the priority must be an immediate ceasefire. and respect for the commitments taken by parties pursuant to the Jeddah Declaration. My second point now, justice must be served to the Sudanese people and it is exactly that the ICC is helping to do. It's what the court did on the 6th of October by convicting the former leader of the Janjaweed, Ali Muhammad al-Rahman. He was found guilty of 27 charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes perpetrated in Darfur between 2003 and 2004. These crimes, executions, sexual violence, forced displacement, torture, are crimes that we see being committed again today. It is for this reason, this first condemnation, which was must be followed by others. The Office of the Prosecutor is working to that end in spite of the obstacles hindering its work. The inquiries into crimes committed in Darfur since April 2023, namely during the seizure of El Fasher, continue to progress. Video, audio, satellite, and indeed all kinds of evidence collected by the ICC bear witness to the fact that war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed in Al-Fashir. This evidence sends out a clear message to the perpetrators of these crimes. Their atrocities are common knowledge and they must be held accountable for them. My third point, this quest for justice cannot be limited to Darfur, but must be extended to Sudan as a whole and benefit from the support of all without exception. Given the scope of the crimes committed in Sudan, France favors extending the court's jurisdiction to the country as a whole. Moreover, we reiterate the obligatory nature of parties' cooperation with the Court. We regret the fact that the RSF have not respected the commitments made to the Office of the Prosecutor. However, we welcome the new cooperation measures taken by the Sudanese Armed Forces, and we call upon the Sudanese Armed Forces to step up efforts to arrest suspects subject to a Court arrest warrant, including Omar al-Bashir, Abdel Rahmane Hussein and Ahmad Harun. France also underscores that the call for full cooperation with the Court made in Resolution 1593 extends to all States and to all concerned international and regional organizations. This fact clearly demonstrates that there can be no peace in Sudan without justice. For its part, France is determined to continue to sustain its support for the Court and for its independent and impartial work in Darfur and elsewhere. President, the Court's work in Sudan is iconic. To assist that work is to foster compliance with international law and the Geneva Conventions. To hinder it is to give war criminals a carte blanche. The Council knows where its duty lies. I thank you.

I thank the representative of France for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Sudan.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to begin by congratulating you sincerely on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council during this month. And I wish you every success in steering the work of the Council, and I reiterate my delegation's full readiness to cooperate constructively with you on all matters of mutual concern. I would also like to congratulate the newly elected members on earning the confidence of the international community and to express our deep appreciation to the outgoing members for their efforts during their membership. I would also like to thank Madame Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for the briefing she delivered today pursuant to resolution 1593, and we regret that she was unable to present the briefing in person. Distinguished members of the Council, The delegation of the Sudan would like to reiterate in the clearest terms its deep and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and accountability, in particular as regards to the most serious crimes that shock the human conscience. war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Achieving justice has been and remains a central objective of the Government of Sudan, and it has been reiterated repeatedly by the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council and the Prime Minister. based on a firm conviction that combating impunity, ensuring accountability, and providing redress to victims, and healing the wounds of conflict all constitute the true foundation of any sustained peace. Accordingly, the government of hope in Sudan is exerting its utmost effort to advance justice in Darfur. guided by the belief that peace and justice are inseparable and mutually reinforcing. Accordingly, I wish to highlight the following points. First, as you are aware, the Rapid Support Forces militia have committed horrific atrocities against civilians following its occupation of the city of El Fasher. atrocities that have been condemned by the entire world. The militia have carried out and continue to carry out ethnically motivated killings, systemic and widespread terror against unarmed civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, as well as drone attacks against cities and infrastructure. These crimes have reached such levels of brutality that the perpetrators have documented it them themselves in shocking footage displaying complete disregard for morals or Justice revealing the entrenched criminal nature of this militia which has made Bloodshed and Terror its modus operandi With support and encouragement from regional sponsors, this militia has planned and attempted to perpetrate a fully fledged genocide by imposing a suffocating siege on El Fasher and starving its people for nearly two and a half years. And before this has reached a horrific massacre added to its record of atrocities that stretched from El Genena to West Darfur to the villages of Al-Jazira, passing through Khartoum, Sennar, and Kordofan, and every area that its foot have set in. This war waged by the terrorist militia against the Sudanese people represents a dangerous precedent in the history of mass atrocities. making it a glaring example of genocide and crimes against humanity against innocent civilians. Wherever this militia has been present, killing, terror, and destruction have followed. There is no doubt that all these crimes fall squarely within the material and territorial jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. This makes it incumbent upon the court to expedite the charges and the issuance of arrest warrants against the implicated leaders, some of whom appeared openly before phone cameras documenting their own crimes in blatant contempt for justice and accountability. Any delay by the Court in exercising its criminal jurisdiction raises serious questions, in particular as ethnic cleansing has been committed twice in El Fasher since May 2023. Second, these atrocities perpetrated by the militia would not have occurred without the sponsorship, support, and encouragement provided by a certain state known to you. which has offered military, financial, political, logistical, and media support. Therefore, it is important that the Court's investigations extend to all those proven to have supported or colluded with the militia, whether leaders, financiers, or regional sponsors. given that the ICC possesses the legal mandate to prosecute all those involved in such crimes, regardless of their locations or nationalities. We further stress that the scope of investigation must include certain media organizations that have played a serious role in whitewashing the militias' crimes downplaying their atrocities and trivializing the suffering of victims, actions that flagrantly violate ethics of the media profession. In this context, we draw attention to the role played by Sky News Arabia, which is headquartered in the state sponsoring the militia, in this misleading narrative. History has taught us, from Nazi Germany to Rwanda to Kenya, that certain media organizations can play an inciting and manipulative role that is no less dangerous than armed attacks on civilians. Therefore, justice will not be fully achieved except when accountability extends to those who kill, those who finance and arm, and those who provide media coverage and prolong the coverage of media of the crimes. Therefore, we call for the inclusion of individuals who support the militia, some of whom live in European states, some of whom are members in this council. Third, given that achieving justice for the crimes committed in Darfur is a top priority for the transitional government in Sudan, We continue our cooperation with the International Criminal Court. In this regard, the Office of the Prosecutor has visited Sudan from the 29th of July to August 11, 2025. The Sudanese Attorney General in his capacity as chair of the Committee on War Crimes and Violations of International Humanitarian Law, has also visited The Hague in December 2025. And following the capture of El Fasher in October 2025 and the serious crimes that have followed, the cooperation has intensified. We increased the exchange of information, and we have fulfilled several requests from the ICC prosecutor's office. Preparation is also underway for a forthcoming visit by a delegation from the ICC to the IDP camps in different parts of Sudan to meet witnesses who have survived the attack on El Fasher. And here we note that only two Two further requests or further related requests remain under consideration. Fourth, despite that it has been two years since the El Genina massacre, and despite the availability of witnesses and evidence, the ICC has still not issued arrest warrants against the perpetrators. This delay sends a troubling message. It deeply disappoints the victims and emboldens the perpetrators to commit further crimes, trusting that they will continue with impunity, as has taken place in El Fasher. Had the Court acted swiftly, as was previously mentioned before this Council by the Prosecutor himself, and issued the arrest warrants, Perhaps these atrocities could have been avoided in West Darfur and in other parts of the Sudan. Mr. President, in conclusion, we reiterate that combating impunity is a noble and essential objective of justice. It is not a matter of contention. In fact, it is a fundamental pillar for achieving peace and stability in Sudan, and accordingly, we reiterate our firm conviction and commitment to continue the cooperation with the ICC to guarantee justice for the international crimes committed in Darfur and to provide redress to the victims and lay the foundation for a lasting peace in our country. In this regard, we note that Sudan has welcomed last week the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. His visit aimed to assess the serious violations by the Rapid Support Forces against the civilians and to coordinate with the government of Sudan on the efforts to guarantee accountability and justice. During the visit, the High Commissioner reviewed the legal and judicial measures undertaken by the government of Sudan concerning the crimes committed by the terrorist militia. And it was reaffirmed that the promotion of human rights is a top priority of the policies of the government of hope and a central pillar of the state strategy. And thank you, Mr. President.

Representative of Sudan for the statement. I now give the floor to Deputy Prosecutor Nazir Shamim Khan to respond to comments.

I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to take the floor again, and also, of course, for the opportunity to brief the Security Council virtually. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the representative of Sudan to the United Nations for his constructive statement today, as well as, of course, for the strengthened cooperation that the Office of the Prosecutor has with the government of Sudan, and I continue we will continue to ensure that we will do everything necessary to accelerate our investigations in relation to the situation. This situation was, of course, opened as a result of a Security Council referral, and it is very important that we, of course, continue to engage with the Council, to brief the Council about the progress that we have made. This continued engagement and dialogue isn't just important for the Office of the Prosecutor or for the Council, it is absolutely important for the thousands of Darfuri victims who watch these proceedings and who follow very closely the discussions that we have had. So thank you again, Mr. President, for this opportunity and to all members of the Council for this constructive discussion. I thank you.

I thank Deputy Prosecutor Khan for the clarification she has provided. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.