Sudan and South Sudan - Security Council, 10197th meeting

The 10,197th 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. Najat 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 Madam Deputy Prosecutor, Madam Shamin Khan. You have the floor. Ms. Shamin Khan, you have the floor. Can you hear us?

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With the permission of the members of the Council, we're just going to give the UN technician a few minutes to deal with this issue, and then we'll resume our work. Thank you.

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Go ahead, ma'am.

Mr. President, thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council today. 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, last week I was in eastern Chad, hearing directly from just a small fraction of the Darfuris affected by the harrowing cycles of suffering that continue to be inflicted upon them. In refugee camps in Goss Baida and in Farshana, I sat with Darfuri women, men, and children to hear their experiences and to address how the process of justice can help stem the ongoing violations suffered by their communities. Those I met with included displaced Darfuris from the camps of Adre, Akuum, Abutenge, Metche, Al-Aqsa, Qarfi, Ghazamir, and Zabut, who traveled despite their own difficult circumstances to meet with me and my team. These conversations were deeply impactful and, I must admit, difficult. The victims I spoke with continue to bear the consequences of being driven from their homes. Living in conditions of acute hardship, they struggle each day to provide food, water, and education for their children while longing to return in safety and dignity to their homeland. There is real despair in those camps, a clearly and repeatedly stated belief that they have been forgotten by much of the world. That their lives are not given equal value, that the depth of their suffering has not been met with a meaningful response. And the specific individual experiences of pain they shared with us reflected the collective agony of the people of Darfur, including those who saw their parents die, who saw their mothers raped in front of their very eyes. People who were sacrificed as if they were livestock, men huddled into prisons and burnt or buried alive, women who spoke of being raped repeatedly, and children directly attacked, raped, and traumatized by what they have seen. Recent reports of mass killings were also mirrored in who we actually saw in those camps, with women and girls and many orphans making up a significant majority of the population. The experiences they shared reflected the mirror image that we see between the patterns of large-scale crimes that gave rise to the referral by this Council of this situation to the ICC in 2005. And the gravest of atrocities that are now again being carried out across Darfur. The same types of crimes. The same targeted communities. The same mechanisms of inflicting pain and humiliation. One person told me, this is an unbearable situation for us. We have been suffering since 2003. In addition to the pain in their accounts, there is another overriding emotion: fear. Fear that the worst, unbelievably, is still to come. Fear that the world may again watch as the violation of the Darfuri is relived. The men and women I spoke to are receiving clear accounts about what is happening and building in El Obaid. We have seen this before. This is a pattern. More unspeakable crimes will take place. As reflected in my report to this Council, the Office of the Prosecutor is united with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in a collective view that the most serious international crimes may be about to take place in El-Abeid. We cannot say we did not know. We cannot say it could not be expected. It is for this Council and all states to act now to prevent further atrocities, to take responsibility and ensure that those likely to suffer yet again from what is unfolding are given protection. We should not shy away from this legal and moral duty. We cannot tolerate another Al-Janaynah. We cannot tolerate another Al-Fashr. Mr. President, Excellencies, speaking with so many who have suffered so much and those that fear even worse, It can be easy, perhaps natural, to feel a sense of despondency. But in fact, that is not what I left with from my meetings with these Darfuri communities. It is truly moving when sitting with women, children, and men who have been subjected to the most serious of crimes to feel, of course, amongst frustration, the genuine value and importance they continue to give to the process of justice and to the work of the ICC. This was shown in their recognition of how their experiences were reflected in the successful conviction and sentencing of Mr. Abdul Rahman, also known as Ali Kusheib, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. In the words of one man I spoke with, this was a victory for our people. There is now real anticipation, real hope, as victim communities look to the proceedings now underway before the judges of the International Criminal Court to provide meaningful reparations. Support for this crucial step, including through contributions to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims, will be essential in ensuring Darfuris truly feel the impact of the justice process. And this continued hope and commitment was also seen in the many men and women who traveled long distances to meet with us. They came forward to our team members, passing their numbers, their contact details, sometimes privately, sometimes over the heads of the groups present. Wanting to contribute to our investigations and accelerate the delivery of results for their communities. This was justice in action. Mr. President, Excellencies, in this spirit of partnership, in speaking with these victims, I underlined to them that our office is moving at speed to deliver greater accountability for what they and their families have been through. That we will not be deterred from our objective of holding those most responsible to account for the crimes committed in al-Fashia in 2025, in al-Janaynah in 2023, and for the historic crimes that began more than 2 decades ago, the legacy of which continues to fuel the bloodshed we are witnessing today. Crucially, I was able to confirm to them, as I have to you in my report today, that the Office has now taken important steps forward in our investigations in recent months, including the conduct of crucial interviews of key witnesses that have allowed the Office to draw a direct link between recent crimes committed in Darfur to high-level perpetrators. Of course, I am limited by the Court's regulations in what I can say about any potential applications for the arrest of particular individuals. So I want to be clear that my remarks must not be understood in that context. The report that my office has already submitted to the Council should also be understood in the same vein. But nevertheless, I can tell you that we are seeing real, concrete progress in our investigations. This is a paradigm shift. It is a breakthrough. And it sends a clear message to those who lead these attacks, to those who plan them, to those who support the commission of atrocities from afar, and believe they can benefit from impunity, you are mistaken. Our office has secured vital evidence that will allow us to hold senior contributors to attacks to account. Further evidence collection carried out during this reporting period has also strengthened the legal finding outlined in our last report that both war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in both Al Janaynah and Al-Fashah. As I explained to those we met, these developments reflect the Office's established deliberate investigative strategy to ensure that the judicial outcomes of its investigations properly capture the large-scale persecution and displacement endured by non-Arab and other targeted Darfuri communities. That same strategy also ensures that the accounts of those who have suffered gender-based crimes, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, are fully reflected in our investigations. This investigation has faced real significant challenges. Our resources are limited. We have not been able to access the territory of Darfur. Nor interview witnesses in a number of other key locations. And the witness protection needs are significant. And I also have to be honest with this Council that the coercive actions taken against the ICC do have an impact on our operations, including with respect to the situation in Darfur. But I am confident Despite these hurdles, and based on the wide range of material we have collected, including over 130 interviews of victims, satellite imagery, documentary evidence, audiovisual material, and other digital assets, our work now effectively demonstrates the gravity and extent of the suffering of the communities we have met.

week.

Mr. President, Excellencies, the hope that we can still see among Darfuri communities compels us to act together to deliver more for them. And the momentum we are building in this effort, as you have seen in my report, is founded on a common effort, on harnessing a coalition of of accountability for Darfur. In the last 6 months, we have seen how partnerships with a wide range of actors have allowed us to significantly accelerate our activities. Deepened engagement with civil society organizations, including those working closely with affected communities, has supported identification of important new leads and lines of investigative focus, while also allowing for collaboration in the collection and analysis of open-source material. Continued outreach sessions with victims, survivors, and Darfuri diaspora have generated several leads for the ongoing investigations. Formal cooperation, including through requests for assistance, has been expanded with third states. And international and regional organizations. And collaboration with the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan has remained an important pillar of our work. I must take this occasion, Mr. President, to thank in particular the Government of Chad for its steadfast support for the work of the Office of the Prosecutor in the situation in Darfur. I had the opportunity during my mission to meet with His Excellency the Foreign Minister, during which meeting I expressed our sincere recognition both of excellent assistance provided by Chad for the activities we undertake pursuant to the mandate of this Council, as well as their support for those in the camps I visited this week. In productive discussions with Her Excellency the Minister of Justice, We also identified new areas in which CHAD and the ICC can work together in the spirit of complementarity. We have agreed to develop a new framework for cooperation that will allow the Office to provide support to Chadian national authorities with respect to the investigation of sexual and gender-based crimes. This is the type of mutual partnership the Office is seeking to develop with states across this region. Our Office is truly grateful to all of our partners for the contribution they are making towards justice for the people of Darfur. This collaboration will be intensified in the coming months, and I wish to call on all states to lend their support to these efforts, including in particular by supporting the interview of victims and witnesses in their territories. I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to our United Nations partners whose support was so crucial for our mission. Mr. President, Excellencies, I have also recognized in my report that the cooperation of the Government of Sudan has remained on a positive trajectory. This has allowed for further deployments by our Darfur Unified Team to Port Sudan, as well as supporting the collection of important information relevant to investigations. I wish to express my appreciation to the Government of Sudan for this cooperation, which will remain crucial to our work in the coming period. I would also wish to repeat my call for the Rapid Support Forces to engage with my office. Again, over the last 6 months, we have not seen any action match apparent indications of willingness to provide cooperation. This represents not just an attempt to frustrate our work, but is a clear violation of the terms of Security Council Resolution 1593. I would also wish to take this opportunity to note to the Council The announcement made yesterday regarding the application of the Office of the Prosecutor to withdraw charges against Mr. Abdallah Banda Abubakar Nurain in relation to previous crimes in the situation of Darfur. This will be addressed in a status conference to be held next week, and I will include further detail in our next report. Mr. President, Excellencies, If I may, I would like to conclude with what struck me most deeply in my meetings with the Darfuri communities in Chad this last week. It is that so often, amidst the absolute darkest of experiences, despite the failings they have seen and the cycles of suffering that have befallen them, there remains a fragile but real hope that our collective work can provide them some validation, some basis to believe that the world values their lives. It is this continued belief of the Darfuri, almost against their own experiences, that gives absolutely no state or organization any right to give up, to be despondent, or to even seek to undermine the work of those who are partnering with the people of Sudan to turn that hope into meaningful justice. One man was clear in what he wanted me to pass on to you today. He said, justice is what is needed in Darfur, but we need all countries to come together to help us, to help the ICC, Again and again, the United Nations and the ICC to work together more coherently, more impactfully, to deliver more for Darfuri victims. Our Office is more committed than ever to work with all of you in this essential common effort, building on the crucial progress we have made in the last 6 months. Harnessing the real momentum we have built and driven by the incredible courage of those I have met this week, we will be working intensively to demonstrate to the Darfuri people that they are right to believe and to trust that justice will come. I call on all states in this Council, all members of the United Nations, and all partners for accountability to heed the voices of the victims that I have shared with you today and to join us at this crucial moment for the people of 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 Liberia.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Liberia thanks the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for her work and for the report which she has just presented to us. under international law. In the same vein, we welcome the participation of the distinguished representative of Sudan. Madam Deputy Prosecutor, you continue to have Liberia's support, and we thank you again for your work and your service. Mr. President, the findings of this report are deeply alarming. More than 2 decades after the conflict began, the people of Darfur continue to face violence, displacement, and profound insecurity. Reports of killings, attacks against internally displaced persons, Conflict-related sexual violence and ethnically targeted attacks indicate that war crimes and crimes against humanity may still be occurring. The reemergence of patterns that defined earlier phases of the conflict is a stark warning that impunity continues to fuel instability, and suffering. Having taken note of the prosecutor's report, Liberia highlights 3 key messages. First, justice must remain at the center of international efforts in Darfur. Justice is not simply a legal aspiration. It is a prerequisite for sustainable peace. Victims deserve truth, justice, and redress, while perpetrators must face the consequences of their actions. The Court's continued work, including progress in the Ali Kusheb case and ongoing investigations, underscore the importance of maintaining momentum toward accountability. However, accountability cannot be measured solely by investigations and indictments. It must ultimately be reflected in arrests, The number of arrests that are executed, prosecutions completed, and justice delivered— not only to punish, but also to prevent. Second, we must strengthen the protection of women and children and ensure accountability for crimes committed Be equally condemned. The killing and maiming of children, their recruitment and exploitation by armed actors, as well as attacks on schools and other civilian infrastructure essentially— excuse me, civilian infrastructure that are essential to their safety and development constitute serious violations of international law. This Council continues to insist that schools must never become targets of conflict. Attacks on educational facilities rob children of education, protection, And opportunity. It also robs a state of its future. This is why it must be a proper basis for identifying, investigating, and holding perpetrators accountable. Third, accountability depends on enforcement, cooperation, and measurable progress. Liberia calls for the establishment of clear and verifiable benchmarks within ongoing regional peace and political processes. Progress in civilian protection, judicial cooperation, implementation of peace commitments, and respect for international humanitarian and human rights law should be regularly monitored and reported. International judicial compliance and accountability must be treated as key indicators of progress on the ground, and not as secondary considerations. Outstanding arrest warrants cannot remain unenforced indefinitely. The Security Council must move beyond expressions of support and take a more active role in promoting compliance with judicial cooperation obligations. Liberia, therefore, calls on all States to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court including in the execution of outstanding arrest warrants and the preservation of evidence. Accountability depends on enforcement, and without enforcement, there can be no credible justice. In conclusion, Mr. President, as we just heard, the traumatizing fear of the Sudanese people that the worst which occurred, which we thought had occurred in Darfur, is yet to come, must compel this Council to act together to ensure that what the Sudanese people have reasons to fear never come to pass in Darfur or anywhere else in Sudan. I thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the representative of Liberia for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Mr. President. Let me also thank Deputy Prosecutor Khan for her briefing. I also welcome the representative of Sudan to our meeting today. Mr. President, the conflict in Sudan continues to spiral out of control with devastating consequences for the civilian population. Last month, we were briefed about the urgent situation in El Obaid. Our message then was clear, and it remains so today: we must ensure that El Obaid does not become another al-Fashir. We call on all parties to protect civilians ensure access for humanitarian actors to Alobaid, and allow free and safe passage for all those seeking to flee. We furthermore call on all relevant states to cease the supply of weapons that prolong this war and to use their influence on the parties to prevent further atrocities. We must also ensure that accountability is pursued and the cycle of impunity is broken, not just in Darfur but across Sudan. Sudan. Killings and targeted attacks on civilians, persecution, and sexual violence are the same atrocities regardless whether they are committed in al-Fashir or al-Ubaid. Against this backdrop, Denmark reiterates its call for the mandate of the ICC to be expanded to all of Sudan. Mr. President, we welcome the substantial progress made by the Office in its investigation into crimes committed in Al-Geneina and its surrounding areas, including in linking crimes to high-level perpetrators. We also welcome the progress made in the collection of evidence from the horrific crimes committed in al-Fashir, and the good cooperation between the Office of the Prosecutor, the UN Fact-Finding Mission, and the AU Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan in this regard. As sexual and gender-based violence continues to rage throughout Sudan, We also commend and support the Office's prioritization of investigating gender-based crimes and crimes against children. Mr. President, last year's conviction and sentencing of Janjaweed leader Mr. Abdel Rahmane was a major milestone. Now, the path to justice for his victims must be followed up with reparations. Denmark welcomes that proceedings for reparations have been initiated and a hearing has been scheduled. We call on all States, including those who referred the Darfur situation to the ICC as members of this Council, to offer their assistance in securing reparations for the victims and survivors. We welcome the Sudanese authorities' continued engagement and cooperation with the Office, including through its responses to requests for information and facilitating visits to Sudan. However, we continue to underscore that these efforts must be extended to the arrest and surrender of the outstanding ICC arrest warrants, namely those regarding Mrs. al-Bashir, Hussein, and Haroun, in accordance with Sudan's obligations under Resolution 1593. Only then a larger number of the victims of the violence that shook the country more than 20 years ago can see justice being done. We note in this regard that the Office of the Prosecutor continues to dedicate investigative resources to these matters. We encourage the Office to follow up on its earlier announcements that the finalization of investigative activities in relation to these files will be a priority. Mr. President, Denmark commends the Office's continued engagement with civil society organizations and affected communities. Their work on the ground is essential in securing leads and expanding sources of information and evidence, often under extremely difficult circumstances. We highly appreciate their invaluable insights. Mr. President, this is the last regular Darfur briefing by the Office of the Prosecutor that Denmark will participate in during our current term of the Security Council. As was the case during our last term, back in 2005-2006, we are led by the strong belief that accountability for the gravest crimes is not only a matter of justice for victims, it is an essential safeguard against future atrocities. When we started our current term in January 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor announced that it was seeking to submit several applications for new arrest warrants in relation to ongoing crimes in Darfur. This kind of accountability action is needed after more than 3 years of new conflicts and atrocities. We need to jointly send a clear and loud message to those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide that they will be held to account. This will also send a message to the people of Sudan that they have a right to justice and that the international community stands firmly behind them. Mr. President, in closing, 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 remains resolute.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of China.

President, I listened carefully to Deputy Prosecutor Nazar Khan's briefing, and I welcome the representative of Sudan at today's meeting. Since the Security Council referred the situation in Darfur, Sudan to the International Criminal Court more than 20 years ago, China has consistently followed the court's investigations, prosecutions, and trials. China takes note of the latest report submitted by the Office of the Prosecutor on this matter, as well as the progress on the investigation into the Darfur issue. I have 3 points. First, the court must always remain objective and impartial. China supports the international community in combating and punishing the most serious international crimes in accordance with the law, thereby deterring acts of violence. At the same time, it must be recognized that allegations of international crimes are highly sensitive and have far-reaching implications. The court must handle such matters with caution, adhere strictly to facts and law, and ensure relevant procedures are open and transparent. International judicial mechanisms must perform their duties independently and impartially, set out their work rigorously on the basis of international law, avoid politicization and selective justice, and earn the trust of all parties in Court's work through concrete actions. Second, the Court should respect the judicial sovereignty of the states concerned. China consistently emphasized the principle of complementarity established by the Rome Statute as an important foundation for ICC's work. The Court should uphold the principle in handling any and all cases and fully respect the judicial sovereignty and jurisdiction of the states concerned. China welcomes the report's mentioning of the Sudanese government's positive attitude towards cooperating with the Office of the Prosecutor General. Thank Thank you. you, Mr. Prosecutor, and hopes that the office will continue to strengthen communication with the government, listen to its legitimate concerns, and avoid undue interference and external pressure. The court's investigation into the Darfur issue should strictly adhere to the mandate set by the council resolutions recently, define the scope and timeframe of the investigation, and prevent undue expansion. Third, all parties must create favorable conditions for Sudan to achieve peace and stability. The Darfur issue involves complex historical context and current conflicts. The prolonged conflict has severely undermined regional peace and stability. The international community should rely on accountability to resolve the issues. It should all the more intensify diplomatic efforts and urge the parties to the conflict to achieve ceasefire as soon as possible, comply international humanitarian law, cease attacks on civilian and civilian infrastructure, and seek political solutions through dialogue and negotiations. International judicial activities should contribute to restoration of peace and stability in Sudan, avoid exacerbating conflicts. Countries outside the region should cease undue interference in Sudan's affairs, which undermines the Sudanese peace process. China firmly supports Sudan's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and stands ready to work with all parties to help Sudan return to peace and stability and achieve development and prosperity soon. Thank you.

I thank the representative of China for the statement. I now give the floor To the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for arranging this report and briefing to the Council related to the situation in Darfur. First and foremost, I must address the ICC itself, which continues to pose an intolerable threat in its attempts to assert jurisdiction over the United States or over any U.S. ally that has not consented to ICC jurisdiction. The ICC was supposed to be a court of last resort, a narrow backstop to prosecute the gravest crimes. The ICC and its proponents seek a standing world tribunal with near-unlimited reach. The ICC is constantly seeking to aggrandize its own power, falsely asserting so-called jurisdiction beyond its mandate, including over nations who never consented to its authority. The ICC's perverse attempts to encroach on the sovereignty of states, including some on this Council, must be defeated. So long as this decades-old concern remains unaddressed, we will continue to take steps as needed to protect U.S. interests. To this end, the United States has launched a full-on diplomatic campaign working beside every ally with whom we can make common cause to dismantle the capabilities of the ICC until it is completely incapable of threatening the United States, our people, and our interests. We encourage all current states parties to the Rome Statute to withdraw from this power-hungry institution, which has grossly exceeded its legal authority. institution. Separate from the ICC and its work on Darfur, and as Senior Advisor Boulos stated last month in the meeting of this Council, the situation in Sudan is dire. We are witnessing some of the worst types of violence, harm to civilians, and the continued escalation of drone warfare and airstrikes that are causing significant damage to humanitarian and civilian infrastructure, and hindering humanitarian assistance. The conflict in Sudan has also seen some of the worst types of fighting and violence that humanity has experienced, with the commission of atrocities including genocide by the Rapid Support Forces and the use of chemical weapons by the SAF, the Sudanese Armed Forces. The United States is deeply concerned by ongoing mass atrocity risks including in and around El Obaid, across the Kordofan region, and elsewhere in Sudan. We are seeing both the SAF and RSF turn to their drones supplied by external actors to perpetrate remote warfare, which does not translate to any battlefield successes, but instead just exacerbates the suffering and harm to civilians. The United States reiterates its deep concern about external support to the parties, which only serves to prolong the conflict and therefore must cease. As Secretary Rubio has noted, at the highest levels of our government, the case is being made and pressure is being applied to relevant parties to stop the outside assistance that is facilitating the violence. President Trump is committed to achieving peace in Sudan. The United States condemns the violence and killing of civilians in the strongest terms, and we call on all parties to the conflict to halt the violence and embark on a path to peace. And the United States, alongside our allies and importantly exclusive of the ICC, is working tirelessly to help achieve this. Those who do not do so must be held accountable.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States. I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia.

Thank you, Mr. President. We listened carefully to the briefing of Deputy Prosecutor Khan and took note of the 43rd report of the International Criminal Court pursuant to Resolution 1593. We welcome the participation of the representative of Sudan in today's meeting. Mr. President, the devastating conflict in Sudan continues to claim numerous lives, creating an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis that demands our collective attention and action. A comprehensive approach that integrates judicial accountability, humanitarian support, and diplomatic engagement remains essential. In that context, I would like to make the following point. First, justice and accountability is central to fostering peace and stability in Sudan. Moreover, transitional justice remains vital for achieving national reconciliation and lasting peace. Strengthening Sudan's national justice institutions must remain a priority to empower Sudanese authorities to lead this process. This means creating an environment that builds national capacity to administer justice. Second, existing legal frameworks should be reinforced and, where appropriate, adapted to respond to evolving circumstances. Judicial accountability is sustainable when rooted in Sudanese efforts and aspirations. While we note the progress made in the proceeding following the landmark conviction of Mr. Ali Hoshaib, meaningful progress ultimately depends upon the execution of outstanding arrest warrants. Delays in judicial action risk sending the wrong message to perpetrators and undermining victims' confidence in the international justice system. Accountability must be both credible and timely. Third, Sudanese leadership in addressing justice must take precedence, supported by regional and African mechanisms. We are deeply concerned by the failure to hold the RSF accountable for the atrocities and crimes against humanity committed in Al-Jenina and Al-Fasher. The newly consolidated testimonial evidence and satellite imagery have firmly strengthened links to high-level perpetrators and highlighted extensive crimes and atrocities targeting civilians, including children. The Council must remain vigilant as these same atrocities threaten to spread to El Ubaid. As the Deputy Prosecutor just said, we must not tolerate another El Jinina or al-Fasha. Mr. President, cooperation between Sudanese authorities and the ICC, as outlined in Security Council Resolution 1593, is encouraged and can foster accountability while respecting complementarity and national sovereignty. We note the positive trend in cooperation from the Government of Sudan, including the development of the ICC team to Port Sudan and positive response to requests for assistance. Deepened partnership and outreach to affected communities through national authorities are vital to advancing accountability. To conclude, Mr. President, Somalia stands firmly with the people of Sudan and the victims of these atrocities. The victims of Darfur deserve justice. Accountability is not only a legal imperative, but also an essential requirement for the protection of civilians and the restoration of confidence in international justice. The international community must remain committed to supporting the Sudanese people in their pursuit of justice, stability, reconciliation, while fully respecting Sudan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Somalia for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Greece.

Thank you, Mr. President.

We would like to thank Ms. Nazan Shamim Khan, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. We thank her of the presentation of the prosecutor's report for the presentation 1590— under Resolution 1593. We would also want to welcome the Permanent Representative of Sudan. The situation in Darfur is urgent, and we have seen that atrocities have not ceased. The situation in Darfur remains very difficult. There are people who are uprooted and the humanitarian situation is extremely difficult.

Catastrophic humanitarian conditions. Greece wishes to underscore the important progress in the investigations made by the Office of the Prosecutor and to underline the following. First, the report of the Office of the Prosecutor rightly highlighted the priority given by the Court to gender-based crimes and crimes against children committed in Al-Janaynah. Equally, it underlined the dire picture unearthed in Al-Ash-Pasha as regards the scale of crimes which amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes according to its preliminary assessment in this regard. We also underline that the report notes that the situation in Al-Ubeid entails the risk of serious international crimes to be committed therein. All eyes must now turn to Al-Obaid, and we call for vigilance and monitoring of the actions of the warring parties on the ground. We reiterate that all perpetrators of crimes against civilians must be held accountable. Second, against this background, we urgently need enhanced cooperation with civil society, grassroots organizations, and affected communities. In order to secure evidence related to inquiries concerning al-Fashan and al-Janaynah, and to document systematic and widespread crimes. The use of the OETP Link platform for children and women possessing evidence of crimes is of paramount importance. Equally, we call for increased cooperation between the Office of the Prosecutor with the UN Fact-Finding Mission in Sudan in acquiring information regarding crimes in al-Fashl. The engagement of the OITP with the Joint African Union Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan regarding its intended fact-finding mission in the country will certainly enhance coordination in the documentation of committed international crimes. Third, difficulties to obtain cooperation from non-State Parties to the Rome Statute heavily impacted, as the report highlights, efforts in the collection of evidence. In this respect, we underline that Security Council Resolution 1593 urges all States, both parties and non-parties to the Rome Statute, to fully cooperate with the Court in its investigations on the situation. Fourth, Greece notes that proceedings on reparations in the Al-Rahman case have started. It underscores the importance of upholding the rights of victims in the overdue quest for justice in Darfur. Equally, it underlines that, as the OTP notes, meaningful progress in the Darfur cases depends largely on the execution of the Court's arrest warrants in the cases of al-Bashir, Haroun, and Hussein.

Mr. President, bringing to justice those who are responsible for the atrocities committed in Darfur is indispensable if we want to ensure that there is lasting peace in Sudan, in particular when it comes to the arrest and bringing bringing to justice those suspects which have been evading it for years. To conclude, we reaffirm our commitment to respect and defend the Rome Statutes and preserve its integrity in the face of threats and actions against the court and its officials. I thank you.

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

Mr.

President, 20 years ago, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1593, referring the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court. However, throughout all of this time, the court has failed to carry out the task entrusted to it. The latest report of the so-called Prosecutor's Office only confirms the ICC's systemic inability to deliver justice for the victims of the Darfur conflict. Over 2 decades of work on this file, the court has issued only one conviction against one accused person, and even that proceeding has still not been completed and remains at the appeals stage. The obsessive highlighting of some ICC successes in this context at the very least leads to our bewilderment. We see no benefit in wasting the Security Council's time on hearing reports which consist of excuses and promises from a body that long ago ceased to have anything in common with genuine justice and which makes a negative contribution to the achievement of sustainable reconciliation. Mr. President, today particular concern is caused by the fact that the ICC is consistently attempting to expand its own jurisdiction beyond the mandate which was given to it by the Security Council in 2005. And we would like to recall that Resolution 1593 provided for the referral to the court of a very specific situation in Darfur— the situation as it existed in 2002. No other tasks regarding Sudan were assigned to the ICC. We will not stand idly by and watch the court having failed its original assignment as it arbitrarily takes up events occurring 20 years later in order to continue obstructing the achievement of long-awaited sustainable peace in Sudan. The reason for the ICC's initial failure are obvious and well known. In pursuit of immediate success, the court grossly violated generally recognized principles and norms regarding the immunities of senior officials from jurisdiction, as well as the sovereign equality of states. It attempted to compel states of the— states of the region to commit a grave violation of international law by demanding that they arrest and surrender the sitting head of a sovereign state, which was not party to the Rome Statute of the ICC. It was significant that not a single African state followed the lead of The Hague pseudo-court and did not agree to comply with these unlawful demands. Mr. President, the deep crisis of the ICC is no longer limited to the glaring inefficiency and politicization of this structure. This body is continuously at the center of various scandals. And one of them concerns the recently suspended, but still formally in office, British ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, who is accused of sexual harassment. We reviewed with interest the latest investigative articles in The Times of June 27th and New York Times of July 8th, which contained highly unflattering details which very vividly illustrate not only the story involving Mr. Khan, But also the very questionable practices and atmosphere within the ICC as a whole. The situation surrounding the prosecutor has become a litmus test, clearly demonstrating how poor the state of transparency, accountability, and the fight against impunity is within the ICC, which some countries present as a body of international justice. Thus, this pseudo-court has repeatedly rewritten its own internal procedures to suit the case of Mr. Khan, from increasing the secrecy level of investigations involving its own officials and imposing strict censorship on any information concerning them, to changing voting rules on the issue of suspending the sitting prosecutor. Instead of the previous 2-stage procedure, which envisaged separate votes on the fact of misconduct and on suspension, there will now be a one-stage vote. It is obvious that such haste is needed not for the purpose of establishing the truth and holding those responsible accountable, but rather for quickly sweeping under the carpet this scandalous story. The court is unable to act according to its own rules even within its own walls. It's rewriting them on the fly simply in order to get rid of a toxic high-ranking official more quickly, turn the page on an inconvenient chapter, and pretend that nothing happened. We are perplexed by the fact that among the sanctions under consideration, there are only disciplinary measures and suspension. The actions which are being attributed to Mr. Khan would, in any self-respecting state governed by the rule of law, would entail not merely a dismissal, but criminal prosecution and a lengthy prison sentence. As we have learned, as a separate issue, Mr. Khan's intimidation of the victim and other staff members in order to conceal his crime will not be considered at the Assembly of State Parties to the Rome Statutes at all. Apparently, such practices are the norm for the ICC. And the case of Mr. Khan is not an isolated episode. It's the tip of the iceberg. It is obvious that the ICC is incapable of restoring order even among its own staff. The need has long been overdue for a deeper investigation into all corruption and ethics violations within this body, which has turned into a tool for manual control by the countries of the collective West and is being used to exert pressure on undesirable states. Mr. President, while the ICC imitates vigorous activity and seeks to salvage the remnants of its badly damaged reputation, the real situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate. The unprecedented worsening of the humanitarian situation, the escalation of violence, the destruction of al-Fashir, the situation in El Obeid clearly demonstrate that the ICC is fundamentally incapable of contributing either to the administration of justice or to national reconciliation. And once again, we call on our colleagues on the Council to consider the withdrawal of the Darfur file, as well as the Libyan file, from the ICC. Issues of accountability for serious crimes should be resolved by the Sudanese themselves within the framework of national proceedings, which demonstrate considerably greater effectiveness which take into account the country's specific circumstances and the will of its people, with the support of the international community and an active role played by the African Union, which possesses unique capacities for mediation and dialogue. The Security Council should focus on finding and applying real, rather than illusory, mechanisms for resolving the problem. And we have expressed our position on the Sudanese I said very clearly at the end of June, sustainable peace in Sudan cannot be achieved through the imposition of solutions from outside or through the imitation of justice involving politicized pro-Western bodies. Conditions must be created for a genuine, intra-Sudanese, inclusive dialogue reflecting the interests of all segments of the population and political forces of the country. And for such a dialogue, the Hague pseudo-court is merely an obvious obstacle. I thank you for your attention.

I thank the representative— representative— I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for their statement. I now give the floor to Panama.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. We thank the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms. Najat Shamim Khan, for her briefing On the 43rd report to the Council on Sudan, and this is an extremely sensitive and grave situation. We regret that the Deputy Prosecutor, for reasons outside of her control, wasn't able to be here again to brief this Council in person on the important issues that we're dealing with today. Furthermore, we welcome the presence of the delegation of Sudan here in this meeting this afternoon. As a state party to the Rome Statute, Panama reaffirms its support to the work of the International Criminal Court and to the mandate given to it by this Council with respect to the situation in Darfur in 2005. Panama recently joined a joint statement where it was reaffirmed that it's important that the prosecutor's office be able to appear in person in a timely manner here at this council in line with Resolution 1593 of 2005. More than 20 years since the situation was referred to the court, the 43rd report of the prosecutor's office confirms what has happened in Darfur and that it cannot be understood as a closed chapter. The work undertaken by the prosecutor during this period shows progress towards the identification of those responsible for crimes committed in Darfur. Also, the recent mission to Chad brings an essential dimension to the investigations carried out by the prosecutor. It's also significant that the— an approach was taken in the investigation to crimes on sexual violence, gender-based violence, as well as crimes committed against children. The report shows the persistence of large-scale atrocities and crimes that motivated this being submitted to the court by the Council, and this situation is still affecting the civilian population. We're particularly concerned about the risk of a new escalation of violence in El Albeid and the warning issued by the prosecutor and by the High Commissioner on Human Rights on the possibility of new war crimes being committed against the population. The strengthening of cooperation between the Prosecutor's Office and the UN International Independent Investigation Mission must be underscored, as well as the investigation mission of the AU and civil society organizations. And this cooperation contributes to strengthening the coherence of international documentation and accountability efforts, particularly in a context of limited access to the areas affected. And insufficient cooperation on the part of relevant actors. Furthermore, we appreciate the recent report of the International Independent Investigation Mission, whose findings continue to document a pattern of grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including conduct that may constitute war crimes. President, by way of conclusion, Is an essential element in the follow-up of the mandate entrusted to it through Resolution 1593. As a state party to the Rome Statute, we firmly support the independence of the International Criminal Court and reject any coercive measure or retaliation that could affect the mandate of the court, including those directed against its personnel or those that cooperate with them. Panama reaffirms that progress in these matters are an essential step towards accountability and justice for victims. That's why we recall that there are still 4 pending arrest warrants issued by the court in relation to the situation in Darfur, and fulfilling these remains essential for the full implementation of Resolution 1593 of this council. It is the council's role to ensure that the decisions adopted. Leads to concrete results for the victims and to a sustained response to the grave crimes committed against the Sudanese people. We cannot allow history in Sudan to be repeated in a spiral, and we certainly can't allow the early warnings that today we have received from the Deputy Prosecutor to fall on deaf ears. The credibility of the UN and of the Court depends on this. Thank you.

The President thanks the representative of Panama for his statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for her briefing and welcome the participation of the representative of Sudan. Pakistan has taken note of the 43rd report of the Prosecutor submitted pursuant to Resolution 1593, including updates on the continued proceedings in the Abdur Rahman case. The report presents a deeply troubling account of atrocity crimes in Darfur, particularly in Al Janina and Al Fasha. Pakistan strongly condemns the grave abuses committed in— committed by the RSF in Darfur, including attacks against civilians, ethnically motivated killings, sexual violence, forced displacement, detentions, and attacks on civilian infrastructure. The fall of al-Fashir in October 2025, following a prolonged siege, and the crimes reported thereafter are a stark reminder that impunity continues to fuel a repeated cycle of violence. The crimes committed in al-Jenina and al-Fasha, and elsewhere in Darfur, must not go unpunished. We are particularly alarmed by the reports of a possible RSF offensive against al-Ubaid. Given the pattern of atrocities witnessed in Darfur, such an escalation carries grave risk of serious international crimes. The RSF must halt its assault on civilians and comply with international humanitarian law. Accountability must be credible, timely, and comprehensive. Those most responsible for atrocity crimes must be held accountable, as should those who finance, facilitate, or otherwise enable the commission of such crimes. Mr. President, Pakistan appreciates the cooperation extended by the Government of Sudan to the Office of the Prosecutor, including facilitation of field engagement and responses to requests for assistance. At the same time, accountability must respect the principles of complementarity, national sovereignty, Sudanese Ownership. Strengthening Sudan's national justice institutions remains essential for credible, sustainable, and locally anchored accountability. The brotherly people of Sudan deserve peace, justice, and dignity. Pakistan reaffirms its firm support for Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. In closing, Mr. President, accountability must be pursued Objectively, impartially, and without selectivity or double standards in all situations. The credibility of international justice depends on equality before the law and its consistent application. I thank you, Mr. President.

Je remercie le représentant du.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for his statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

Monsieur le Président.

Thank you, Mr. President.

We thank the Deputy Prosecutor Najat Khan for her compelling briefing and for the continued efforts of the Office of the Prosecutor to advance accountability for crimes committed in Darfur, in line with this Council Resolution 1593. Today, I would like to highlight 3 points. First, accountability for Darfur is urgent. President, the report before us makes clear that atrocities in Darfur are not a matter of the past. They are unfolding before our eyes. The findings that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in al-Junaina and al-Fasher are deeply alarming, particularly because the cycle of atrocities reoccurs and worsens further when impunity persists. We recognize the important investigative steps taken during this reporting period, particularly the interviews with key witnesses that helped to link crimes committed and therefore to leadership of RSF. This is a breakthrough and a significant development in the pursuit of justice. Further, we welcome the continued focus of the prosecutor on the allegations of gender-based crimes and crimes against children. And we also underline the important role of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan in documenting violations, also in relation to al-Fashir, and supporting accountability efforts. Second, cooperation with the ICC is a legal obligation under Security Council Resolution 1593. We welcome the cooperation of the Sudanese authorities with the Office of the Prosecutor and view it as an important step towards justice for victims and survivors. At the same time, we underline that obligation arising from the Council's referral under Resolution 1593 extends to all parties to the conflict in Darfur. We therefore expect sustained and tangible progress going forward. And we call on the Sudanese authorities to intensify efforts to locate, arrest, and surrender all suspects subject to the ICC arrest warrants without delay, and RSF to respond to cooperation requests and engage with the Office of the Prosecutor. Third, victims and survivors must remain at the center of any accountability process. The conviction of Ali Kushayb was a landmark step for justice in Darfur. It showed that accountability is possible, even after many years. But it is just one step in the right direction. Justice for victims requires more than convictions. It requires reparations. It requires witness protection. It requires survivor-centered investigations, including for victims of conflict related sexual violence and crimes against children. It requires continued engagement with affected communities and civil society. We welcome the continued outreach by the ICC to victims and affected communities, including in Chad, and through civil society partners. These efforts are essential to ensuring that justice is not only delivered in The Hague, but is understood and felt by those most affected. Latvia will continue to stand with the victims and survivors of atrocities in Darfur, and we call on States and parties to cooperate fully with the ICC, support the arrests, surrender fugitives, and ensure that justice and accountability are not delayed any further. Mr. President, justice for the Sudanese people cannot be separated from the urgent need to stop the violence. without delay. Accountability, protection of civilians, and cessation of hostilities must reinforce one another. We therefore reiterate our call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease hostilities, protect civilians, comply with international humanitarian law, and cooperate fully with accountability mechanisms. I thank you.

I thank the representative.

I thank the representative of Latvia for her statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of France.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank the Deputy Prosecutor Najat Chamim-Kam for the presentation of the 43rd report on the situation in Darfur and welcome her recent trip to Chad to meet the Darfuri communities which are impacted Thank you. This shows the attention paid by the Office of the Prosecutor to the victims and her determination to continue her work despite a very difficult context. And I also— I think we should thank the government of Chad for having facilitated this visit, for having done this in cooperation with the United Nations. Mr. President, the gravity of the situation The situation in Sudan and the advancement of the works of the court compel us to make 3 comments. They're as follows. First, our fight against impunity is advancing and it merits our full support, including— as does the ICC's integrity and independence. We welcome the advances made by the Office of the Prosecutor in the last 6 months. The hearing of the witnesses has enabled us to establish the links between the crimes in Darfur and the high-level perpetrators, but also to identify new victims. We also note the particular attention paid to gender-based violence and crimes committed against children. It's essential that these crimes, too often invisible, be at the heart of future investigations and prosecutions. The recent conviction of Ali Abdelrahman was a major step in the prosecution of crimes committed in 2003 and 2004. This conviction must be accompanied by reparations, and that the victims of these crimes have been waiting for more than 20 years. In this regard, we call on states, including members of the Council, to support the Court's Trust Fund for Victims. Secondly, Mr. President, cooperation with the Court is an obligation. It's not an option. France takes note of the support provided by the Sudanese authorities to the deployment of the Office of the Prosecutor's team in Port Sudan, and we also note the responses to several requests for cooperation made by the latter. This is a kind of trend that must be continued and strengthened.

Thank you.

On the other hand, we note that the Rapid Support Forces have not reacted in any way to the request for cooperation addressed to them. And this persistent refusal to cooperate in a situation referred by this Council is unacceptable. In view of the gravity of the alleged crimes, it only feeds the cycle of impunity and the abuses. We also reiterate our call for the arrest arrest and transfer to the court of those who are still under arrest warrants, including Omar al-Bashir, Abdelrahim Hussein, and Ahmad Haroun. Justice will not be served for as long as these suspects continue to evade their responsibility. More broadly, we call on all states and organizations concerned to strengthen their support for the Office of the Prosecutor, both in terms of cooperation and resources so that it can fully implement the mandate entrusted to it by this Council. Thirdly, Mr. President, justice remains an essential instrument of prevention. The report reminds us that impunity for most of the crimes committed in Darfur in 2003 and '04 has contributed to the return of the violence we're witnessing today. Today, this violence And its procession of abuses threatens Olaibaid again. France urges the RSF to immediately cease any action that could endanger civilians and cause further atrocities in Olaibaid, including drone strikes and obstacles to humanitarian access. France calls on the Sudanese Armed Forces, the RSF, and their respective allies to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law to implement an immediate ceasefire, to guarantee humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, as well as to resume direct negotiations in good faith. France supports the efforts of the U.N. Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Mr. Pekka Haavisto, to facilitate a de-escalation in El Obaid, as well as broader efforts made by the Quad and the Quintet so as to reach a humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and an independent, inclusive, transparent, and civilian-led political dialogue. France, together with our partners, is determined to hold the SAF the RSF and their respective allies accountable for their crimes. We welcome the mobilization of the UN Human Rights Council and support the investigations conducted by the International Criminal Court together with the independent international fact-finding mission. We call on the United Nations Security Council to extend the jurisdiction of the ICC to the entire territory of Sudan. France also calls on all foreign actors to stop providing directly or indirectly armed, logistical, or financial support to the parties to the conflict and to refrain from any action that could aggravate tensions and fuel the conflict. We urge the UN Security Council to extend the arms embargo to all Sudanese We therefore reaffirm our unwavering support for Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. We reject all unilateral initiatives that could lead to the division of the country, and we remain committed to supporting the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people. Mr. President, to conclude, And we've already said this on many occasions, the Council must act with resolve and responsibility when it comes to Sudan. In this regard, we share the view of the High Commissioner for Human Rights that the current situation in Darfur is one of those typical ones for which the Franco-Mexican initiative to regulate the veto has been proposed. 2 new states, Jamaica and Suriname recently announced that they had joined the initiative, bringing the number of states supporting it to 120. And let us repeat: if the veto has a consequence of preventing the Council from preventing the commission of mass atrocities, the veto must not and cannot be used. This remains our conviction. And we will continue to mobilize with states that share this conviction.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of France for his statements. I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I'd like to thank the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms. Nazhat Khan, for her briefing. We welcome the Thank you for the participation of the representative of the Central Republic of Sudan in today's meeting. Mr. President, the Kingdom of Bahrain has taken note of the 43rd report submitted by the prosecutor of the ICC concerning Darfur. The continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Darfur region and the direct impact of the escalating developments on civilians, particularly women and children, including the increasing number of victims, the damage to civilian facilities, and the worsening living conditions, food insecurity, the difficulty of humanitarian access to those affected— all of these require a comprehensive response that encompasses both the humanitarian and legal tracks. It also requires respect for national judicial sovereignty. The Kingdom of Bahrain reiterates its commitment to the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute, which affirms the primary role of national judicial authorities in carrying out their responsibilities while the ICC plays a supportive and complementary role. The Kingdom of Bahrain renews its support for all efforts aimed at achieving a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in Sudan through a political process that is Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led, and which preserves Sudan's sovereignty, its unity, and territorial integrity, and ensures the protection of civilians and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the Sudanese people for security, stability, and development.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of Bahrain for her statement, and I give the floor now 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 wish to thank Deputy Prosecutor Khan for her briefing to the Council today and for her presentation of the Office of the Prosecutor's latest report. Mr. President, I will make 3 points today. First, the UK remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Darfur. The Office of the Prosecutor's latest report reinforces the assessment assessment, that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in al-Junaynah and in al-Fashah. Indeed, we are concerned that the situation in and around al-Fashah remains dire. We also note with increasing alarm the Office's warning that the current situation in al-Obaid carries with it a risk that further serious international crimes may be committed. On 20 June, this Council demanded that the Rapid Support Forces immediately halt their assault on El Obaid and allow unhindered humanitarian access and safe passage for those seeking to flee. As my Foreign Secretary has said, El Obaid is on the precipice of an atrocity that will deepen the wounds already inflicted on the Sudanese people at El Fasher. We must not allow the horrors of El Fasher to be repeated at El Obaid. Second, we welcome the continued improvements in cooperation between the Sudanese authorities and the Office of the Prosecutor. In particular, we welcome Sudanese support for the deployment of the Office of the Prosecutor's Darfur team to Port Sudan. We encourage the authorities to continue cooperating with the Court, including in relation to outstanding arrest warrants. However, we note with regret that the Rapid Support Forces have failed to respond to cooperation requests from the Office. President, all parties must cooperate with efforts to secure accountability for the most serious international crimes. Third, justice and accountability should remain central to international efforts in Sudan. In that regard, we welcome the progress made in the Office's investigation, including in obtaining the additional evidence as set out by the Deputy Prosecutor in her briefing to the Council today. President, the people of Sudan deserve accountability and a path to lasting peace. Mr. President, let me conclude by reiterating the United Kingdom's strong support for the ICC and for its independence. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for his statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Gracias.

Thank you. Colombia thanks the President for convening this informative meeting on the situation in Darfur and on the activities carried out by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in this area in the period since January 2026, pursuant to Resolution 1593 of 2005. Colombia furthermore extends its gratitude to the Deputy Prosecutor of the Court and regrets that once again it was not possible to have her here in person at this meeting. Nevertheless, we are grateful for all the efforts made for the Deputy Prosecutor to be able to be with us this afternoon remotely. Colombia also welcomes the Permanent Representative of Sudan. Mr. President, the situation in Darfur remains extremely serious. The humanitarian crisis that has been described as the worst in history and high levels of Gender-based crime and crimes against children are alarming. Humanitarian aid is not reaching citizens, and the efforts of the international community have not managed to improve the situation. Colombia reiterates its appeal to the authorities of Sudan and to all neighboring countries to continue to cooperate with the Office so that their investigations in Darfur can continue to achieve good results. Particularly, and well aware of the benefits of cooperation— of the benefits that cooperation with the court can bring, Colombia invites the authorities of Sudan to guarantee access to the prosecutor's office on the ground to facilitate contact with key witnesses and to ramp up efforts to address arrests It's necessary to continue to build on the momentum of the sentence handed down against Ali Abdaalrahmane, to continue with active participation from the community affected. These types of good results manage to reinform trust on the part of the people affected and to improve willingness to cooperate with the prosecutor's office. When they see that it is possible to achieve the accountability that the community is calling for and that they need in order to build a peaceful society. Mr. President, the Office of the Prosecutor still has a lot of work ahead of it. However, in order to continue to achieve successful results, it needs to have all of the support necessary in order to gather the respective evidence and to ensure the protection of witnesses against risks of retaliation. All of the actions of the prosecutor must continue to place victims and witnesses at the center and to protect their rights. On this, Colombia warmly welcomes cooperation between the prosecutor's office and civil society organizations which document crimes committed in Darfur. With the diaspora and with agencies of the UN system. We also welcome activities such as the exchange of specialized knowledge on gender-based crimes. Mr. President, it's more urgent than ever that the Office of the Prosecutor make progress in its fight against impunity in order to enable peace to return in Sudan. To this end, it's necessary for the Prosecutor's Office to continue to carry out its work with independence and impartiality without any external interference of any type. This is why Colombia regrets interference in its work by way of sanctions against the court or against its judges or officials. In order to achieve true peace, truth, justice, and reconciliation, these are essential requirements. Given all of the above, Colombia recognizes all of the work carried out by the Office of the Prosecutor, and we reiterate our absolute support to the International Criminal Court. And at the same time, we invite all states, whether party to the Rome Statute or not, to continue to cooperate with it. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Colombia for this statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of the Congo thanks the Deputy Prosecutor, Ms. Najat Chamim Khan, for the presentation of the 43rd Report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on the situation in Darfur, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1522. My delegation also welcomes the participation of the Permanent Representative of Sudan in this meeting. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken note of the information in the report, including information on investigations into crimes which are alleged to have been committed in Darfur since the resumption of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and their Rapid Support Forces in April 2011. April 2023. We recall that these developments remain particularly worrying in view of the seriousness of the violations reported, their impact on the civilian population, and the persistent climate of impunity. In this context, my delegation would like to make the following 3 observations. First, with regard to the investigations on the crimes committed in Darfur, the Democratic Republic of the Congo takes note of the progress made by the Office of the Prosecutor, including in the collection and analysis of evidence relating to the atrocities committed in El Janaina and El Fasher, as well as to the alleged individual responsibility and the chains of— presumed chains of command. My delegation remains particularly concerned about reports of ethnically motivated violence, crimes against children and the use of sexual violence in the context of the conflict. The Democratic Republic of the Congo strongly condemns the use of rape and other forms of sexual violence as methods of warfare. Such acts may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The perpetrators, as well as those who order those crimes, encourage or tolerate them, must be held accountable. In this regard, we encourage the continuation of investigations in accordance with the requirements of independence, impartiality, and rigor that must guide the action of international criminal justice. Secondly, with regard to the extension of the conflict and the increasing use of armed drones, my delegation shares the concerns expressed about the escalation of hostilities and their extension into new areas of Sudanese territory. The increase in the use of drones by parties to the conflict and the resulting civilian casualties is a particularly alarming development in an already extremely fragile context. The development of means and methods of warfare can in no way relieve the parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law In particular, the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. The Democratic Republic of the Congo reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. It calls on all parties to fully comply with their international obligations and recalls the importance of respecting the measures imposed by the Security Council, particularly in the context context of the sanctions regime on Darfur. Thirdly, with regard to the progress of the proceedings concerning Ali Abd al-Rahman, also known as Ali Gushaib, the Democratic Republic of the Congo takes note of the judgment handed down by the First Instance Chamber for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur. This procedure is an important step for the victims and communities affected by the atrocities committed in this region. My delegation also notes the continued judicial calendar, including the appeals process as well as the hearings on reparations. Justice cannot be limited to establishing criminal responsibility only. It must also ensure that the rights dignity, and legitimate expectations of victims are fully taken into account. The issue of reparations is of particular importance here to the individuals and communities who continue to suffer the consequences of these crimes. The Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms its commitment to the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes under international law. The progress made in the ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings demonstrates the importance of continuing efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable. My delegation remains particularly attentive to the situation of victims, especially women and children, as well as to the need to guarantee their right to justice and reparations. In this regard, it encourages further investigations and calls on all parties concerned to cooperate with the court. This is in accordance with the Security Council Resolution 1593. The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains convinced that the fight against impunity is an essential element in the prevention of atrocities, the protection of civilian populations, and the consolidation of sustainable peace in Sudan. Thank you. I now resume my function as President of the Council, and I now give the floor to the representative of Sudan.

I thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I'd like to renew our congratulations to you on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We wish you success in guiding the Council's work, and we confirm my country's full readiness to cooperate constructively with you on all relevant matters. I'd also extend our appreciation to Ms. Nazhat Shamim Khan, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for the briefing she delivered to the Security Council today pursuant to its Resolution Number 1593. Excellencies, the Republic of Sudan wishes to reaffirm in the clearest of terms its steadfast commitment to the principles of justice and accountability, particularly with regards to the most serious crimes of concern to humanity, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of genocide. Achieving justice has remained a central objective of the Sudanese state. It is a commitment repeatedly affirmed by the country's leadership in the person of the President of the Sovereignty Council and the Prime Minister. This stems from the firm conviction that combating impunity, providing redress to victims, ensuring reparations, and strengthening the rule of law are all These are all the fundamental pillars for achieving a lasting and sustainable peace. Based on this, the Government of Sudan continues to exert every effort possible to achieve justice, and therefore, out of its belief that peace and justice are complementary and interdependent paths. Mr. President, allow me to focus on the following points. The terrorist Rapid Support Forces have committed and continue to commit grave violations and horrific atrocities against civilians in Darfur and other areas in Sudan. These actions include killings on ethnic grounds and systematic widespread attacks against unarmed civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, and deploying drones to attack cities and critical infrastructure. The entire world has witnessed the heinous crimes perpetrated by these militias in Al-Junaynah in Western Darfur and Al-Fashir in Northern Darfur. And now these militias are seeking to replicate the same scenario in the city of Al-Ubayyid in North Kordofan. In this regard, we welcome the press statement issued by the Security Council on the situation in al-Ubayyid. We also welcome the resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council condemning the malicious actions in North Kordofan. Mr. President, there is no doubt that these crimes fall squarely and entirely within the subjective and territorial jurisdiction of the ICC. This requires expediting the completion of the required legal procedures, bringing charges, and issuing arrest warrants against those responsible for these crimes. Some of the perpetrators of these crimes have not only committed them but have also documented their actions themselves and broadcast them openly in a blatant defiance of justice and with utter disregard to the rights of victims. Any unjustified delay in taking these steps will send the wrong message to the perpetrators and would undermine confidence in the ICC at a time when victims are looking for tangible measures that enhance accountability and deter the recurrence of such crimes. Second, the crimes committed by the RSF militias have reached such a level of brutality and bellicosity because of the military, financial, logistical, political, and media support and sponsorship and backing it has received from the Abu Dhabi regime. Therefore, the requirements of justice demand that investigations include everyone proven to have been involved in financing, supporting, facilitating, or inciting the commission of these crimes, be they leaders or entities or parties that are Emirati or neighboring countries that have become involved in the UAE's unjust aggression against Sudan. Here, we welcome the statement issued by the European Parliament last week, which explicitly condemned the UAE's role in fueling the war and undermining stability. We call for the investigations to include, include those who incite crimes against civilians, the rape of women and girls, or anyone who justifies these crimes or supports their perpetration.

Thank you.

We must hold all perpetrators, regardless of where they reside or where they are located, as some of these individuals reside in European countries. Genuine accountability is not limited to the direct perpetrators, but also extends to all of those who have contributed to the planning, to the deployment of foreign mercenaries, to financing, or facilitating the aggression. Third, Based on the fact that achieving justice and therefore is considered a top national priority, the Government of Sudan continues its cooperation with the ICC in accordance with Resolution 1593 and the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Sudan and the ICC. Here, a delegation led by the Attorney General of the Republic of Sudan and comprising all of the members of the National ICC Liaison Office— this delegation visited the Office of the Prosecutor and the ICC Court from the 11th to the 12th of December 2025. During that visit, the delegation held a series of intensive meetings with various departments and divisions of the Office of the Prosecutor, during which they discussed the existing challenges and appropriate solutions for them. A detailed program of work for the subsequent phase was also agreed upon.

Thank you.

The Office of the Prosecutor has been fully informed of the cooperation agreed upon, and Sudan remains committed to implementing it. During the reporting period, Sudan received 4 requests from the Office of the Prosecutor, all of which were answered with no delay, despite the fact that some of them are related to incidents and events in areas of Darfur that are currently difficult for the relevant national institutions to access due to the security situation. ICC liaison office arranged a visit by a team from the Office of the ICC Prosecutor to Sudan from the 27th of March to the 4th of April of the year 2026. The team visited a number of IDP camps and met with several witnesses and victims. Moreover, additional arrangements are currently underway to facilitate further interviews with witnesses relevant to the investigations force. Despite the fact that more than 2 years have passed since the Al-Junaynah massacre was perpetrated, and more than 8 months have passed since the large-scale crimes were committed in al-Fashir, and despite the availability of testimonies, evidence, and documented facts, the ICC has yet to issue arrest warrants against those suspected of being responsible for these crimes. This delay causes serious concern and sends a negative message to the victims and their families. Moreover, it entrenches the sense that the perpetrators have that they can enjoy impunity, which would encourage further atrocities and violations. Had the necessary judicial measures been taken with the speed previously indicated, by the court before this council, such measures could have served as an effective deterrent, preventing the recurrence of crimes in other parts of the Sudan. Mr. President, Sudan reiterates its full commitment to cooperating with the ICC within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1593 and a memorandum of understanding signed between the Sudan and the ICC in 2021. The government of Sudan continues to fulfill its obligations obligations and to show cooperation and provide the cooperation, information, and facilitation required in the support of justice and the interests of the victims, we expect this to be met by serious and effective action on the part of the Office of the Prosecutor and the ICC so that the lengthy investigative periods are translated into concrete legal measures against those responsible for crimes committed in Darfur. Justice delayed is justice denied. Justice delayed may even encourage perpetrators and their supporters to continue committing further atrocities against innocent civilians. Therefore, expediting accountability procedures and issuing arrest warrants against those responsible for these crimes has become a necessity. It has become an urgent matter in service of justice and for the protection of civilians and to preserve the credibility of the International Criminal Court, a credibility that is now being put to the test. Mr. President, before I conclude, perhaps it is surprising for the representative of the— distinguished representative of the U.S. to repeat claims on the fact that the Sudanese Armed Forces are using chemical weapons. We'd like to note that the government of the United States has been unable to provide any evidence to support this claim— not to our embassy in Washington, D.C., not to the OPCW in The Hague, where Sudan and the U.S. have membership in the Executive Bureau. Of that organization? Of that organization. Therefore, it might be useful, Mr. President, to issue a reminder that the United States of America has a record in making such claims. The American government in 1998 destroyed a medicines factory in Khartoum, in Sudan, under the guise that— and claim that this factory was producing chemical weapons— the same claims that we heard today. And it was later proven that that claim was false, and the U.S. compensated the owner of the factory financially. The members of the council, do not forget that a former U.S. Secretary of State had very confidently spoken in front of this very council and said that a certain country owns WMDs, and that was an excuse to invade that country before it became clear later that these claims were unfounded. But it was too late at that point. Therefore, Mr. President, the Sudan calls for dealing with such claims With extreme responsibility and objectivity, the Security Council must always be guided by the facts and by verified information, not by claims that lack any basis or foundations. I thank you.

Je remercie.

I thank the representative of Sudan for this statement. I am now going to give the floor to Deputy Prosecutor Ms. Nazhat Shamim Khan to react to the observations we've heard.

Thank you so much, Mr. President, and I want to thank all members of the Council for their participation in this important discussion. And I also want to acknowledge with appreciation the many voices of support For our work and for the independence of the court, I appreciate it greatly. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Je remercie Madame.

I thank Madame Deputy Prosecutor Khan for the clarifications she's just provided. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.