S/PV.10092 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Sudan to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I now give the floor to Ms. Khan. Ms. Khan: I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief the Security Council today. It was my hope and intention to be present in the Council Chamber today, 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 the Sudan to the United Nations for his attendance. Since I last addressed the Council on this agenda item (see S/PV.9955), the situation in Darfur has darkened even further. Darfuris, as we speak, are being subjected to collective torture. The fall of El Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces (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 the 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 El Geneina in West Darfur and in El Fasher in North Darfur. Based on the information and evidence collected by the Office during 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 El Fasher, including in particular in late October 2025, as a culmination of the siege of the city by the Rapid Support Forces. Video material analysed by the Office shows a pattern of crimes similar to those previously seen and allegedly committed by the RSF in other areas of Darfur, including the detention, mistreatment and killing of persons from non-Arab tribes. Members of the RSF are seen celebrating direct executions and subsequently desecrating corpses. Our work has 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, and atrocities used as a tool to assert control. As also reflected in my report, with respect to El Geneina, 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 El Geneina in 2023 have been replicated in El Fasher 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 previous 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 United Nations 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 the Sudan of 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 culturally sensitive and gender-sensitive manner, requiring close involvement of the Office of the Prosecutor’s Gender and Children Unit and an ongoing focus on ensuring that our investigators are gender-competent and culturally aware. We are also aware that there are reports of crimes under the Rome Statute allegedly being 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 obligations 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 El Fasher, El Geneina and across Darfur to come forward and provide this to the International Criminal Court (ICC), in particular through the secure online platform OTPLink. 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. 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 6 October 2025, Mr. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman 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. Abd-Al-Rahman was found by the ICC judges to be the Janjaweed leader known as Ali Kushayb, and they confirmed his role as a direct perpetrator and a co-perpetrator and his responsibility for ordering the commission of these atrocities. They also confirmed his close connection to senior members of the Government of the Sudan, including ICC fugitives Minister Abdel Raheem Muhammad Hussein and Ahmad Harun. The conviction and sentencing of Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman represent 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 and 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 Darfuris 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 for those who suffered at the hands of the Janjaweed. Our commitment to them, to all victims in Darfur and to the Council today is that this first conviction will in time be seen not just as a landmark but also as a catalyst for much broader, deeper accountability for crimes committed against the people of Darfur, through the work of the ICC. 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 the present suffering and criminality in Darfur can be addressed only if we work together. In the past six months, we have seen some key steps forward in our cooperation with a range of partners, which have set the basis for the 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 and 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 and other United Nations 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 be 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 audiovisual and digital information and intelligence relevant to the investigation; supporting the identification, screening and interviewing of members of the 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 Council members 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. In our engagement with the Sudanese authorities in this reporting period, we have seen more progress with further commitments for cooperation made. Indeed, the Government of the 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, around the time of the sentencing hearing in relation to Ali Kushayb, to welcome the Attorney General of the Sudan to the ICC and the committee established by the Sudanese authorities for cooperation with the Office. The Attorney General and I had candid discussions regarding the ongoing criminality in Darfur and across the 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 the Council and to the victims of atrocities in the Sudan, and we have every expectation that it will be honoured. I want to also be clear on one key point. The Government of the Sudan must work with us seriously, with focus, to secure the arrest of those individuals subject to ICC arrest warrants presently in the Sudan. Omer Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir, Ahmad Harun and Abdel Raheem Muhammad 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. To conclude, I wish to share the words of the courageous Darfuri victims in the courtroom of the ICC at the trial of Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman: “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 the 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 Council members 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 Council members to deliver more for all victims, and to deliver a firewall of accountability to stop the further spiralling of atrocities in Darfur.

I thank Deputy Prosecutor Khan for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the African members of the Security Council (A3), namely Liberia, Somalia and my own country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The A3 thanks Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan for her briefing and takes note of the forty-second report of the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005). We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of the Sudan in today’s meeting. The A3 reaffirms the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Sudan. We believe that any lasting solution to the current crisis must respect the Sudan’s political independence, while addressing the legitimate demands of victims for justice and accountability, particularly in Darfur. Justice and accountability remain essential to promoting peace and stability in the Sudan. The A3 emphasizes that transitional justice is vital to 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 essential to break cycles of violence and preventing future atrocities. In this context, the A3 encourages the Office of the Prosecutor to continue its discussions with the African Union’s fact-finding mission on the Sudan, having taken note of the activities carried out within the framework of the Joint African Union Fact Finding Mission, in collaboration with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, in accordance with the mandate of the African Union Peace and Security Council. The A3 takes note of the Office of the Prosecutor’s continued call for the full cooperation of all partners. We recall that resolution 1593 (2005), as a resolution adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, is binding on all Member States of the United Nations. In this context, we encourage the Court to continue its investigations and legal proceedings in accordance with due process guarantees and call on 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 Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb. This conviction represents a historic step for international justice with regard to the situation in Darfur. It is the first conviction handed down following a referral to the International Criminal Court by the Security Council and the first conviction in the context of the situation in Darfur, demonstrating that accountability for crimes committed in Darfur is possible. While noting the progress made by the Court and the challenges it continues to face, we wish to highlight the following key points, bearing in mind the principle of complementarity, as set out in the Rome Statute. We must explore all possible avenues to revitalize national judicial institutions in order to support the Sudan’s ownership of this crucial process. It is imperative to create an environment conducive to strengthening the Sudan’s capacity in the administration of justice. Sudanese leadership in justice must take precedence, supported by regional and African mechanisms. We take note of the establishment of a national coordination committee, headed by a Supreme Court judge, and of the Government’s efforts to investigate human rights violations. Cooperation between the Sudanese authorities and the International Criminal Court can promote accountability while respecting the principle of complementarity and national sovereignty. We welcome the Sudan’s cooperation with the Court, which demonstrates its stated commitment to the principles of justice and accountability. The devastating conflict in the Sudan continues to claim many lives, resulting in an increasingly serious humanitarian crisis that requires collective action on our part. The A3 condemns the crimes perpetrated in Darfur and stresses the imperative of accountability for these crimes, insisting that such atrocities must not be ignored or repeated. We call on the Court to expedite the finalization of its investigations into those responsible for these atrocities without further delay. We must closely examine the role of external actors in fuelling the conflict and monitor their destructive roles with full transparency. In conclusion, the A3 remains firmly united with the Sudanese people and the victims of these atrocities. The protection of civilians must remain our top priority. The cycle of violence can only be broken through dialogue, accountability and a sincere commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all civilians. The international community must remain determined to support the Sudanese people in their quest for justice, stability and reconciliation.

I thank Deputy Prosecutor Khan for her briefing. We regret that this briefing could not be done in person owing to visas not being issued in time. This severely limits the opportunity for all of us to follow up on the referral the Council made to address the grave situation in Darfur. I would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to the meeting today. The war in the 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 in which systematic killings, sexual and gender-based violence and arbitrary detention and abductions have become daily life, in Darfur and elsewhere in the Sudan. Over the past reporting period, we have seen El Fasher being stormed by the Rapid Support Forces, 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 of the Prosecutor’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 the Sudan, regardless of affiliation, is a crucial stepping stone for a peaceful future. Therefore, the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) should also be expanded to cover all parts of the 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 finding 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 investigation to submit this information through the secure platform that the Office has made available. 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 the Council. The sentencing provides a glimmer of hope for the victims and survivors of atrocities in the Sudan that justice may be slow but can and will be served and that the cycles of impunity in the 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. 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 those under outstanding ICC arrest warrants, namely Al-Bashir, Hussein and Harun, in accordance with the Sudan’s obligations to provide full cooperation pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005). We commend and welcome the Office’s continued and increased engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the United Nations and African Union fact-finding missions and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General 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 continue 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 remains resolute.

I thank you, Mr. President, for arranging this report and briefing to the Security Council today on the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations and prosecutions related to the Situation in Darfur. The United States is committed to ending the horrific conflict in the 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 fuelling 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 taking place in the Sudan, the United States determined that members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) 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 life-saving supplies. There are no good actors in this conflict except for the Sudanese civilians. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) 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 the Sudan is a subject worthy of the Security 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 United States 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 behaviour. To the contrary, it appears to be doubling down on its worst impulses. We will not tolerate a Court that seeks to undermine United States 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 the degree to which our long-standing concerns remain unaddressed. We need to see immediate and concrete action towards resolving our concerns. The ICC and States parties have the opportunity to change course. Now is the time to do so.

We thank the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, for her remote briefing on the progress of the Court’s investigations relating to the situation in the Sudan, and we welcome the representative of the Sudan to this meeting. We regret the fact that the Deputy Prosecutor, for reasons beyond her control, was unable to be here today to brief the Security Council in person on the important matters that have prompted this meeting. However, we reiterate our recognition of the work carried out by the Court, and we underscore the importance of ensuring that the Council remain adequately and fully informed 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 in the past more than two decades. The forty-second report of the International Criminal Court to the Security Council, presented pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005), emphasizes that the situation in the Sudan remains extremely serious. In particular, the report documents an alarming escalation in violence, including the protracted siege and violent seizure of the city of El Fasher and the continuation of atrocities in West Darfur, including in the city of El Geneina. The people of Darfur continue to be afflicted by widespread violence, with a mounting number of attacks, entailing repeated atrocities against the civilian population that constitute flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We value the Office of the Prosecutor’s continued focus on expediting the gathering and analysis of evidence, including testimonial, digital and documentary evidence pertaining to those acts, which fall within the Court’s jurisdiction. In that connection, we take note of the initial assessment of the Office of the Prosecutor that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity has currently resumed, in particular in El Fasher. These must not go unpunished. Panama likewise values the efforts undertaken by the Court during the reporting period to engage in cooperation, including the strengthening of coordination with the United Nations independent international fact-finding mission for the Sudan and the African Union’s fact-finding mission and the collaboration with civil society organizations and other relevant actors. We acknowledge the support extended by various African countries to the Court and the cooperation provided by the Government of the Sudan, which we expect to continue and consistently deepen. Amid this critical situation, it is right to acknowledge the strides made in terms of accountability. We point to the historic milestone of the conviction and sentencing of Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman, known as Ali Kushayb, who was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including widespread executions, sexual and gender-based violence and forced displacement. That decision is the first conviction to ensue from a Security Council referral and the first in the situation in Darfur — a significant step forward for the victims of the crimes perpetrated in 2003 and 2004. Nonetheless, as the report points out, the current suffering of the Sudanese people in the form of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis — a situation that Panama has repeatedly condemned in the Council — appears to be even exceeding in scale and gravity the crisis that they endured 20 years ago. This state of affairs is testing our collective commitment to justice and the principle of international law that all lives are of equal value. We acknowledge the considerable challenges facing the Office of the Prosecutor and we take issue with any coercive measure that obstructs the fulfilment of its remit, including impediments to access, the risk of reprisals against witnesses and victims and the restrictions on cooperation and resources given the magnitude of the crimes under investigation. Panama stands in solidarity with the people of Darfur, who continue to suffer the consequences of these atrocities, and we repeat our appeal for collective and concerted action capable of paving the way for justice, peace and lasting stability in the Sudan.

We thank Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for her comprehensive report, the sobering briefing and 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. One thousand days after the war began in the Sudan, Darfur remains the epicentre 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 the 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 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 the Sudan, as well as continued engagement with civil society organizations documenting violations. Secondly, 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 owing to the failure to arrest perpetrators and enforce accountability, which sends a clear message that violence goes unpunished. In this context, we note the importance of the recent conviction of Ali Kushayb. This judgment is a significant milestone, yet it also highlights the remaining accountability gap. Justice can be achieved only if all those responsible are held to account. It is therefore imperative that the indicted fugitives — Omar Al- Bashir, Abdel Raheem Muhammad Hussein and Ahmad Harun — are arrested and surrendered to the Court, in line with the 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 Rapid Support Forces 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. Thirdly, 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, which are initiated following a conviction and 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 the 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 Court 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 have listened attentively to the briefing delivered by Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat 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 the law. Our position on the International Criminal Court remains unchanged. We have taken note of the forty- second report submitted by the Prosecutor on the situation in Darfur, the Sudan. China has consistently maintained that the activities of the Court should comply with the Rome Statute and the relevant Security Council resolutions and abide strictly by the principle of complementarity. The 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 hotspot issues, 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 the Sudan’s cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor, 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 the 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 the Sudan in building 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 a basis of respect for the Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, it is imperative to build synergy in mediation, accelerate efforts towards a ceasefire and increase humanitarian assistance, so as to end the conflict in the Sudan as soon as possible and restore peace for the people of the Sudan. China remains committed to working with the international community to play a constructive role in achieving lasting peace, reconstruction and development in the Sudan.

Colombia thanks the presidency for convening and facilitating this briefing on the situation in Darfur and the activities carried out by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the area from July to December 2025, pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005). Colombia also extends its appreciation to the Deputy Prosecutor of the Court and regrets that she was unable to be here in person today, as she was not granted the necessary visa in time. We regret this particularly as it is a matter that was referred to the Court by this very Council and it is in our best interests to have the Office of the Prosecutor present in this Chamber. However, we appreciate the efforts made to enable the Deputy Prosecutor to join us remotely. Colombia also welcomes the Permanent Representative of the Sudan and thanks him for his presence. The situation in Darfur is dramatic. The humanitarian crisis has been described as the worst in history, and the high levels of gender-based crimes and crimes against children are alarming. It is also evident that humanitarian aid is not reaching the population. Colombia is a staunch defender of the Court, as a model country in terms of transitional justice and positive complementarity, thanks in large part to its harmonious cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC. Colombia would like to begin by encouraging the Sudan and all neighbouring States to continue cooperating with the Office so that its investigations in Darfur can continue to yield positive results. Allow me also to congratulate the Court on the milestone represented by the conviction of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, as it is the first conviction handed down following a referral from the Council to the Court, the first conviction related to the situation in Darfur and the first conviction for crimes of gender-based persecution against men. We must take advantage of the momentum generated by this conviction to reaffirm our commitment to the victims, who are and must always remain at the centre of all the Court’s work, and to remember that it is possible to achieve the accountability they so desperately demand and need in order to build a peaceful society. However, the Office of the Prosecutor still has a lot of work ahead of it. Colombia expresses its concern at the confirmation that there are indeed reasons to believe that crimes against humanity and war crimes continue to be committed in Darfur. This means that the Office of the Prosecutor must be given all the support it needs to obtain the relevant evidence, but it must also be ensured that witnesses are protected from the risk of reprisals by armed groups. The Sudanese authorities must continue to cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor to guarantee access to the area and the arrest of suspects. Colombia also welcomes the cooperation between the Office of the Prosecutor and the civil society organizations that document crimes committed in Darfur. Colombia draws attention, however, to the priority of mitigating the risk of revictimization, and we therefore recommend keeping in mind that the well-being of victims must be the priority. It is more urgent than ever for the Office of the Prosecutor to make progress in the fight against impunity, which should support a return to peace in the Sudan. To this end, it is necessary for the Office of the Prosecutor to continue its work with independence and impartiality, without outside interference of any kind. Colombia therefore rejects interference in its work through sanctions against the Court or its judges or officials. Truth, justice and reconciliation are essential to achieve real peace. For all these reasons, Colombia recognizes all the work carried out by the Office of the Prosecutor and reiterates its unwavering support for the International Criminal Court, while inviting all States parties and States non-parties to the Rome Statute to continue cooperating with it.

We have familiarized ourselves with yet another report by the so-called Office of the Prosecutor of the so-called International Criminal Court (ICC) on the situation in Darfur. Despite the shouting about progress, what we see before us is yet another document that has nothing to do with real justice and that sends no positive signals to the millions of Sudanese affected by the conflict. Two decades after the Security Council referred the situation in Darfur, this body has handed down only one sentence against only one defendant. This is being presented as a great victory, despite the one trial having taken years. Given how successful this pseudo-court is, any national judicial body would demonstrate greater effectiveness by several orders of magnitude. In fact, we are witnessing yet another example of the extremely inefficient use of resources, not only those of the inflated budget of the ICC itself, but also of the Security Council’s, in terms of time, which could have been spent on more important matters instead of listening to empty reports consisting of excuses and promises that in no way improve people’s situation. If the Council stopped listening to the ICC’s empty reports, it would free up time and resources for genuinely priority tasks. The Council is not a platform for the self- promotion of a politicized structure that has failed to live up to expectations, completely lost touch with real justice and become mired in a series of scandals. The trend towards a distorted interpretation of international law and an expansive vision of its own jurisdiction became evident in the work of the ICC a long time ago. It was precisely in the context of the Darfur dossier, at the dawn of its so- called investigation, that the pseudo-court attempted to force the States of the region to violate the fundamental norms of international law by demanding the arrest of the incumbent head of a sovereign State non-party to the Rome Statute. By grossly violating the universally recognized norms on the immunity of senior officials, this structure definitively embarked on a path of politicizing its activities and, with each new investigation, moved further away from the ideals of genuine justice. It is telling that not a single State agreed back then to comply with the ICC’s unlawful demands. This institution has ruined its own reputation. In addition to the blatant ineffectiveness and disregard for international law, the situation was compounded by numerous scandals within the ICC itself. Among them is the investigation into the suspended but still not dismissed ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan, who is accused of harassing his female 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 shelved. In mid-December 2025, it was reported that the factual part of the investigation had been completed, and it was promised then that the conclusions would be presented within a month, which has already passed, but we still have not seen any results. Recently, new scandalous information surfaced in the press stating that a high- ranking ICC official had been transferring funds and providing support to a terrorist group in the Central African Republic. The ICC is incapable of maintaining order even among its own staff. What contribution to the administration of justice, let alone the promotion of lasting peace, can we speak of, therefore? The ICC is stringently controlled by the countries of the collective West, and it serves as a tool for exerting pressure on undesirable States, while investigations into its “masters” are being methodically “deprioritized”. It is therefore no surprise that the ICC has become a symbol of double standards and hypocrisy rather than justice. The need to rethink the role of the ICC is confirmed not only by its practical uselessness but also by the international community’s loss of confidence in the body. The facts speak for themselves. The latest results of the General Assembly vote on the ICC’s annual report showed that this body cannot claim universality and does not represent the international community. Support for its activities is declining year after year. Less than half of the Member States voted in favour of the resolution on cooperation with the ICC (General Assembly resolution 80/6). Moreover, one quarter of the States parties to the Rome Statute did not deem it possible to support the resolution. Against this backdrop, the Office of the Prosecutor’s statements regarding its “successes” in the Sudan look especially cynical. The unprecedented deterioration of the humanitarian situation, escalating violence, the destruction of El Fasher — this is what demonstrates the ICC’s real ability 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 is arbitrarily interfering in current events in the Sudan. We would like to recall here that the Council’s mandate in resolution 1593 (2005) provided for the referral of the specific situation in Darfur, and this mandate is something that the ICC failed to implement. No other tasks concerning the Sudan were assigned to it. Accordingly, all attempts by this body to extend its jurisdiction to the current conflict have no legal grounds whatsoever. The ICC has proven itself incapable of delivering justice to the victims of the Darfur conflict. Against the backdrop of 20 years of the pseudo-Court imitating judicial activity, the Sudan is carrying out real work to administer justice through national proceedings that take into account the specifics of the country and the will of its people. In this regard, we once again reiterate our call on our Council colleagues to withdraw the Darfur file from the ICC. Questions of accountability for crimes must be resolved by the Sudanese themselves at the national level and with the support of the international community, inter alia with the active engagement of the African Union. The dire humanitarian situation in the Sudan can but arouse concern. We stress the obligations of all parties to the conflict to strictly observe international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and civilian infrastructure. Lasting peace in the Sudan cannot be achieved through externally imposed solutions. It can only be rooted in inclusive inter-Sudanese dialogue that reflects the interests of all segments of the Sudanese population.

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 the Sudan at today’s meeting. We note with regret that the Deputy Prosecutor was not able to brief the Security Council in person today. We are concerned that this might have a negative impact on the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC). 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. 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 the 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 El Fasher since October 2025. These, as we heard from Deputy Prosecutor Khan, include allegations of systematic and widespread crimes, such as the detention, mistreatment and killings of persons of non-Arab origin and 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 El Geneina, in particular gender-based crimes and crimes against children. Secondly, with regard to the 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 Abd-Al-Rahman case, which is also the first conviction and sentencing regarding a referral, the first in the Darfur situation and the first regarding conviction on the grounds of the 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 more than 100 witnesses called or relied upon by the parties. It therefore sends a powerful message, as the report rightly points out, to the affected communities and 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 the Sudan is critical in bringing before the Court the suspects in the aforementioned cases through the execution of the relevant arrest warrants. Thirdly, Greece strongly supports the increased engagement between the Office of the Prosecutor and the United Nations fact-finding mission for the Sudan and the strengthening of the 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 among 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 OTPLink platform and to engage as broadly as possible with the affected communities, grass roots and civil society organizations. In conclusion, the message from the affected communities, as reflected in the report, is clear: combating impunity is indispensable for justice, reconciliation and then sustainable peace in the 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 (2005) and to support the Court in fulfilling its mandate.

I thank the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Nazhat Shameem Khan, for her briefing and welcome the participation of the representative of the Sudan in today’s meeting. Pakistan has taken note of the forty-second report of the Prosecutor submitted pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005). We note the Prosecutor’s update on the trial and conviction of Mr. Abd-Al-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 (RSF) in Darfur, including in El Fasher following the fall of the city last year, after an 18-month siege in defiance of resolution 2736 (2024). The RSF’s actions, including sexual violence, summary executions, detentions, the killing of people on an ethnic basis, the desecration of corpses and several other alleged offenses, constitute grave international crimes. Graphic images of these horrendous acts and the celebration thereof by the perpetrators have been widely circulated, shocking the conscience of humanity and leading to global condemnation. The crimes committed in West Darfur, El Geneina and El Fasher must not go unpunished. Pakistan appreciates the cooperation with the Court demonstrated by the Sudanese Government during the reporting period. Constructive engagement by the Sudan, including the facilitation of missions and the sharing of information, reflects the 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 the Sudan’s national justice institutions should remain an essential priority for sustainable, credible and locally anchored accountability. The brotherly people of the 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 a cessation of hostilities, unhindered humanitarian access and a Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned political process to resolve the conflict. We reiterate our commitment to upholding the Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Pakistan remains committed to accountability for international crimes everywhere, not only in Darfur. The credibility and moral authority of the ICC rest 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.

Let me begin by welcoming the representative of the Sudan to today’s Council meeting. I also thank Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem 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 Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman for war crimes and crimes against humanity. This first conviction from a Security Council referral and the first to address crimes committed in Darfur from 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 conviction before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for gender persecution. Secondly, 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 the Sudan. This has pushed millions into famine. The United Kingdom has repeatedly condemned the violence perpetrated by both the Rapid Support Forces (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 El Geneina and are deeply concerned about the Office’s findings in relation to El Fasher. The RSF’s October takeover has brought horrific reports of alleged mass killings, the targeting of specific ethnic groups and the use of rape as a weapon of war. The displacement of more than 107,000 people serves only to underline the catastrophic humanitarian impact of these developments. We urge all parties to cease hostilities and protect civilians — as demanded by the Council in resolution 2736 (2024) — and to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. Thirdly, cooperation remains critical. We welcome steps by the Sudanese authorities, including recent engagements in The Hague, and the enhanced cooperation referenced in the Office of the Prosecutor’s report. It is important that these welcome commitments lead to action. This includes the arrest and surrender of ICC suspects Omar Al-Bashir, Abdel Raheem Muhammad 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 OTPLink platform. Lastly, we welcome enhanced cooperation between the Office and the African Union’s fact-finding mission and recognize the vital role played by civil society organizations in supporting investigations and advancing accountability. 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 organizations associated with the Court. The Sudanese people deserve justice, and we welcome the ongoing role of the ICC in achieving that goal.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, for her briefing. I also welcome the participation of the representative of the sisterly Republic of the Sudan in today’s meeting. The Kingdom of Bahrain has taken note of the forty-second report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Darfur and would like to focus on the following three points. First, we express our profound concern about the ongoing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Darfur region, which is experiencing a grave upsurge in violence that has resulted in a large number of civilian casualties, the destruction of infrastructure, including civilian facilities, and a sharp deterioration in living conditions, in violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Secondly, the Kingdom of Bahrain underscores that the gravity of these developments demands a comprehensive response that encompasses both humanitarian and legal paths and the need to respect the judicial sovereignty of the Republic of the Sudan and the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute, according to which national judicial authorities take the lead in discharging their duties, with the International Criminal Court playing an ancillary and complementary role. The Kingdom has taken note of the reference in the Prosecutor’s report to cooperation between the International Criminal Court and the Sudanese Government pursuant to the memorandum of understanding that they both signed on 12 August 2021 and underscores the importance of ensuring that the Court’s cooperation contributes to strengthening the capacities of the Sudanese national institutions, without prejudice to their essential jurisdiction over, and ownership of, the judicial process. Thirdly, the Kingdom of Bahrain stresses the importance of redoubling efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire and of arriving at a political solution to this conflict as a matter of urgency, using dialogue and diplomacy so as to preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Sudan and fulfil the aspirations of the brotherly Sudanese people for peace, stability, development and prosperity.

At the outset, I wish to thank Deputy Prosecutor Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan for presenting the forty-second report submitted pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005). We regret that it was impossible for her to attend in person, owing to the lack of a visa. We remind the host country of its obligations under the Headquarters Agreement. We also reiterate our appeal for the sanctions imposed upon the Court, its judges, its prosecutors and those that cooperate with the Court to be lifted. The gravity of the situation in the Sudan and the importance of the work of the Court in Darfur lead me to make three comments in this regard. First, the suffering of civilians in the Sudan is the result of a complete disregard for the laws of war and the law in general by the parties to the conflict. The civilians are not only indirect victims of the conflict. They are deliberately targeted, as was the case during the siege and seizure of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces. We strongly condemn these atrocities and all the violations of human rights and international humanitarian law perpetrated since April 2023 for which the parties are criminally responsible. In this context, the priority must be an immediate ceasefire and respect for the commitments undertaken by the parties in the Jeddah Declaration. Secondly, justice must be served for the Sudanese people, and this is exactly what the International Criminal Court is helping to do. It is what the Court did on 6 October by convicting the former leader of the Janjaweed, Ali Muhammad Ali Abd- Al-Rahman. He was found guilty of 27 charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes perpetrated in Darfur between 2003 and 2004. We see these crimes — executions, sexual violence, forced displacement, torture — being committed again today. That is why this first, exemplary conviction must be followed by others. The Office of the Prosecutor is working to that end, despite the obstacles to its work. The inquiries into crimes committed in Darfur since April 2023, namely during the seizure of El Fasher, are ongoing. Video, audio, satellite and all other kinds of evidence collected by the Court bear witness to the fact that war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed there. They are also a clear message to the perpetrators of these crimes. Their atrocities are common knowledge, and they must be held accountable for them. Thirdly, this quest for justice cannot be limited to Darfur but must be extended to the Sudan as a whole, and it must have the support of everyone, without exception. Given the scope of the crimes committed in the Sudan, France supports extending the Court’s jurisdiction to the country as a whole. Moreover, France reiterates the obligatory nature of the parties’ cooperation with the Court, and it regrets the fact that the Rapid Support Forces have not respected the commitments they made to the Office of the Prosecutor. Nevertheless, France welcomes the new measures of cooperation taken by the Sudanese Armed Forces and it calls on them to step up efforts to arrest suspects subject to a Court arrest warrant, including Omar Al Bashir, Abdel Raheem Hussein and Ahmad Harun. France also underscores that the call for full cooperation with the Court made in resolution 1593 (2005) extends to all States and to all regional and international organizations concerned. This fact clearly demonstrates that there can be no peace in the 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. The Court’s work in the Sudan is exemplary. Assisting the Court means furthering respect for international law and the Geneva Conventions. Hindering it means giving war criminals carte blanche. The Council knows where its duty lies.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Sudan.

At the outset, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I wish you every success in leading the work of the Council and reaffirm my delegation’s complete readiness to cooperate constructively with you on all issues of common concern. I would also like to congratulate the newly elected members on having earned the confidence of the international community and to express our deep appreciation to the members whose terms have ended for their efforts during their membership. I would like to thank the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for her briefing today pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005). We regret that she was unable to deliver the briefing in person. The delegation of the Sudan wishes to affirm, in the clearest terms, its deep and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and accountability, particularly with regard to the most serious crimes that shock the conscience of humankind, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Achieving justice has been and remains a central goal of the Sudanese Government. This has been repeatedly emphasized by the Chairman of the Sovereign Council and the Prime Minister. This is based on the firm belief that preventing impunity, ensuring accountability, providing redress to victims and healing the wounds of conflict are all essential foundations for any sustainable peace. On this basis, the Government of Hope in the Sudan is doing its utmost to pursue justice in Darfur. It believes that peace and justice are two inseparable and mutually reinforcing paths. Based on the above, I would like to emphasize the following points. First, as you know, the terrorist Rapid Support Forces militia have committed horrific atrocities against civilians following their occupation of the city of El Fasher, atrocities that have been condemned by the entire world. The militia continues to carry out ethnic and sectarian killings and systematic and widespread acts of terror, targeting unarmed civilians, including women, children and the elderly, as well as cities and infrastructure with drone strikes These crimes have reached such levels of brutality that the perpetrators themselves have documented them in shocking scenes that reflect a complete disregard for human values and justice, revealing the criminal nature of a militia that has made the shedding of civilian blood and the practice of terrorism its modus operandi. With the support and encouragement of its regional sponsors, this militia planned and intended to carry out a full-fledged genocide by imposing a suffocating siege on El Fasher and starving its inhabitants for nearly two and a half years. This criminal policy culminated in a horrific massacre, adding to its ugly record of atrocities stretching from El Geneina in West Darfur to the villages and countryside of Gezira State, passing through Khartoum, Sennar and Kordofan, all of which have been desecrated by the feet of this militia’s members. This war, waged by this 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 involving innocent civilians. Wherever this militia has gone, it has brought death, terror and destruction. There is no doubt that all these crimes fall squarely and clearly within the objective and geographical jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. This requires the Court to expedite the filing of charges and issue arrest warrants against the leaders involved, some of whom appeared publicly on cell phone cameras documenting their own crimes in clear defiance of justice and accountability. Any delay in the Court’s criminal proceedings raises questions after the commission of the crime of genocide in El Fasher, twice since May 2023. Secondly, the atrocities committed by the militia would not have happened without the sponsorship, support and encouragement it received from a certain sponsor State, known to Council members, which provided it with military, financial, political, logistical and media support. It is therefore essential that the Court’s investigations extend to include all those proven to have supported this militia or colluded with it, whether they be leaders, financiers or regional sponsors and instigators, given that the International Criminal Court has the legal authority to prosecute all those involved in these crimes, regardless of their location or country. We also emphasize that the scope of the investigation should include all those media outlets that have played a serious role in whitewashing the militias’ crimes, downplaying their atrocities and trivialising the suffering of the victims, in flagrant violation of media ethics and professional responsibility. In this context, we draw attention to the role played by Sky News Arabia, which is based in the militia’s sponsor State. This channel has played a misleading role. The Nazi experiments in Germany and the experiences of Rwanda, Kenya and others confirm that some media outlets play an inciting and deceptive role that is no less dangerous than armed attacks and targeting civilians. Therefore, justice will only be achieved by holding accountable those who kill, those who finance and those who arm. We also demand that those who cover up crimes and prolong them in the media, those who incite the killing of civilians and the rape of women and girls and those who support the militias, some of whom reside in European countries, including some members of the Council, be brought to justice. Thirdly, given that achieving justice for the crimes committed in Darfur is a top priority for the transitional Government in the Sudan, we are continuing our cooperation with the International Criminal Court. In this context, the Office of the Prosecutor of the Court visited the Sudan during the period covered by the Court’s report before members, from 29 July to 11 August 2025. The Sudanese Attorney General, in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee on War Crimes and Violations of International Humanitarian Law, also visited The Hague in December 2025. Following the capture of El Fasher in October 2025 and the accompanying serious crimes and violations committed by the rebel militia, cooperation has been strengthened and the exchange of information has intensified. Several requests from the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court have been responded to, and preparations are under way for an upcoming visit by a delegation from the Office of the Prosecutor to camps for displaced persons in several areas of the Sudan to meet with witnesses who survived the attack on El Fasher. In this regard, we note that only two requests relating to events after El Fasher are still pending. Fourthly, despite the fact that more than two years have passed since the El Geneina massacre and despite the availability of witnesses and evidence, the International Criminal Court has not yet issued arrest warrants or detention orders against those accused of committing those crimes. This delay sends a disturbing message, causes deep disappointment to the victims and fuels the perpetrators’ sense of impunity, encouraging them to continue committing further crimes, as has happened before in El Fasher. Had the Court acted swiftly, as previously announced before the Council by the Prosecutor himself, by issuing arrest warrants for the suspects in the events of El Geneina in West Darfur, it might have been possible to avoid a repeat of those atrocities in El Fasher and other areas of the Sudan. In conclusion, we affirm that combating impunity is a noble and fundamental goal of justice. It is not a matter of dispute but rather one of the basic pillars for achieving peace and stability in the Sudan. On that basis, we reiterate our firm conviction and commitment to cooperate with the International Criminal Court to achieve justice for the international crimes committed in Darfur, bring justice to the victims and lay the foundations for a just and lasting peace in our country. In this regard, we note that, last week, the Sudan welcomed the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who visited the Sudan to assess the grave violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces against civilians and to discuss with the Government of Sudan the coordination of efforts to ensure justice, accountability and the restoration of rights. During his visit, the High Commissioner examined the legal and judicial measures taken by the Government of the Sudan in relation to the crimes committed by the terrorist militia, emphasizing that the consolidation of human rights is a priority in the policies established by the Government of Hope and is considered a fundamental pillar of the State’s strategy.

I now give the floor to Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan to respond to comments. Ms. Khan: I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to take the floor again and for the opportunity to brief the Security Council virtually. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the representative of the Sudan to the United Nations for his constructive statement today and for the strengthened cooperation that the Office of the Prosecutor has with the Government of the Sudan. We will continue to ensure that we will do everything necessary to accelerate our investigations in relation to the situation. This situation was opened as a result of a Security Council referral, and it is very important that we continue to engage with the Council to brief the Council about the progress that we have made. But this continued engagement and dialogue are not 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 follow very closely the discussions that we have had. I therefore thank you again, Mr. President, for this opportunity and all members of the Council for this constructive discussion.

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