Ambassador James Kariuki of the United Kingdom delivered a statement at the UN Security Council meeting on the Sudan International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation.
Expressing gratitude to Prosecutor Karim Khan for his 37th report on the Situation in Darfur and his briefing, Ambassador Kariuki welcomed the ICC’s unwavering commitment to delivering justice for the people of Darfur.
He also acknowledged the participation of the Representative of Sudan at the meeting.
Progress in Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman’s Trial and the Need for Continued Cooperation
The United Kingdom welcomed the progress made in the trial of Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman, emphasizing the courage and patience of the victims who came forward to tell their stories after two decades. Ambassador Kariuki urged all parties involved to support and maintain the momentum of the trial.
However, he expressed regret over the almost complete failure of the Sudanese authorities to cooperate with the ICC from the military coup in October 2021 until the outbreak of conflict in April 2023.
Concerns over Impact of Conflict, Release of ICC Suspects, and Reports of Violence
Ambassador Kariuki shared the Prosecutor’s concern regarding the impact of the current conflict on ongoing investigations, including the apparent release from custody of ICC suspects. He also expressed deep trouble over reports of continued violence and mass graves outside the capital of West Darfur.
The UK acknowledged the assessment that the current conflict in Sudan is partly due to the failure to ensure justice and accountability for those in power. The disregard for international obligations and meaningful justice for past crimes has contributed to the cycle of violence and suffering.
Reminder of Responsibility and Support for ICC’s Mandate
The United Kingdom emphasized that all sides are responsible for the crimes they commit. Ambassador Kariuki reminded the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces that the ICC’s mandate in Darfur remains ongoing.
The UK welcomed the Prosecutor’s decision to initiate investigations into offenses committed in the current conflict, particularly ethnically-targeted killings and sexual violence.
Call for Justice and Immediate End to Hostilities
In conclusion, the United Kingdom reiterated its support for the Court’s efforts to deliver justice for the people of Darfur. Simultaneously, Ambassador Kariuki underlined the Security Council’s call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Official Statement Word for Word
I thank Prosecutor Karim Khan for his 37th report on the Situation in Darfur and his briefing today, and I welcome the ICC’s unwavering commitment to help deliver justice for the people of Darfur. I also recognise the participation of the Representative of Sudan at this meeting.
The UK welcomes the progress made in the trial of Mr Abd-Al-Rahman. This case is testament to the victims’ courage and patience to tell their stories after two decades. We urge all parties to help maintain the trial’s momentum.
We regret, however, that from the October 2021 military coup until the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, there was an almost complete failure by the Sudanese authorities to cooperate with the ICC.
Furthermore, we share the Prosecutor’s concern over the impact of the current conflict on the ongoing investigations, including the apparent release from custody of ICC suspects.
We are also deeply troubled by today’s reports of continued violence and mass graves outside the capital of West Darfur.
The UK shares the Prosecutor’s assessment that the current conflict stems in part from the failure to ensure justice and accountability on the part of those who hold power in Sudan. Their disregard for international obligations and for meaningful justice for past crimes has helped sow the seeds for this latest cycle of violence and suffering.
All sides are responsible for the crimes they commit, and we remind the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces that the ICC’s mandate in Darfur is ongoing.
We welcome the Prosecutor’s decision to commence investigations into offences committed in the current conflict – including in particular ethnically-targeted killings and sexual violence.
In closing, the UK would like to reiterate our support to the Court to deliver justice for the people of Darfur. At the same time, we underline this Council’s call for an immediate end to the current hostilities.
Sources: THX News, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office & James Kariuki.
