The UK has urged the Sudanese authorities to fully cooperate with humanitarian efforts and the International Criminal Court (ICC), amid escalating humanitarian and security crises in Sudan.
UK Calls for Cooperation with ICC and Humanitarian Efforts
On January 6, 2025, Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, addressed the UN Security Council, emphasizing the critical need for Sudanese authorities to cooperate fully with both the ICC and ongoing humanitarian response efforts.
This call comes as part of a broader international push to address the dire humanitarian situation and ongoing conflicts in Sudan.
Humanitarian Crisis and ICC Cooperation
The UK’s statement highlighted the ongoing trial of Mr. Abd-Al Rahman at the ICC, the first trial related to the Darfur situation, and expressed concern over the lack of cooperation from Sudanese authorities in surrendering other suspects with outstanding arrest warrants, including Ahmed Harun, Abdel Raheem Hussein, and Omar Al-Bashir.
The UK also stressed the importance of responding to the ICC’s requests for information and assisting with the 35 outstanding requests for assistance mentioned in the Prosecutor’s thirty-eighth report.
Broader Humanitarian and Security Implications
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian conditions, with over 12 million people displaced and nearly half of the country’s 50 million population in need of life-saving humanitarian aid.
The healthcare infrastructure has largely collapsed, with an estimated 70-80% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas no longer functional.
The UK and other international stakeholders are pressing for unhindered cross-line and cross-border access to deliver critical humanitarian assistance.
Statistics
- Over 12 million people displaced from their homes.
- 70-80% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are no longer functional.
- Almost half of Sudan’s population, approximately 25 million people, are in need of life-saving humanitarian aid.
Leadership Response
“We urge the Sudanese authorities and all other relevant parties to cooperate fully with the ICC, including in relation to the 35 outstanding requests for assistance,” said Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN.
James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN.
This call for cooperation underscores the UK’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and affected communities in Darfur.
Progress and Targets
- The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan seeks $4.2 billion to deliver lifesaving aid to almost 21 million vulnerable people.
- The plan aims to restore basic services and scale up protection for displaced populations and host households.
- A sustainable ceasefire and immediate scaling up of assistance across all sectors are critical for preventing widespread loss of life.
Local and Regional Impact
The conflict has particularly affected Darfur, where allegations of further atrocities, including arbitrary arrests, detentions, violence targeted at specific ethnic groups, and conflict-related sexual violence, have been reported.
The Rapid Support Forces militia’s advances into the country’s agricultural heartland have exacerbated food insecurity, threatening future growing seasons.
Immediate Implications
The immediate implications of the UK’s call for cooperation are clear: without full cooperation from Sudanese authorities, the humanitarian crisis will worsen, and the delivery of critical aid will be severely hampered. This could lead to increased starvation, famine, and further loss of life.
Broader Significance
The international community unifies against atrocities, committing to protect civilians and promote accountability for humanitarian law violations globally.
The UK and other UN member states aim to ensure humanitarian law is respected and atrocities’ perpetrators are held accountable.
