International justice and humanitarian access remain central to international engagement on Sudan as conflict continues to displace civilians and draw scrutiny from the United Nations and partner governments. The International Criminal Court’s work in Darfur has become a reference point for accountability efforts linked to ongoing violence and civilian protection.
The UK government, through Legal Adviser Colin McIntyre, addressed the UN Security Council to welcome the ICC’s ongoing role in Sudan and to note the landmark conviction of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman. The statement called for cooperation with ICC investigations and the arrest and surrender of outstanding suspects linked to alleged international crimes.
The UK government confirmed its support for the International Criminal Court’s work in Sudan during a UN Security Council meeting on 19 January 2026.
Delivered by Legal Adviser Colin McIntyre, the statement welcomed the conviction of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman and urged cooperation with ongoing investigations, including the arrest and surrender of ICC suspects. The position links accountability to civilian protection, humanitarian access, and international engagement on the conflict.
Introduction
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office delivered a formal statement at the United Nations in New York on 19 January 2026 during a Security Council briefing on the ICC’s work in Sudan. Legal Adviser Colin McIntyre spoke on behalf of the UK government.
The statement referenced the recent ICC conviction related to Darfur crimes and addressed ongoing violence and displacement in Sudan. It reaffirmed UK support for international justice mechanisms and cooperation with the Court and regional partners.
Statement delivered to the Security Council
The UK statement was presented during a scheduled UN Security Council session focused on the ICC’s reporting on Sudan. It set out the government’s position on accountability, humanitarian access, and cooperation with international legal institutions.
McIntyre opened by outlining three core points, beginning with the ICC’s recent judgment and its relevance to the Council’s original referral of the Darfur situation. The remarks were framed within the Council’s ongoing oversight of the conflict and its impact on civilians.
ICC conviction and accountability message
The statement highlighted the conviction of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman for war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to events in Darfur. The UK described the ruling as a clear signal that individuals responsible for international crimes can face legal consequences.
The remarks also noted the Court’s engagement with victims and affected communities, including recognition of gender-based persecution. The UK positioned accountability as an essential element in addressing both past and present violations.
- Conviction for war crimes and crimes against humanity
- Recognition of gender-based persecution
ICC accountability focus
| Convicted individual | Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman |
| Charges referenced | War crimes and crimes against humanity |
| Referral origin | UN Security Council, Darfur |
| Community engagement | Victims and affected populations |
Current conflict and humanitarian situation
The UK noted that Sudan had reached a milestone of 1,000 days of conflict, with large-scale displacement and food insecurity affecting millions. The statement condemned violence attributed to both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Reference was made to reports from Al Geneina and El Fasher, where investigations into alleged atrocity crimes are ongoing. The UK urged all parties to comply with Security Council resolution 2736, including provisions on civilian protection and humanitarian access.
- Condemnation of violence by all parties
- Call for humanitarian access under UN resolution
Humanitarian and security references
| Conflict duration | 1,000 days referenced |
| Locations cited | Al Geneina and El Fasher |
| UN framework | Security Council resolution 2736 |
| Primary concerns | Displacement and humanitarian access |
Cooperation with international and regional partners
The UK welcomed recent steps by Sudanese authorities to engage with the ICC, including visits to The Hague. The statement emphasised that commitments to cooperation should translate into practical actions.
Appeals were directed to states and regional bodies to assist investigations through evidence sharing, satellite imagery, and support for witness interviews. The UK also recognised cooperation between the ICC and the African Union Fact Finding Mission, alongside the role of civil society organisations.
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
Colin McIntyre, Legal Adviser, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said;
“This first conviction from a Security Council referral sends a clear message that perpetrators of international crimes will be held accountable, no matter how long it takes. Cooperation with the Court, including the arrest and surrender of suspects, remains essential to advancing justice and supporting the protection of civilians.”
To Sum Up
The UK’s statement to the UN Security Council reaffirmed its support for the International Criminal Court’s role in Sudan and the importance of accountability for international crimes.
By linking the ICC’s work to humanitarian access and civilian protection, the government positioned justice as part of broader international engagement on the conflict. The remarks underscored expectations for cooperation from Sudanese authorities, regional partners, and the wider international community.
Sources: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Colin McIntyre, Legal Adviser.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
