ICC launches investigation into ‘war crimes’ in Darfur

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Thursday that he is investigating fresh allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Darfur region, including the recent killings of 87 members of the ethnic Masalit community, allegedly carried out by the Rapid Security Forces.

Briefing the Security Council, Prosecutor Karim Khan, said the mandate of his office, pursuant to resolution 1593 referring the situation in Darfur to the Court in 2005, was clear.

“[Our mandate is] ongoing with respect to crimes within our jurisdiction, the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes; and any individual who is found to be committing those crimes within our jurisdiction will be investigated,” he said.

Mr. Khan went on to urge the 15-member Security Council to “converge” around the principles of the UN Charter, the obligations under the Rome Statute of the ICC, and the authority of the Council itself, which in 2005 determined that the violence in Darfur and Sudan overall, represented a threat to international peace and security.

“And it applies not only in acts committed in Sudan, any individual that aids, abets, encourages or directs from outside Sudan crimes that may be committed in Darfur will also be investigated,” he stressed.

Khan informed the ambassadors that he has given “clear instructions” to his office to prioritize crimes against children, and crimes of sexual and gender-based violence.

He also announced that a secure online portal has been setup where individuals can submit information or allegations of crimes and rights violations.

“We will ensure, God willing, that justice is not only spoken about in this Chamber, but it is felt to vindicate the rights of civilians and the vulnerable in ways that they have not seen sufficiently in their lived experiences,” said Khan.

The ICC Prosecutor then called on the warring factions in Sudan to uphold their fundamental obligations under international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

“It is essential that those involved in hostilities recognize – however late in the day – that they have to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law,” he underscored.