UK Calls for Justice and Accountability in Sudan: Key Statement at UN Security Council Meeting

Mr President, I wish to address three key points today.

Concerns Over the Situation in Darfur

The United Kingdom remains profoundly troubled by the worsening circumstances in Darfur. The latest report from the Office of the Prosecutor underlines the assessment that war crimes and crimes against humanity have indeed taken place in both Al Geneina and El Fasher. Our concern extends to the alarming state of affairs in and around El Fasher, where the situation continues to deteriorate.

Furthermore, we are increasingly alarmed by the Office’s caution regarding the situation in El Obeid, which carries a significant risk of further serious international crimes being perpetrated. On 20 June, this Council called upon the Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease their attacks on El Obeid and to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access and safe passage for those attempting to escape the violence.

As my Foreign Secretary has articulated, El Obeid stands on the brink of a potential atrocity that could inflict deeper wounds on the Sudanese people, following the tragedies already experienced in El Fasher. We must take every measure to prevent the horrors witnessed in El Fasher from being replicated in El Obeid.

Encouraging Cooperation with the Prosecutor’s Office

Secondly, we acknowledge the ongoing improvements in the cooperation between the Sudanese authorities and the Office of the Prosecutor. Notably, we welcome the support provided by Sudan for the deployment of the Prosecutor’s Darfur Team to Port Sudan. We urge the authorities to maintain this spirit of cooperation with the Court, particularly regarding outstanding arrest warrants.

However, it is with regret that we observe the Rapid Support Forces’ failure to respond to requests for cooperation from the Office. Mr President, it is imperative that all parties engage constructively in efforts to ensure accountability for the most egregious international crimes.

The Importance of Justice and Accountability

Finally, it is essential that justice and accountability remain at the forefront of international initiatives concerning Sudan. In this context, we commend the progress made by the Office in its investigations, particularly in the procurement of additional evidence, as highlighted by the Deputy Prosecutor in her briefing to the Council today.

Mr President, the people of Sudan are entitled to accountability and a viable path towards lasting peace. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for the International Criminal Court and its independence.