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Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Plagues Darfur and Sudan

UN Security Council Meeting on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Sudan

The United Nations Security Council held a meeting yesterday to discuss the widespread use of different forms of sexual and gender-based violence in Darfur and other areas of Sudan.

ICC Prosecutor’s Remarks

In his remarks, the ICC Prosecutor commended the efforts of his office in investigating crimes of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan. He highlighted the importance of collecting evidence on the ground and welcomed the progress made in the trial of Ali Abd-Al-Rahman.

Calls for Transitional Justice and Accountability

The representative of Algeria stressed that transitional justice and accountability cannot be dissociated from the process of stabilizing Sudan. He emphasized the need to create an environment conducive for the revitalization of national justice institutions and the importance of making good use of available legal frameworks, including the Juba Peace Agreement.

Criticism of ICC’s Actions

Meanwhile, the representative of Russia slammed the ICC, accusing it of sabotaging the mandates of the Security Council and causing harm. She claimed that the ICC has no jurisdiction over Sudan and that its investigations are driven by Western sponsors.

Condemnation of Human Rights Violations

The representative of France condemned human rights violations perpetrated by Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. She welcomed efforts by the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate these events and called on all foreign actors to refrain from fueling the conflict.

Sudan’s Response

Sudan’s representative expressed concern over remarks made by the ICC Prosecutor, stating that his country actively cooperates with the office. He emphasized that the situation in Sudan is different from 2003 and that those who plan for genocide do not leave documents behind.

Russia’s Accusations

The representative of the Russian Federation accused the ICC of causing harm and sabotaging the Security Council’s mandates, claiming that it has no jurisdiction over Sudan.

ICC Investigation Efforts

The ICC Prosecutor said that his Office has been investigating crimes of sexual and gender-based violence in Darfur and other areas of Sudan.