The UN Security Council met to be informed by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Kane, about Darfour.

The briefing focused on judicial activities, including the trial of ‘Ali Kusaimb, a former militia leader Janjaweed, who is accused of war crimes and crimes against mankind in 2003-2004 in Darfur. The final speeches were completed in December 2024, and the decision is expected in 2025.

Mr Khan has highlighted continuing investigations into other suspects with arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court, including former Sudan President Omar al -Bashir, and others, who were allegedly released during the conflict in April 2023. Mr Khan pointed out that the International Criminal Court continues to face difficulties in ensuring cooperation with Sudan to identify and arrest these fugitives.

The International Criminal Court is also investigating crimes committed by April 2023 in West Darfur, such as murder; attacks In displaced camps, crimes because of sex and child crimes.

Mr Khan emphasized the importance of accountability to break the impunity in Sudan, calling on the Sudanese authorities to strengthen their cooperation with the International Criminal Court.

While many members of the Security Council, such as the United Kingdom and France, support the efforts of the International Criminal Court, countries such as Russia and the US maintain a critical stance on investigations related to their own actions or allied countries.

US criticism has intensified following the recent actions of the International Criminal Court for Israeli officials, and new legislation has been introduced to address the investigations and activities of the international criminal court against US personnel and their allies.

Denmark and Sierra Leone, on behalf of the members of the Security Council, which are states of the Statute of Rome (France, Greece, Guiana, Panama, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Denmark and Sierra Leone), issued a joint statement about the situation in Darfour, in which they condemn continued violence and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Darfour and the rest of Sudan.

The joint statement makes special reference to crimes that include murders, rape, children crimes, attacks on displaced camps and extensive displacement of populations.

“We are shaking our steadfast commitment to support, defend and promote the principles and objectives of the Rome Statute and to preserve its integrity without falling from any threats or measures against the court, its officials and those who work with it. In this respect, we continue to comply with our obligations for cooperation and encourage all states to fully support the court in executing its mandate to secure justice for the victims of the most serious crimes of international law, “ reported.

Member States greet the Progress in Ali Kusaib’s trialthe first case concluded after referring to the Security Council to the International Criminal Court, describing it as a symbol of justice and hope for the victims. It also points out the importance of collecting data and the issuance of arrest warrants for crimes committed in Western Darfur since April 2023.

The statement expresses the deep concern of the Security Council for the continuing impunity For the crimes committed since 2003 and appeal to the Sudanese authorities to fully comply with resolution 1593, protect the victims and execute the pending arrest warrants.

“We reiterate our full support for the ICC as an independent and impartial judicial body. The work of the court is vital to break the cycle of impunity and to contribute to international peace and security. Justice for the people of Darfur is not just a moral check, but a cornerstone for achieving constant and permanent peace in Sudan. “ reported.

Antonio Guterres: “Health Infrastructure requires respect and must be protected”

The UN Secretary -General condemned the attack on the hospital in El Fasser, northern Darfur, on January 24, which caused the deaths of at least 70 people. He described the incident as a “heinous” incident, targeting the city’s only operating hospital, underlining the devastating consequences of the 21 -month war on Sudan’s health system.

Repeating the principles of international humanitarian law, he stressed that “injured and patients, as well as medical staff and medical facilities, require respect and must be protected at all times”. He warned that the deliberate targeting of healthcare facilities “can be a war crime” and insisted that those responsible for such violations should be held accountable.

The Secretary -General of the UN appealed for immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to work towards achieving a constant peace that for the Sudan people.

For the humanitarian consequences on Sudan, and especially in Darfour, Greece’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeriswhich he described as devastating, referring to mass murders, displacements and destruction of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools.

“Lack of accountability has fueled and continues to feed the ongoing crimes and the past”he said.

Greece stressed that impunity for crimes committed for two decades He has contributed to the continuation of crimes and underlined the need for accountability. He welcomed the progress in the trial of ‘Ali Koissib and supported the continuation of the co -operation between the Sudanese authorities and the international criminal court, emphasizing the execution of the arrest warrants.

At the same time, Mr Sekeris expressed Greece’s concern about unilateral measures against the International Criminal Court, which could undermine his work on Darfur.

The Greek Permanent Representative reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to dialogue and mediation, stressing that sustainable peace in Sudan is unbreakfully linked to justice.

“Greece supports all the efforts aimed at dialogue and intermediary without exclusion and reaffirms its commitment to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty, convinced that achieving a constant peace is in line with justice” he said.