War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity Continue in Sudan's Darfur Region

Strategic Insights -

The International Criminal Court has concluded that war crimes and crimes against humanity are continuing to take place in Sudan's Darfur region, where civil war has ravaged the area for over two years. The court's deputy prosecutor, Nazhat Shameem Khan, informed the U.N. Security Council that the humanitarian crisis in Darfur has reached an "intolerable state," with famine escalating and hospitals, humanitarian convoys, and civilian infrastructure being targeted. People are being deprived of water and food, and rape and sexual violence are being used as weapons. Abductions for ransom or to bolster the ranks of armed groups have become common practice.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Criminal Court has reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been and are continuing to be committed in Darfur.
  • The conflict in Darfur has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and nearly 13 million displaced, including to other countries.
  • The Rapid Support Force (RSF) and its proxies are suspected of committing genocide in Darfur, according to the Biden administration.
  • The ICC has collected over 7,000 items of evidence to date, including documentary, testimonial, and digital evidence.
  • Justice has yet to be delivered to the perpetrators, and the ICC remains committed to bringing them to justice.

Statistics:

  • Over 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict in Darfur.
  • Nearly 13 million people have been displaced, including to other countries.
  • The ICC has collected over 7,000 items of evidence.
  • The humanitarian crisis in Darfur has reached an "intolerable state."

Sources:

  • Nazhat Shameem Khan, Deputy Prosecutor, International Criminal Court
  • Karim Khan, ICC Chief Prosecutor
  • United Nations agencies
  • The Associated Press
  • Biden Administration determination of genocide committed by RF and its proxies