Statement by Legal Adviser McIntyre at the UN Security Council
meeting on the ICC's work in Sudan.
"I will make three points today.
First, we note the landmark conviction of Ali Muhammad Ali
Abd-Al-Rahman for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
This first conviction from a Security Council referral, and the
first addressing Darfur crimes in 2003-2004, sends a clear
message that perpetrators of international crimes will be held
accountable, no matter how long it takes.
We further note the Office's engagement with victims and affected
communities, and the significance of this judgment as the first
ICC conviction for gender persecution.
Second, and turning to recent events. As my Foreign Secretary has
said, 9 January marked a grim milestone of 1,000 days of
devastating violent conflict in Sudan. This has pushed millions
into famine.
The UK has repeatedly condemned the violence perpetrated by both
the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces. We support efforts to
combat impunity and hold perpetrators of alleged international
crimes to account.
We therefore welcome the Office's investigations into atrocity
crimes in Al Geneina and are deeply concerned by the Office's
findings in relation to El Fasher.
The RSF's October takeover has brought horrific reports of
alleged mass killings, targeting of specific ethnic groups, and
the use of rape as a weapon of war.
The displacement of over 107,000 people only serves to underline
the catastrophic humanitarian impact of these developments.
We urge all parties to cease hostilities, protect civilians as
demanded by this Council in resolution 2736, and allow and
facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.
Third, cooperation remains critical.
We welcome steps by the Sudanese authorities, including recent
engagements in The Hague, as well as the enhanced cooperation
referenced in the Office of the Prosecutor's report.
It is important that these welcome commitments lead to action.
This includes the arrest and surrender of ICC suspects: Omar Al
Bashir, Abdel Raheem Hussein, and Ahmad Harun. We deeply regret
the RSF's failure to engage with the Office.
We encourage States and regional bodies to assist the ICC by
sharing satellite imagery, enabling witness interviews, and
providing evidence via the OTP Link platform.
Lastly, we welcome enhanced cooperation between the Office and
the AU Fact Finding Mission and recognise the vital role played
by civil society organisations in supporting investigations and
advancing accountability.
President, impunity risks fueling cycles of violence.
Accountability must go hand in hand with efforts to end the
conflict and deliver peace.
We reaffirm our strong support for the ICC and its independence;
we do not support sanctioning individuals or organisations
associated with the Court.
Mr President, the Sudanese people deserve justice, and we welcome
the ongoing role of the ICC in achieving that goal."
