Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr Karim A. A. Khan QC, at a press

06:07 PM August, 12 2021

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Statement: 12.08.2021

Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr Karim A. A. Khan QC, at a press briefing in Khartoum at the conclusion of his first visit to Sudan

I am delighted to visit Sudan, this week. Over the last few days I held several productive meetings with officials of the Transitional Government of Sudan at the highest levels, and engaged with diplomatic corps and representatives of civil society organisations. I am most grateful to the Sudanese authorities for hosting me and my delegation in Sudan and for the discussions that were facilitated. I also wish to recognize the assistance provided by the Government of Sudan in the Ali Kushayb case which is now awaiting trial after the successful confirmation of all charges by the Pre-Trial Chamber last month.

My decision to travel to Sudan was motivated by various factors including the nature of the crimes alleged, the rights of survivors, and the fact that this is the first situation referred to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”) by the United Nations Security Council. Victims and survivors of crimes in Darfur have been waiting for justice for far too long.

In my discussions with the authorities and other stakeholders, I have stressed and requested that the Government of Sudan further deepen its cooperation with my Office. In this regard, I have requested the Transitional Government to sign, during this visit, a new Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with my Office that includes all individuals against whom warrants of arrest have been issued by the ICC. I am pleased to report that the MoU has been signed today.

Transfer of any suspect is an important step but should be preceded and accompanied by substantive and ever deepening cooperation. I have also requested the authorities to provide immediate and full access to evidence. Such evidence is critical for any success in the courtroom. I repeatedly underlined my decision for my team to be based full-time in Khartoum and to conduct its work independently. I also emphasized my hope that this team could also work collegiately and cooperatively with Sudanese counterparts in order to advance the rights of Darfur victims to justice.

I expect that the joint meeting of the Sovereignty Council and the Cabinet scheduled to take place next week will give the Transitional Government an important opportunity to deliver on its commitments to fully cooperate with the Court and my Office. After almost 17 years since the referral of this situation, the Government of Sudan and the ICC owe to the victims of atrocity crimes in Darfur justice without further delay.

This is a key moment for Sudan to demonstrate in no uncertain terms that it has listened to its people’s aspiration and their right to justice. In doing so, this will also vindicate the hopes of the Security Council encapsulated in resolution 1593(2005) and help usher in a new dawn for the people of Sudan.

Source: Office of the Prosecutor| Contact: mailto:[email protected]@icc-cpi.int

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