News

Mr. President, I would like to thank Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, for her briefing updating on Darfur referral. My delegation commends the Office of the Prosecutor for its sustained efforts to fulfill the mandate, given to the Court by this Council a decade ago. We agree with the assessment contained in the Prosecutor’s twenty-first report, and regret to see that major impediments to bringing those responsible for crimes in Darfur to account continue to persist.

The sad reality of today’s meeting, just like the previous ones, is that we need to reflect on yet another six months that add to the suffering of the people in Darfur. As the latest reports clearly indicate, the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in Darfur continues to be marked by widespread violence, impunity and displacement.

Civilians continue to be targeted by both Government and armed militias and suffer from indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, including on ethnic grounds. Raids on villages and IDP camps dominate the daily life of innocent people, including women and children. The humanitarian situation is dire, while delivery of humanitarian assistance continues to be hindered. Humanitarian aid workers and peacekeepers are subject to constant attacks throughout Darfur. The widespread sexual and gender-based violence has become a horrible feature of Darfur’s conflict. And the list goes on, as detailed in the Prosecutor’s report.

Earlier this year, in its resolution 2200 (2015), the Security Council already expressed its deep concern at the increased violence and insecurity in Darfur in recent months. It emphasized the imperative for all armed actors to refrain from all acts of violence against civilians. Similar concerns were also voiced during the recent briefing and consultations on Darfur.

As the Prosecutor advised in her report, there are numerous trends that may amount to crimes under the Rome Statute. And while we concur with the necessity for the Prosecutor’s Office to think strategically and prioritize its workload, we urge it to continue monitoring closely various crimes allegedly committed in Darfur.

Mr. President,

There is no doubt that the situation in Darfur is complex and multifaceted, but one is clear. Attacks against civilians in Darfur are largely made possible because of the prevailing climate of impunity, and because violence breeds more violence. This cannot continue and all perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law must be brought to justice. The Government of Sudan should do more to end attacks against civilians, ensure accountability, and bring justice for the victims.

Mr. President,

A message from the Prosecutor was clear and consistent during this and previous meetings. It is of utmost importance that the Government of Sudan and other parties meet their obligations under the resolution 1593 (2005) to cooperate with the Court, including on execution of the outstanding arrest warrants issued by the Court.

The Court’s latest decision against the Republic of Sudan on non-compliance is a serious reminder that the Security Council needs to follow-up on its referral. The Security Council has a special commitment with regard to the situation in Darfur, and needs to act vigorously to ensure that its own resolution is fully implemented.

The report of the Prosecutor, however, reminds us that a lack of cooperation persists not only from the side of the Government of Sudan, but also from the side of other States. The lack of cooperation undermines international efforts to fight the impunity, although there are some encouraging responses from national judiciary. We therefore urge all States to cooperate fully with the Court in its investigations and prosecutions in Darfur. We also take note of the Prosecutor’s suggestion that this is a broader challenge than simply for those States Parties of the Rome Statute the suspects may visit.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Lithuania’s full support to and cooperation with the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in carrying out her important mandate.

I thank you, Mr. President.