The ICC's exploration into the turmoil in Darfur uncovers alarming evidence of war crimes, particularly targeted violence against women, amid ongoing humanitarian crises.
War Crimes Unveiled in Darfur: ICC Reports Distressing Findings
War Crimes Unveiled in Darfur: ICC Reports Distressing Findings
The International Criminal Court reveals severe crimes against humanity in Sudan's conflict, endangering millions.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) reported on Thursday to the United Nations Security Council that there are strong indications of war crimes and crimes against humanity being perpetrated in western Sudan. The ICC highlighted targeted sexual violence, particularly against women and girls of certain ethnic groups, as one of the most concerning aspects uncovered in their investigation into the ongoing conflict in Darfur.
Since April 2023, a violent clash has erupted between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in what the United Nations characterizes as "devastating civilian casualties." ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan expressed the challenges of adequately conveying the profound suffering witnessed in the region. The UN Security Council had authorized the ICC to investigate and prosecute crimes in Darfur two decades ago, initiating several inquiries into war crimes and genocide occurring since July 2002.
Following the resurgence of civil conflict in 2023, the ICC has initiated a new investigation, interviewing victims who fled to neighboring Chad. Ms. Khan pointed out an unmistakable trend of offenses, emphasizing the commitment of their team to gather evidence relating to these crimes for court proceedings. Despite continuous allegations of war crimes in the last two years, the RSF has dismissed these claims, insisting it is not engaged in what it refers to as a "tribal conflict" in Darfur.
Recent reports from the United Nations depict a deteriorating situation in Darfur, with hospitals and humanitarian aid convoys being targeted, and essential supplies such as food and water systematically withheld from civilians. The city of El-Fasher remains under siege, isolating its inhabitants from critical assistance while a cholera outbreak further exacerbates the crisis.
The UN’s children's agency, UNICEF, reported that over 40,000 children were treated for severe acute malnutrition between January and May 2025—more than double compared to the same timeframe last year. "Children in Darfur are being starved by conflict and cut off from the very aid that could save them," remarked Sheldon Yett from UNICEF.
With more than 150,000 lives lost due to conflict in the last two years and around 12 million people displaced, Ms. Khan cautioned that "We should not be under any illusion - things can still get worse."
