In a sobering address to the UN Security Council on Thursday, International Criminal Court (ICC) Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Khan warned of worsening conditions in Sudan's Darfur region following attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and affiliated militias, stating the ICC has "reasonable grounds to believe war crimes and crimes against humanity continue to be committed."

Key Highlights from the Briefing:

1. Documented Atrocities

   • The Prosecutor's Office has reached its conclusions based on:
     ✓ Documentary evidence
     ✓ Witness testimonies
     ✓ Digital forensic analysis

   • "We meet at a time when words may fail to convey Darfur's depth of suffering," Khan stated.

2. Gender-Based Violence Crisis

   • Expressed particular concern about widespread victimization of women and children

   • Emphasized investigations won't be complete until "we hear and document Darfuri women's realities in court"

   • Outlined plans to enhance gender-crime documentation capabilities

3. Sudanese Government Cooperation

   • Acknowledged "encouraging signs" in engagement with Sudan's government

   • Cited recent productive meetings in Port Sudan

   • Urged continued collaboration on executing ICC arrest warrants for suspects currently in Sudan

4. Justice Imperative

   • Stressed collective action is needed to:
     ✓ Deliver "urgently needed justice"
     ✓ Break the cycle of violence fueled by impunity

   • "Our progress remains inadequate compared to the scale of suffering," Khan conceded

Operational Updates:

• The Office will intensify investigative activities in the coming reporting period

• Focus areas include:
  ✓ Command responsibility linkages
  ✓ Systematic pattern analysis of attacks
  ✓ Protection mechanisms for vulnerable witnesses