ICC’s Ongoing Work in Darfur
The International Criminal Court (ICC) continues its focus on Darfur, Sudan, as part of its broader mandate to pursue accountability for grave crimes. On January 19, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan briefed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to outline the office’s ongoing investigations in the region. The briefing, delivered remotely due to travel constraints, underscored the court’s commitment to independent justice for victims and to the principle that crimes of such scale must be addressed by the international community.
What The ICC Is Investigating
The ICC’s work in Darfur centers on allegations of crimes under its jurisdiction, including widespread and systematic attacks against civilians, displacement, sexual and gender-based violence, and other serious offenses. While the exact scope and indictments remain matters for the prosecutor and the court’s investigative teams, the ICC emphasizes that its mandate is to gather evidence, preserve protections for witnesses, and establish factual records that can stand in court. The remote briefing signaled progress in some lines of inquiry, even as investigators navigate complex security, political, and logistical realities on the ground.
Why Darfur Remains a Priority
Darfur’s history of conflict has produced a durable call for accountability. Victims, civil society groups, and international actors have long urged robust action to prevent impunity for atrocity crimes. The ICC’s involvement is seen by many as essential to complement national judicial efforts, demonstrate international resolve, and help communities begin to recover by confirming that abuses will be scrutinized and addressed through lawful processes.
Key Challenges and Protections
Investigators face a range of challenges, including access to evidence, security risks for witnesses, and the political sensitivities surrounding Sudan’s conflict dynamics. The ICC has repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting witnesses and ensuring safety for those who cooperate with investigations. Balancing transparency with protective measures remains a central concern, as does the need for cooperation from state authorities and other parties able to facilitate access to documentation and locations involved in alleged crimes.
Cooperation and Complementarity
International judicial mechanisms rely on cooperation from states and partners. In Darfur, the ICC’s work is often framed within a broader strategy of complementarity: national jurisdictions should, where possible, pursue domestic accountability, while the ICC can advance cases that national systems cannot prosecute effectively. The UNSC briefing highlighted the international community’s role in supporting these efforts, including logistical assistance, witness protection, and logistical coordination for investigations that transcend borders.
The Path Forward
As investigations progress, the ICC aims to solidify a thorough factual record, build credible cases, and ensure that any prosecutions meet the standards of fairness and due process. For victims and communities affected by the Darfur crisis, the court’s work represents a pathway toward justice, acknowledgment of suffering, and the possibility of accountability for those responsible for serious crimes. The UNSC briefing serves as a reminder that accountability is not a one-time action but an ongoing process requiring persistence, evidence-building, and unwavering commitment from the international community.
What This Means for Peace and Justice
While no single courtroom remedy can erase the consequences of years of conflict, ICC investigations contribute to a broader pursuit of lasting peace and the rule of law in Sudan and the wider region. By maintaining judicial avenues for accountability, the international community reinforces expectations that grave crimes will be investigated, survivors will be heard, and future generations will benefit from a system that discourages impunity.
