The Prosecutor expressed hope that his next briefing to the Council will reveal “a renewed common effort” between his office and the Sudanese authorities. “As shown in the report, this therefore makes the pace of the demo the most efficient since the organization of the Court, ” he or she added.
Efficient pace
Mr. Khan pressured that “a change in posture is needed” in Sudan, though emphasizing their willingness to engage with the Federal government. Presenting his newest report, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan updated ambassadors on proceedings against Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as “Ali Kushayb”, charged with 31 counts of war criminal offenses and crimes against mankind. Even though cooperation from the Sudanese Government is critical, the ICC Prosecutor reported that many important promises and agreements – which includes Memoranda of Understanding signed during his visit to the main city, Khartoum, last year – stay outstanding.
Confronting the accused
EL Photo/Manuel Elías These types of atrocities were allegedly dedicated during the Darfur conflict which began in 2003, pitting Sudanese Government forces, backed by militia groups referred to as Janjaweed, against rebel actions. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed, and millions more displaced.
Despite commitments, access to the country has become more difficult due to “new administrative hurdles”, and “Sisyphean initiatives are required in order to simply get yourself a single entry visa. ”
‘New administrative hurdles’
The trial towards Mr Abd-Al-Rahman began last April and 50 people have given harrowing testimony over a period of 78 days in session. “These witnesses have experienced the opportunity to confront the offender, to have their accounts examined before independent impartial idol judges, creating a record that will pave the way at the end of the process for any determination to be made on which took place and whether the charged is responsible, ” Mr. Khan continued. “And if we never see a change of method, I may have no option within the next report but maybe to commend certain other action by Member States in the next time period, ” he said. Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, briefs the Security Council conference on the situation in the Sudan and South Sudan.
Change in approach
Even when ICC staff possess entered Sudan, they must await internal travel permits, which includes to go to Darfur. The Court also has not received help with accessing public locations like the National Archives, nor official approval to establish an office in Khartoum. “And indeed, it’s my unfortunate responsibility to say that cooperation offers deteriorated, not improved, considering that my last briefing, ” he said. The Safety Council referred the situation in Darfur towards the ICC through its Resolution 1593, adopted in March 2005.
