The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Deputy Prosecutor, Nazhat Shameem Khan, recently concluded a vital two-day mission to Eastern Chad, spanning July 6th and 7th. Her objective was to engage directly with Darfuri communities displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, a crucial step in the ICC’s active investigation into the Darfur situation.
Accompanied by a delegation from the Prosecutor’s Office, Ms. Khan meticulously gathered firsthand accounts from survivors and victims. She affirmed, “Our commitment is to ensure that the courageous voices of these victims are authentically represented in the ICC’s work.”
Refugee camps across Eastern Chad serve as a sanctuary for tens of thousands of Sudanese individuals who have fled the brutal violence plaguing Darfur, particularly from West Darfur. The Deputy Prosecutor underscored the severe nature of the crimes documented, which include sexual violence systematically employed as a weapon of war, summary executions, torture, and widespread forced displacement. She clarified that these atrocities fall under a priority investigation by the ICC, an inquiry initiated years ago and recently bolstered by intensified field deployments.
During a filmed address from the ground, Ms. Khan highlighted the profound and lasting impact of these heinous acts: “The devastation wrought by these atrocious crimes extends far beyond a single act of rape, execution, or torture. For two decades, you have endured life in these camps, continuing to suffer the consequences. We fully grasp this enduring pain.”
The mission continued with critical discussions in N’Djamena, where Ms. Khan met with Chadian authorities. Her engagements included meetings with Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration, and Ndolenodji Alixe Naimbaye, the Minister of Justice. These high-level discussions centered on strengthening cooperation between Chad and the ICC, with particular emphasis on gender-related crimes and ensuring access to witnesses.
Chad, which bears the significant responsibility of hosting the largest number of Darfuri refugees, reiterated its unwavering support for the ICC’s investigative activities concerning the situation in Darfur.
This pivotal visit occurs as the ICC relentlessly pursues its investigations into crimes perpetrated in Darfur, notably those attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed factions. Deputy Prosecutor Khan consistently apprises the United Nations Security Council of the persistent commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity, encompassing attacks against civilians, displaced persons’ camps, and vital humanitarian convoys.
The ICC remains dedicated to rigorously documenting these egregious violations, collecting direct testimonies while prioritizing the safety and protection of victims and witnesses, especially women and survivors of sexual violence.
By engaging directly on the ground, the ICC emphatically reaffirms its resolve to combat impunity and to anchor international justice in the testimonies and experiences of victims. Both Chadian authorities and the Court have pledged to continue and deepen their collaborative efforts.
