Latest news with #JanjaweedArab
NBC News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
ICC believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are taking place now in Sudan's Darfur region
UNITED NATIONS — The International Criminal Court believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are continuing to take place in Sudan 's vast western Darfur region where civil war has raged for more than two years, the tribunal's deputy prosecutor said Thursday. Nazhat Shameem Khan told the U.N. Security Council that the depth of suffering and the humanitarian crisis in Darfur"has reached an intolerable state," with famine escalating and hospitals, humanitarian convoys and other civilian infrastructure being targeted. "People are being deprived of water and food," she said. "Rape and sexual violence are being weaponized. Abductions for ransom or to bolster the ranks of armed groups have become common practice." "And yet we should not be under any illusion," Shameem Khan warned the U.N.'s most powerful body. "Things can still get worse." Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions, including Darfur. Some 40,000 people have been killed and nearly 13 million displaced, including to other countries, according to U.N. agencies. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan told the Security Council in January that there were grounds to believe both government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force, may be committing war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Darfur. The Biden administration, just before it left office in January, determined that the RSF and its proxies were committing genocide. Karim Khan has stepped down temporarily as the ICC chief prosecutor pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, which he categorically denies. Deputy prosecutor Shameem Khan, who is not related, said the ICC has closely tracked reports in recent weeks of the dire situation in North Darfur, whose capital El Fasher is besieged by RSF and their affiliates. The RSF, which controls the capitals of all other states in Darfur, has also attacked famine-hit Zamzam and other camps for displaced Sudanese in North Darfur. "On the basis of our independent investigations, the position of our office is clear, we have reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been and are continuing to be committed in Darfur," Khan told the council. This conclusion, she said, is based on documentary, testimonial and digital evidence collected by ICC investigators during the past six months, including at refugee camps in neighboring Chad. Over 7,000 items of evidence have been collected to date, she said. Khan emphasized to the council and to victims that the ICC considers the situation in Darfur "of the utmost importance" and will not be deterred until justice is delivered to the perpetrators. Two decades ago, Darfur became synonymous with genocide and war crimes, particularly by the notorious Janjaweed Arab militias, against populations that identify as Central or East African. Up to 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million were driven from their homes. Khan said those in Darfur now "inflicting unimaginable atrocities on its population" should know that while they may feel a sense of impunity, Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb is currently on trial and the ICC hopes it will be the first of many. "However, we also have a duty of confidentiality to the court," Khan said. "I am not able to share more details of the nature of our progress or of specific outcomes hoped for. I can only assure you that the progress we have made is concrete, positive and significant."
Hamilton Spectator
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
ICC believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are taking place now in Sudan's Darfur region
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The International Criminal Court believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are continuing to take place in Sudan's vast western Darfur region where civil war has raged for more than two years, the tribunal's deputy prosecutor said Thursday. Nazhat Shameem Khan told the U.N. Security Council that the depth of suffering and the humanitarian crisis in Darfur 'has reached an intolerable state,' with famine escalating and hospitals, humanitarian convoys and other civilian infrastructure being targeted. 'People are being deprived of water and food,' she said. 'Rape and sexual violence are being weaponized. Abductions for ransom or to bolster the ranks of armed groups have become common practice.' 'And yet we should not be under any illusion,' Shameem Khan warned the U.N.'s most powerful body. 'Things can still get worse.' Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions, including Darfur. Some 40,000 people have been killed and nearly 13 million displaced, including to other countries, according to U.N. agencies. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan told the Security Council in January that there were grounds to believe both government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force, may be committing war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Darfur. The Biden administration, just before it left office in January, determined that the RSF and its proxies were committing genocide . Karim Khan has stepped down temporarily as the ICC chief prosecutor pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct , which he categorically denies. Deputy prosecutor Shameem Khan, who is not related, said the ICC has closely tracked reports in recent weeks of the dire situation in North Darfur, whose capital El Fasher is besieged by RSF and their affiliates. The RSF, which controls the capitals of all other states in Darfur, has also attacked famine-hit Zamzam and other camps for displaced Sudanese in North Darfur. 'On the basis of our independent investigations, the position of our office is clear, we have reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been and are continuing to be committed in Darfur,' Khan told the council. This conclusion, she said, is based on documentary, testimonial and digital evidence collected by ICC investigators during the past six months, including at refugee camps in neighboring Chad. Over 7,000 items of evidence have been collected to date, she said. Khan emphasized to the council and to victims that the ICC considers the situation in Darfur 'of the utmost importance' and will not be deterred until justice is delivered to the perpetrators. Two decades ago, Darfur became synonymous with genocide and war crimes, particularly by the notorious Janjaweed Arab militias, against populations that identify as Central or East African. Up to 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million were driven from their homes. Khan said those in Darfur now 'inflicting unimaginable atrocities on its population' should know that while they may feel a sense of impunity, Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb is currently on trial and the ICC hopes it will be the first of many. 'However, we also have a duty of confidentiality to the court,' Khan said. 'I am not able to share more details of the nature of our progress or of specific outcomes hoped for. I can only assure you that the progress we have made is concrete, positive and significant.' ___ Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
San Francisco Chronicle
10-07-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
ICC believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are taking place now in Sudan's Darfur region
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The International Criminal Court believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are continuing to take place in Sudan's vast western Darfur region where civil war has raged for more than two years, the tribunal's deputy prosecutor said Thursday. Nazhat Shameem Khan told the U.N. Security Council that the depth of suffering and the humanitarian crisis in Darfur 'has reached an intolerable state,' with famine escalating and hospitals, humanitarian convoys and other civilian infrastructure being targeted. 'People are being deprived of water and food,' she said. 'Rape and sexual violence are being weaponized. Abductions for ransom or to bolster the ranks of armed groups have become common practice.' 'And yet we should not be under any illusion,' Shameem Khan warned the U.N.'s most powerful body. 'Things can still get worse.' Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions, including Darfur. Some 40,000 people have been killed and nearly 13 million displaced, including to other countries, according to U.N. agencies. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan told the Security Council in January that there were grounds to believe both government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force, may be committing war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Darfur. The Biden administration, just before it left office in January, determined that the RSF and its proxies were committing genocide. Karim Khan has stepped down temporarily as the ICC chief prosecutor pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, which he categorically denies. Deputy prosecutor Shameem Khan, who is not related, said the ICC has closely tracked reports in recent weeks of the dire situation in North Darfur, whose capital El Fasher is besieged by RSF and their affiliates. The RSF, which controls the capitals of all other states in Darfur, has also attacked famine-hit Zamzam and other camps for displaced Sudanese in North Darfur. 'On the basis of our independent investigations, the position of our office is clear, we have reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been and are continuing to be committed in Darfur,' Khan told the council. This conclusion, she said, is based on documentary, testimonial and digital evidence collected by ICC investigators during the past six months, including at refugee camps in neighboring Chad. Over 7,000 items of evidence have been collected to date, she said. Khan emphasized to the council and to victims that the ICC considers the situation in Darfur 'of the utmost importance' and will not be deterred until justice is delivered to the perpetrators. Two decades ago, Darfur became synonymous with genocide and war crimes, particularly by the notorious Janjaweed Arab militias, against populations that identify as Central or East African. Up to 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million were driven from their homes. Khan said those in Darfur now 'inflicting unimaginable atrocities on its population' should know that while they may feel a sense of impunity, Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb is currently on trial and the ICC hopes it will be the first of many. 'However, we also have a duty of confidentiality to the court,' Khan said. 'I am not able to share more details of the nature of our progress or of specific outcomes hoped for. I can only assure you that the progress we have made is concrete, positive and significant.' ___
Winnipeg Free Press
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
ICC believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are taking place now in Sudan's Darfur region
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The International Criminal Court believes war crimes and crimes against humanity are continuing to take place in Sudan's vast western Darfur region where civil war has raged for more than two years, the tribunal's deputy prosecutor said Thursday. Nazhat Shameem Khan told the U.N. Security Council that the depth of suffering and the humanitarian crisis in Darfur 'has reached an intolerable state,' with famine escalating and hospitals, humanitarian convoys and other civilian infrastructure being targeted. 'People are being deprived of water and food,' she said. 'Rape and sexual violence are being weaponized. Abductions for ransom or to bolster the ranks of armed groups have become common practice.' 'And yet we should not be under any illusion,' Shameem Khan warned the U.N.'s most powerful body. 'Things can still get worse.' Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions, including Darfur. Some 40,000 people have been killed and nearly 13 million displaced, including to other countries, according to U.N. agencies. ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan told the Security Council in January that there were grounds to believe both government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force, may be committing war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Darfur. The Biden administration, just before it left office in January, determined that the RSF and its proxies were committing genocide. Karim Khan has stepped down temporarily as the ICC chief prosecutor pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, which he categorically denies. Deputy prosecutor Shameem Khan, who is not related, said the ICC has closely tracked reports in recent weeks of the dire situation in North Darfur, whose capital El Fasher is besieged by RSF and their affiliates. The RSF, which controls the capitals of all other states in Darfur, has also attacked famine-hit Zamzam and other camps for displaced Sudanese in North Darfur. 'On the basis of our independent investigations, the position of our office is clear, we have reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been and are continuing to be committed in Darfur,' Khan told the council. This conclusion, she said, is based on documentary, testimonial and digital evidence collected by ICC investigators during the past six months, including at refugee camps in neighboring Chad. Over 7,000 items of evidence have been collected to date, she said. Khan emphasized to the council and to victims that the ICC considers the situation in Darfur 'of the utmost importance' and will not be deterred until justice is delivered to the perpetrators. Two decades ago, Darfur became synonymous with genocide and war crimes, particularly by the notorious Janjaweed Arab militias, against populations that identify as Central or East African. Up to 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million were driven from their homes. Khan said those in Darfur now 'inflicting unimaginable atrocities on its population' should know that while they may feel a sense of impunity, Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb is currently on trial and the ICC hopes it will be the first of many. 'However, we also have a duty of confidentiality to the court,' Khan said. 'I am not able to share more details of the nature of our progress or of specific outcomes hoped for. I can only assure you that the progress we have made is concrete, positive and significant.' ___
The Independent
06-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Sudan files case to UN court alleging UAE is breaching genocide convention by funding rebels
Sudan filed a case at the top United Nations court accusing the United Arab Emirates of breaching the genocide convention by arming and funding the rebel paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces in Sudan's deadly war, the court announced Thursday. The International Court of Justice said in a statement that Sudan's case, filed Wednesday, concerns acts allegedly perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces and allied militias including 'genocide, murder, theft of property, rape, forcible displacement, trespassing, vandalism of public properties, and violation of human rights' targeting the Masalit people. Sudan alleges that the UAE was 'complicit in the genocide on the Masalit through its direction of and provision of extensive financial, political, and military support for the rebel RSF militia,' the court said. The United Arab Emirates did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sudan also asked the court to impose urgent interim orders known as provisional measures on the UAE, including doing all it can to prevent the killing and other crimes targeting the Masalit. Sudan descended into a deadly conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary rebels broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions. The war has killed more than 24,000 people and driven over 14 million people — about 30% of the population — from their homes, according to the United Nations. An estimated 3.2 million Sudanese have escaped to neighboring countries. The case at the world court was announced less than two weeks after the Rapid Support Forces and its allies signed a charter that paved the way for the establishment of a parallel government, following recent advances by Sudan's army against the rival groups. The group Conflict Observatory, which is funded by the U.S. State Department and has been monitoring the war in Sudan, has identified aircraft it says carried UAE arms transfers to the RSF. Those flights went through Aéroport International Maréchal Idriss Deby in Amdjarass, Chad — flights the UAE has claimed have been for supporting a local hospital. In January, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, also known as Hemedti, had been targeted for sanctions along with seven RSF-owned companies in the United Arab Emirates, including one handling gold likely smuggled out of Sudan. That came as the U.S. declared the RSF are committing genocide. The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and a U.S. ally, has been repeatedly accused of arming the RSF, something it has strenuously denied despite evidence to the contrary. Two decades ago, the Sudanese region of Darfur became synonymous with genocide and war crimes, particularly by the notorious Janjaweed Arab militias, against populations that identify as Central or East African. Up to 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million were driven from their homes. Rulings by the International Court of Justice, also known as the world court, take years to reach and are legally binding. ____
