Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 19, 2026 International law
War crimes and crimes against humanity were committed in the town of El Fasher in North Darfur, said Najat Shamim Khan, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), speaking at a UN Security Council meeting in New York on Monday.
The people of Darfur, she said, are currently being subjected to collective torture. After El Fasher fell to the control of the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF), an "organized and calculated campaign" began in the city. causing the deepest suffering, directed in particular against non-Arab communities."
Mass executions and sexual violence
Based on video, audio and satellite evidence, the ICC Prosecutor's Office concluded that war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed in El Fasher, particularly in late October.
The ICC Prosecutor's Office also confirmed that sexual violence is used as a weapon of war in Darfur.
"Based on our investigations, there is no doubt that sexual violence, including rape, is systematic," Khan said.
The first step to responsibility
Khan recalled the verdict of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd al-Rahman, known as Ali Kushayb, who was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity in October 2025 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
This decision was the first judgment in a case referred to the ICC by the Security Council, the first judgment in relation to the situation in Darfur, and the first judgment by the Court related to gender-based persecution.
Khan stressed that this verdict is of great importance to the people of Darfur and should be the beginning of a path towards greater accountability.
Call for cooperation
The Deputy Prosecutor called on states to more actively support ICC investigations, including by providing satellite data, facilitating work with the Darfur diaspora, and sending their experts to participate in this work.
She also stressed the need to arrest individuals wanted by the ICC, including Omar al-Bashir, Ahmad Harun and Abdel Rahim Muhammad Hussein.
In closing, Khan quoted one victim of violence: "When people see injustice and can't do anything, fear and chaos arise." The Deputy Prosecutor assured that the ICC is committed to continuing its work in the interests of all victims.
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