Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Latvia at the ICC Prosecutor’s Briefing to the UN Security Council on the Situation in Darfur
New York, 15 July 2026
Mr. President,
We thank the Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Khan for her compelling briefing and for the continued efforts of the Office of the Prosecutor to advance accountability for crimes committed in Darfur in line with the Council’s resolution 1593.
Today, I would like to highlight three points.
First, accountability for Darfur is urgent. The report before us makes clear that atrocities in Darfur are not a matter of the past. They are unfolding before our eyes. The findings that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Al Geneina and El Fasher are deeply alarming, particularly, because the cycle of atrocities reoccurs and worsens further, when impunity persists.
We recognise the important investigative steps taken during this reporting period, particularly the interviews with key witnesses, that helped to link crimes committed in Darfur to leadership of RSF. This is a breakthrough and a significant development in the pursuit to justice. Further, we welcome the continued focus of the Prosecutor on the allegations of gender-based crimes and crimes against children. We also underline the important role of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan in documenting violations, also in relation to El Fasher, and supporting accountability efforts.
Second, cooperation with the ICC is a legal obligation under resolution 1593. We welcome the cooperation of the Sudanese authorities with the Office of the Prosecutor, and view it as an important step towards justice for victims and survivors.
At the same time, we underline that obligation, arising from the Council’s referral under resolution 1593, extends to all parties to the conflict in Darfur. We therefore expect sustained and tangible progress going forward. We call on the Sudanese authorities to intensify efforts to locate, arrest and surrender all suspects subject to ICC arrest warrants, without delay and RSF to respond to cooperation requests and engage with the Office of the Prosecutor.
Third, victims and survivors must remain at the centre of any accountability process. The conviction of Ali Kushayb was a landmark step for justice in Darfur. It showed that accountability is possible, even after many years. But it is just one step in the right direction. Justice for victims requires more than convictions. It requires reparations. It requires witness protection. It requires survivor-centred investigations, including for victims of conflict-related sexual violence and crimes against children. It requires continued engagement with affected communities and civil society.
We welcome the continued outreach by the ICC to victims and affected communities, including in Chad and through civil society partners. These efforts are essential to ensuring that justice is not only delivered in the Hague but is understood and felt by those most affected.
Latvia will continue to stand with the victims and survivors of atrocities in Darfur and we call on States and parties to cooperate fully with the ICC, support the arrest, surrender fugitives and ensure that justice and accountability are not delayed any further.
Mr. President,
Justice for the Sudanese people cannot be separated from the urgent need to stop the violence without delay. Accountability, protection of civilians and a cessation of hostilities must reinforce one another. We therefore reiterate our call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease hostilities, protect civilians, comply with international humanitarian law, and cooperate fully with accountability mechanisms.
I thank you.