Recent findings by the International Criminal Court indicate that war crimes and crimes against humanity are unfolding in Sudan's Darfur, particularly involving targeted sexual violence against women. As the conflict between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces intensifies, humanitarian conditions deteriorate, with millions displaced and unrelenting famine threatening innocent lives.
ICC Uncovers Evidence of War Crimes in Darfur Amid Ongoing Conflict
ICC Uncovers Evidence of War Crimes in Darfur Amid Ongoing Conflict
The International Criminal Court reports "reasonable grounds" for war crimes as violence escalates in Sudan's Darfur region.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has presented alarming findings that indicate war crimes and crimes against humanity are being perpetrated in Sudan's Darfur region. At a United Nations Security Council meeting, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan stated there are "reasonable grounds" to believe these heinous acts are occurring, particularly focusing on targeted sexual violence against women and girls of specific ethnicities.
Since the outbreak of violent clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, the humanitarian crisis has escalated dramatically, resulting in devastating civilian casualties. Ms. Khan illustrated the indescribable suffering experienced by the population, emphasizing the necessity of the ICC's mandate to investigate crimes committed in the region since July 2002.
The court’s renewed investigation launched this year follows a surge in violence, with ICC officials interviewing victims who fled the conflict to neighboring Chad. Ms. Khan described an "inescapable pattern of offending," indicating that efforts are underway to compile evidence for possible prosecution.
Despite ongoing claims of war crimes, the RSF has denied involvement, characterizing the turmoil as a "tribal conflict." Nevertheless, reports from the UN reveal a dire situation in Darfur, where humanitarian convoys and hospitals face targeted assaults, while aid to civilians in El-Fasher has been completely cut off due to RSF encirclement.
The UN has further warned of an escalating famine in the region, with UNICEF reporting over 40,000 children treated for severe acute malnutrition between January and May 2025—a staggering increase compared to the previous year. “Children in Darfur are being starved by conflict and cut off from the very aid that could save them,” said UNICEF's Sheldon Yett.
Over the last two years, the conflict has claimed more than 150,000 lives, displacing approximately 12 million people. Ms. Khan cautioned that the situation could worsen, expressing grave concern for the future amidst the brutality and chaos in Darfur.
