10 July 2025

Thank you Mr. President.

I wish to thank Deputy Prosecutor Ms. Khan for the report and for her oral briefing today and of course I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Sudan in the chamber.

Mr. President,

The report’s opening line, I quote: “Sudan is now facing one of the largest, most dire humanitarian crises ever recorded”, end of quote, is striking, but not a surprise to this chamber.

Yet this is far from the first crisis. The situation in Darfur was the first one, where the Security Council exercised its power to refer to the ICC a situation involving a non-State party. It will most likely also be the first one of its kind, in which the Court will deliver its judgment. This is or should be historic. There is truly no lasting peace without justice, and Sudan’s current horrors prove it.

Indiscriminate killings and ethnically based targeting of civilians, especially in IDP camps, reports of mass sexual and gender-based violence and crimes against children are now again a horrendous everyday reality for millions in Darfur and beyond, in other areas in Sudan. Two weeks ago this Council heard a briefing on civilians’ harrowing plight. This is indeed a crisis of humanity. We call again on all parties to immediately and unconditionally cease all hostilities and remind them of their obligation to respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances and at all times. All those responsible for its violations must be held accountable.

Mr. President,

During the 20 years that the situation in Darfur has been before the ICC, progress has been made despite many challenges that the Office of the Prosecutor has been encountering.

We commend the continued focus of the Office to maintain the Darfur investigation as one of its key priorities and to continue collecting evidence in relation to crimes that occurred in West Darfur since April 2023. We also encourage the Prosecutor to continue monitoring and significantly strengthen its investigation into the situation in North Darfur, especially in and around ZamZam camp.

We note that the judgment in the Ali Kushayb trial is expected within the next reporting period. We consider it extremely important, first for the victims and survivors – sending a message that they are not forgotten. And second to all those responsible for the crimes that there is no place for impunity, regardless how long it takes. This was also the intention of the Security Council when it referred the situation to the ICC and it confirms that the Court is fulfilling its mandate.

Mr. President,

The Security Council referral was done by resolution 1593 adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. We remind all states, state parties to the Rome statute and non-state parties, that they are legally required to implement and ensure implementation of this resolution. We therefore call on all states to cooperate with the ICC without unnecessary delay. We call on Sudanese authorities to continue and strengthen its cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor. Issued arrest warrants must be executed without delay.

Mr. President,

Ensuring that the voices of survivors and victims are heard with the solemnity they deserve is a fundamental obligation of justice. We commend the Office of the Prosecutor for maintaining its engagement with the civil society and victims representatives. We commend and welcome all efforts towards ensuring that victims are heard and especially for ensuring that victims are protected and that their fear of retribution is addressed.

Mr. President,

Slovenia has always been and we will remain a strong supporter of the fight against impunity and the ICC. This is a reflection of our principled position on the need to respect international law, to respect the rule of law and of our understanding that to achieve true peace, justice is a prerequisite. This is a lesson learnt by many states throughout history. We also believe this is our responsibility.

The current political situation for the ICC is very challenging. Yet nothing rivals the suffering of the millions who live amid war and fear, subjected to ongoing violations of international humanitarian law daily. They deserve justice for both the atrocities committed 30 years ago and those unfolding today.

States parties have created the ICC exactly for such difficult times. We commend the ICC for their strong determination to fulfil its mandate and deliver justice. We reject all threats, pressures and all sanctions against the ICC and its elected officials. The mandate of the ICC is to deliver justice. And justice is, as it has always been, an absolute pre-condition for lasting peace.

Thank you.