YouSaid · the spoken record

Simonoff

lines on the record: 71
first: 2014-05-13
most recent: 2023-12-12
sittings or episodes: 11
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We recognize the courage of the thousands of witnesses who participated in trials before the ad hoc Tribunals, the Mechanism and other courts. Without them, justice could not be done. The United States will continue to press for justice as the foundation for peace and stability in their communities.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Ultimately, national authorities must bear the primary responsibility of providing justice to victims. As President Gatti Santana’s report notes, one of the Mechanism’s most important functions moving forward will involve supervising the enforcement of sentences handed down by the ad hoc Tribunals and the Mechanism. We recognize the 12 countries that serve as enforcement States holding those who have been convicted. The Mechanism’s successful operation will continue to depend on close cooperation with those and other States to ensure war criminals serve out their sentences. In conclusion, we acknowledge and honour the bravery and resilience of victims, survivors and their loved ones as they continue to fight for official acknowledgement of atrocities committed in their communities.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“We appreciate the Mechanism’s efforts to help counter genocide denial by increasing access to the public judicial records of the ad hoc Tribunals and the Mechanism and to enhance cooperation with affected States more broadly. As the Mechanism moves to a fully residual phase, we appreciate President Gatti Santana’s expressed priorities, including that of streamlining its functions. We very much look forward to discussions of the Mechanism’s framework of operations to complete its functions, and we greatly appreciate the Mechanism’s thoughtful analysis regarding that important phase of its work. Along those lines, we appreciate the Mechanism’s efforts to respond to national authorities’ requests for assistance to advance justice in their own systems.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“We are grateful for the decades of work by the judges, attorneys, defence counsel and other court staff of the ICTY and the Mechanism, and their immense contributions to the rule of law and the fight against impunity in the former Yugoslavia. We appreciate the significance of the Mechanism’s recent appeals judgment in the case of Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović. That long- awaited judgment, which recognizes the responsibility of those former Government officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, is the final case involving core crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and closes an important chapter in the history of international criminal justice. The Mechanism has served an indispensable role in carrying out the legacy of the ICTY and the ICTR.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“And in June, the Appeals Chamber found that Félicien Kabuga — captured 26 years after he was indicted — is not competent to stand trial. The decision to cease Kabuga’s trial and Ndimbati’s passing cannot restore what was lost and are undoubtedly disappointments to the many victims of those atrocities. We nonetheless hope that the pursuit of those cases provided victims some comfort that the Mechanism and the international community did not forget about them. With respect to the former Yugoslavia, the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has consistently demonstrated that even the most senior military and political leaders can be held accountable for atrocity crimes.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Notably, in May, South African authorities arrested Fulgence Kayishema, who had evaded arrest for more than 20 years. Kayishema is accused of genocide and crimes against humanity for his alleged role in the brutal murders of more than 2,000 Tutsi men, women and children at the Nyange Parish Church. We congratulate the Mechanism’s tracking team and South African authorities on that achievement in advancing justice for all those victims. We look forward to the expeditious and fair conclusion of the legal proceedings surrounding the Mechanism’s request to transfer Kayishema into its custody. We also note that, in November, the Office of the Prosecutor announced the death of Aloys Ndimbati, another of the remaining fugitives indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“I thank President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz very much for this briefing on the ongoing work of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals to advance accountability for atrocities committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. We are grateful to President Gatti Santana for her leadership of this important institution. The Mechanism continues to do tremendous work in delivering justice for some of the gravest crimes of the past century. The United States would like to once again express its condolences to Uganda on the passing of Judge Elizabeth Ibanda-Nahamya. We welcome the Secretary- General’s appointment of Judge Lydia Mugambe Ssali and wish her well in the role. We also look forward to the vacancy on the judicial roster being filled soon.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Justice and accountability will be essential to build a future for Libya that is marked by peace, the rule of law and respect for the dignity of every human being. The people in Libya deserve nothing less.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“We call on Libyan authorities to further increase their cooperation with the Court, including by granting visas to those involved in critical investigative missions, enforcing arrest warrants and swiftly finalizing the establishment of an Office of the Prosecutor liaison office in Tripoli. Ensuring justice and accountability for the horrific crimes committed in Libya since the Security Council adopted resolution 1970 (2011), including those of former senior officials of the Al-Qadhafi regime, such as Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi, is a task that falls to all of us. We must all look for ways to effectuate that referral and its imperative of cooperation, including through providing the ICC the support it needs to be successful.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“To honour their rights, their dignity and their humanity, we must ensure that the individuals most responsible, either directly or indirectly, are held accountable and that victims receive assistance throughout their recovery and rehabilitation. We welcome the Office of the Prosecutor’s deepening cooperation with third States, international bodies and regional organizations. That cooperation multiplies the available avenues for joint action to pursue accountability for a range of crimes. While we are disappointed about the absence of steady and reliable cooperation by the Libyan national authorities during the reporting period, we are encouraged that there may be a more positive trajectory for engagement with them.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“We are heartened that the Office is taking a twin approach to investigations — first, strengthening its capacity to undertake the core prosecutorial functions of gathering and analysing evidence, including forensics, open- source investigations and enhancing legal cooperation; while second, meaningfully engaging civil society and supporting victims and witnesses, including through prioritizing psychosocial rehabilitation and trauma- informed approaches. The legal element and the human element are both fundamental. Libyans and migrants have suffered torture, rape, extrajudicial killing, arbitrary arrest and prolonged pretrial detention.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“The United States voted for resolution 1970 (2011) and has steadfastly supported the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) into atrocities in Libya since its adoption as a recognition that justice for the victims of atrocities and accountability are the necessary foundations for a future Libya that is peaceful, free and secure. We commend the extraordinary dedication of the Office of the Prosecutor’s Staff and its sustained efforts to investigate and prosecute those most responsible for the atrocities committed in Libya against the Libyan people and migrants since February 2011. In particular, we are encouraged by the Office of the Prosecutor’s progress on the four key lines of investigative inquiry.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“I thank Prosecutor Khan for his briefing to the Security Council on the Office of the Prosecutor’s work on the situation in Libya. At the outset, I extend the deepest sympathy of the United States to all those in Libya affected by the tragic loss of life following the devastating storm almost two months ago. Libyan leaders must now come together to put the needs of flood victims first and carry out a unified approach to reconstruction — coordinated between the East and West, with transparency guarantees and support from the international community.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“Finally, we acknowledge and honour the courage and resilience of victims and survivors and their loved ones who continue to fight for the official acknowledgement of the crimes that they have witnessed and experienced. We recognize the courage of the thousands of witnesses who have participated in these and other trials, without whom justice could not be served. The United States will continue to press for justice, mutual trust and reconciliation as the foundation for peace and stability.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“They are a fundamental pillar of the Mechanism’s successful operation. We also continue to urge all parties to find a durable solution for the acquitted and released persons who have been relocated. We are also pleased to note the Prosecutor’s report of increased cooperation among Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia on war crimes cases, as well as the report that the Croatian Minister for Justice has been transferring requests for assistance to the appropriate judicial authorities for action. We hope that the region can continue to make progress on cooperation, as victims have waited too long for justice. In particular, we continue to urge Serbia to act on the outstanding arrest warrants for Jojić and Radeta.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“Her contributions in service to the field of international criminal law were outstanding, and we appreciate and recognize her years of service. As President Gatti Santana’s report notes, the Mechanism is now preparing to enter a new phase in its life cycle. We appreciate the efforts of the Mechanism to manage a smooth transition away from active casework to focus on residual court functions and learn lessons from the tribunals on Cambodia, Sierra Leone and Lebanon on how best to address important issues, including supporting national jurisdictions and managing and preserving evidence. The success of the Mechanism has always depended on the cooperation and support of all States. We are grateful to the 13 countries that serve as enforcement States, holding those who were convicted.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“We are grateful for the decades of work by the judges, attorneys and other court staff of the ICTY and the Mechanism and their immense contributions to the rule of law and the fight against impunity in the former Yugoslavia. There is only one other remaining case involving core crimes pending before the court — the case Prosecutor v. Félicien Kabuga, accused of acting as the primary financier of the militia and political groups that perpetrated the genocide in Rwanda. We note the Trial Chamber’s decision last week finding Kabuga unfit for trial and deciding to adopt an alternative finding procedure. Unfortunately, this year we mourn the loss of Judge Elizabeth Ibanda-Nahamya of Uganda, who served on the Kabuga Trial Chamber and worked on other matters of distinction at the Mechanism.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“That long-awaited judgment, which confirmed their liability as participants in a joint criminal enterprise to forcibly remove civilians through the crimes of persecution, murder, deportation and inhumane acts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, is the final case involving atrocity crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and closes an important chapter in the history of international criminal justice. Just over 30 years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 827 (1993) to establish the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The ICTY, the first international tribunal since Nuremberg and Tokyo to address atrocity crimes, demonstrated the international community’s enduring commitment to holding those most responsible for atrocity crimes accountable.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“His arrest cannot restore what was lost in April 1994 in Kivumu, but we hope that it will provide victims some comfort that the fight for justice for their loved ones will continue and the facts surrounding their death will be fully brought to light. We continue to offer a reward of up to $5 million for the three remaining Rwandan fugitives sought by the Mechanism. Let Kayishema’s arrest to be a message to all those responsible for similar crimes that they cannot escape accountability. We also acknowledge the significance of the Mechanism’s recent appeals judgment in the case Prosecutor v. Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“I thank President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for today’s briefing on the ongoing work of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals to advance accountability for atrocities committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. Since the previous briefing (see S/PV.9217), the Mechanism has achieved a significant milestone, with the capture and arrest of fugitive Fulgence Kayishema. We congratulate the Mechanism and the South African authorities on the arrest and are grateful for the indispensable role played by South Africa in the capture and arrest. Kayishema was indicted more than 20 years ago, charged with genocide and extermination as a crime against humanity, for his role in the cold-blooded murders of more than 2,000 Tutsi men, women and children at the Nyange parish church.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“A critical step towards peace and stability is the withdrawal of all armed groups and mercenaries from Libya without further delay, in line with resolution 2656 (2022) and the October 2020 Libyan ceasefire agreement. The people of Libya deserve stability and justice, and we support the International Criminal Court’s effort to help to bring justice to the people of Libya.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“The United States welcomes the increased contact with victims and civil society organizations in Libya as crucial to the delivery of justice for victims who have waited far too long to be heard. Victims and survivors deserve justice, which can be a powerful stabilizing force for Libya’s future. We continue to believe that resolving political uncertainty and promoting accountability in Libya will go a long way towards addressing the chronic instability the country continues to face, including from the mobilization of armed groups. Human rights violations and abuses will continue unless meaningful steps are taken to address the chronic instability in Libya.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“We call on the Libyan authorities to do more to support and advance accountability efforts and to enhance cooperation with the ICC, including in ensuring that those subject to arrest warrants face justice as soon as possible. The United States recognizes with gratitude the close and productive cooperation between the Prosecutor’s Office and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. We also welcome the ICC’s collaboration with the Human Rights Council’s Independent Fact- Finding Mission on Libya and commend its work in documenting reports of arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, torture, rape, enslavement, sexual slavery and enforced disappearances. We note that the Fact-Finding Mission found reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity were committed against Libyans.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“The United States also congratulates the Office of the Prosecutor for its role in the arrest in January of a suspect wanted by the Dutch authorities for brutal crimes against migrants and commends the United Arab Emirates for its role in his apprehension. We remain deeply concerned about the fate of migrants, including women and children who have experienced sexual violence and continue to be subjected to abuse. We urge the Libyan authorities to take credible measures to dismantle the trafficking and smuggling routes. We are encouraged by the progress on the ICC discussions with the Libyan authorities to enhance the long-term presence of ICC staff, including by opening a liaison office in Libya as a key means for enhancing cooperation with the national authorities and victims. However, more needs to be done.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“The investigative and cooperative activities undertaken by the Office of the Prosecutor — including conducting numerous investigative missions to Libya and building a proactive policy of cooperation with Libyan authorities, third States, regional organizations and international partners — have laid the foundations for accountability in the face of ongoing challenges in Libya and in a difficult operating environment. In particular, we note the issuance of multiple arrest warrants, including some that remain under seal. We also commend the Prosecutor’s Office for its commitment to increasing cooperation and engagement with witnesses, victims and civil society, and for the substantial progress in its investigations. We welcome strategic approach by the Prosecutor for renewed action in the Libya situation.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“I thank Prosecutor Khan for his briefing to the Security Council on the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) work on the situation in Libya. The International Criminal Court has an important role to play in the international system of justice, and its work in Libya plays a critical part in support of our collective pursuit of accountability and peace and security. The United States commends the extraordinary dedication of the Court’s staff and the sustained efforts of the Court to investigate and prosecute those most responsible for the heinous atrocities committed against the Libyan people since February 2011. The Prosecutor’s latest report to the Council reflects considerable progress in the past six months.”
2023-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9320 (2023) · source
“In addition, they must act on the many outstanding requests from the Prosecutor for evidence, other information and assistance, including by providing unimpeded access to key witnesses and taking steps to facilitate an enhanced ICC field presence. Over the next few months, we will continue to stand with the Sudanese people as they work to find common ground on how transitional justice, including accountability for the violence during many decades of conflict, can advance truth, justice, reconciliation and healing.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“As part of that broader strategy, we strongly urge the Sudan’s authorities to comply with their international legal obligations pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005) and move forward in cooperating with the ICC in the areas that the Prosecutor has repeatedly outlined as priorities. There are three suspects subject to ICC arrest warrants who are currently in Sudanese custody: Omer Al-Bashir, Ahmed Harun and Abdel Raheem Muhammad Hussein. Cooperation with the ICC on those cases is central to finally delivering justice in Darfur. It would be a clear signal that the Sudan’s leaders are committed to the principles of justice and accountability as set forth in the framework political agreement. The Sudanese authorities must continue to permit ICC teams to travel within the country.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“The violence that we have continued to see in Darfur, Blue Nile and elsewhere demonstrates the importance of addressing those issues in inclusive dialogues. As negotiations move forward, we underscore the importance of full respect for the freedoms of association, expression and peaceful assembly. The impact of decades of dictatorship under Al-Bashir will not be erased overnight. The Sudan will need a holistic transitional justice strategy to address the needs of victims, rebuild trust, repair relationships among communities and set the Sudan on a path in which human rights are respected.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“The framework political agreement also reflects the values of the 2019 revolution, recognizing the diversity of the Sudanese people and committing to creating a new State based on core democratic principles and human rights norms. The fact that those negotiations have happened at all is a testament to the Sudanese women, men and young people, who have persistently and courageously taken to the streets to demand their rights and call for civilian rule, despite facing violence at the hands of the Sudanese security forces. But some of the hardest challenges lie ahead, as the parties begin to address a set of thorny issues in the second phase of the dialogues, including transitional justice, the Juba Peace Agreement and security sector reform.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“We acknowledge the bravery of all the witnesses and victims who have come forward. We also appreciate the work of Court personnel who have facilitated their participation and ensured their safety and security. This is a crucial moment for the Sudan’s future. Just a few weeks ago, the parties signed a framework political agreement for the restoration of the Sudan’s democratic transition. More than one year after the military takeover, that agreement and the recent launch of the second phase of dialogues on outstanding issues are promising steps towards the establishment of a final agreement to form a civilian Government.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“I thank Prosecutor Khan for his report and his briefing today on the ongoing investigations and prosecutions of the International Criminal Court (ICC) with regard to the situation in Darfur. We appreciate his dedication and the unwavering commitment of the judges, attorneys and staff of the International Criminal Court to the pursuit of justice for the people of Darfur. We continue to monitor the ongoing trial proceedings in the case involving former Janjaweed commander Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb. That is a landmark case — the first trial against any senior leader for atrocities committed by the Omer Al-Bashir regime and government-supported forces in Darfur and, more importantly, the first real opportunity for justice that the victims of Darfur have had.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9249 (2023) · source
“But our concerns about that decision, and the Court more generally, in no way diminish our commitment to supporting accountability for atrocity crimes.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“Perpetrators of atrocity crimes must face justice, but we must also be careful to recognize the right tool for each situation. I must reiterate our long-standing and principled objection to any assertion of ICC jurisdiction over nationals of States that are not party to the Rome Statute, absent a Security Council referral or the consent of such States. The United States remains concerned about illegitimate attempts by the ICC to assert such jurisdiction. We also note our disagreement with a number of aspects of the recent decision of the Court's Appeals Chambers in the Jordan appeal, including the analysis and conclusions regarding customary international law and the interpretation of Security Council resolutions.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“Long-term stability in Darfur and throughout the Sudan depends on resolving the underlying causes of the protracted conflict. That includes strengthening the Sudan's judicial system to ensure accountability at the local and national levels. It includes the establishment of a fully functional civilian-led national Government that is committed to reform. And it includes a commitment by Khartoum to pursue a durable peace agreement in Darfur. There will be no lasting peace in the Sudan until there is genuine accountability for the crimes that have been committed against the Sudanese people. The United States has historically been, and will continue to be, a strong supporter of meaningful accountability and justice for victims of atrocities through appropriate mechanisms.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“We call on the Sudan's interim military authorities to cease attacks against civilians, withdraw all undue restrictions on media and civil society, restore access to the Internet and ensure unhindered access for medical-care providers. We also urge them to respect human rights, including the freedom of expression and fair trial guarantees. In that vein, we urge the Transitional Military Council to agree to the request of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for the rapid deployment of a United Nations human rights monitoring team. The United Nations should also make promoting respect for human rights the heart of its efforts in the Sudan, whether through UNAMID or the United Nations country team.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“Those delays have had a negative impact on human rights throughout the Sudan and obstructed the implementation of policies to support the return of internally displaced persons, including to Darfur. We are concerned by increasing violence in IDP camps. Sexual violence, rape, harassment and other intimidation against women, girls and boys in Darfur remains prevalent. It is for that reason that the mission of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) continues to be important. We support the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council's 6 June communique, which announced the immediate suspension of the Sudan from all AU activities until the establishment of a civilian- led transitional authority.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“The Military Council's grotesque display of violence against peaceful demonstrators in Khartoum was not an isolated incident. The Government has also used excessive violence against internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Darfur to stop peaceful rallies. We are all too familiar with the unthinkable violence to which Darfuris have been subjected since 2003. Ongoing armed clashes in the Jebel Marra region between the Sudan Liberation Movement/Abdul Wahid rebel group and the Sudan armed forces, along with intercommunal violence in other parts of Darfur, serve as reminders of the ongoing security challenges that plague the region. Darfur's security situation has become further challenged following delays in the transition to a civilian-led Government in Khartoum.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“I thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for her briefing. Civilian-led protests in April led to the removal of President Omar Al-Bashir, whose regime was synonymous with genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and human rights violations and abuses. For months, protesters have gathered together, united by a vision for a peaceful, democratic Sudan. But rather than welcoming dialogue and discussion, those in power have responded violently. The Transitional Military Council's reprehensible attacks on demonstrators in Khartoum have led to more than 100 deaths and hundreds injured. Reports of security forces beating and sexually assaulting protesters and throwing victims into the Nile must be fully and fairly investigated.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, I would reiterate the concerns of the United States about the ICC's activities with respect to the situation in Afghanistan, which is different from the current situation in many ways. We continue to have a long-standing and principled objection to any ICC investigation or other activity concerning United States personnel, absent United States consent or Security Council referral.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“Regardless of the power wielded by those who are responsible for violations and abuses, we must stand with the victims as we have in the past. For example, in Cambodia and Sierra Leone, where leaders have in the past committed atrocities against their own citizens, they have been called to answer for their alleged crimes. Moving forward, we will use all appropriate tools at our disposal to press the Sudan to improve its human rights practices, protect fundamental freedoms and promote justice for the people of Darfur. A Sudan that adheres to the rule of law, respects human rights, allows unfettered humanitarian access to all populations in need and breaks the cycle of impunity is one that will enjoy sustainable peace and prosper. We look forward to the day when the Sudan is a demonstrable proponent of human rights.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“We call on the Government to investigate promptly and credibly all allegations against Hilal, including those related to atrocities, in accordance with the Sudan's human rights commitments and obligations, and to hold Hilal to account if he is found to have committed violations. The United States has noted for many years that it is unacceptable that the suspects in the Darfur situation have not been brought to justice and remain at large. In particular, we have expressed disappointment that Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir continues to travel around the world. His being received on such visits has served only to diminish the seriousness of the charges against him and to compound the tremendous suffering of the victims.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“Those responsible for human rights violations and abuses in Darfur, including by targeting civilians, must be held accountable. That includes allegations that official security forces use excessive force against civilians and that members of armed militias perpetrate atrocities against civilians in Darfur. We welcome the arrest by the Sudanese Government of former Janjaweed commander Musa Hilal, who is subject to United Nations sanctions for his commission of atrocities in Darfur following clashes between the Sudanese security forces and our militia, loyal to Hilal. However, we are concerned about the lack of transparency around Hilal's military trial and the charges he faces.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“With hopes that peace could return to Darfur, the United States included ceasing military offensive and aerial bombardments in Darfur and the two areas as a key component of the five-track engagement plan that we launched with the Sudan in June 2016. We are pleased that the Government of the Sudan made some progress under that framework, including ceasing military offensive and aerial bombardments, during that period. However, much more progress is needed. We are determined to remain engaged as we work to develop a phase-two follow-up engagement plan, which will aim for improved respect for human rights and religious freedom, a sustainable end to internal conflicts and improvement in humanitarian access, among other priority objectives. To achieve stable and lasting peace in Darfur,justice and accountability are essential.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“It is shameful that sexual violence, including such violence committed by personnel in military attire and Rapid Support Forces uniforms, remains prevalent in Darfur and that the Sudanese Government often denies that this violence is taking place, despite clear evidence to the contrary. As the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict has noted, conflict-related sexual violence against children has increased recently and cases of conflict- related sexual violence in Darfur go uninvestigated. That deterioration and the lack of accountability are unacceptable. The culture of impunity that continues to surround those atrocities, in particular those involving sexual violence, must end.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“Of particular concern are the increasing reports of a potentially calamitous harvest failure across the Sudan in October because of the ongoing economic and fuel crises, which might contribute to a return to a return to large-scale conflict and conflict- related atrocities as conditions become more unstable and people become desperate for resources. We call on the Sudanese Government to show restraint and to allow UNAMID, the United Nations country team, humanitarian organizations and the media unfettered access to the areas where violence has taken place and where communities remain vulnerable to violence so that they can investigate these troubling reports, monitor current needs and conditions, and provide assistance to those in need.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“As the 21-23 May attacks by the Sudan's Rapid Support Forces on three separate IDP camps demonstrated, even IDPs who stay within camp boundaries face substantial risks. The United States is troubled by the resurgence of violence in J ebel Marra in April and May, which resulted in injuries and deaths of civilians, including children, the destruction of homes and food, and the displacement of 9,000 people. We also remain concerned by violence, including intercommunal violence, in other areas of Darfur outside of Jebel Marra, and the lack of access in various parts of Darfur afforded to the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ms. Fatou Bensouda, for her briefing. The United States strongly supports justice and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Although the best way to promote accountability for such atrocities may depend on the circumstances, the United States will always believe that victims, including the victims in Darfur, deserve justice. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed during the conflict in Darfur, with more than 2 million remaining internally displaced and 5 million negatively affected since the onset of the conflict. Although there are now fewer reports of civilian displacement across Darfur, internally displaced persons (IDPs) still cannot safely return home and risk attacks when they leave IDP camps.”
2018-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8290 (2018) · source
“The work of the Mechanism, like that of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia previously, reminds us that in the face of terrible atrocities, we can work together to hold perpetrators accountable and to achieve a measure of justice for victims. We look forward to continuing to support the Mechanism in the fight against impunity.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“The United States also remains concerned about the failure of the Government of Serbia to execute three arrest warrants for individuals charged with contempt of court in relation to witness intimidation in the case Prosecutor v. Vojislav Seselj. We continue to encourage Serbia to fulfil its obligations, including with respect to cooperation with the Mechanism. The United States urges all States to undertake efforts to arrest and surrender the eight remaining fugitives indicted by the ICTR as soon as possible. The United States continues to offer up to $5 million for information leading to their arrest.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source