U.S. Ambassador for Criminal Justice: We have not forgotten the tragic history of violence in Darfur

September 12, 2023 (PEN) – The United States joins many countries in denouncing the atrocities that have been occurring in Sudan since the conflict erupted on April 15, said U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schek.

"The heinous acts described in a number of credible accounts include mass killings along ethnic lines, attacks on community leaders, doctors and journalists, looting and gender-based violence, including sexual violence," Van Schek said in her speech.

The ongoing violence in West Darfur and elsewhere is a reminder of the ominous acts that led the United States to decide in 2004 that a genocide was underway in Darfur, the U.S. ambassador said, adding that those responsible for this criminal conduct must be held accountable.

They welcome the investigations and prosecutions of the International Criminal Court, including those relating to the current violence in Darfur. They are taking steps to strengthen the ICC's efforts to locate and arrest fugitives.

The Ambassador also expressed their support for the activity of initiatives documenting human rights violations in Sudan.

The Ambassador said that monitoring the conflict is an important determinant of violence in Sudan and will encourage negotiations between the belligerents for a lasting end to the conflict.

"Preventing a protracted civil war and large-scale atrocities in Sudan in the near term goes hand in hand with preventing violent extremist actors from gaining power and influence in the region in the long term," Van Schake said.

All this means that the world is watching and that they have not forgotten the tragic history of violence in Darfur, she said, adding that the United States will not hesitate to condemn atrocities and step up efforts to hold those responsible accountable in courts around the world.