Statement by Minister Takeshi Akahori
Briefing by the ICC Prosecutor to the UN Security Council on Darfur
13 December 2016

 

 

Thank you, Mr. President,

 

          I thank Prosecutor Bensouda for her report and briefing which I have read and listened to carefully. On the occasion of the last briefing in June, we stated that we regret that justice has not been achieved for the victims in Darfur, despite the efforts of the ICC. It is very regrettable that we must again repeat this today.

          As the Prosecutor stresses, the ICC cannot fulfill its mandate without the cooperation of States. This is precisely why resolution 1593 required the full cooperation of the Government of Sudan and all other parties. Japan urges full implementation of this resolution to achieve justice in Darfur. Continued failure to implement resolution 1593 would undermine the credibility of this Council. A follow-up on noncompliance is called for. In this connection, this year, Japan, together with Australia, the Czech Republic, Peru and Senegal, and in close consultation with interested parties, prepared a toolkit for States Parties of the Rome Statute explaining the various actions that can be taken in case of non-cooperation to the ICC. We hope this toolkit will be a useful contribution in preventing and dealing with non-cooperation.

          On a more positive note, we are encouraged by progress on the investigation and collection of evidence. We look forward to further progress during the next reporting period.

 

Mr. President,

 

          Progress in the political process is essential to bringing stability to Darfur and justice to the victims. Japan welcomes Sudan Call’s signature of the Roadmap Agreement in August, which this Council has long called for. It is regrettable though that an agreement on ceasefire is yet to be concluded. Japan hopes that both the Government of Sudan and armed opposition groups will engage constructively so that negotiations for ceasefire can be concluded without further delay based on this framework. We also welcome the extension of the unilateral cessation of hostilities by the Government of Sudan and armed opposition groups. The cessation of hostilities should be closely monitored, especially as the dry season begins. While we note reports that the level of violence seems to have decreased, the scale of civilian attacks still requires the attention of the ICC. The Prosecutor’s report referred to allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Jebel Marra. This needs continued attention and follow-up. Unhindered fact finding access should be provided.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.