The Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Nazhat Shameem Khan, conducted a two-day mission to refugee camps in eastern Chad from July 6 to 7. Her primary goal was to engage directly with Darfuri communities displaced by the ongoing Sudanese conflict, as part of the ICC’s intensified investigation into atrocities in Darfur.
Listening to survivors in the heart of Chad’s refugee crisis
Accompanied by a delegation from the Office of the Prosecutor, Khan met with survivors and victims in the camps, where tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees have sought shelter after fleeing violence in western Darfur. « These communities have endured unimaginable suffering, and their voices must shape our work, » she emphasized. « Ensuring their stories are heard is central to the ICC’s mission. »
Documenting atrocities with urgency and precision
During her visit, Khan highlighted the gravity of the crimes being investigated, including sexual violence wielded as a weapon of war, mass executions, systematic torture, and forced displacements. « The scars of these crimes extend far beyond the immediate violence, » she noted. « For two decades, families have lived with the consequences—displacement, loss, and ongoing trauma. We recognize the depth of this pain and are committed to addressing it. »
Diplomatic talks in N’Djamena to bolster justice
The mission continued in N’Djamena, where Khan held critical discussions with high-ranking officials. She met with Chad’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration, Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, and the Minister of Justice, Ndolenodji Alixe Naimbaye. The talks focused on strengthening cooperation between Chad and the ICC, particularly regarding gender-based crimes and securing access to witnesses and survivors.
Chad reaffirms commitment to ICC’s darfur investigation
Chad, which hosts the largest number of Darfuri refugees, reiterated its full support for the ICC’s efforts. The visit comes at a pivotal moment as the Court accelerates its probe into crimes attributed to groups like the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed factions. Khan has repeatedly alerted the United Nations Security Council to ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity, including deliberate attacks on civilians, displaced persons’ camps, and humanitarian convoys.
The ICC’s commitment to rigorous documentation remains unwavering. The Court is prioritizing the collection of firsthand testimonies while ensuring the safety of victims and witnesses, especially women and survivors of sexual violence. By engaging directly with those affected, the ICC underscores its dedication to combating impunity and centering international justice on the lived experiences of survivors.
Both Chad’s authorities and the ICC have agreed to deepen their collaboration, signaling a renewed push for accountability in the region.