War Crimes Unfold in Darfur as ICC Reports Disturbing Findings

The ongoing conflict in Darfur has led to devastating civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis as war crimes continue to escalate.

In a distressing update from the International Criminal Court (ICC) presented to the United Nations Security Council, there are "reasonable grounds" to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity are taking place in western Sudan. The report highlights alarming incidents of targeted sexual violence against women and girls identified by specific ethnicities, shedding light on the grim realities in Darfur.

Since the renewed outbreak of violence in April 2023, clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have resulted in what the United Nations describes as "devastating civilian casualties." ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan expressed the profound suffering that has gripped the region, noting the challenges in articulating the depth of adversity faced by the local population.

The ICC, which was tasked two decades ago by the UN Security Council to investigate and prosecute crimes in Darfur, has initiated a new probe following the latest civil war. The ICC's investigations involve engaging with victims who have fled the renewed violence, many of whom have sought refuge in neighboring Chad. Khan pointed out an "inescapable pattern of offending," underlining the importance of converting these accounts into evidence for prosecution.

Despite ongoing allegations surrounding war crimes, the RSF has maintained its innocence, characterizing the conflict as a "tribal conflict" and denying engagement in genocidal actions, which the U.S. designated the RSF and its allied militias for in early January 2025.

Conditions in Darfur have reportedly deteriorated, with hospitals and humanitarian efforts facing increasing aggression. Reports indicate that food and water supplies are deliberately withheld, trapping civilians, particularly in the capital city of El-Fasher, where RSF forces have surrounded areas completely cut off from assistance. Cholera outbreaks further exacerbate the dire situation, creating a significant risk to limited water resources.

Famine is becoming an escalating concern in Darfur, with UNICEF reporting that over 40,000 children were treated for severe acute malnutrition during the initial months of 2025, which is more than double the previous year's numbers. Attributable largely to the conflict, UNICEF representative Sheldon Yett highlighted the plight of children in the region being deprived of essential aid.

The ongoing conflict has tragically led to over 150,000 deaths within the last two years and displaced approximately 12 million individuals. As the situation remains critical, Khan warned that "We should not be under any illusion - things can still get worse."