Report on War Crimes in Darfur and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals
Assessment by the International Criminal Court (ICC)
A report presented to the United Nations Security Council by International Criminal Court (ICC) Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan concludes there are reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity are currently being committed in Sudan’s Darfur region. The investigation highlights a severe regression in regional stability, directly undermining multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ICC’s findings, based on independent investigations and interviews with victims, detail a range of atrocities that constitute a profound failure to uphold international law and human rights. These actions directly contravene the principles of several SDGs.
- SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The ongoing conflict and systematic atrocities represent a total collapse of peace and justice. The ICC’s investigation is a critical step towards accountability and rebuilding strong institutions.
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality): The report confirms that rape and sexual violence are being systematically weaponised, a grave violation of human rights and a direct assault on this goal.
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The targeting of civilian infrastructure and the use of heavy weaponry in populated areas by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) make communities unsafe and unsustainable.
Humanitarian Crisis and Setbacks to Foundational SDGs
The conflict, which began in 2023, has precipitated an intolerable humanitarian crisis, severely impacting foundational development goals. The depth of suffering has created conditions that reverse progress on basic human survival and well-being.
- Conflict Statistics: The war has resulted in over 40,000 fatalities and the displacement of 13 million people, creating immense pressure on resources and contributing to widespread poverty, a setback for SDG 1 (No Poverty).
- Food and Health Crises: The report warns of an escalating famine as humanitarian aid is weaponised and convoys are targeted. This deliberate obstruction of relief directly undermines SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Furthermore, attacks on hospitals and the deprivation of water and food cripple efforts to achieve SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
- Criminal Practices: The prevalence of abductions for ransom has become common, further destabilising communities and eroding the rule of law essential for SDG 16.
Historical Context and the Pursuit of Justice
The current investigation builds upon previous ICC involvement in the region. The UN Security Council first referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC in 2005. A new probe into war crimes was initiated in 2023 following the eruption of the new conflict. The RSF’s predecessor, the Janjaweed militia, was accused of genocide in the same region two decades ago.
The ICC’s commitment to justice is underscored by the recent trial of Ali Mohamed Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (Ali Kosheib), which is expected to be the first of many accountability processes. This pursuit of justice is a fundamental component of achieving SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), as it aims to end impunity for those inflicting atrocities on the civilian population. The international cooperation between the ICC and the UN Security Council exemplifies the partnerships required under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) to address such complex crises.
Identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The issues highlighted in the article, primarily the conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region, directly address or connect to several Sustainable Development Goals. The article’s focus on war crimes, humanitarian crises, and the breakdown of basic services touches upon the core principles of these goals.
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SDG 2: Zero Hunger
This goal is relevant due to the severe food crisis described. The article explicitly states that “famine is escalating” and “People are being deprived of… food,” which directly contradicts the aim of ending hunger and ensuring access to food for all.
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The deliberate attacks on healthcare infrastructure connect directly to this goal. The article mentions that “hospitals, humanitarian convoys and other civilian infrastructure being targeted,” which undermines the capacity to provide healthcare and manage health risks, a key aspect of SDG 3.
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SDG 5: Gender Equality
This goal is addressed through the mention of sexual violence as a tool of war. The statement that “Rape and sexual violence are being weaponised” points to a severe violation of the rights of women and girls, which SDG 5 aims to eliminate.
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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The article points to a direct violation of the right to clean water. The statement, “People are being deprived of water and food,” indicates a failure to provide access to basic services, which is the central focus of SDG 6.
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire narrative revolves around the absence of peace, the commission of “war crimes and crimes against humanity,” and the international effort by the ICC to provide justice and combat impunity. The conflict has resulted in mass killings and displacement, directly opposing the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
Specific SDG Targets
Based on the article’s content, several specific targets under the identified SDGs can be identified.
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Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food.
The article’s description of an “escalating” famine and the weaponization of humanitarian relief, preventing aid from reaching “those in dire need,” directly relates to the failure to meet this target.
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Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity for early warning, risk reduction and management of health risks.
The report of “hospitals… being targeted” is a direct attack on the health infrastructure, severely weakening the country’s capacity to manage health crises, which is the focus of this target.
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Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls.
The statement that “Rape and sexual violence are being weaponised” is a clear example of the type of violence this target aims to eliminate.
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Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
The mention that “People are being deprived of water” shows a direct failure to achieve this target for the affected population in Darfur.
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Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
The conflict, which has resulted in “killing more than 40,000 people and displacing 13 million others,” is a clear and large-scale example of the violence this target seeks to reduce.
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Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all.
The entire role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as described in the article—investigating war crimes, holding trials like that of Ali Kosheib, and working to end the “sense of impunity”—is a direct effort to implement this target.
Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress
The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress (or lack thereof) towards the identified targets.
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For Target 16.1:
The article provides direct quantitative data that serves as an indicator of conflict-related deaths and displacement.
- Indicator: Number of conflict-related deaths. The article states this is “more than 40,000 people.”
- Indicator: Number of displaced persons. The article specifies “13 million others” have been displaced.
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For Target 2.1:
While not providing a statistical prevalence of undernourishment, the article provides a qualitative indicator of severe food insecurity.
- Indicator: The assessment that “famine is escalating.”
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For Target 5.2:
The article provides a qualitative indicator of the prevalence and nature of violence against women.
- Indicator: The report that “Rape and sexual violence are being weaponised.”
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For Target 16.3:
Progress towards justice and accountability is indicated by the actions of judicial institutions.
- Indicator: The number of investigations and trials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The article mentions the ICC’s “new probe” and the trial of Ali Kosheib, which “represents only the first of many.”
Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators Identified in the Article |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. | Qualitative assessment that “famine is escalating” and people are being “deprived of… food.” |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.d: Strengthen the capacity for management of health risks. | Reports of “hospitals… being targeted.” |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls. | Statement that “Rape and sexual violence are being weaponised.” |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water. | Statement that “People are being deprived of water.” |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates. | Quantitative data: “killing more than 40,000 people and displacing 13 million others.” |
| 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice. | ICC’s investigation into “war crimes and crimes against humanity” and holding trials to combat the “sense of impunity.” |
Source: aljazeera.com
