Beth Van Schaack, the US Department of State’s ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, highlighted the dire situation in Sudan, citing at least 10,000 deaths and over 6.8 million displacements….reports Asian Lite News
US officials under the Biden administration have intensified calls for the prosecution of Sudanese factions for war crimes against civilians, particularly in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
Beth Van Schaack, the US Department of State’s ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, highlighted the dire situation in Sudan, citing at least 10,000 deaths and over 6.8 million displacements. The State Department is actively tracking and documenting crimes in Sudan, emphasizing the need for justice for civilians, women, and children affected by violence.
Van Schaack revealed disturbing details of systematic sexual violence against women and girls, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention to address the crisis. The US is exploring sanctions to pressure entities undermining peace in the region, with President Biden’s executive order allowing the designation of those responsible for targeting civilians.
While allegations of war crimes in Sudan may be subject to investigation by the International Criminal Court, the Biden administration has faced questions about its stance on alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza. However, officials declined to address these questions during an online briefing, focusing solely on the Sudanese conflict.
Despite this, the administration is committed to bearing witness to abuses in Sudan, rallying international support to end violence, address the humanitarian crisis, and promote justice for survivors and victims. Van Schaack expressed gratitude to journalists documenting the conflict in Sudan and acknowledged their role in informing global efforts toward a civilian-led democratic future for the Sudanese people.
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