A Chinese envoy on Thursday urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to act strictly within the bounds of the law and uphold Sudan’s judicial sovereignty while handling the Darfur case referred to it by the UN Security Council.
Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, recalled that the Darfur situation was referred to the ICC twenty years ago through a Security Council resolution. He emphasized that the ICC must adhere to the principle of complementary jurisdiction outlined in the Rome Statute, maintain independence and impartiality, and interpret Security Council mandates accurately, without overreach.
He stressed that when addressing international or regional crises, the ICC must ensure consistent application of international law, avoid double standards, and reject any form of exceptionalism.
Sun further stated that the ICC should enhance collaboration with national governments. In Sudan’s case, the court should respect the country’s legal sovereignty, engage in open communication with its government, and avoid unwarranted interference in its internal judicial affairs.
Highlighting the worsening conflict in Sudan, now in its third year, he called for swift international action and stronger mediation efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, ease the humanitarian crisis, and promote a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
He added that the global community should support Sudan in building a stronger judicial system, enabling the country to combat impunity independently and effectively.
Sun concluded by reaffirming China’s commitment to working constructively with the international community to help resolve the Sudan crisis.
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