Statement at the United Nations Security Council briefing on Sudan (ICC)

Jun 05,2012

Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, and the delegation of the People’s Republic of China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June. We wish you success and assure you of my delegation’s full support and cooperation. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan and his delegation for their successful stewardship of the Council during the month of May.

2. I also want to thank the Prosecutor, Mr. Luis Moreno Ocampo, for his briefing today. We have taken note of his 15th report on the situation in the Sudan, submitted pursuant to paragraph 8 of Resolution 1593 of 31 March 2005.

3. Mr. President, India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute and not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for reasons that are well known. I need not reiterate those.

4. India strongly condemns all acts of violence committed against civilians. We believe that the right to life is one of the fundamental rights, and the foundation of any social order. It is the obligation of all States to take appropriate measures to protect the life of their citizens, while maintaining social order. The concerned States must also bring to justice those responsible for violations of this right.

5. The continuing conflict in Darfur is one of serious concern. We support all efforts to bring this conflict to an end. We also support the activities of UNAMID aimed at protecting civilians and, in cooperation with the African Union’s High-level Implementation Panel led by President Thabo Mbeki, to restore an enduring environment of peace and stability in Darfur. An inclusive political process to address the legitimate aspirations of all sections of the Darfuri population will go a long way in resolving this conflict.

6. Mr. President, all parties have to accept that there is no military solution to the conflict in Darfur. We call upon all parties to join the political process without preconditions and without any further delay. In this connection, it is necessary that this Council seriously consider measures against those who have so far refused to join the peace process.

It is also important that the proceedings in the ICC should be undertaken in a manner consistent with its obligations and should assist the efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Darfur. Any suggestion that has the effect of creating new obligations for States and regional organizations which are not parties to the Rome Statute will not be legally sound. Nor will such suggestions serve the purpose of peace in Darfur. As such, we cannot support suggestions.

7. In conclusion, Mr. President, India will continue to support all diplomatic efforts for an early establishment of peace and security in Darfur that will afford all sections of the Darfuri population opportunities for socio-economic development and peaceful co-existence through an inclusive political process.

I thank you.