UK Declines to Label Sudan Conflict as Genocide

The United Kingdom has declined to follow the United States in officially declaring that genocide is being committed in Sudan. Instead, the UK government will rely on the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) determination to label such events.

Foreign Office Minister Anneliese Dodds emphasized this position during a parliamentary session, condemning the ongoing atrocities in Sudan while stressing the need for accountability.

Background on the Sudan Conflict

Sudan plunged into chaos in April 2023 following heightened tensions that escalated into open conflict between rival factions vying for control of the country. Earlier this month, the US accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel group in Sudan, of committing genocide and imposed sanctions on its leaders.

The UK, however, maintains a different approach. “The long-standing position of successive British governments is that it is for courts to decide whether genocide has occurred,” Ms. Dodds stated. “While the UK takes a different approach to genocide determination than the US, we strongly condemn the atrocities committed in this conflict.”

Calls for Action and Accountability

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel called the situation in Sudan a “man-made catastrophe on an unimaginable scale” and pressed the UK government to consider mirroring the US sanctions.

In response, Dodds assured that the UK regularly reviews its sanctions but refrained from commenting on potential future designations.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller demanded clarity on when the UK would decide if genocide is being committed, to which Dodds replied that determinations must remain robust and reliant on expert evaluations from the ICC.

International Collaboration and Humanitarian Efforts

John Slinger, Labour MP for Rugby, highlighted the need for greater international pressure to prevent war crimes and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Sudan. He urged the UK government to push harder for global intervention.

Dodds agreed, stating, “We are determined to work with others to press warring parties to abide by international law, protect civilians, and ensure accountability.”

Commitment to Trust and Justice

Dodds further elaborated that the UK’s cautious approach aims to ensure consistency with international obligations under the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute. This approach, she said, helps maintain global trust in impartial and independent genocide determinations.

While the UK stops short of declaring genocide, its stance reflects a commitment to international law and long-term accountability for those responsible for the atrocities in Sudan.