Haroun has been directly connected with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. A warrant for his arrest was issued April 27, HRW Press reported Thursday.

Human Rights Watch has identified Haroun as responsible for many of the atrocities that occurred in Darfur in 2003-2004.

“Coming during Ban Ki-moon’s visit to Sudan, Haroun’s nomination is a stunning affront,” said Richard Dicker, director of Human Rights Watch’s International Justice Program. “It is an insult to the Darfur victims who filed complaints with the vain hope that the government would take them seriously.”